VTG, Chart Ferox showcase LNG wagon

VTG Aktiengesellschaft, under the brand name ‘LNG by Rail’, is showcasing the first tank rail wagon for transporting LNG.

Chart Ferox, a global supplier of distribution systems for natural gas, is partnering with VTG in the design of the tank.

LNG via rail

Dr. Heiko Fischer, CEO of VTG Aktiengesellschaft, and Thomas Carey, Chairman of the Distribution & Storage Group at Chart, unveiled the first tank wagon for transporting LNG on European rails at the transport logistic trade fair in Munich.

The tank wagon makes it possible to supply Europe with environmentally friendly natural gas in the future using rail transport, eliminating the need for pipelines.

Comments

Fischer commented: “We are very pleased to be able to present our LNG prototype at the world's leading logistics exhibition to the public here in Munich today. Three years from the project launch, the wagon has finally taken on physical form and can be touched and tested by customers and any other interested parties."

Carey added: "We are expanding and strengthening the Chart product portfolio with this new mode of transport. We are extremely pleased to be a part of this innovative development and crafting this opportunity to make LNG fit for transport by rail.”

Cryogenic insulation

VTG has developed and built two prototypes for transporting LNG by rail, while Chart Ferox built the tank. It is fitted with special insulation, which allows the cryogenic LNG to remain in the tank wagon for up to six weeks. A vacuum has been created for the gas for this purpose between the inner tank and the surrounding outer tank. Special suspension and bearing technology for the inner tank inside the outer tank afforded particular effort in its development. Extensive vibration calculations and tests needed to be performed by VTG and Chart Ferox for this purpose.

The German Federal Railway Authority issued operational authorisation for the wagon in April 2015 making series production now possible.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/06052015/rail-wagon-for-lng-transport-from-vtg-697/