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Comparing gas turbine technology for the ConocoPhillips optimized cascade® (OCP®) process: aero vs. frame in long-term operation.

Number: 49

Author(s) : RYDLAND J., RUBINO T., LIPEROTI G., TOMASSI G., OLIVIEIRI T.

Summary

As global LNG demand grows, operators are increasingly focused on maximizing production uptime, efficiency, and emissions performance over the lifetime of an LNG plant. This paper provides a thorough comparative analysis of aeroderivative versus industrial frame gas turbines as
drivers for refrigeration compressors in LNG applications, with a particular focus on the ConocoPhillips Optimized Cascade (OCP) process. Comparing the PGT25+G4 (aero) vs. the Frame 5 (frame), and the LM9000 (aero) vs. Frame 7 (frame) turbines, all adopted for LNG and of similar power classes, we analyze how differences in design and operation affect plant availability, LNG output, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over a 20-year operational life for plants using the ConocoPhillips Optimized Cascade (OCP) process.
Aeroderivative turbines offer several operational advantages that can materially impact LNG production and environmental performance. Their speed flexibility enables optimization of propane, ethylene, and methane refrigeration compressors across varying loads. Their dual-shaft design provides high starting torque, eliminating the need for helper motors and enabling faster, simpler restarts without depressurizing the process. This translates into lower installed auxiliary power requirements, reduced footprint, and potential capital and operational savings. Crucially, the modularity of aero engines allows for rapid engine swaps, significantly reducing downtime compared to longer-duration outages typical with frame turbines. From a GHG perspective, the higher thermal efficiency of aero turbines means less fuel is consumed per tonne of LNG produced, resulting in lower emissions intensity.
Conversely, industrial frame turbines have their own advantages: Their simpler, rugged design typically results in fewer shutdown events, though these outages tend to be longer in duration. Frame turbines also operate with lower fuel gas pressure requirements, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for additional fuel compression systems. In some cases, they also achieve lower raw NOx emissions without post-combustion controls. Also, high-power gas turbines such as Frame 9 enable large-size high-efficiency LNG trains with reduced rotating equipment count. Finally, it must be considered that frame gas turbines are globally widely referenced in many onshore LNG plants, with a very high level of technological maturity.
This paper introduces a comprehensive model that considers outage frequency and duration, along with sensitivity analysis of LNG output and emissions over a plant’s lifespan. It demonstrates the benefits of aeroderivative turbines for LNG production and sustainability, while noting turbine
choice depends on local project requirements. The paper also presents a new turbomachinery setup that uses Frame gas turbines and recovers exhaust heat to enhance efficiency within the liquefaction unit.

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Details

  • Original title: Comparing gas turbine technology for the ConocoPhillips optimized cascade® (OCP®) process: aero vs. frame in long-term operation.
  • Record ID : 30034662
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: 21st International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2026)
  • Publication date: 2026/02/05

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