Optimize the design and configuration of ambient air heaters for LNG regasification

An LNG regasification terminal converts LNG from a temperature of nearly −160°C back into natural gas at atmospheric temperature for distribution across a consumer network. The regasification of LNG is generally conducted using one of the following types of vaporizers: an open-rack vaporizer, a submerged combustion vaporizer, an ambient air vaporizer or an intermediate fluid vaporizer. The selection of vaporization technologies for a regasification terminal is determined by CAPEX, OPEX and associated environmental issues at the site. Looking at these aspects, a distinctive trend is the use of a shell-and-tube vaporizer (STV) with a closed-loop intermediate fluid and ambient air as the heat