【Ten Years of Rapid Development in Chemical Equipment】1448–2023: First domestic type approval for low-load compression units used on LNG ships

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Happy New Year 2024 **********************【Ten Years of Rapid Development in Chemical Engineering Equipment】A continuously updated summary post is available; feel free to join the discussions at https://bbs.hcbbs.com/thread-3576046-1-1.html (Source: Haichuan Chemical Engineering Forum) ***************** On October 9, 2023, China Shipbuilding Seventh Research Institute successfully completed the product type approval tests for China’s first domestically developed marine low-load compressors, with the participation of classification societies, shipowners, and shipyards. All test parameters met the technical requirements and design standards, marking another significant breakthrough in the localization of compressor equipment developed by this institute. It also represents a crucial step forward in the development of the LNG industry chain associated with this institute. The low-load compressor is one of the core components of offshore LNG processing units; it is primarily used to fuel the propulsion system with BOG or to supply gas to the reliquefaction system, and it is suitable for LNGC, FSRU, refueling ships, and other LNG-powered vessels. With the advancement of design technologies for offshore LNG equipment, both LNG carriers and other LNG supply systems are seeing a trend toward reducing the volume of evaporative gases (BOG). Screw compressors designed for low load conditions are increasingly becoming the ideal choice for shipbuilders and shipowners to handle BOG generation under such low-load scenarios on board ships. Leveraging its extensive design and application experience in the field of process gas compressor equipment, the project team conducted thorough technical research and discussions regarding the current challenges faced by low-load compressors used for the treatment and utilization of evaporated gases from LNG ships. After multiple rounds of scheme design reviews, a prototype was developed. In addition, comprehensive testing was carried out in accordance with the owner’s application requirements and CCS standards for marine products, to verify that the prototype’s performance met marine industry requirements; ultimately, the relevant model products passed the CCS type approval tests. The successful certification of the products for this project ensures the timely delivery of the low-load compressors designed for use in the world’s first 14,000-cubic-meter LNG refueling ship capable of traveling directly between rivers and seas. It also signifies that the 711 Institute now possesses the capability to develop marine low-load compressors.