Novel mixed fluid cascade natural gas liquefaction process configuration using absorption refrigeration system

In this study, a novel process configuration for large scale natural gas liquefaction process is introduced and analyzed. This configuration is based on replacement of vapor compression refrigeration cycle by absorption refrigeration system. The required heat duty in the absorption refrigeration system is obtained by available waste heat in the plant. Process simulation is done by Aspen HYSYS software which is a conventional chemical process simulator. Coefficient of performance of the ammonia- water cycle is 0.48. Specific power consumption of the introduced process is 0.172 kWh/kgLNG which shows 30% reduction in the power consumption. The required heat transfer area of the modified process can be decreased up to 31%. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.