MAIN APPLICATIONS

GE Oil & Gas is a recognized world leader in the oil and gas industry with expertise in providing
advanced technology equipment and services, with a focus on LNG. Over the years, we have
continuously developed complex, large scale turbo compression machinery required for LNG
applications. By constantly improving our proven expertise, we have now developed a specific
solution to address particular smaller scale requirements, such as powering remote industrial,
residential locations and fueling motor vehicles. LNG represents a cleaner alternative to diesel,
allowing a reduction of combustion emissions up to 25%.

The GE Oil & Gas Micro LNG system is recommended for the following applications:
•t substitute for diesel or fuel oil for powering remote locations both for industrial and residential use;
•t cost effective solution for transportation and storage, readily available for peak demand;
•t captures fugitive methane emissions typically related to mining, eligible for World Bank financing
t and emission allowances.

Pipeline /Gathering System

CO2-H2O
Removal +
Hg & H2S
(optional)

Turboexpander
Multi-stream
brazed
aluminium
heat exchanger

Multi-stream
Compressor
brazed
aluminium
heat exchanger

Compressor

Valve

Valve

Gas
Boot

Gas
Boot

Power generation island

Boil off
Power generation islandrecovery
compressor

Electric
generator

Compressor

Boil off
recovery
compressor

LNG
Nitrogen
refrigeration
loop

Gas
LNG
LNG
Nitrogen
refrigeration
loop

LNG storage
and distribution

Boil off
recovery
Power generation island
compressor

Valve

Storage

Gas
Boot
Storage

Electric
generator

LNG
Methane
expansion
refrigeration cycle

LNG storage
and distribution

Multi-stream
brazed
aluminium
heat exchanger

Boil off
recovery
compressor

Gas

LNG

Turboexpander

Turboexpander
Multi-stream
Multi-stream
brazed
brazed
aluminium
aluminium
heat exchanger
heat exchanger

Gas
Boot

Electric
generator

Nitrogen refrigeration loop configuration

Compressor
Multi-stream
brazed
aluminium
heat exchanger

Valve

Power generation island

Electric
generator
Gas

CO2-H2O
Removal +
Hg & H2S
(optional)

CO2-H2O
Removal +
Hg & H2S
(optional)

Pipeline /Gathering System

CO2-H2O
Removal +
Hg & H2S
(optional)

Pipeline /Gathering System

Turboexpander

Pipeline /Gathering System

The first step of the process is the removal of carbon
dioxide and saturation water that would freeze in the
cryogenic section of the plant and therefore cause
problems.
After heavy hydrocarbons have been removed, gas
re-enters the plate fin exchanger where it is cooled
down to a temperature below -166°F (-110°C). For the
refrigerant loop, both methane (using the same natural
gas coming from the pipeline) and nitrogen based
expansion cycles are available.
The main piece of equipment used in the refrigeration
cycle loop is a compander, a machine where a high
efficiency expander impeller and compressor wheels
are mounted on a common bull gear within the same
frame. This configuration is the preferred option for its
great benefits, both in terms of layout compactness
and capital investment. Standard API 618 or high
speed reciprocating compressors plus a separate high
efficiency turboexpander can be selected alternatively
based on plant size and customer requirements.
Finally, gas is liquefied by lamination through a Joule
Thomson valve at a temperature between -256°F
(-160°C) and -220°F (-140°C) depending on storage tank
layouts and pressure. The two-phase stream enters
a gas boot where the two phases are separated. The
liquid portion is sent to LNG storage while the cold
vapor coming from the top is first sent to the plate fin
exchanger where the latent cold is recovered. Then it
can be recycled back to the purification unit outlet after
a compression step or it can be injected back into the
pipeline.

Turboexpander compressors

HOW IT WORKS

Micro LNG is a natural gas liquefaction plant
producing in the range of 50-150 k/tons per
year of LNG.
The typical configuration uses natural gas
extracted from a local pipeline network.
The biggest difference between traditional
large plants and Micro LNG system is the
final end users needs and subsequent
technology selection.
Micro LNG production often focuses on local
distribution where LNG is regasified and
fed as pipeline natural gas for local power
generation.
Micro LNG can also be used in natural gas
vehicles as an alternative to diesel for both
on and off-road heavy duty vehicles.

SRL compressors in their compander
configuration combine a high efficiency
expander impeller with a compressor, with
wheels mounted on a common bull gear within
the same frame. It is the preferred option
due to its great benefits both in terms of lay
out compactness and capital investment.
Outstanding reliability, ruggedness, low
installation and operating cost, plus ease of
maintenance are the key features of these
packages, which are specially designed for
heavy-duty continuous service.
The packages are typically installed outdoors
and can be fully automated for remote control.

GE Oil & Gas has a wealth of experience in the LNG field which ensures expertise when it comes to the Micro LNG
product offering.
GE Oil & Gas designs the process, supplies the equipment and maintains the system through dedicated service
agreements and it also selects the best machines to optimize overall plant efficiency in real terms.
The refrigerant cycle is greatly simplified versus the traditional mixed refrigerant process, thanks to the use of a simple
cycle based on methane expansion or on nitrogen loop.
Since the thermodynamic cycle and refrigerant media are consistent across the various solutions available on the
market, it is the choice of machine and especially its integration with the process that makes the difference.
Process conditions and machine configuration remain unchanged from the early design phase of the project, thus
enabling a fast track execution.
Moreover, GE focuses on maximizing the design to installation content. All the main process units are modularized
and supplied skid-mounted, thereby minimizing on-site activities.

Fully integrated and entirely customizable
to meet all requirements;
GE Oil & Gas solution for
small scale utilities and transportation
WHAT IT IS

Integrally geared compressor
& compander

Gas
LNG

LNG

Methane
expansion
refrigeration cycle

LNG storage
and distribution

LNG

LNG storage
and distribution

A turboexpander compressor is a pressure
let-down device that produces cryogenic
refrigeration while simultaneously recovering
energy from a plant stream in the form of
shaft power. This power can be used to drive
other machinery and thus reduce the plant’s
environmental impact. GE turboexpander
compressors are available in a wide selection
of frame sizes. Our high-efficiency designs are
created with the most advanced computational
tools to ensure optimal refrigeration and
energy recovery. Our long time experience
and a vast operational database ensures high
availability thanks to a long mean time between
maintenance.

Reciprocating compressors
•t API 618 Reciprocating compressor
•t API 11P High speed reciprocating compressor
•t Vertical reciprocating compressor
GE Oil & Gas is a leading reciprocating
compressor manufacturer, with a complete
line of technologically advanced and workproven API 618, vertical and API 11P machines.
GE has a worldwide installed fleet of over
20,000 reciprocating compressors, which have
been designed to deliver products with the
highest level of performance, reliability and
availability. The modular construction of GE’s
reciprocating compressors is based on the use
of standardized, well proven components. Ease
of maintenance and full customization at a
reasonable cost are two key benefits.

Controls
The control system is composed mainly by
a PLC based control panel to manage both
compressor and expander units and the Micro
LNG process.

Beyond the process design, turbocompression
equipment and controls, the Micro LNG system
benefits from a vast portfolio across the
various GE businesses, such as gas engines for
mechanical drive and power generation, control
and safety valves, induction and synchronous
electric motors, air coolers.

Methane refrigeration cycle configuration

SRL Gear Compressor

Turboexpander compressor

Reciprocating compressor