Natural gas liquefaction plant
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Experts from our factory came for an inspection and said that flexible connections should be used for the inlet and outlet pipelines of the LNG storage tank, and that the LNG loading pump cannot be located inside the cofferdam. May I ask the experts here whether what they said is correct.
The best option is to have the loading pump outside the cofferdam; the main consideration here is the ability to shut down the pump safely in case of a leak. If the pump is inside the cofferdam, it’s also possible to install an emergency stop button at the loading platform or outside the cofferdam. Flexible connections for the pipelines are necessary to account for foundation settlement and fluid flow – though this aspect isn’t entirely clear
Following the experts’ advice is correct from a safety perspective.
I think this is debatable, as LNG is inherently a medium that vaporizes easily; if the loading pump is placed outside the cofferdam, it becomes very difficult to use, which can lead to damage to the equipment and cause unnecessary losses for the company. This issue needs to be addressed in a more rational way; instead of relying solely on distance to ensure safety, quality should be used as the guarantee. For the inlet and outlet pipelines of LNG storage tanks, flexible connections can be used; this is an acceptable option.
The experts' opinions are very comprehensive. When refuting someone else’s opinion, please take some time to think carefully about the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.