Modular LNG Pretreatment and Liquefaction for U.S. Export Projects

Honeywell has signed an agreement with Technip Energies to deliver modular liquefied natural gas (LNG) pretreatment and liquefaction solutions for the planned Commonwealth LNG export facility in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. The project targets a production capacity of 9.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) and reflects a broader industry shift toward modularized LNG infrastructure to reduce construction risk, improve schedule certainty, and enhance operational efficiency.

LNG export context and project relevance
U.S. LNG export capacity continues to expand as global demand for natural gas grows, driven by energy security concerns and the need for lower-carbon alternatives to coal in power generation. New export projects increasingly face pressure to shorten development timelines while managing cost and execution risks associated with large-scale, complex facilities.

The Commonwealth LNG project, part of the Caturus platform, adopts a modular design philosophy to address these challenges. By relying on standardized, factory-fabricated process modules, the project aims to simplify on-site construction and improve overall project predictability.

Modular liquefaction using mixed refrigerant technology
Honeywell will provide its single mixed refrigerant (SMR) liquefaction process technology for the facility. SMR processes are widely used in mid-scale and large-scale LNG plants due to their relatively simple configuration and stable operating characteristics. In this case, the liquefaction system will be built around six modularized coil wound heat exchangers (CWHEs).

CWHEs are designed to handle high gas throughput within a compact footprint, enabling efficient heat transfer while reducing plot space requirements. Their modularization allows key components to be manufactured and tested off-site, which can reduce installation complexity and improve safety by limiting on-site fabrication work. For export terminals such as Commonwealth LNG, this approach supports higher availability and more predictable ramp-up to full capacity.

Pretreatment for variable feed gas conditions
In addition to liquefaction, Honeywell will supply UOP SeparSIV pretreatment technology to condition the incoming natural gas. Pretreatment is a critical step in LNG production, as contaminants such as water and heavy hydrocarbons must be removed to prevent freezing and operational issues at cryogenic temperatures.

SeparSIV technology uses molecular sieve-based adsorption to handle a wide range of feed gas compositions. According to Honeywell, the process can reduce lifecycle costs by up to 50% compared with conventional removal technologies, primarily through lower energy consumption, reduced equipment count, and longer operating cycles between maintenance interventions. This flexibility is particularly relevant for U.S. export facilities that may receive gas from multiple upstream sources with varying compositions.

Execution and operational implications
By combining modular CWHE-based liquefaction with integrated pretreatment, the project is structured to mitigate construction and commissioning risks that have historically affected large LNG developments. The modular approach also aligns with current EPC strategies aimed at improving labor productivity and reducing exposure to on-site schedule disruptions.

For Commonwealth LNG, the selected technologies are intended to support efficient, reliable production while meeting export-quality LNG specifications. More broadly, the project illustrates how modular process design and integrated technology packages are becoming central to the next generation of LNG export infrastructure in North America.