Lng tank

Analyzing the LNG Tank Market Dynamics

Market Overview: The global market for LNG tank containers was valued at approximately $179.4 million in 2023 and is projected to grow to $263.4 million by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% during this period. This growth is significantly driven by the marine transportation segment, which is expected to reach $199.6 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.9%. Additionally, the land transportation segment is also forecasted to expand at a 5.0% CAGR. Regional insights indicate that the U.S. market was valued at $48.8 million in 2023, while China is anticipated to see a steady growth rate of 5.3%, reaching $41.1 million by 2030, according to Global Industry Analysts.

Market Drivers and Trends: The LNG tank market is propelled by increasing demand for liquefied natural gas as a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels, as industries shift towards more sustainable energy sources. This trend is further supported by advancements in LNG transportation technologies and the growing need for efficient storage solutions. Consumer behavior is also evolving, with businesses and governments focusing on reducing carbon footprints. The competitive landscape is marked by key players who are innovating to enhance operational efficiencies and reduce costs. As companies strive to capture market share, they are likely to explore niche markets and tailor distribution strategies that align with regional demands. Overall, the LNG tank market is well-positioned for growth as the global economy increasingly embraces cleaner energy solutions.

Types of lng tanks

Lng tanks are used to store liquefied natural gas (LNG) at extremely low temperatures (- 162 °C). Large-scale onshore facilities (usually less than 7.5 m of the wall thickness) typically use a concrete double wall circular tank. This type of tank comprises a steel inner tank (that holds the LNG) and a concrete outer tank that serves as a barrier. Other types of tanks for small scale LNG storage are cylindrical tanks, insulated cryogenic tanks or vacuum tanks, with thick layers of insulation.

• Full containment tanks

  In the Full Containment Tank design, both the inner and outer containers are designed to hold the liquid and vapor phases of LNG. This means that if there is any leak or spill from the inner container, it will be contained within the outer container. Consequently, this design offers extra levels of safety and environmental protection.

• Single containment tank

  The Single Containment Tank employs an inner container, or membrane, to hold the liquid LNG, while a separate secondary barrier provides environmental protection and safety. This secondary barrier could be an earth embankment or concrete flat bottom.

• Double containment tanks

  A Double Containment Tank consists of an inner container that directly holds the LNG and a surrounding containment structure to prevent leakage into the environment. The Double Containment Tank is also called a concrete outer box and is often used where the risk of leakage is high, for instance, in environmentally sensitive areas or near populated regions.

• Cryogenic pressure tanks

  For very large-scale LNG storage - up to 5000 VST, up to 5000 VST, cylindrical Cryogenic pressure tanks with spherical and non-spherical storage tank shapes can be used. Spherical storage tank shapes are more rigid and have thicker walls, reinforcing walls that counteract internal pressure. Non-spherical storage tanks (like cylindrical) have thinner, more flexible walls, used in applications that need less rigidity and capacity to withstand lower pressure.

Specifications and maintenance of lng tanks

Specifications

• Materials used in lng storage tanks

  The building blocks of any lng tank are its materials. The usual options are stainless steel, aluminum alloys, or carbon steel.

• Tank types

  There are two main types of lng tanks: onshore and offshore. A cosecant-shaped structure called a membrane is used in onshore tanks. Another name for it is a "membrane tank." Full containment or CFS (Containment and Flexible-Ground Structure) through the use of a double-layered hull are other containment methods. Hollow concrete cylindrical tanks are among the other onshore storage facilities in addition to membrane and CFS types.

• storage capacity

  Monthly fluctuations in temperature as well as seasonal influences are two factors that necessitate huge storage ability for onshore lng storage facilities. Typically, offshore tanks have capacities ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 cubic meters, while onshore facilities do so from 100,000 to over 1 million cubic meters. Smaller, floating LNG tanks (FLNG) exist as well, with storage capacities under the sea in connection with coal and oil sellers.

lng tank maintenance

• Leak inspection and repair

  Continuing repair of any leaks by promptly notifying the system's distributors is a crucial movement for all parties. Everyone must be alert to leaks and rapidly respond to issues for LNG to operate securely and efficiently.

• Cleaning the outside of tanks

  Sand, dirt, and other materials with the air that frequently come into contact with the tank may corrode it. Weather circumstances may cause foreign particles to adhere to the LNG tank line. The corroded item could lead to a cargo loss and perception of life if nevertheless placed inside the machine. After three to six months, checking the tank and line segments outside and cleaning them will keep things healthy.

• Water and moisture control inside the tank

  Water and moisture within the tank must derive from the fuel that is exchanged and from water vapor in the air. Tank corrosion and fuel injection pump issues may occur as a result of too much moisture. In a common set-up, however, despite the presence of water, there remains sufficient separation from the water, allowing the tank to be clean. Using a dry fuel and low relative humidity in the environment is crucial, as is inspecting the fuel pumps for corrosion on a yearly basis.

Scenarios of LNG tanks

The demand for the lng storage tank in the market is high because it can help a company or industry to store liquefied natural gas for future use when the demand is high. Below are some usage scenarios where lng tanks are commonly found.

• Natural gas supply

  A lng tank can be found at a natural gas distribution or supply facility. This is a center that supplies various forms of natural gas to different industries. Storing the natural gas in a lng tank in this facility will help keep the gas in a liquid state until it is ready to be distributed. When demand is low, storing the gas in the tank will help it maintain its quality. Also, when the demand is high for the gas, quickly distributing it will be an easy task. Using a lng tank will help easily manage supply and demand for the natural gas.

