Cryogenic Piping Reduces the Effect of LNG Transfer Terminals on Local Communities

Abstract

This article, written by Assistant Technology Editor Karen Bybee, contains highlights of paper OTC 20223, ’How the Use of Cryogenic Piping Can Reduce the Impact of LNG Transfer Terminals on Environment and Local Communities, While Increasing Site Safety and Security,’ by Phillip Cox and Raul Risi, Technip, originally prepared for the 2009 Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, 4-7 May. Environmental considerations play an important part in the permitting process for new liquefied-natural-gas (LNG) facilities. Ports generally are overworked, while coastal green-site areas often are protected and populated by local communities. An attractive alternative to conventional solutions can be achieved by installation of subsea cryogenic pipe in pipe (CPIP) to a nearshore transfer post, and by displacing the process facilities inland. This avoids the installation of a jetty and brings significant savings to the project, while improving the operational aspects of site safety and security.   Introduction Use of alternative technology in the LNG industry, whether it is new or proven, always will provide a challenge, and solid justification for its choice will be needed. Respect of the environment, linked closely to safety and security, is an item of prime importance during the permitting phase of any proposed new LNG terminal, and use of modern technology to address these issues will assist in obtaining required permits. Positive impact statements, supported by detailed engineering and certification, relative to the operability of the LNG chain and reduction of costs are an integral part of the engineering package to be supplied. During the development phase of new equipment and methods, the overall picture must always be considered because the knock-on effect of upgrading one “link in the chain” may lead to further modification of associated equipment. This has been the case with the double development of the CPIP and the new marine offloading posts that are exposed to dynamic conditions, leading to the requirement for heavy-duty cryogenic flexible transfer systems.