Everything you should know about storing liquefied natural ...

Liquified natural gas is projected to become a key source of energy in the coming decades. Propelled by its undeniable advantages (it&#;s the cleanest fossil fuel, abundant and complements renewable energy sources), LNG is redefining the market as it helps provide energy during demand peaks for a global scenario. 

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Find out what LNG gas is exactly, what uses does this liquified gas present, and what type of LNG tank is the best to store it. 

What is LNG?

Liquefied natural gas (also known as LNG) is natural gas cooled to a liquid state for the purpose of easier storage and transportation. 

When natural gas reaches about -260° Fahrenheit, through a liquefaction process using cryogenic heat exchangers, it becomes 600 times smaller than natural gas. This facilitates its management and has become its main advantage.

While its liquefaction process was developed in the 19th century, it&#;s today&#;s uses of liquefied natural gas that have boosted this element. Thanks to this process, it&#;s easier to transport LNG through long distances (for instance, from the U.S.A to South Korea) without using gas pipelines, which are not feasible in such cases. 

Demand for LNG has grown over the past years and is expected to continue growing. For instance, U.S. exports of liquefied natural gas continued to grow in the first six months of , at an average that marks an increase of 42%, or 2.8 Bcf/d, compared with the same period in (following figures by the U.S. Department of Energy&#;s LNG Monthly).

The main advantages of liquefied natural gas include:

• Vast resources at a global scale compared to other fossil fuels 
• The capacity to easily distribute and store it, facilitating having access to it whenever patterns of demand shift.
• A greener option compared to other fossil fuels, generating cleaner burning than other alternatives. 

Main uses of liquefied natural gas

The main use of liquified natural gas consists of its power as an energy supply. 

energy supply for the following scenarios: 

• Domestic heating. Liquefied natural gas has become the right answer for peak consumer demands above normal parameters. 
• The industrial sector uses LNG as fuel for manufacturing diverse items such as electronic devices, fabrics, pharmaceutical products or plastics, among many others. 
• The transportation sector is beginning to consider LNG as an alternative to petrol.

Storing liquefied natural gas

LNG is a clear and non-corrosive liquid which weighs less than water and is made up of at least 85% methane. It presents several characteristics that must be taken into account when looking for storage alternatives.

Different containers and its characteristics

In order to store it, the right LNG tank is needed, using cryogenic technology to guarantee its optimal and safe storage until LNG is needed. 

These systems usually include above-ground, low-pressure tanks (less than 10 kilopascals), with double walls for enhanced protection and a vacuum that provides thermal insulation and thus maintains the cold temperatures needed. All in all, small amounts of heat enter the system and must be safely removed periodically.

Typically, an LNG tank can have a capacity ranging from 1,000 to 30,000 m³. The bigger tanks present a cylindrical shape with a domed roof, while smaller versions may be stored in both horizontal or vertical pressure vessels, where pressure may range from less than 50 to over 1,700 kPa (7.3&#;246.6 psi).

Today, an additional high-nickel steel wall or an outer tank made of concrete are often added to provide extra containment. 

Cryospain&#;s role

Cryospain provides the expertise and technical knowledge to design and implement flat bottom cryogenic tanks for LNG storage. 

We design our gas storage tanks with double-wall steel structures using high tech insulating materials (cellular glass, expanded perlite, rockwool, etc.).

All the cryogenic storage equipment we produce complies with the most recognized quality and safety certificates on an international level. Our standards include:

• Mechanical and seismic design: API620, API650, ASME and EN, EN, EUROCODE

•  External access: EN ISO-1/3 and OSHA .23/24

• Other regulations including EIGA/CGA/127/13/E and NFPA 59A

Regarding liquefied natural gas, a recent success story in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, (Bolivia) highlights our role as trusted partners. 

This project was both extremely challenging on many levels and hugely gratifying in terms of the benefits it has brought to the area.

This Flat-Bottom Cryogenic Tank is for the storage of Liquid Natural Gas (LNG). This type of installation is known as a &#;virtual pipeline&#;. It consists of liquefying natural gas for liquid distribution in areas where it is difficult to install a pipeline network.

The main issue that made our task more daunting was the location itself: deep in the jungle, high in the mountains, far from any urban centres and difficult to access. It was also challenging to find qualified workers in the area. Added to that was the task of building a base camp in the jungle, where heat and rain were constant obstacles.

Transport was also a huge logistical challenge. Parts could not be sent gradually so over 25 containers from all over Spain had to be put on one ship. Not only that, Bolivia has no port, meaning two customs processes, one in Bolivia, but prior to that another upon entry into neighbouring Chile. Getting the trucks to the site wasn&#;t easy either, given the nature of the terrain.

The project was a success, however, both for our clients and for the environment, allowing access to natural gas to many citizens who have opted to make the switch from heavy hydrocarbons (fuel oil, diesel) to natural gas.

