Vertical LNG Cryogenic Storage Tank

Summary

The LNG cryogenic storage tank is a key equipment for storing liquefied natural gas (LNG), with a minimum operating temperature of -192°C. It can be divided into vertical LNG cryogenic storage tanks and horizontal LNG cryogenic storage tanks.

As the core equipment in liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage systems, LNG cryogenic storage tanks are specifically engineered to contain purified LNG that has been cooled to -162°C under atmospheric pressure (with an extreme operating temperature as low as -192°C). A key property of LNG is its volume-merely 1/625 that of gaseous natural gas. While this characteristic significantly streamlines LNG transportation and storage, it also imposes stringent requirements on the tanks' low-temperature resistance, thermal insulation efficiency, and safety performance. Consequently, LNG cryogenic storage tanks serve as a critical hub integrating the entire LNG value chain, encompassing reception, storage, transportation, and end-use.

In terms of structural design, "double-layer protection + high-efficiency thermal insulation" is the defining feature of LNG cryogenic storage tanks. The standard configuration adopts a double-layer structure consisting of an inner tank and an outer tank:

1. Inner Tank: Acting as the primary barrier in direct contact with LNG, it is predominantly fabricated from 9% nickel steel-a material proven to retain exceptional toughness even at the ultra-low temperature of -196°C.

2. Thermal Insulation System: The annular gap between the inner and outer tanks, as well as the tank base, is filled with high-performance thermal insulation materials such as expanded perlite and foam glass blocks. Advanced units further incorporate "vacuum + multi-layer insulation" technology, which, when combined with the insulated ceiling on the tank top, minimizes heat ingress and reduces LNG vaporization losses to the greatest extent.

Based on application scenarios, LNG cryogenic storage tanks are primarily categorized into two types, each tailored to specific needs:

- Vertical Tanks: Leveraging their vertical structure, they offer the distinct advantage of a small footprint paired with large storage capacity. This makes them the preferred choice for large-scale facilities such as LNG receiving terminals and central reserve depots.

- Horizontal Tanks: Featuring a compact horizontal layout, they enable convenient installation and can be integrated into skid-mounted units. These are ideally suited for decentralized applications including small-scale gasification stations, LNG vehicle refueling facilities, and enterprise-owned storage systems.

Safety assurance is the top priority in tank operation, realized through a comprehensive "prevention-monitoring-emergency response" system:

- Pressure Control: The inner tank's safety valve and the outer tank's rupture disc form a dual pressure relief mechanism. Additionally, some tanks are equipped with BOG (Boiled Off Gas) compressors to recover vaporized gas, enhancing both safety and energy efficiency.

- Real-Time Monitoring: Critical parameters such as liquid level, pressure, and temperature are continuously tracked in real time via an automated control system. Leak detection sensors are also installed to promptly alert operators to anomalies such as vacuum failure.

Maintenance protocols are crucial for ensuring long-term safe operation, with key requirements including:

- Annual Vacuum Testing: The vacuum degree must be ≤ 1 Pa for warm tanks and ≤ 0.5 Pa for cold tanks to ensure effective thermal insulation.

- Regular Calibration & Inspection: Safety devices require periodic calibration, and the sealing integrity of the tank structure must be inspected regularly to prevent potential risks.

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