Vacuum Insulated LNG Piping

PHPK Technologies and Linde/BOC Process Plants has partnered to bring the LNG Industry the very best in Vacuum Insulated Piping (VIP). The performance and economic advantages of vacuum insulation have been realized in many industries and applications for decades. Extensive and unnecessary boil-off gas, pipeline insulation maintenance and repair, and running and maintaining large compressors and/or reliquefiers no longer have to be a common burden and expense to LNG plant and terminal operation. Furthermore, when considering all aspects of the plant design and cost of using VIP versus mechanically insulated piping, the initial capital investment can be lower with VIP.

ADVANTAGES OF LNG VIP:

INSTALLATION of VIP is a simple process that can reduce construction time considerably. With prefabricated pipe sections provided in common lengths of 30 metres, including elbows and tees, the number of field welds can be reduced by more than 75%. Each connection made in the field can be mechanically insulated or vacuum jacketed in a matter of hours. The jacket pipe material is sufficient to support the weight of the spool so supports, guides and anchors are also simple and easy to install. Additionally the outside diameter of VIP is approximately 150mm less than the mechanically insulated pipe which can reduce the size and/or number of piping supports throughout the plant. The LINDE/PHPK team can also manufacture the VIP in prefabricated, self contained modules that include trusses, supports, expansion loops, and other process piping for spanning between jetty pilings.

HEAT LEAK PERFORMANCE of VIP is a minimum of one tenth that of mechanically insulated piping. T his not only significantly reduces the boil-off gas (BOG) in a steady state operating condition but a lso results in much faster cool-down time and allows transfer of LNG over much greater distances. Less BOG in the piping transfer system can reduce the number and size of compressors or reliquefiers needed to keep pace with loading or off-loading operations at liquefaction and regasification facilities. This saves a tremendous amount of money in capital investment, maintenance costs and energy costs throughout the life of the plant.

MAINTENANCE of VIP is also a strong point when compared to other types of insulated piping. Once a VIP system is installed and operational it can remain maintenance free for many years. Mechanically insulated pipe is prone to loss of its vapor barrier causing moisture and ice to build up and deteriorate the insulation resulting in an increased heat leak and more BOG. Maintaining a large mechanically insulated system sometimes requires a full time crew.

PHPK Technologies and Linde/BOC Process Plants operate over 220,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities with sea port access. With many years of experience in designing, engineering and manufacturing complex VIP systems PHPK and Linde bring the LNG Industry a new technology with decades of proven advantages.