LNG 

When it comes to transferring LNG efficiently and economically, look no further than CSM Vacuum Jacketed Pipe (VJP) solutions. It stands as the optimal piping solution for the secure, dependable, and cost-effective transfer of low temperature fluids.

CSM provides LNG pipe materials options with SS316L (1.4404) or 304L (1.4301/1.4307). We also provide fully welded W-series pipe connections for secure and zero-emission joints, with 80% lower heat leaks than any competitive products in the market. 

Built with our advanced Super Insulation technology, VJP from CSM guarantees incredible reduction in heat leakage and boil-off-gas (BOG) in your LNG pipeline, ensuring system pressure buildup remains controlled to safeguard your assets and minimizing economic losses to absolute minimum.

 

LNG Storage Facility

LNG Pipeline in Storage Facility 

LNG Unloading

LNG Pipeline in Loading and Unloading

 

VACUUM JACKETED PIPE (VJP)

Overview

CSM Cryogenic, with prior experience in designing and commissioning several VJP systems for large scale cryogenic facility, bring invaluable expertise to ongoing prototyping and technology development for VJP in LNG application. Our focus remains on enhancing performance, safety, reliability, durability, and maintainability.

Our latest VJP design presents significant technical and commercial advancements over VJP systems built in the 2010s and conventional foam insulation systems.

Design Features:

The VJP shares a stainless-steel core pipe with conventional PIR/PUR systems but is enclosed within an external pipe in a 'pipe-in-pipe' configuration. The radial gap between the pipes is insulated with multiple layers of highly reflective aluminum foil to minimize radiation heat input. Additionally, this space is evacuated to high vacuum to eliminate heat transfer through conduction, convection and radiation.

LNG VJP is equipped with an internal expansion joint (bellows), the LNG VJP enables the core pipe to self-compensate for thermal contractions during normal operation, ranging from room temperature to -162°C.

The jacket pipe experiences environmental temperature fluctuations, from low temperatures during winter nights to elevated temperatures of up to 75°C due to solar heating in summer. Thermal movements in the jacket are minimal and can be safely managed by expansion bellow with rigid pipe supports within allowable design stress limits.

Each VJP spool, up to 36m long, maintains a consistent length under all operating conditions, eliminating the need for expansion loops in straight lengths of up to 1 km in LNG terminals.

Pipe supports, welded to the jacket pipe, form an integral part of the VJP spool and are directly bolted onto pipe racks, modules, or plinths at job sites. These supports can withstand significantly higher loading than conventional PIR/PUR pipe supports, particularly axial thrust load induced by thermal contraction/expansion and dynamic loads from abrupt LNG flow changes.

Benefits of VJP

Enhanced Thermal Insulation

The superior thermal insulation of VJP is attributed to the absence of major heat transfer media, including conduction via solids and convection via gas/fluid. Unlike conventional mechanical insulation media such as PIR and PUR, which rely on thermal conductivity coefficient and insulation thickness, VJP maintains consistent insulation performance over time, provided the operating vacuum is maintained.

For instance, while conventional PIR or PUR insulation degrades over time due to air and moisture ingress, resulting in increased heat flux to LNG, VJP offers significantly better insulation performance, yielding reduced boil-off gas and extended hold time for LNG storage.

Reduced Expansion Loops

CSM Cryogenic's latest VJP design offers structural advantages that reduce the need for expansion loops, leading to substantial cost savings in pipe material procurement, insulation, and civil construction. 

Reduced Pressure Drop

Fewer expansion loops in VJP result in lower pressure drop in LNG loading lines, allowing for design pressure reduction or downsizing of pump capacity and pipe thickness, thereby saving costs.

Integrated Pipe Support

VJP spools come equipped with welded pipe supports, customizable to suit client requirements. These supports are designed to withstand various loading conditions during normal and abnormal operations, providing enhanced safety and reliability.

Secondary Confinement for Environmental Protection

In the event of core pipe leakage, VJP's secondary confinement feature temporarily confines LNG within the jacket pipe, preventing uncontrolled spillage and minimizing environmental hazards.

Superior Protection

VJP spools offer immunity to corrosion, as the core pipe is fully contained within a vacuum condition, eliminating moisture and oxygen ingress. Additionally, the sturdy jacket pipe provides protection against external impacts, weather elements, and fire, ensuring reliable performance with minimal maintenance.

Operation and Maintenance

VJP spools undergo rigorous factory testing to ensure maintenance-free operation throughout their lifespan. With an anticipated design life of 40 years, VJP requires minimal maintenance, offering substantial cost savings over time.

Expedited Installation and Reduced Project Risk

Pre-tested and sealed VJP spools are delivered ready for installation, reducing project timelines and labor costs. With pre-tested spools, on-site pressure testing is limited to field-welds at spool joints, further streamlining installation and reducing project risk.

Overall, CSM Cryogenic's VJP solutions offer unparalleled performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, setting new standards in cryogenic piping technology.

Products for LNG applications:

Learn more:

 New Energy Overview (LNG).pdf