Optimization of reliability and maintenance of liquefaction system on FLNG terminals using Markov modelling

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to optimize system redundancy and maintenance intervals of a propane pre-cooled mixed refrigerant (C3MR) liquefaction process on floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) export platforms. Design/methodology/approach – The reliability modeling is based on the time-dependent Markov approach. Four different system options are studied, with various degree of redundancy. Failures in the liquefaction system usually lead to shutdown the whole LNG production plant. The associated shutdown cost is compared with the cost of introducing redundancy and the cost of onboard maintenance. To ensure a high profitability, a model for maintenance optimization is utilized and applied to the main unit of the C3MR liquefaction system to minimize the onboard maintenance cost. Findings – The results indicated that the introduction of a second liquefaction system (as a standby unit) is the best option for liquefaction plant in terms of reliability and cost. This will substantially reduce the un...

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