Lng loading arms

Types of lng loading arms

With the boom in demand for transporting lng across regions, many companies are looking for better ways to perform safe and efficient lorry/vehicle and ship-to-port lng transfers. Among these, the lng loading arm has emerged as a star piece of equipment due to its ability to streamline the process.

Generally, there are three main types of lng loading arm.

• Telescopic LNG Loading Arms: The most common type of lng loading arm works like a telescope. The support/staging tower holds it at one end, which connects to the ship or port facility, known as the ''shore'' or ''receiving terminal here.'' The arm extends and contracts to reach lng vessels at different heights and distances. This is done by the lng arm sections sliding one over the other. Through this mechanism, it safely connects the ship's cargo tank and the port's storage facility. In some cases, it may have angled sections (articulations) that allow for vertical and horizontal movement. If the vessel on the sea is swaying, then the arm can adjust to keep a stable connection, or if there is a risk of obstruction between the arm and the vessel, the arm can bend.
• Single/Double Function LNG Loading Arms: Based on the type of operational requirements, single or double function arms are used. Single-function arms are used for the transfer of lgs only. On the other hand, double-function arms used for both lng and lgs transfers have two specified lines: one for lgs and the other for lgs.
• Bidirectional Loading Arms: This type of loading arm enables the flow of product and return of vapors through a single arm. It simplifies the transfer process and reduces the number of loading points required.

Specification and maintenance of LNG loading arms

When considering the specifications of the LNG loading arms, it is necessary to view them in connection with the overall unloading facility. Typical specifications of the arm parts include the following:

• Length

  The average length of LNG loading arms is 18 meters. Longer loading arms can create a greater angle of elevation and a higher level of flexibility. However, a greater length also causes greater weight and in some cases, longer sections can be folded or telescoped.

• Weight

  More lightweight arms are used for loading, while heavier ones are used for unloading. The usual weight for an LNG loading arm is around 1-2 tons excluding counterbalancing. The total weight is determined by the material used, the length, and the diameter of the arm.

• Diameter

  In most cases, the optimal diameter of an LNG loading arm is 300 mm. The bigger the diameter, the more gas can flow through the arm, but greater pressures and heavier weight are involved. Smaller diameters, such as 200 mm, can be used when the vessel size requires them.

• Harsh Weather Conditions

  At temperatures between -60° C and +50° C.

Maintenance

Some regular maintenance tasks for an LNG loading arm are listed below:

• every week to check for any cracks, deformations, or corrosion that may have occurred for any other arm segments or any other parts of the support structure connecting the arms to fix the vessel or jetty side.
• To ensure safety and effective operation, it is essential to calibrate the weighting system periodically.
• It is always necessary to ensure that the arms and couplings are adequately lubricated to sustain their performance and longevity and to avoid wear and tear solutions with high-efficiency lubricants for cryogenic applications.
• Lubricate the cart tracks and roller bearings used for the transmission system and the guide rails and bearings can potentially eliminate the need for maintenance-free battery-powered inline dust removal stations incorporated in the loading manifold, thereby reducing dependency on track and roller bearings.
• To ensure the safety and effectiveness of the LNG loading mechanism, regular inspections and checks on critical safety valves and devices are necessary to promptly identify and rectify any deviations or malfunctions.
• Ensure that all bolts and joints are tightened and functioning appropriately to maintain a secure and safe operation.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the specific equipment, including arms, couplings, and other related components. At the same time, it is essential to be familiar with the fundamental characteristics of the lubricating oil used, especially in cryogenic applications, and to recognize the importance of safeguarding against static electricity hazards that may arise in liquefied natural gas facilities.

Usage scenarios for lng loading arms

The main application of LNG loading arms is to load and offload liquefied natural gas at terminals and ports or to transfer LNG between vessels. But the use of LNG loading arms is not limited to this. With the right adaptations, these arms can also be utilized in the following scenarios.

