Honeywell selected for expansion of major LNG terminal

Honeywell Process Solutions (HPS) has been selected to provide automation and security systems to help Freeport LNG expand its south-east Texas liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal into a world-class liquefaction and export operation.

Freeport LNG’s is one of 10 new or expanded import or export LNG terminals that have been approved by the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The expansion will give Freeport LNG 13.9 million tonnes a year of export capacity. Startup is expected in 2018.

HPS will be the integrated main automation contractor (I-MAC) for the expansion project. In this role, HPS will be responsible for designing, delivering and installing the automation, instrumentation, controls and safety and security systems. The unified approach will be critical in helping the project meet operational and business readiness goals on day one of startup.

“The expanded I-MAC capabilities that Honeywell brings to this project — and specifically our new LEAP project services — will help Freeport LNG start up this terminal expansion faster and within budget,” said Pieter Krynauw, vice president for HPS’s Projects and Automation Solutions business. “Honeywell’s latest technologies, project delivery capabilities and expert services will create a highly integrated infrastructure to boost the plant’s profitability.”

The terminal, located on Quintana Island near Freeport, Texas, will build three new processing units, or trains, as part of a more than $13 billion expansion, adding gas pre-treatment and liquefaction capabilities. Honeywell will supply its automation and control expertise and a unique approach to project consulting and execution to support Freeport LNG’s move to exporting LNG in the wake of newly exploited domestic natural gas resources.

“Such a significant expansion of our business requires us to leverage our strategic partners to ensure we develop the safest, most efficient world-class asset,” said Michael Smith, chairman and chief executive officer of Freeport LNG.

Honeywell will go beyond the traditional main automation contractor role to include a broader scope of products, services and consulting capabilities that add value over the entire project and operating life cycle of the venture.

Specific key deliverables include a number of Honeywell’s innovative and patented technologies, including LEAP, Honeywell’s lean project execution services; Experion PKS Orion with Distributed Systems Architecture (DSA), Experion Security Integrator, Fault Tolerant Ethernet (FTE), Universal Process and safety I/O, virtualisation, advanced control, Safety Manager and fire and gas systems; OneWireless Network; Digital Video Manager (DVM); UniSim operator training simulator; advanced alarm management software; and PHD data historian.

By leveraging these integrated solutions, Honeywell will reduce risks and minimise potential schedule delays for both Freeport LNG and its engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor during the facility expansion’s startup. Honeywell has partnered with principals at Freeport LNG for almost a decade to help provide supply chain optimisation aimed at achieving production and cargo deliveries that meet or exceed Freeport LNG’s annual delivery plan.

Honeywell offers a broad range of technologies for natural gas production, processing and transportation. Its UOP business provides technology, modular equipment and advanced materials to remove impurities from natural gas so it can be transported by pipeline or as liquefied natural gas (LNG), and to recover valuable natural gas liquids. HPS provides advanced automation, monitoring, safety and security systems for the entire gas supply chain to help operators increase plant reliability and efficiency while reducing costs and risk.