Texas-based LNG terminal gets green light

Pipeline & Gas Journal, Sept, 2005

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has granted Ingleside Energy Center and San Patricio Pipeline permission to construct a new terminal for extracting natural gas liquids in addition to importing, storing and vaporizing 1 Bcf/d of gas. The project would be constructed on the shoreline of Corpus Christi Bay near Ingleside, TX, on a site owned by the applicants' parent company, Occidental Chemical Corp.

To transport the gas to markets across the United States, San Patricio Pipeline proposes to construct and operate 26.4 miles of 26-inch diameter pipeline extending from the tailgate of Ingleside's LNG terminal to potential interconnections with nine interstate and intrastate pipelines located in San Patricio County.

According to the FERC, the project is unique in two ways. First, Ingleside proposes to include a natural gas liquids recovery unit in the design of the terminal. The unit will enable the company to remove a portion of the higher British thermal unit gas components, such as ethane, propane, and butane, from the gas stream for sale into the liquids market, thus expanding the project's output to a wider range of potential customers.

Second, Ingleside plans to use waste heat from Occidental Chemical's existing chemical facility to vaporize the LNG.

In addition, up to 2 mgd of fresh water would be conserved by using the "waste cold" from the LNG to service the cooling needs of the chemical plant.

The Commission says that its approval follows extensive analysis of the potential environmental, safety and security impacts by FERC staff in coordination with other federal agencies, including the US Coast Guard. the US Department of Transportation, and state and local agencies.