Why do baseload LNG plants require extensive pre-treatment facilities?

Baseload LNG plants, which operate continuously at or near their maximum capacity, require extensive pre-treatment facilities to ensure reliable and efficient operation of the liquefaction process and to meet LNG product specifications. The feed gas to an LNG plant typically contains various impurities that can cause problems if they are not removed. These impurities include water, carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), mercury, and heavy hydrocarbons. Water can form hydrates at cryogenic temperatures, plugging pipelines and equipment. CO2 can freeze out and deposit on heat exchanger surfaces, reducing their efficiency. H2S is corrosive and can damage equipment. Mercury can cause liquid metal embrittlement of aluminum alloys, which are used in cryogenic heat exchangers. Heavy hydrocarbons can condense and form liquids, causing operational problems. The pre-treatment facilities remove these impurities to prevent these problems and ensure that the LNG product meets the required specifications for heating value, composition, and other properties. Furthermore, baseload LNG plants process large volumes of gas continuously, so even small concentrations of impurities can accumulate over time and cause significant problems. The pre-treatment facilities are designed to handle these large volumes of gas and remove impurities to very low levels. The reliability of the pre-treatment facilities is also critical for baseload LNG plants because any downtime can significantly impact the plant's production capacity and profitability.