GasProcessingNews.com

Editorial PreviewNitrogen expansion cycle enhances flexibility of small-scale LNG — J. Pak, Cosmodyne LLC, Seal Beach, California

While mixed-refrigerant cycles dominate at world-class and medium-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants, the reverse Brayton nitrogen cycle (or N2 expansion cycle) has enjoyed resurgence at small-scale LNG plants. This article examines different liquefaction cycles available for small-scale LNG plants and the specific factors that contribute to the N2 cycle becoming the cycle of choice. The unique factors discussed are the effects of recent advances in processes and equipment leading to improvements in efficiency, the use of pipeline gas as a feed gas source, capital vs. operational costs and plant loading considerations.

Gas-driven hydraulic fracturing and drilling cut costs, reduce environmental impact — Pramod Kulkarni, World Oil, Houston, Texas

Shale gas production has increased supply in the United States to such an extent that the Henry Hub price reached as low as $1.95/Mcf in April 2012. To take advantage of low gas prices, an entire industry segment is emerging to use wellhead gas or gas from utilities in several of its forms—LPG, CNG and LNG—for both fracturing and drilling operations. This article explains the various technology options available, the current status of converting drilling and fracturing fleets, and infrastructure challenges.

2013 Global Gas Processing Outlook — Lee Nichols, Gulf Publishing Company, Houston, Texas

Nichols’ report gives global construction trends by region focusing on major projects. LNG export terminals and GTL plants are major new trends for investment in the US. Also covered are FLNG and other major projects in the gas processing industry

Surge in shale hydrocarbons is igniting a renaissance for North America — P. Gunaseelan and M. Thundyli, Vantage Point Energy, Houston, Texas

The present surge in shale gas supplies is revitalizing the North American economy. In particular, rapid development of shale plays is providing abundant natural gas resources to the US market. The shale gas phenomenon is unlike any previous natural gas cycle. Oversupply conditions have driven natural gas pricing to new lows compared to other regions. The game has changed for gas processing; cost-effectively priced and abundant supplies of natural gas are opening new opportunities. The author discusses future trends and markets for natural gas within the hydrocarbon processing industry, including LNG, compressed natural gas (CNG), natural gas liquids (NGLs) and gas-to-liquids (GTL) options for downstream applications.

TECHNOLOGY, NEWS, PROJECTS AND TRENDS FOR GAS PROCESSING

The inaugural issue of Gas Processing will be published in July 2013 by Gulf Publishing Company, a leading provider of information to the oil and gas industry since 1916, and publisher of Hydrocarbon Processing and World Oil magazines. The magazine, e-newsletter and accompanying website, GasProcessingNews.com, will deliver information and technical features under these topic areas:

• Process Technologies • Equipment • Operations and Maintenance • Environment/Regulations

The publication will deliver processing technology, innovative equipment developments, trends, market insight and new advancements for these areas of the gas processing industry:

• Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) • Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) • Gas-to-Liquids (GTLs) • Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPGs)

EDITORIAL CONTACT:Adrienne Blume, Managing Editor, Hydrocarbon Processing +1 (713) 525-4652 | Adrienne.Blume@GulfPub.com

ADVERTISING CONTACT:Bret Ronk, Publisher, Hydrocarbon Processing +1 (713) 520-4421 | Bret.Ronk@GulfPub.com

Technology and Business Information for the Gas Processing Industry