• Cross-Channel Transfers: Loading arms can enable the transfer of LNG between two different types of vessels at sea, such as from a product tanker to a bulk carrier.
• Floating Storage Units (FSUs): FSUs work as temporary storage facilities for gas at sea. Loading arms allow for the transfer of LNG from incoming vessels to the storage unit.
• Offshore Regasification Units (ORUs): ORUs are floating facilities that convert LNG back into gas on the open sea. Loading arms are used to transfer LNG to the regasification unit so that it can be reintroduced into the market.
• Mooring Systems: Mooring systems use loading arms to connect an incoming LNG carrier to a terminal or storage facility. The arms provide a flexible and safe link for the transfer of gas between the two systems.
• Ship-to-Ship (STS) Transfers: Ship-to-ship transfers refer to transferring LNG from one vessel to another at sea, such as ship-to-ship and terminal-to-ship transfers. Loading arms offer a flexible method for STS transfers.
• Emergency Relief Valves: Emergency relief valves can use loading arms to safely release excess pressure or gas from a storage or transportation system in an emergency situation.
• Marine Research Vessels: Loading arms can be used to transfer LNG to marine research vessels, which are used for scientific explorations in the ocean.
• Offshore Energy Platforms: Loading arms can be used to supply natural gas to offshore energy production facilities. These platforms produce energy in the open sea, away from the coast.

How to Choose LNG Loading Arms

When choosing the correct LNG loading arm, stakeholders will have to consider various essential features that will ensure operational efficiency, safety, and adaptability. Multipurpose ship-to-shore loading arms with flexible product-carrying systems and all-in-one solutions are gaining popularity; those who prefer the conventional must still evaluate the viability of the product under consideration.

Safety requirements can be non-negotiable or must-belong features when choosing an LNG loading arm. The safety measures embedded in the design of the arm must be taken into account, such as leak detection systems, emergency release mechanisms, and anti-slip features. The adaptability of the arms to diverse ship types and sizes, as well as their ability to accommodate fluctuations in the temperature and pressure of the cargo, is another essential characteristic to look at. It will facilitate frequent and efficient use, which will eventually lower operational costs.

When selecting an LNG loading arm for a specific application, pay attention to how well it matches the capacity, berth infrastructure, and vessel specifications. The design should allow for easy integration and should not disrupt the existing system. The propulsion system of the loading arm should be easy to use; consider whether the operation of the arms is manned or mediated by automated systems. The predictive and maintenance plans for the loading arm suggest that regular inspections must be taken into account in deciding the kind of arms to select. Because of the complexity of the instrument, it should possess features that help the predictive maintenance of the system. Finally, the cost of the instrument and the long-term expenses of operating it should be explored at the procurement stage so that there are no unwelcome surprises later on.

Lng loading arms Q&A

Q1: What are the trends in LNG loading arms? Q2: Will freelance LNG loading arms businesses surface?

A1: The global market for liquid natural gas (LNG) loading arms is projected to grow. The growth is attributed to the rising demand for clean energy. Innovation in technology is also expected to drive the growth of the market for LNG arms.

A study shows that the global market of LNG loading arms was $652.8 million in 2021. By 2031, it will have grown to $1.4 billion. This is about a CAGR 8.3% from 2022 to 2031. The growth will happen in the arms mostly used in the onshore sector. The onshore segment is projected to grow more than the offshore sector. This is because the onshore sector has many import terminals.

According to expert studies, the Asia Pacific region has many LNG import terminals. Therefore, it will lead the market. The growth will be led by countries like Japan, China and India. China alone is putting up more import terminals to meet industrial and domestic needs.

In the Asia Pacific, the import of LNG is rising. This is because countries are trying to reduce the use of coal to meet energy needs. The shift from coal to LNG has created demand for terminals and vessels that can import gas. This is boosting the market for LNG arms.

Q2: Will freelance LNG loading arms businesses surface?

Freelance business models may appear in small and medium-scale markets. This is because big investors control the market for LNG loading arms. The big investors have the funds to research innovation in the technology of loading arms.