Global push for fuel diversity supported by Black & Veatch patented LNG technology | Black & Veatch

Global push for fuel diversity supported by Black & Veatch patented LNG technology

Black & Veatch continues to expand its presence within the global natural gas market and has now delivered 30 liquefied natural gas (LNG) production plants worldwide. Twenty-five plants feature Black & Veatch’s patented PRICO® technology.

PRICO® is an innovative process developed by Black & Veatch to liquefy natural gas, making it available for transport via truck or ocean tanker. The process uses a Black & Veatch-patented, single-mixed refrigerant loop for natural gas liquefaction.

The technology is well received and has been applied at facilities throughout the world. In China, the technology is rapidly adopted through Black & Veatch’s partnership with Chemtex. At present, there are 11 operational plants in China utilizing PRICO® technology, with an additional 10 Chinese plants in design and construction phases. 

PRICO® technology is also being applied in other geographies and through a variety of scenarios.

“Demand for reliable and efficient LNG solutions has never been stronger. LNG is fast becoming an important and tradable global commodity,” said Shawn Hoffart, Vice President and LNG Technology Manager for Black & Veatch.  “Governments continue to encourage fuel source diversity throughout the world and strong, robust demand in Asia versus favourable Henry Hub prices is creating a fast paced and dynamic marketplace.”

In 2013, Black & Veatch completed the front-end engineering and design work and pre-construction planning activities for the Jordan Cove Liquefaction Project. Located in Coos Bay, Oregon, the facility used PRICO® technology to produce up to six million tons of LNG per year for export.  

In addition, Black & Veatch completed and commissioned the Boil-off Gas Reliquefaction Project at Sempra Energy’s, Cameron LNG import terminal in Hackberry, Louisiana. The project uses PRICO® technology to reliquify LNG storage tank boil-off gas. Black & Veatch provided complete engineering, procurement support, construction, and commissioning services.

The technology is also being applied on the world’s first Floating LNG liquefaction and storage vessel for Exmar. The non-propelled barge will be moored to a jetty off the coast of Colombia. It is equipped to produce a half-million metric tons of LNG per annum.  Black & Veatch is providing engineering and procurement for topside liquefaction equipment and packages as well as construction support, on-site commissioning and startup services. 

Editor’s Notes:

- Black & Veatch has been an industry pioneer in LNG since the 1960s. The company has supported the production of over 150 million tons of LNG.
- PRICO® boasts several key advantages, including:
- Low capital and operating expenditure
- Simplified refrigeration system that requires minimal equipment
- Simplified control and maintenance
- Flexibility in feed gas composition
- Highly efficient and reliable 

Media Contact Information:

KEITH MORRISON | +65 6738-4022 ext 607 p | +65 9666-5214 m MorrisonKW@BV.com | 24-HOUR MEDIA HOTLINE | +1 866 496 9149

About Black & Veatch

Black & Veatch is an employee-owned, global leader in building critical human infrastructure in Energy, Water, Telecommunications and Government Services. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people in over 100 countries through consulting, engineering, construction, operations and program management. Our revenues in 2018 were US$3.5 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and in social media.

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