Caribbean LNG Producer Chooses CCI for Performance - Again

As a major LNG producer began its latest expansion project, it again turned to CCI to deliver superb solutions to its LNG plant at Port Fortin, situated in the southwestern coast of Trinidad . Acknowledging CCI’s proven performance and reliability over the past several years, the customer awarded CCI a contract to provide 32 valves for what will be the world’s largest single LNG train – Train 4.

After completing Train 1 in 1999 using another supplier’s valves, the customer purchased over 30 CCI compressor recycle, feedgas, and flare valves for its new Train 2 and Train 3 projects. Switching to DRAG® valves on the compressor recycle systems improved operating stability and reduced noise when the machines were on recycle. The company successfully launched Train 2 in August 2002, and Train 3 began production in April 2003.

Based on CCI’s excellent track record established through its successful contributions to Trains 2 and 3, the LNG producer has affirmed its faith in CCI’s solutions by selecting CCI for its compressor recycle, feedgas, gas to flare, liquid propane, and cryogenic valves for Train 4. These DRAG® tortuous-path trim valves, some of which measure 30” in inlet and outlet diameter with up to an 18” stroke and 27” plug, will provide the exceptional velocity control that achieves CCI’s trademark low noise and vibration.

CCI specially designed these valves for pressures ranging from 300 to 600 ANSI and temperatures between -155°F (-104°C) and 397°F (193°C) to meet the facility’s specific requirements. Using highly reliable pneumatic actuation, the valves also feature stroke speeds of less than one second in modulation through the positioners and less than one second in trip mode through the solenoid valve. These quick reaction times allow the LNG plant to run the compressor as close to the surge line as possible for maximum efficiency. The combination of these features results in a total system that exhibits the excellent control available only from CCI.
The Train 4 expansion will be located south of the three existing trains and began construction in August 2003. Projected to produce 5.2 million tons per year of LNG, Train 4 will boost the production capability of the Caribbean facilities to nearly 15 million tons per year. This added capacity will help the island country make great strides by increasing its ability to develop natural gas-based industries, particularly those that depend on natural gas liquids and ethylene.

Published in Solutions Winter 2003