Case Study
Intero supported the pre-commissioning of an expanded European LNG terminal, where a new LNG storage tank and second unloading jetty had been constructed. The project combined storage tank purging and drying with pipeline inerting and controlled nitrogen pre-cooldown to prepare the system for LNG introduction.
The client needed to reduce the oxygen concentration in a new LNG storage tank and cool the transfer piping before LNG introduction. This required stable nitrogen flow, careful temperature control, and reliable supply planning throughout the operation. For the pipeline pre-cooldown, Intero had to cool the full piping length while keeping nitrogen in gaseous phase, avoiding excessive temperature differences and reducing the risk of warping or rapid-cooling damage.
Intero used steam vaporizers, multiple nitrogen storage tanks, and a vapor/liquid mixing chamber to deliver controlled low-temperature nitrogen gas into the system. Experienced personnel continuously monitored temperature and flow, while close communication with the customer’s control room supported controlled, linear cooling throughout the operation.
Storage tank inerting was completed within the required timeframe, achieving an oxygen concentration below 8%. Pipeline pre-cooldown also achieved the required result, with temperatures below -100°C at the system extremities. This allowed LNG to be introduced without the risk of rapid-cooling damage to the piping. Real-time monitoring supported precise control of inlet temperature and flow throughout the operation.
