The main objective of the Center is to tackle technical issues that are related to monetizing natural gas. Specifically, the scope of work will encompass the following research areas.
Gas transportation
Liquefied natural gas (LNG): Accounting for about 30% of all transported gas globally, LNG has a proven track record. However, it remains energy-intensive (as much as 25% of transported LNG may have to be used in the liquefaction and regasification processes). The need to make LNG more efficient continues to be pressing. In addition, new ideas for floating LNG (FLNG) or mini LNG (use of LNG in small scale, such as in distributed power generation or in commercial transportation) have emerged. Development of new designs, improvement of existing designs, and streamlining or optimization of operating practices are focal points of the Center.
Compressed natural gas (CNG): CNG is already used routinely by millions of vehicles worldwide and has a proven safety and efficiency record. Recent studies, by our research group and others, as well as experimental work in industry have indicated that a distinct potential exists for marine CNG to be a cost- and energy-efficient technology for transportation of modest quantities of offshore natural gas by CNG ships over relatively short distances (up to about 3,000 km). While this possibility has been convincingly discussed in the literature and significant development work for CNG containers has been completed by a number of companies, no commercially viable marine CNG transportation projects have materialized to date. To help CNG reach its anticipated potential, the Center conducts research in the following areas:
- Optimal design of CNG transportation fleets and operating practices,
- Development of new materials for CNG containment at very high pressures, and
- Development of business models that can make marine CNG commercially viable.
Conversion of natural gas to liquids (GTL): While basic GTL technology has been known for decades, GTL is coming to the forefront with renewed importance, both abroad (e.g. in Qatar) and in the US (due to currently low natural gas prices). There are exciting possibilities for both large- and small-scale GTL, based on development of better process technology and chemistry (mainly catalysis). Of particular interest are GTL routes that convert gas to methanol or to ethanol. The Center focuses on developing better process technology, although collaboration with other research groups working on GTL chemistry will also be sought.
Underground natural gas storage: With the current oversupply of natural gas in the US, underground natural gas storage has increased to the point that concerns are expressed that the limits of available storage capacity may be an issue. Gas storage is also expected to experience major growth throughout the world. The Center develops methodologies for purpose-built storage facilities fitted with optimized wells for both injection and withdrawal.