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LNG transportation and storage: Techniques and standards

Georgantas Konstantinos

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Summary

Liquefied Natural Gas, commonly known as LNG, is a practical way of transporting natural gas from stranded, offshore gas fields to gas distribution networks around the globe. Natural gas is liquefied at an ultra-low temperature (cryogenic liquid) of approximately -162oC at a liquefaction plant. When liquefied, its volume decreases 600 times, which makes LNG a convenient and financially feasible technology of storing and transporting natural gas. Depending on its composition (predominantly methane), LNG has a density of around 450 kg/m3 and its flammability limits are 5-15% volume in air. LNG’s decreased volume compared to natural gas, its clean combustion and the ease of transportation, make LNG a valuable means of reducing environmental impact, monetizing stranded resources and establishing energy independence from pipeline gas. The LNG market has witnessed remarkable expansion in the last decade, and according to industry majors and LNG experts, demand for LNG will continue to grow at a rate of about 3.5% per annum. This demand growth will mainly be driven by China’s requirements for gas imports, Europe’s declining gas production, as well as the fact that US producers will seek for overseas markets for their gas. As far as its storage is concerned, LNG can be stored in a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU), in a Floating LNG vessel (FLNG) or a regular LNG carrier ship. In onshore locations, LNG is stored in LNG terminals (regasification plants) where it is regasified and distributed to the local gas network. Given its cryogenic nature, LNG has to be stored in special tanks. Similar containment systems can be used for both onshore and offshore storage of the LNG cargo, utilizing the necessary materials and technology to withstand the low temperature and high vapor pressures of LNG.The transfer of LNG is another important aspect of the LNG value chain, since its unique properties pose a threat in case of leakage. The technology of Ship to Shore LNG transfer has been well established in the industry, utilizing hard arms to transfer the cargo. On the other hand Ship To Ship transfer is a relatively new technology in the LNG industry, which offers a number of advantages over Ship to Shore transfer. The LNG industry, just like any other, is looking for new ways to improve its efficiency and increase the profit margins for the parties involved. Pressurized LNG is a novel concept of storing and transporting LNG, while in-tank recondensing can reduce energy consumption in FSRU vessels.

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