• Gas transportation

  A lng tank can be found on a ship or tanker truck transporting gas. The gas is in a liquid state in the tank while it is being transported from an export facility to an import facility. If the import facility is far away from where the gas is produced, then using a lng tank will make transportation of the gas easier.

• Gas storage facility

  In a lng storage facility, gas is kept in large lng tanks. The storage facility is independent or close to a regasification terminal. If there is high demand for gas in the market, the lng storage facilities offer their supply. The tanks can safely hold the LNG for a further demand. Thus, companies or industries can make use of these storage facilities when they want to.

• Peak shaving plants

  In a peak shaving plant, lng tanks are used. The lng tanks are used to store excess LNG that has not been used or demanded. When the demand for gas is at its peak, the LNG in the tank can be regasified and supplied to the distribution network. This will help meet the high demand for the gas at that period. Utilizing an lng tank in a peak shaving plant will help balance the supply of the gas with the demand whenever it is needed.

• Lng export terminals

  Lng tanks are used at lng export terminal facilities. The terminal has a large lng tank that stores gas. The gas is exported to different countries through pipelines or ships.

How to choose lng tanks

When buying lng storage tanks, buyers need to consider a number of critical factors to ensure that they will get tanks that meet their unique needs.

• Application needs analysis

  To begin with, buyers need to identify and analyze their application needs. They need to clearly define their intended use of the lng tank. Also, they need to consider factors such as the type of product to be stored (e.g., industrial, coastal, or small-scale consumer) and their storage capacity needs. This typically leads to the selection of tank types that can meet specific application scenarios from various tank types and construction materials.

• Capacity and dimensions

  Based on the analysis of application needs, buyers need to choose the appropriate lng tank size to ensure that it can meet their storage capacity needs. They need to calculate their average consumption and storage requirements to determine the optimal capacity. In addition, they need to ensure that the dimensions of the tank can fit the installation space they have and meet relevant regulatory standards.

• Regulatory compliance

  Buyers need to ensure that the lng tank they choose complies with relevant regulations and standards in their region. Whether it's a construction material or a safety device, it must meet the required legislation and industry specifications. Buyers also need to consult with experts and legal advisors to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

LNG tank Q&A

Q1. What are the key characteristics of LNG tanks?

A1. LNG tanks' key characteristics are as follows.

• LNG cryogenic tankers are equipped with sophisticated insulation systems to maintain the low temperature of the gas and prevent it from boiling off.
• LNG tanks use various types of containment systems, including single, membrane, Moss, or SPB, to prevent liquid leakage and ensure safety.
• Generally, there are two parts of an LNG tank: the cargo hold and the engine room. The cargo hold is usually the lower part of the vessel and the main storage area for LNG; the engine room is where the ship's engines and machinery are located, including those that help to keep the LNG cold and prevent it from evaporating.
• LNG tanks can be designed for onshore or offshore storage, often available with large capacities and long-term storage solutions to meet different demands.

Q2. What is the purpose of an LNG tank?

A2. The primary purpose of the LNG tank is to store and transport liquefied natural gas safely and efficiently. In the process of changing natural gas into liquid gas, the temperature of the environment around natural gas has to be extremely low, about -162 degrees Celsius. When natural gas takes up less space, it is more convenient for storage and transportation. On the way to its final destination, the cryogenic temperature of the gas should remain very low to prevent it from turning back into gas.

Q3. What are LNG tanks made of?

A3. The materials used for LNG tanks depend on their types. Generally, the materials have extremely high durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand low temperatures.

LNG cryogenic tankers are usually made of carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, or special alloys.

Carbon steel is an alloy steel made from iron and carbon, which is widely used worldwide. However, due to the failure of low-temperature toughness, it is not adaptable to cryogenic environments. Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy that contains chromium and other alloying elements. It has higher corrosion resistance and lower thermal conductivity, making it suitable for cryogenic storage. Aluminum alloys are metal materials made from aluminum and other alloy elements such as copper, zinc, and magnesium, boasting light weight, high strength, and corrosion resistance. Aluminum alloys are ideal for cryogenic applications because they have low thermal conductivity and high toughness. Special alloys are also designed and developed for cryogenic applications.

Q4. How does an LNG tank work?

A4. LNG tanks work differently according to their types. A membrane LNG tank works by having the LNG boil off into vapor through the tank's thin membrane. The vapor is then collected and sent to onboard combustion engines or regasification units for fuel. In this way, membrane LNG tanks effectively prevent the loss of LNG.

Q5. What are the advantages of LNG tanks?

A5. There are many advantages of LNG tanks.

• Excellent insulation: LNG tanks use cryogenic insulation materials to ensure that heat does not transfer to the inside of the tanks from the outside, thus keeping the temperature low nonstop.
• Long-term storage: For onshore storage facilities, such as an onshore LNG tank, this is especially important, and closed-loop storage systems can keep the gas in the liquid state for a long period, like several weeks or months.
• High safety: Thanks to advanced insulation and containment systems, LNG cryogenic tanks are considered one of the safest ways to store and transport natural gas.
• Durability: Many LNG tank materials can withstand harsh operating environments for a long time，LNG tanks and their parts can withstand most chemicals, UV rays, and other environmental factors.