Cryogenic Post-tensioning

BBR Technology meets demand for LNG storage

Over the past few decades, world consumption of LNG - Liquefied Natural Gas - has increased more than five-fold and it is predicted that growth will continue to be very strong. The rising demand from large markets such as China and India, combined with the increasing popularity in a large number of other smaller markets has resulted in the development of many new LNG facilities throughout the world.

There are significant natural gas reserves globally and exploration companies are rapidly developing facilities for exporting the natural gas, with the corresponding receiving facilities being planned and built in emerging markets. With a timeframe of some 5-10 years for planning and construction, there is currently much activity underway in the LNG supply chain in preparation for current and predicted demands.

The growth in this sector has seen the development of significant LNG storage tank facilities for LNG exporters and importers. These massive storage tanks are essential for reception and safe storage of the liquid gas.

The storage temperature of LNG is -162ºC and is described as "cryogenic" conditions. The liquid occupies 600 times less space than natural gas in its gaseous state, making it practical to ship by ocean tanker. In addition, it is stable and safe because, even though compressed in volume, the liquid remains at normal atmospheric pressure. On land, LNG is stored in specially engineered and constructed double-walled storage tanks. At these temperatures, the requirements for the containment structures are very stringent and post-tensioned concrete tanks are ideally suited to the task.

The large concrete tank structures are extremely robust with significant amounts of prestressing required - all being designed and installed under tightly controlled quality conditions, with hardware requiring special certifications.

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