Process Design and Simulation of Cryogenic Air Separation Unit Integrated with LNG Regasification Proces

The need for cleaner fuels and an alternative to crude oil has become a priority in the energy business. Natural Gas (NG), being a potential source of energy, having an exponentially increasing demand is a much cleaner and safe fuel to be used as an alternative. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is proven to be the best way for NG transport and has led many countries to enter this market. The LNG industry consists of a two-fold process dealing with an abundant amount of cold energy. Applying an energy-efficient Regasification process has become a task and challenge. This work discusses a novel process of LNG regasification process integrated with Cryogenic Air Separation Unit (ASU). A detail design and simulation of the process has been carried out on Aspen Plus with an inclusion of Argon Separation. The heat transfer process, which is the most crucial part of the process is explained in detail with the help of a simplistic Heat Exchanger Network (HEN). Vaporization of LNG was observed without any application of an external energy, which marked a huge energy saving for the regasification process. For the ASU, reduction in the compressor work by 8% was observed.