Natural gas is in high demand worldwide as a clean fuel and raw material for the chemical industry. The liquefaction of natural gas into LNG ensures a flexible and independent supply unlike pipeline transport. Methane is the main component of natural gas. For the liquefaction of methane, natural gas is first purified and dried. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) are separated as these substances interfere with the subsequent process.
The natural gas is cooled down to the liquefaction point by the multi-stage cryogenic processes (drying – cleaning – liquefaction – accumulation and use of boil-off gas) optimally coordinated by Nikkiso Cryotec. The liquefied natural gas can then be stored or transported in special containers.
Natural gas is playing an increasingly important role in energy supply. Diesel-based backup systems can be replaced by an LNG satellite station. The conversion of a self-sufficient energy supply to LNG enables low-emission energy generation. CHP plants and combined cycle power plants burn natural gas almost residue-free. LNG relieves the need for a pipeline connection, as the satellite station is filled by tankers. For large power plants with gas turbines, an LNG infrastructure can be planned as a backup system.
LNG filling stations are designed for refueling buses and trucks. Long-distance buses, trucks and public transport all benefit from clean combustion and lower costs. LNG is also an interesting way of significantly reducing costs in the municipal sector, for example for waste disposal and delivery traffic. Noise and emissions can be reduced at the same time. LNG is increasingly being used as a fuel in shipping. The shift towards low-emission LNG is not only taking place in freight transport, but also in passenger transport.
Constant supply systems ensure a completely self-sufficient power supply. The entire required power is obtained from LNG.
Peak load systems are designed to compensate for supply bottlenecks during peak load periods (winter, increased production, etc.).
Reserve systems / emergency systems are designed to ensure the continued operation of plants in the event of a power failure or gas supply failure.
LNG storage produces boil-off gas, which can be harnessed using our solutions. This boil-off gas can be reliquefied and returned to the LNG tank or converted into electrical energy.
In times of an oversupply of energy, this can be stored in the form of hydrogen. In turn, hydrogen can be used as an energy source to supply peak loads. Hydrogen can be used as a fuel in transportation.
Liquid air is a storage form of excess energy which can be fed back into the supply network at peak load times.
