YOKOGAWA's production control systems are operated at 54 LNG receiving terminals around the world, and 2/3 of the terminals in Japan. YOKOGAWA contributes to stable and efficient gas supply at LNG receiving terminal through the total process, loading, storage, regasification, and metering.
Challenges
Consolidated Gas-to-Power System Increases Operational Efficiency
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Operation windows with different databases can be cross monitored in each plant
The two main uses of LNG are power generation and town gas supply. The number of Gas-to-Power projects, in which a gas power plant is constructed in conjunction with an LNG terminal, is increasing in countries with growing power demand. Consolidated operation between the LNG terminal and the power plant is required more since each plant operation affects the other. For example, an unexpected incident at an LNG terminal may cause a significant decrease in the pressure of gas delivery, which can result in a gas turbine trip or parallel-off of generators at a power plant. An unexpected problem with a gas turbine at a power plant may cause excessive gas supply, which forces the LNG terminal to suppress the gas supply. Consolidated operation enables agile operations, such as first cut-out, and efficient balancing of the gas supply and demand at each plant. Yokogawa provides a consolidated operating environment while securing each company’s data independently, based on long expertise in power generation and LNG terminal automation.
Operators Take Quick Action to Prevent Alarms
- Yokogawa’s online simulator MirrorPlant predicts LNG regasification plant behavior
Yokogawa's MirrorPlant dynamically simulates the behavior of a plant by updating the model’s parameters using feedback from the real plant. By applying DDR (Dynamic Data Reconciliation) algorithms, a more precise representation of the current state of the process is achieved. MirrorPlant calculates LNG calorific value by using factors such as Boil-Off Gas (BOG) and calculates delivering gas quality (calorific value and odor concentration), and visualizes the results in graphical and trend form. MirrorPlant forecasts possible alarms by predicting the process behavior of the LNG terminal. Then agile action can be taken according to these predicted behavior changes to ensure stable operations.
Highly Automated and Highly Reliable Systems Ensure a Stable Gas Supply
- Yokogawa provides field-proven software and redundant configurations
Advanced terminal unit control (ATUC) is a group of software modules on DCS controllers developed through Yokogawa’s extensive experience working with gas companies. ATUC is specialized for LNG terminal control, optimizing load sharing according to demand changes and achieves immediate control during unexpected conditions. ATUC also enables automated supply volume without the operator’s intervention, lowering the load on operators. By implementing ATUC in redundant configuration, continuous supply is ensured in case of unexpected incidents and during maintenance.
Details
LNG Unloading
- Recirculation Flow Control
- Return Gas Temperature and Pressure Control
- LNG Drain Drum Level Control
- Uploading lineup control
- Berth Monitoring System
- Unloading Arms Packaged System Function
LNG Tank
- Tank Inlet Mixing Line Valve Control
- Tank Pressure Control
- Level, Temperature, and Density Monitoring
- In-tank Pump (LP Pump)
- Pump Start/Stop Control
- Kickback Flow Control
- Supply Chain Scheduler
Open Rack Vaporizer (ORV)
- LNG Flow Control
- Seawater Flow Control
- Seawater Pump Control
- Start/Shutdown Sequence Control
BOG Compressor / Recondenser
- Compressor Start/Stop Control
- Suction Drum Temperature Control
- Kickback Flow Control
- Recondenser Control
- Packaged PLC Functions
- Capacity Control
HP Send・out Pump
- Pump Start/Stop Control
- Discharge Control
- Kickback Flow Control
Submerged Combustion Vaporizer
- LNG Flow Control
- Packaged System Functions
Fuel Gas and Service Gas
- Fuel Gas Pressure Control
- Fuel Gas Heater Control
Send Out Control
- Send out Header Pressure Control
- Send Out Gas Calorie Control
- Gas Odorization Flow Control
Resources
- World's largest LNG terminal relies on CENTUM to maximize safety and reliability.
- It is very important for KOGAS to be able to adjust flexibly to shifts in demand in the gas that it supplies to power plants, industrial companies, and residences.
- DCS, SIS, PRM with FOUNDATION fieldbus and OTS Installed in Thailand First LNG Terminal.
- Alarms are issued before any device fails completely, enabling predictive maintenance that reduces maintenance costs throughout the facility lifecycle.
- Yokogawa provides CENTUM CS 3000 and ProSafe-RS for the largest LNG terminal in Europe.
- Yokogawa's OmegaLand plant operator training simulator (OTS) helps to reduce costs, optimize LNG terminal processes.
- World's first offshore regasification terminal relies on Yokogawa ICSS (CENTUM CS 3000, ProSafe-RS).
- LNG carrier scheduling, unloading, tank storage, and vaporizing are all procedure based operations.
- Legacy ProSafe-PLC SIS replaced with ProSafe-RS to improve sustainable lifecycle support at LNG terminal.
- The seamless use of the same HMI for both PCS and SIS, and improved safety and integrity.
- Scalable, flexible configuration with functions distributed to multiple controllers on a facility basis
- Redundant architecture optimally designed for requirements of entire plant
- General-purpose communications network used for control bus
- Integrated operation environment through web-based human-machine interface (HMI)
An automatic custody transfer system for unmanned LNG gas stations that embeds PC oriented functions such as e-mail, FTP, and the Java runtime environment in a robust hybrid controller.
In the event of a gas line shut down, gas supply must be maintained for a period of time with the use of LNG stored in road tankers. Each tanker must have its pressure monitored to prevent an over pressure situation arising.
Over the past decade, companies have been using unconventional drilling technology to extract gas and liquid from the readily available shale formations in North America. As the industry gains experience, the production rates continue to rise based on better use of technology to locate resources and to decrease the time from exploration to production.
As LNG moves from a niche to a major area of the oil and gas industry, experienced suppliers are required to deliver the technologies that support it.
July 2010
Martin te Lintelo, Yokogawa Europe B.V., The Netherlands, discusses high level control system design for LNG receiving terminals. As demand for LNG increases worldwide, players face seemingly conflicting challenges. On one hand, they must expand capacity in different regions, make the business and production as agile and adaptive as possible, and improve operational efficiency.
The LNG sector presents challenges for the automation supplier, particularly in the implementation of automation systems for regasification terminals. Yokogawa Europe's business development manager, upstream oil and gas Martin te Lintelo looks at the handling of the potential automation-related problem areas and opportunities.
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