Amec has reported the first application of a patented LNG processing technology ...

Amec has reported the first application of a patented LNG processing technology for BTU management by NGL extraction, AlphaSimplex®. First installation will be on a Texas-based LNG regas facility. According to Simon Naylor, President of Amec’s oil and gas business in Houston, AMEC Paragon: ‘LNG will play an increasingly critical role in meeting the future demand for natural gas, particularly in the United States, Europe and the Far East. The AlphaSimplex® technology can significantly improve the viability of LNG receiving and re-gasification facilities bringing benefits to the owners, distributors and ultimately energy consumers in the US.’ The patented AlphaSimplex® process, which can be incorporated into any LNG receiving terminal, employs a unique configuration of conventional cryogenic gas processing equipment to recover ethane and heavier hydrocarbons (NGL products) from LNG. Compared to the leading competitor process, between 90% and 95% of compression power is reported to be eliminated, thereby reducing capital cost of the project, improving facility reliability and up time, and, minimising operating costs. AlphaSimplex® technology is currently being considered for Gulf of Mexico offshore LNG receiving facilities that are in conceptual development. Application of the technology reduces the size and complexity of the offshore facilities, thereby significantly adding to the viability of offshore LNG storage solutions, explains Amec Paragon, which jointly holds the AlphaSimplex® patent with Pi Technology Associates.