Air Products Marks Significant Progress in Mozambique FLNG Project

Air Products (NYSE: APD), a frontrunner in liquefied natural gas (LNG) technology and equipment, has declared the successful performance test of its dual mixed refrigerant LNG Process technology (AP-DMR™) and equipment. This technology has been implemented at the Coral South floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) plant in Mozambique, Africa, achieving LNG production exceeding 3.4 million tons per year.

The AP-DMR LNG Process by Air Products was chosen for its exceptional efficiency, dependable performance, and compact design. Its unmatched process efficiency, coupled with the utilization of aeroderivative machinery, results in a lower carbon footprint compared to all other LNG processes used in floating applications.

Coral South FLNG stands as Mozambique’s inaugural operational LNG endeavor and Africa's pioneering deep-water FLNG initiative. Ranked as the world's second-largest FLNG facility, this project marks Air Products' engagement dating back to 2013, commencing with conceptual deliberations. This collaboration led to the adoption of the AP-DMR LNG process technology and equipment, featuring the provision of two proprietary coil-wound main cryogenic heat exchangers (CWHEs) – one for precooling and the other for liquefaction within the facility.

The coil-wound main cryogenic heat exchangers (CWHEs) for the Coral South undertaking were manufactured at Air Products' LNG equipment production site in Port Manatee, FloridaAdditionally, Air Products provided specialized technical advisory services throughout the installation, commissioning, initiation, and performance evaluation stages.

Dr. John Palamara, General Manager of LNG at Air Products, expressed, "Being chosen to partake in this groundbreaking project signifies a notable achievement, marking the inaugural utilization of our highly efficient AP-DMR LNG process. The successful performance testing of our supplied equipment is a testament to the expertise and collective experience of our team across all facets of the LNG industry. This accomplishment was made possible through close collaboration and support provided to TP JGC Coral France (the EPC joint venture of Technip Energies France SAS and JGC Corporation) in executing the project and Coral FLNG S.A. (the owner/operator)."

The AP-DMR LNG Process by Air Products has also been chosen for implementation in the Energía Costa Azul LNG project, a land-based initiative currently undergoing construction in Mexico.

Air Products boasts extensive expertise in offshore LNG projects, particularly in floating applications. This proficiency stems from a rigorous 15-year FLNG development and marinization initiative. This program aimed to ensure that the proprietary equipment and liquefaction processes met the stringent demands of offshore conditions. These conditions encompass prolonged fatigue, which may compromise equipment integrity, and sea-induced motion, potentially disrupting process performance if not properly managed. Consequently, Air Products' LNG division has provided liquefaction technology and equipment for all four of the initial deepwater offshore FLNG projects, including Shell Prelude, Petronas FLNG Satu, Petronas FLNG Dua, and Coral South FLNG.

Air Products commemorates the 10-year milestone of its state-of-the-art Port Manatee facility, inaugurated in January 2014. The facility underwent a substantial 60% expansion in October 2019, and in July 2023, announced a noteworthy investment to enhance winding capacity, aligning with the escalating demands of the burgeoning LNG sector.

Air Products' exclusive LNG technology plays a crucial role in addressing the global rise in energy demand and the growing preference for clean energy sources. This technology efficiently processes and cryogenically liquefies natural gas, making it usable for both consumer and industrial purposes. With over 50 years of experience, Air Products has been manufacturing LNG heat exchangers, which are currently operational in more than 100 LNG trains across 20 countries worldwide.

In general, an LNG heat exchanger can reach sizes exceeding 15 feet (5 meters) in diameter and lengths of up to 180 feet (55 meters). A completed unit may weigh up to 500 tons.

Air Products' LNG process technology and equipment serve as the core components of LNG production facilities worldwide. Operating in some of the most remote locations globally, this technology converts natural gas into a valuable resource by liquefying it, enabling cost-effective transportation. Typically, the LNG is later re-gasified for various energy applications.

Air Products' technology accounts for the majority of global LNG production. Catering to the LNG industry's diverse needs, Air Products supplies process technology and essential equipment for various applications, including large-scale export plants, small and mid-sized LNG facilities, floating LNG facilities, and LNG peak shavers. Moreover, Air Products provides nitrogen and natural gas dehydration membrane systems for offshore platforms upstream. On the downstream side, the company offers membrane nitrogen generators for LNG carriers and land-based membrane and cryogenic nitrogen systems for LNG import terminals, as well as baseload LNG plants.