Pipeline distribution network systems for transportation of liquefied natural gas
AssigneeExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
InventorsRonald R. Bowen, Moses Minta, James R. Rigby
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Pipeline distribution network systems arc provided for transporting pressurized liquefied natural gas at a pressure of about 1035 kPa (150 psia) to about 7590 kPa (1100 psia) and at a temperature of about −123° C. (−190° F.) to about −62° C. (−80° F.). Pipes and other components of the pipeline distribution network systems are constructed from an ultra-high strength, low alloy steel containing less than 9 wt % nickel and having a tensile strength greater than 830 MPa (120 ksi) and a DBTT lower than about −73° C. (−100° F.).
Claims4
A method of transporting a pressurized liquefied natural gas from a storage site to destination site, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) delivering said pressurized liquefied natural gas, having a pressure of about 1035 kPa (150 psia) to about 7590 kPa (1100 psia) and a temperature of about −123° C. (−190° F.) to about −62° C. (−80° F.), to an inlet of a pipeline distribution network system at said storage site, wherein said pipeline distribution network system has at least one pipe that has been constructed by bending at least one discrete plate of a material comprising an ultra-high strength, low alloy steel containing less than 9 wt % nickel and having a tensile strength greater than 830 MPa (120 ksi) and a ductile-to-brittle transition temperature lower than about −73° C. (−100° F.) so that first and second edges of said discrete plate become juxtaposed in such a way that said first and second edges can be joined, and joining together thus juxtaposed first and second edges of said discrete plate, wherein any seam formed by said joining has adequate strength and toughness at said pressure and temperature conditions to contain said pressurized liquefied natural gas;
- and
- (b) pumping said pressurized liquefied natural gas to an outlet of said pipeline distribution network system at said destination site.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.