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In what is currently our largest project – the natural gas liquefaction facility (LNG plant (Glossary)) in Hammerfest in the north of Norway – particularly high standards apply to quality, safety and environmental protection. At this site we employ a range of innovative measures to comply with both the stringent national regulations and the environmental protection targets laid down in international agreements and treaties. Hammerfest is, for example, the world’s first LNG plant that not only physically separates the carbon dioxide contained in the natural gas, but subsequently dries, compresses and pumps it back into the reservoir via a pipeline – some 700,000 metric tons per year. In contrast, most of the LNG plants in existence today release the carbon dioxide unfiltered into the atmosphere. |
 Hammerfest, Norway |
In addition, the energy required for natural gas liquefaction is generated with the aid of highly efficient gas turbines, requiring roughly one-third less fuel input than conventional models. The hot exhaust gas from the steam turbines passes to a heat transfer medium, known as hot oil, which then supplies the heating energy for the entire plant. This obviates the need for a gas-fired furnace, keeping emissions significantly below the levels at previous plants. The gas turbines used are themselves equipped with special burners that guarantee especially low levels of nitrogen oxide formation in the fumes.
In a world premiere, electric motors are being used to power the refrigeration compressors in Hammerfest. This enables the entire plant to adapt more easily to the fluctuating load conditions. The results are extremely low energy losses and emission minimization.
As another world first in Hammerfest, we are applying a technology in which the gases generated during the loading of tank vessels are collected, fed back to the LNG plant and then reliquefied. At traditional facilities, these are flared off and then escape into the atmosphere.
Safety consultancy continues after plant handover
Like every plant constructed by Linde Engineering, the natural gas liquefaction facility in Hammerfest boasts unique safety engineering features.
At this location, Linde Engineering devised a special concept for fire and explosion prevention. One key element in this integrated concept is a computer-assisted 3-D simulation of potential explosion scenarios during construction and operation. Although the customer is officially responsible for the safety of the plant after handover, we continue to provide intensive consultancy services, training and support at all times, including during operation.