AMEC Launches ALPHASIMPLEX LNG Technology

Houston - AMEC, an international project management and services company, recently announced the application of a patented Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) processing technology for BTU Management by NGL extraction, ALPHASIMPLEX®. First installation will be on a Texas-based LNG re-gas facility.

According to Simon Naylor, president of AMEC's oil and gas business in Houston, AMEC Paragon, "LNG will play an increasingly critical role in meeting the future demand for natural gas, particularly in the United States, Europe and the Far East. The ALPHASIMPLEX technology can significantly improve the viability of LNG receiving and re-gasification facilities bringing benefits to the owners, distributors and ultimately energy consumers in the US."

The patented ALPHASIMPLEX process, which can be incorporated into any LNG receiving terminal, employs configuration of conventional cryogenic gas processing equipment to recover ethane and heavier hydrocarbons (NGL products) from LNG. Compared to the leading competitor process, 90 percent to 95 percent of compression power is eliminated, thereby reducing capital cost of the project, improving facility reliability and up time, and, minimizing operating costs, according to the company.

ALPHASIMPLEX technology is currently being considered for Gulf of Mexico offshore LNG receiving facilities that are in conceptual development. Company sources claim that the application of the technology reduces the size and complexity of the offshore facilities, thereby significantly adding to the viability of offshore LNG storage solutions.

SOURCE: AMEC