Chart Industries, a premier leader in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector, has disclosed its collaboration with Argent LNG for the establishment of an advanced LNG facility in Port Fourchon, Louisiana. Leveraging their cutting-edge mid-scale modular liquefaction technology, Chart is poised to deliver a total plant liquefaction capacity of 20 MTPA by employing multiple identical trains, a departure from the traditional single large train approach.
At the heart of Chart’s mid-scale LNG offering lies their IPSMR (Integrated Pre-Cooled Single Mixed Refrigerant) process technology, along with their proprietary braised aluminum heat exchangers and cold boxes. The IPSMR process can be tailored to align with available gas turbine power with a single cold box capacity of up to 3 MTPA, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
A vital component of each liquefaction train is the heavy hydrocarbon removal system (HHC). This system is specifically designed to eliminate freezing components from the feed gas prior to the liquefaction process, and comprises a scrub column, braised aluminum feed gas exchanger, and reflux drum in a fully assembled cold box module. According to Chart, the HHC maximizes LNG production while reducing dependency on the condensate handling system, consequently boosting efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Additionally, the HHC can be equipped with an expander compressor and/or booster compressor to further enhance liquefaction efficiency and overall LNG production. Jill Evanko, president and CEO of Chart, conveyed her enthusiasm about the partnership, remarking, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Argent LNG to offer our IPSMR technology, brazed aluminum heat exchangers, cold boxes, and air coolers. Argent is strategically optimizing a 20 MTPA LNG facility by transitioning entirely to modular, resulting in a smaller footprint, higher efficiency, and reduced cost, thereby providing their clients with the most efficient and effective solution.”
The project site, spanning 144 acres, is strategically situated in close proximity to Enbridge infrastructure and Kinder Morgan lines, facilitating the cost-effective transportation of natural gas to the liquefaction plant. This prime location will play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless and efficient operation of the facility.
In June 2024, Argent LNG had selected Worley as its development partner for the project. Worley’s initial scope of work will encompass the development of site layouts, the selection of technology, and the initiation of the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission process. It is anticipated that the plant will commence operations in 2029/2030, further solidifying Louisiana’s position as a key player in the LNG industry.