Operational strategy to minimize operating costs in liquefied natural gas receiving terminals using dynamic simulation

Although the operation of an LNG receiving terminal, especially for LNG unloading process, is important in terms of economics and safety, the systematic approach for this process is deficient with regard to operating variables and inherent terminal characteristics. Because the characteristics of each LNG terminal vary according to its individual condition, it is worth to investigate the operational method manipulating operating variables to reduce operating costs regarding terminal characteristics. In this study, we perform a rigorous and extensive dynamic simulation of LNG unloading process to demonstrate the effects of terminal characteristics, including the total length of the pipeline, the number of storage tanks, the ambient temperature, and the operation cycle. Based on simulation results and cost analyses, we can suggest an operational strategy to minimize the operating cost in LNG receiving terminals.