Nitrogen Rich Gas Creates Operational Hazards for LNG Exporters

The Permian Basin's natural gas is causing operational hazards for some LNG exporters due to its high nitrogen content.

Elevated nitrogen levels in feedgas are particularly problematic at Cheniere Energy's Corpus Christi LNG terminal, where the average nitrogen concentration has exceeded 1.3% since April 27.

This exceeds the commonly referenced threshold of 1.0% to ensure normal operations at LNG plants.

Nitrogen is an inert component that doesn't contribute to heating value but can overload liquefaction plant vapor handling and compressor loops when present in high concentrations.