Parameter comparison of two small-scale natural gas liquefaction processes in skid-mounted packages

Two typical types of small-scale natural gas liquefaction process in skid-mounted package were designed and simulated. The key parameters of the two processes were compared, and the matching of the heating and cooling curves in heat exchangers was also analyzed. The results show that the N2–CH4 expander cycle precedes the mixed-refrigerant cycle on the premise of lacking propane pre-cooling. Large temperature difference and heat exchange load are the primary reasons of exergy loss in heat exchangers. The power consumption of compressors is influential to power consumption per unit LNG, so compression with intercooling should be adopted.