Transformers for LNG
NATURAL GAS: THE FACTS
Discover more about natural gas – including where it comes from, how
it is produced and the various ways in which we use it every day.
What is natural gas?
Natural gas is a naturally occurring mixture of gases, mainly methane.
It is formed when layers of decomposing plant and animal matter are
exposed to intense heat and pressure under the surface of the Earth
over millions of years.
Where is it found?
Natural gas is found in rock formations, sometimes on its own and
sometimes alongside oil. Some deposits are relatively easy to extract, while others are trapped kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface.
How is natural gas produced?
Natural gas is often found in huge reservoirs called sedimentary
basins. To gain access to these reservoirs, a hole or well is drilled
through the rock to allow the gas to escape and be collected. Natural
gas is most commonly extracted by drilling vertically from the Earth’s
surface.
What is shale gas and tight gas?
Shale gas is natural gas that is trapped within shale formations of rock.
The rock is impermeable, meaning liquids cannot pass through, which
makes it harder to extract. Tight gas is held in rock pores 20,000 times
narrower than a human hair. A special technique, known as hydraulic
fracturing, is needed to extract it.
What is fracking?
A technique known as hydraulic fracturing or fracking is used to
break open rock and release natural gas. This involves pumping fluids
into the well at high pressure. The fluids are made up of around 99%
sand and water, with 1% chemicals added to help the gas flow more
freely. Hydraulic fracturing typically takes place a kilometer or more
(thousands of feet) below drinking water supplies. Concrete and steel
barriers are inserted into the wells to prevent any drilling or fracturing
fluids from entering local water supplies.
How is natural gas transported?
Natural gas can be transported by pipeline or ship to where it is
needed. By using pipes, gas can be cost-effectively transported over
long distances as part of an integrated gas transport network. If lined
up together, the total length of the world’s natural gas pipelines would
stretch to the moon and back eight times. When pipelines cannot
cost-effectively reach consumers, natural gas can be cooled to make a
liquid, shrinking its volume for shipping to where it is needed.
What is natural gas used for?
It is one of the few energy sources that can be used across all sectors
of the global economy. It is used to generate electricity, provide heat
for essential industrial processes, heat homes, and fuel the transport of
people and goods.
Shell’s gas-to-liquids (GTL) technology converts natural gas into highquality
liquid products that would otherwise be made from crude oil.
These products include transportation fuels, motor oils and the ingredients
for everyday necessities like plastics, detergents and cosmetics.
Why can’t we replace natural gas with renewables?
Despite the significant role of renewable energy sources, they cannot
provide all the world’s energy needs today. Renewables mainly power
electricity, which only meets around 18% of global energy demand.
For renewables to have a bigger impact, electricity must play a larger
role in other key sectors of the economy.
Natural gas can help to support renewables because it can quickly
compensate for dips in solar
or wind power supply and
rapidly respond to sudden
increases in demand. Natural
gas is a good partner for
hydropower, providing secure
electricity supply when there
is limited rainfall.
PRODUCT RANGE
Up to 400 MVA 525 kV
BIL 1675 kV
LTC / DETC
Medium Power Transformers
Large Power Transformers
GSU Transformers
Auto-Transformers
Padmount Transformers
Traction Transformers
Rectifier Transformers
67,000 MVA Annual Capacity
WHAT WE OFFER
TRANSFORMER USE AT LNG FACILITIES
Transformers are one of the most important components of the modern electrical grid, enabling the safe and efficient
transmission of electricity from power stations to homes and businesses.
Transformers are used in power systems to transform (step down) voltages while maintaining the same frequency. Electrical
engineers designing power systems for liquefied natural gas (LNG) or petrochemical facilities typically use two-winding
transformers to feed multiple process units in redundant distribution schemes throughout the facility. This method is repeated
further to derive different voltage levels to feed process loads. As the industry moves towards larger
production facilities which increase the power demand, multiple large two-winding transformers
are utilized. This approach leads to increases in substation footprints, switchgear equipment, power
feeders, site works, etc. Engineers may develop alternative designs using three-winding transformers
for LNG or petrochemical facilities. The input and output of a three-winding transformer generally
consists of one primary (H) input and two outputs defined as secondary (X) and tertiary (Y). Threewinding
transformers are connected in a redundant configuration to feed multiple process units.
There are different types of three-winding configurations and construction (radial or axial) methods.
The ideal configuration and build depend on the installation method, application of tap changers, and
overall system performance, as well as defining impedance parameters, applications, and specification requirements.
What Virginia Transformer Does
At Virginia Transformer, we collaborate closely with project
developers and EPCs, especially during the front-end engineering
design (FEED) phase. We specialize in tailoring custom-built
transformers to precise customer specifications, addressing challenges
like space limitations, unique voltage configurations, and
harsh environmental conditions. Our track record of surpassing
these requirements has solidified Virginia Transformer’s renowned
status as the industry leader in power transformer manufacturing.
Virginia Transformer’s Contribution to the LNG Market
Virginia Transformer is a major contributor to the oil and gas sector,
supplying reliable, high-quality energy solutions to LNG projects
across North America. We offer transformers from 500 kVA
to 300 MVA, 230 kV class, with proven expertise in powering LNG
plants, pumping stations, compression substations, and more.
Our track record includes significant contributions to completed
LNG projects such as the Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi terminals,
as well as ongoing ventures such as the Driftwood and Rio
Grande LNG projects.
Virginia Transformer stands out as the leading transformer manufacturer,
renowned for our engineering excellence and dedication
to quality. Our commitment to continuous improvement and
exceptional customer service allows us to consistently offer the
shortest lead times in the industry.
LNG Market & Outlook
The global LNG market is expected to be tight over 2022-2026,
as Europe’s quest to reduce its dependency on Russian gas
increases the demand for LNG. This will curb gas demand growth in
China and emerging Asia as the European market outbids these
buyers for the limited amount of flexible LNG supply. To attract
the LNG needed to replace Russian pipeline gas to Europe, BNEF
expects US LNG netbacks for European TTF prices to be higher
than Asia’s benchmark JKM for the forecast period 2022-2026.
With tight supply anticipated in the coming five years, prices
are expected to remain at elevated levels compared to historical
averages over 2017-2019, before COVID-19. The ramp-up of new
supply projects, especially in the US, is forecast to raise global
supply to 460 million tons, up 19% from 2021. LNG demand
growth is likely to be constrained by supply between 2021-2026,
with 18% growth estimated, although Europe is expected to see
imports spike during the period.
With six manufacturing plants in North America,
Virginia – Georgia Transformer is the largest US-owned
manufacturer of power transformers and offers the
broadest product range.
