KOGAS
KOGAS built the world’s first fully membrane-protected LNG storage tank at Jeju LNG Terminal in 2019.
The type of LNG storage tank is internationally standardized, applying the 9% nickel steel method and the membrane method, which are constructed by most countries around the world. KOGAS Research Institute has designed a 9% nickel steel tank for use at home and abroad. We designed the world’s first super-capacity tank of 270,000 kL, installed it in the Samcheok LNG Terminal, and exported it to the Singapore Terminal. As international standards were enacted in 2010 to regard membrane type tanks as full containment type, a new market for membrane tanks emerged mainly in developed countries. Accordingly, KOGAS built a fully membrane-protected LNG storage tank at the LNG Terminal in 2014, and with the record of being the first in this field, KOGAS is pursuing future overseas projects.
With 72 LNG storage tanks, KOGAS has the world’s largest
LNG storage capacityb :
11.47 million kL. Since the construction
cost of
LNG storage tanks is so great that it accounts for half of the total LNG
terminal construction cost, increasing tank size, thereby reducing
construction costs and increasing site efficiency, is becoming a global
trend.
KOGAS has developed the next-generation ultra-large LNG storage
tank by actively utilizing LNG storage tank localization technology and
construction know-how acquired through existing research and
development.
We began the LNG storage tank localization development project in 1997.
We successfully developed a 9% nickel steel tank and two types of membrane tank following France and Japan’s lead after 5 years of R&D.
In 2005, we succeeded in developing a 200,000 kL storage tank, and it
has been installed in LNG terminal in Tongyeong and Pyeongtaek, and
has been in commercial operation since 2010.
In 2012, 270,000 kL LNG storage tank design technology was secured, and
three units are currently in operation at the Samcheok LNG terminal.
LNG storage tanks encompass a comprehensive engineering field that
incorporates various technologies such as process, machinery, civil
engineering, electricity, and piping.
Increasing tank size requires
development of design technology in mechanical and civil engineering.
KOGAS developed a super-capacity 270,000 kL LNG storage tank through
comprehensive review of the thickness of the steel sheet that can be
constructed in the inner tank, the rate of evaporation in the storage
tank, and seismic load. In particular, the design was strengthened to
accommodate earthquakes registering 7.0 on the Richter Scale (previously
6.5), and the optimal design was found allowing for both safety and
economy. The safety of the super-capacity LNG storage tank was verified
through international classification certification (DNV, Norway).
A larger storage tank means that a large amount of LNG can be stored at
once.
When the LNG storage tank at Samcheok LNG terminal was
constructed, a 270,000 kL storage tank was installed, saving
approximately KRW 70 billion in construction cost, compared with
conventional normal-sized storage tanks.
It is expected that this will have a
positive
impact on overseas liquefaction plant construction orders by improving
the usability of the terminal site as well as price competitiveness.
In
2014, a Korean consortium participated in the Singapore SLNG expansion
project, and successfully signed a contract for a 270,000 kL LNG storage
tank.