All in all, a challenging project that became a success that benefited both our satisfied customer as well as the local environment.

Want to learn more about LNG and its storage possibilities? Discover our Reference list for cryogenic tanks.

LNG ISO tanks are designed to transport gases. Looking for an LNG ISO tank? Get the full overview of their features and specifications as well as average prices on different types.

As the demand for international trade rises day by day, the need for good quality and reliable means of conveyance increases. To carry liquefied natural gas worldwide, the LNG ISO tank caters to this need with various customizable features.

In many countries, LNG ISO tanks are used to optimize energy supply chains and obtain Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for use in cities and remote locations. LNG containers offer an effective solution to the LNG supply problem.

With that being said, there has been a lot of confusion circulating within the shipping industry regarding the 40ft LNG ISO tank and ISO VAC 40 LNG. Are they the same thing or do they have their own functions?

To clarify, 40ft LNG ISO Tank and ISO VAC 40 LNG are just the same but with variable names.

Now that we&#;ve cleared things up, do you want to skip right to buying or leasing an LNG ISO tank? Then click on the banner below to find LNG ISO tanks at the best rates possible in your preferred location.

If you&#;re keen to learn more about these special tanks, read on to get a complete overview of the LNG ISO Tank and its features.

What is an LNG ISO tank?

Generally, an ISO Tank is a tank container that is built according to the ISO standard (International Organisation for Standardization). And are used to transport various liquids and gasses. More specifically, LNG ISO tanks are designed to efficiently carry liquified natural gas (LNG) in bulk.

These tanks are made of stainless steel. Plus they have multi-layered vacuum-insulated pressure tanks, supported by double-walled transport tanks. Hence, allowing them to hold LNG at temperatures of -162 °C (-260 °F). The maximum pressure level of an LNG ISO tank container is 0.690 MPa.

An LNG ISO tank has two containers &#; an inner tank containing LNG and an outer tank with insulation materials. Full containment tanks are most common and vary in size based on their purpose. Transporting LNG in ISO tanks is an innovative and effective alternative to conventional natural gas distribution.

Here are other ways where LNG ISO Tank containers are useful &#;

What Can You Transport In LNG ISO Tank Containers? 

LNG ISO tank containers are intermodal containers used to move liquids, gases, and powders. It is built in accordance with the ISO standards, making it suitable for different modes of transportation. 

LNG tanks are typically constructed with 4 to 6 tanks arranged in a row down the center. The vessel has a double-hull design because two separate ballast tanks, cofferdams, and voids surround the tanks.

LNG or Liquified Natural Gas is natural gas (predominantly methane, CH4, with some mixture of ethane, C2H6) converted into liquid form for storage or transportation without the use of pressurized vessels or storage. LNG is odorless, colorless, non-toxic, and non-corrosive gas.

The market is full of companies providing LNG ISO tanks at standard rates. xChange helps you to find the right LNG ISO tank container as per your requirements from a pool of verified suppliers.

Market overview of LNG ISO tank containers

Now that we have an idea of what LNG ISO tanks can transport, here&#;s a quick wrap-up of what&#;s happening in the LNG ISO tank market:

•  

  The global LNG ISO tank container market size was estimated at USD 159.1 million in and is expected to reach USD 264 million by .

•  

  Major players in the ISO tank container market are China International Marine Containers Co. Ltd, Nantong Tank Container CO. Ltd, CXIC Group Containers Company Limited, and Singamas Container, to name a few.

•  

  Europe was the largest region in the ISO tank container market in , with North America being the second.

To learn more about the latest LNG ISO tank market trends, read this report.

Know the difference: Types of ISO containers

There are various types of ISO tanks available in the market and each with its own purpose. So how do you know which one is best for your needs?

Don&#;t worry! Because here&#;s an overview of the common types of ISO tanks and the type of cargo they&#;re designed to carry:

Type

Sizes

Cargo type

Food grade

20ft, 40ft, 45ft

Ideal for shipping/storing food such as beer, milk, and hot chocolate.

Silo

20ft, 40ft, 45ft

These are used to transport powders or grains like wheat, oats, and flour.

Swap body

20ft, 23ft, 24ft

An excellent option for when you need more storage space for chemicals. 

Reefer

20ft, 40ft, 45ft

Perfect for shipping temperature-sensitive liquids, powders, and gasses.

Gas

20ft, 40ft, 45ft

Specifically designed to carry industrial, medical, and natural gasses. Examples: liquified petroleum gas and heliox.

Multi-compartment 

20ft, 40ft

Want more information on LNG cryogenic tanks? Feel free to contact us.

Great if you&#;re looking to transport various types of liquids, powders, and gasses at the same time.

LNG ISO tanks

20ft, 40ft, 45ft

Intended to ship liquified natural gas (LNG) such as methane and ethane.

Let&#;s now zoom in on the features of the top ISO tank performers:

Food-grade tank container

These tanks are suited to transport temperature-sensitive cargo, such as milk. Its made of stainless steel with mineral wool insulation. As a result, superior thermal insulation maintains temperature for longer. 

