µSMR Micro LNG. Mixed refrigerant efficiency at micro scale.
NuCryo's µSMR is a compact, modular micro-scale liquefaction platform engineered for remote, distributed or space-constrained applications. A single mixed refrigerant cycle delivers about 25 tonnes per day at under 500 kWh per tonne, holds full output at 100 °F ambient and produces LNG at -255 °F and 1 barg, at a competitive capital and operating cost.
By NuCryoA NuBlu Energy and Crosstrails Engineering joint venture
Overview
The µSMR (micro-scale Single Mixed Refrigerant) liquefier produces about 25 tonnes of LNG per day, roughly 15,000 gallons, from a self-contained 4-component mixed refrigerant cycle. There is no liquid nitrogen and no external cold utility. The refrigerant is optimized to minimize warm-end pinch at 100 °F ambient, so the plant holds its nameplate output through a Texas summer.
Specific power is under 500 kWh per tonne, about 420 at 950 psig feed, and the product leaves at -255 °F and about 1 barg, a colder and denser liquid that stores better and boils off slower than warmer, higher pressure product.
Key specifications
| LNG production | About 25 TPD per unit (about 15,000 GPD); two units for 50 TPD |
|---|---|
| Liquefaction process | Single mixed refrigerant cycle, 4 component, brazed aluminum cold box |
| Feed gas | 700 to 950 psig |
| Product specification | -255 °F at about 14.5 psig (1 barg), can be sub-cooled |
| Specific power | About 420 kWh per tonne at 950 psig feed |
| Hot weather performance | Holds nameplate output at 100 °F ambient by design |
| Modular configuration | MR compressor skid about 13 ft W x 30 ft L x 12 ft H; liquefaction module about 10 ft W x 20 ft L x 9.5 ft H |
| Pretreatment | Site-specific: sweetening, dehydration, mercury removal and heavy hydrocarbon polishing sized to the inlet gas |
| Lead time | About 10 to 12 months to a liquefier on site, driven by the cold box |
Figures are the engineering basis for the 25 TPD class at stated feed conditions and are confirmed per site.
µSMR in the NuBlu LNG line-up
| mLNG | µSMR | NuPresto LNG | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cycle | Feed gas refrigerant, turbo-expander | Single mixed refrigerant | Feed gas refrigerant, no expander |
| Capacity per unit | About 50 TPD | About 25 TPD | About 20 TPD |
| Specific power | Under 650 kWh per tonne in recycle | Under 500 kWh per tonne | About 750 kWh per tonne |
| LNG product | -255 °F at 1 barg | -255 °F at 1 barg | -230 °F at about 45 psig |
| Lead time | 12 to 15 months | 10 to 12 months | 6 to 8 months |
| Best at | Pressure letdown sites | High pressure feed where power cost dominates; hot ambient | Lowest capital, shortest schedule |
Why µSMR Micro LNG
Efficient mixed refrigerant cycle
Under 500 kWh per tonne, about 420 at 950 psig feed. At 8 cents per kWh, every 100 kWh per tonne saved is worth real money over the life of the plant.
Full output in the heat
Designed for 100 °F ambient rather than a 60 °F catalog point, so you get nameplate LNG in August.
A colder, denser product
LNG at -255 °F and 1 barg stores denser and boils off slower than warmer, higher pressure product.
Compact and modular
Two skids, trucked to site and set on foundations. Months to first LNG, not years.
Stable across feed conditions
The cycle holds steady operation as feed composition and ambient move.
Pretreatment designed to the gas
Site-specific sweetening, dehydration and polishing rather than a standard go-by, including optional UOP SepraSIV for heavy hydrocarbons and BTEX.
Typical applications
- Distributed LNG production from pipeline or wellhead gas
- Data center and behind-the-meter power supply
- Flare gas and stranded gas liquefaction
- Mining, quarry and remote industrial fuel
- Fleet, rail and marine fueling
- Telecom tower power programs displacing diesel
What's included
- MR compressor skid and liquefaction module, factory assembled and tested
- Pretreatment modules engineered to the inlet gas
- Controls, MCC and instrument air engineering
- Start-up spares, first fills, commissioning and initial operating support
Engineering and aftermarket support
Fabrication, assembly and factory testing run through NuBlu's facility in Center, Texas, with engineering shared between NuBlu and Crosstrails Engineering under the NuCryo joint venture. For broader NuCryo capabilities, including large-scale LNG and international project delivery, visit nucryo.com.
About NuCryo. NuCryo is a joint venture between NuBlu Energy and Crosstrails Engineering focused on micro and small-scale LNG liquefaction. The µSMR platform is designed, engineered and packaged jointly. Fabrication, assembly and factory testing run through NuBlu's facility in Center, Texas. Learn more at nucryo.com.