Comparison and selection of LNG-FSRU intermediate fluid regasification processes

LNG floating storage regasification unit (LNG-FSRU) is characterized by short construction period and strong flexibility. Its regasification module is the important functional module of LNG-FSRU and the intermediate fluid vaporizer (IFV) is one of the key equipments of LNG-FSRU. Based on the status of LNG-FSRU intermediate fluid regasification technologies, 4 intermediate fluids and 2 heating sources were combined to build up 8 LNG regasification processes. Then, the regasification process model was established using Aspen HYSYS software, and sensitivity analysis was carried out on the regasification process. It is indicated that the integrally-installed seawater regasification process with propane as the intermediate medium is low in seawater flow rate and propane circulation rate and its vaporizer is structurally compact and economically good, so it can be taken as the first choice LNG-FSRU regasification process. When the seawater temperature is low, the regasification can be realized based on joint heating of seawater and steam. The research results can provide reference for the design of LNG-FSRU regasification system.