Silo tank container

Silo tanks are made of high-grade steel and are known for shipping all sorts of grains and powders. Anything from maize and flour to cement, this is your go-to tank. They&#;re also coated with a UV-stabilized outer layer to protect the cargo from harsh climate conditions.

Swap body tank container

Swap body tanks are designed to transport hazardous and non-hazardous and food-grade bulk liquid cargo. These tanks allow for the transportation of larger volumes of up to 35,000 liters. Plus, it can hold a maximum cargo temperature of +130°C.

LNG ISO tank container

These tanks have a working pressure ranging from 100psi to 10 Bar and are ideal for the safe trans­port of LNG. LNG tanks also feature high vacuum insulation, stacking capability of 9 units high, a full set of decals, and various pipework options. All these features offer maximum versatility to the end user and operator.

Do any of these ISO tanks pique your interest? Then head over to xChange to find your ideal ISO Tank at a price you fancy.

Average prices of LNG ISO tank

The prices of LNG ISO tank containers vary depending on factors like which country it&#;s bought in, the country it&#;s sent to, or the type of LNG ISO container used. Here&#;s the price list of different LNG ISO tank containers:

Container Type

Average Price

20 ft LNG ISO Tank

USD 10,000

40 ft Cryogenic LNG ISO Tank

USD 50,000 &#; 52,000

10 ft Low Pressure LNG ISO Tank

USD 8,000 &#; 42,000

40 ft LNG ISO Tank

USD 54,000 &#; 56,000

45ft LNG ISO tank

USD 33,000 

Interested in the average prices and leasing rates of LNG ISO tanks in your location? Click here to find out today.

LNG ISO tank types and their specifications

By now we know that LNG ISO tank containers are the most effective vessels to transport liquified natural gases. There are 2 types of LNG ISO tanks commonly used in the shipping industry. These are cryogenic LNG tanks and the standard 20ft and 40ft LNG ISO containers. To optimally serve their purposes, each type and size has its own unique specification.

Let&#;s dive into each of their specifications and metrics:

Container

Type

Container Specification

(L x B x H /mm)

Loading Capacity

(in L)

Design Temperature

(ºC)

20 ft LNG ISO Container

x x

22,000 L

55

40 ft LNG ISO Container

x x

25,000 L

55

20 ft Standard Cryogenic LNG ISO 

x x

20,200 L

55

LNG can be transported over longer distances using cryogenic ISO tank containers. This allows for a more cost-effective fuel supply to end-users that are further away from LNG supply sources. A 20ft cryogenic LNG ISO container offers a storage capacity of 22,000 liters starting at a 17 BARG working pressure.

Similarly, two 40ft LNG ISO containers can have different specifications, and they can be leveraged for different purposes. For instance, a 40ft cryogenic LNG ISO container provides an exceptional 45,000 liters of capacity with a total payload of up to 36,000 kg. The working pressures for a 40ft LNG ISO standard container range between 10 BARG to 22 BARG with and without pump options.

With specifications out the way, let&#;s now explore the safety considerations of LNG ISO tank containers.

Safety considerations of LNG ISO tank container

LNG ISO tanks must be handled with extra care since LNG is highly flammable. Here are some key safety pointers to consider when shipping LNG:

• When handling natural gas, there&#;s a possibility that gas will permeate clothing, so avoid smoking near the tank, especially while filling and discharging.

• In case of a leak, remove any ignition sources and cut off the gas supply. Further, shut off the leaky spot and electrical units and have ample ventilation.

• Another safety tip is to avoid sealing the vessel containing liquefied gas. If left in a sealed state, gas vaporization may result in pressure rise. This pressure rise can cause injury and damage to equipment.

Keen to learn more about the common safety issues with shipping LNG ISO tanks and their solutions? Then read this study to get a deeper understanding.

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The moment has arrived! You&#;ve discovered that an ISO tank is exactly what you&#;re looking for. But now, how do you find them? Sourcing ISO tanks, let alone LNG ISO tanks is a tedious and stressful process due to their scarcity in the market.

But luckily, we&#;ve got just the solution for you.

With our tank leasing and trading marketplace, you can easily find various types of ISO tanks in + locations. And if you&#;re looking to buy, lease, or even sell standard and special containers, xChange is at your disposal.

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Benefits of becoming a member of Container xChange

As a member of xChange, you get:

&#;        100%  transparency on market prices and the complete leasing or buying process

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LNG Tank Container FAQ

Are LNG tanks pressurized?

Yes, LNG Tanks are pressurized. The maximum working pressure of a standard LNG ISO tank is 250 PSIG or lower, with the product stored at 50-120 PSIG.

What is a rollover in LNG tanks?

The rollover in LNG tanks occurs when the vapors from an LNG tank are rapidly released because of stratification.

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