The efficiency advantage of the ZR-LNG process may be utilised in 2 ways. On capital sensitive projects, the more efficient ZR-LNG scheme permits installation of smaller, lower powered compression/driver equipment. This effectively trades the efficiency advantage of the process for a lower installed cost.
For larger projects however, there is considerable benefit in securing maximum LNG output from the compressor driver, the normal capacity limiting equipment item in liquefaction configurations. In this area, arising from its high energy efficiency, ZR-LNG demonstrates its most compelling commercial advantage over other mid-scale processes.
All things being equal (e.g. compressor/driver size and efficiency and an economically matched process equipment configuration) the ZR-LNG scheme will realise a higher plant capacity for an equivalent installed compression power than either SMR or dual/triple expander nitrogen schemes. This higher throughput translates into increased cash flows.