Chart Industries integrates braised aluminium heat exchangers in LNG facility

Chart Industries has been chosen to provide its mid-scale modular liquefaction solution for Argent LNG’s upcoming liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Port Fourchon, Louisiana. This facility, with a capacity of 20 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), will utilise Chart’s innovative approach to liquefaction.

Chart Industries is a leading global manufacturer of highly engineered equipment servicing multiple clean energy and industrial gas applications.

Unlike traditional methods, which rely on single large trains, Chart’s modular mid-scale LNG solution achieves total plant liquefaction capacity through multiple identical trains. Chart’s IPSMR (Integrated Pre-Cooled Single Mixed Refrigerant) process technology and proprietary braised aluminium heat exchangers and cold boxes are central to this technology.

The IPSMR process technology is highly adaptable, allowing configuration to match the available gas turbine power with a single cold box capacity of up to 3 MTPA. This approach enhances operational efficiency and underscores Chart’s leadership in advancing LNG infrastructure solutions.

Argent LNG’s decision underscores the confidence in Chart’s capability to deliver reliable and scalable LNG solutions tailored to meet the demands of the modern energy landscape, providing a sense of security about the partnership.

Chart's President and CEO, Jill Evanko, said, “We are excited to partner with Argent LNG to provide our IPSMR technology, brazed aluminium heat exchangers, cold boxes, and air coolers.”

 “Argent is strategically optimising a 20 MTPA LNG facility by moving entirely to modular, resulting in a smaller footprint, higher efficiency, and lower cost, therefore offering their customers the most efficient and effective solution.”

Each liquefaction train is equipped with a Heavy Hydrocarbon Removal (HHC) system designed to eliminate freezing components from the feed gas prior to liquefaction. This system includes a scrub column, a brazed aluminium feed gas exchanger, and a reflux drum, all integrated into a fully assembled cold box module.

According to Chart, the reflux in the scrub column operates independently of the condensate system or LNG. It is specifically engineered to remove freezing components from the feed gas efficiently. The HHC is customisable with options for an expander compressor and/or booster compressor, enhancing liquefaction efficiency and increasing LNG production while minimising reliance on the condensate handling system.

The site is just 22 miles from Enbridge infrastructure and 13 miles from Kinder Morgan pipelines, which makes transportation of natural gas to the liquefaction plant easy and cost-effective.

In June 2024, Argent LNG chose Worley as its development partner. Worley's initial tasks include:

• Designing the site layouts.
• Technology selection.
• Initiating the regulatory process with the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Operations at the plant are projected to commence between 2029 and 2030.