SUT Technical Challenges of Subsea LNG Pipelines

SUT – Past Events

Technical Challenges of Subsea LNG Pipelines

22 March 2007 Woking Evening Meeting

Chairman Peter Metcalf, J P Kenny
Sponsored by J P Kenny

Report by Ian Gallett

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Presentations

Technical Challenges od Subsea LNG Pipelines

Colin McKinnon, J P Kenny

There is a growing demand for the export and import of LNG. The traditional solution is to use a jetty to connect the loading dolphin to the shore and for the jetty to carry the LNG pipelines.

A typical LNG pipeline system consists of the following elements:

	2 off 36 inch LNG pipelines
	1 no. 18 inch vapour line
	1 off power/control umbilical.

A typical above water LNG pipeline consists of 304 stainless steel pipelines with PU foam insulation and contraction spools every 250m. Such designs are not suitable for subsea service. A number of different designs are being developed and tested by companies such as ITP, Chart, GTT, Logstor and Fluor. The paper discusses the technical challenges associated with subsea LNG pipelines including:

	Review of available systems;
	Applicable codes and standards;
	Design issues;
	Welding and material issues;
	Safety philosophy;
	Construction methods;
	Interfaces with the jetty head and the tank farm;
	Technology gaps;
	New developments.
	The paper also presents budget costs and schedules for a typical LNG project.

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