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DNV GL to explore small scale LNG risks

LNG Industry,


The LNG industry has requested DNV GL to initiate a Joint Industry Project (JIP), which will attempt to heighten understanding of the consequences of an accidental LNG release.

The JIP, which will be run in collaboration with E&P companies and LNG market stakeholders, will contribute to the development of rigorous safety standards and guidelines for small scale LNG bunkering and filling stations. Other E&P and energy companies still have time to join the project.

LNG is evolving from large-scale seagoing vessels and large bunkering and regasification plants towards small-scale use as fuel for road transport and short seagoing vessels. It offers less emissions, reduced noise levels and competitive prices compared to other conventional bunker fuel like Marine Gas Oil (MGO), which is making it an increasingly attractive option.

Challenges remain

DNV GL has already published a Recommmended Practice, which attempts to harmonise LNG bunkering activities by providing guidance on how it can be carried out in a safe and efficient manner.

Despite the well established large scale LNG market, challenges remain regarding the development of the small scale LNG sector. These include quality management, material specification, metering and sampling methods and lack of safety standards and guidelines. To address this, regulation authorities in European countries such as the Netherlands and UK are currently working on issuing standards for safe design, siting, construction and operation of LNG filling stations.

Simulation experiments

“The modelling community in Europe and risk assessment experts are uncertain about the capabilities of hazard tools in predicting LNG behaviour in the event of an accidental release of LNG,” said Mohammad Ahmad, Project Manager, DNV GL.

“DNV GL is therefore teaming up with industry partners to simulate several credible failure scenarios at small-scale LNG bunkering and filling stations at our Spadeadam test centre in the UK. This will generate valuable data to create well verified and approved models which accurately predict the behaviour of LNG in any type of system failure.”

“This JIP will therefore contribute to the development of rigorous safety standards and guidelines for small scale LNG bunkering and filling stations,” Ahmad said.

The experiments at Spadeadam will gather data to study and understand LNG behaviour (discharge, vaporisation, dispersion and flammable effects) following a system failure (puncture/rupture of a transfer hose or catastrophic rupture of a storage tank). The experimental programme will also include tests of a demonstrative nature which are needed to quantify certain major hazards. The project will therefore provide information needed to carry out a quantitative risk assessment.


Adapted from press release by Ted Monroe

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/08072014/dnv_gl_to_explore_small_scale_lng_risks_935/

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