Air Products Advances LNG Technology in Mozambique and Mexico
Air Products, a prominent player in liquefied natural gas (LNG) technology, has successfully demonstrated its AP-DMR™ technology at Mozambique's Coral South floating LNG plant. This efficient and compact technology not only surpassed production expectations, but it is also slated for implementation in Mexico's Energía Costa Azul LNG project. With its extensive expertise in offshore LNG projects, Air Products has contributed its technology and equipment to all four initial deepwater FLNG projects, including Shell Prelude and Coral South FLNG, signifying the company's pivotal role in addressing the escalating global energy demand and the imperative for cleaner energy sources.
Key Takeaways
- Air Products' dual mixed refrigerant LNG Process technology (AP-DMR™) surpassed production expectations at Coral South FLNG plant in Mozambique, achieving over 3.4 million tons of LNG per year.
- The AP-DMR technology was favored for its efficiency, reliable performance, and compact design, while also boasting a lower carbon footprint compared to other LNG processes in floating applications.
- Coral South FLNG marks Mozambique's maiden operational LNG project and Africa's primary deep-water FLNG endeavor, with Air Products' involvement dating back to 2013.
- Air Products provided two coil-wound main cryogenic heat exchangers (CWHEs) and extended technical advisory services for the project.
- AP-DMR technology was also selected for the Energía Costa Azul LNG project in Mexico, underscoring Air Products' competence in offshore LNG ventures.
Analysis
The successful AP-DMR™ technology testing at Mozambique's Coral South FLNG plant underscores Air Products' proficiency in offshore LNG undertakings and its paramount role in mitigating the surging global demand for cleaner energy sources. This triumph not only bodes well for Air Products, but also holds favorable implications for the natural gas industry and the economies of Mozambique and Mexico. The efficient, compact, and environmentally friendly nature of the AP-DMR™ technology is poised for widespread adoption in future LNG initiatives, which is likely to bolster Air Products financially. Furthermore, stakeholders in other LNG ventures, such as Eni (Coral South FLNG operator) and the Mozambican government, are positioned to benefit from heightened LNG production and revenue. In the long run, this accomplishment has the potential to stimulate additional investments in the energy sectors of Africa and Mexico, thereby contributing to their economic expansion and energy security.
Did You Know?
- AP-DMR™ Technology: Air Products' proprietary dual mixed refrigerant LNG Process technology. It serves as an efficient and compact solution for liquefying natural gas, utilizing two mixed refrigerant streams to cool the natural gas. This approach results in a smaller footprint and reduced energy consumption in comparison to other LNG processes, while also boasting a lower carbon footprint, making it an environmentally friendly choice for LNG endeavors.
- Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) Plant: This facility is an offshore natural gas processing unit that condenses natural gas into liquid form (LNG) for storage and transportation. Constructed on a floating platform, the FLNG plant eliminates the necessity for onshore infrastructure and facilitates operations in remote or deep-water gas fields. The Coral South FLNG plant in Mozambique represents the country's inaugural operational LNG project and heralds Africa's primary deep-water FLNG initiative.
- Coil-Wound Main Cryogenic Heat Exchangers (CWHEs): Large heat exchangers utilized in LNG plants to condense natural gas into liquid form. They employ a coil design to enable efficient heat transfer and compactness. In the Coral South FLNG project, Air Products supplied two coil-wound main CWHEs, thereby showcasing their proficiency in LNG technology and equipment.