Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Compression Solutions

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162 °C at near-atmospheric pressure, causing it to become liquid. Liquefaction reduces its volume to roughly one six-hundredth of its gaseous volume, facilitating large-scale storage and transportation.

Reciprocating compressors do not compress the cryogenic liquid itself. They handle gas and vapor streams generated or required within LNG facilities. Applications can include boil-off gas recovery, vapor handling and other project-specific compression duties at storage tanks, loading facilities and LNG terminals.

Low suction temperatures, changing gas compositions and fluctuations in pressure and flow place specific demands on compressor design. Material selection, sealing systems, liquid separation, temperature management and package configuration must therefore be adapted to the respective gas stream and operating envelope.

With more than 80 years of experience in reciprocating high pressure compressor technology, LMF develops tailor-made compressor solutions for LNG infrastructure. Every solution is individually engineered according to the gas composition, suction temperature, pressure conditions, capacity and applicable project specifications.

For the recovery and recompression of vapor generated by LNG storage and handling, explore our Boil-Off Gas Compression Solutions.

Recommended Compression Solutions by LMF

API 618 Compressors

Recommended for continuous gas and vapor compression duties within LNG facilities requiring high availability, low-temperature capability and project-specific engineering according to API 618

  • Capacity:
    up to 27 000 Nm³/h
  • Pressure:
    up to 200 bar
  • Power consumption:
    6 MW
  • Suction temperature:
    down to -162°C

Selected References 

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FAQs

Liquefied Natural Gas is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162 °C at near-atmospheric pressure. Its exact liquefaction temperature and composition vary, but LNG consists predominantly of methane.

No. A reciprocating gas compressor handles gaseous media and vapors within an LNG facility. Pumps are used to increase the pressure of LNG while it remains in its liquid state.

Depending on the facility, compression may be required for boil-off gas recovery, vapor handling, gas transfer and other process duties associated with LNG storage, loading, transportation or terminal operation.

LNG is natural gas in its cryogenic liquid state. Boil-off gas is vapor generated when heat enters the LNG system and a portion of the liquid evaporates. This vapor can be recovered and recompressed for further use or processing.

LNG consists primarily of methane and is stored at cryogenic temperatures. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) primarily consists of propane and butane and can be liquefied under moderate pressure at ambient temperatures. Their compositions, storage systems and compression requirements differ substantially.