Nitrogen expansion cycle enhances flexibility of small-scale LNG

J. PAK, Cosmodyne LLC, Seal Beach, California   The abundance of natural gas from advancements in horizontal fracking technology applied to shale reservoirs has led to historically low natural gas prices in North America. In addition to being a domestic energy source that is environmentally friendlier than others (it emits up to 30% less greenhouse gas than gasoline or diesel), natural gas is now much cheaper than gasoline or diesel as an energy source. For these reasons, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is now a viable replacement for diesel in many high-horsepower industries such as drilling, mining and transportation, including marine and railroad. This new paradigm has created excitement i