Mechanical aspects of beached barge-mounted methanol plant

Whereas LNG is a means of transporting natural gas for quantities in excess of 2000 million cu ft/day, conversion of the gas to methanol is favored in the 50-2000 million cu ft/day range. Davy Powergas Inc. in collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. has designed a barge-mounted 2000 metric ton/day methanol plant based on the ICI Low-Pressure technology. With the exception of product storage tanks, product loading and transfer pumps, sea-water intake screens and pumps, control room, switchroom, workshops, accommodation, flare system, and firefighting system, the remainder could be mounted on two barges 150 m long. One barge would carry the battery limits process unit; the other barge would carry the utilities generation plant and the desulfurization unit. Equipment mounting and fastening for the sea voyage, towing, site preparation, and installation and completion of the plant are discussed. The barge-mounted plant would be finished at a cost some 16Vertical Bar3< cheaper than if installed conventionally. Possible alternative installations as floating plants are also discussed.