Pressure resistance of the corrugated stainless steel membranes of LNG carriers

Corrugated stainless steel membranes have been used as the primary barriers for LNG carriers to reduce thermal stresses at cryogenic temperatures. As the capacity of the LNG cargo is increased, however, the corrugated stainless steel membranes suffer from buckling and collapse due to increased sloshing loads in large-capacity LNG cargo carriers. In this study, the pressure resistance of the corrugated part of the stainless steel membrane was evaluated using a finite element method for better design of the LNG containment system, and an experimental equipment was developed and the pressure resistance of the stainless steel corrugations was measured and compared with the calculated results. In addition, a new membrane with high-pressure resistance and its reinforcing method were developed and evaluated experimentally.     

The effects of LNG-tank sloshing on the global motions of LNG carriers

The coupling and interactions between ship motion and inner-tank sloshing are investigated by a time-domain simulation scheme. For the time-domain simulation, the hydrodynamic coefficients and wave forces are obtained by a potential-thoery-based three-dimensional (3D) diffraction/radiation panel program in frequency domain. Then, the corresponding simulations of motions in time domain are carried out using convolution integral. The liquid sloshing in a tank is simulated in time domain by a Navier–Stokes solver. A finite difference method with SURF scheme is applied for the direct simulation of liquid sloshing. The computed sloshing force and moment are then applied as external excitations to the ship motion. The calculated ship motion is in turn inputted as the excitation for liquid sloshing, which is repeated for the ensuing time steps. For comparison, we independently developed a coupling scheme in the frequency domain using a sloshing code based on the linear potential theory. The hydrodynamic coefficients of the inner tanks are also obtained by a 3D panel program. The developed schemes are applied to a barge-type FPSO hull equipped with two partially filled tanks. The time-domain simulation results show similar trend when compared with MARIN's experimental results. The most pronounced coupling effects are the shift or split of peak-motion frequencies. It is also found that the pattern of coupling effects between vessel motion and liquid sloshing appreciably changes with filling level. The independent frequency-domain coupled analysis also shows the observed phenomena.     

Reliability based approach for offloading operation related to motion of two side-by-side moored LNG carriers

A reliability based approach for analysis of offloading operations with two identical LNG carriers moored in a side-by-side configuration is suggested. The approach, although adopted for two tankers, is generally applicable to different types of LNG terminals. Different heading controls are conceivable for the discharging vessel in the case that the heading is not fixed: heading toward wind-sea, heading toward swell, heading toward wind and free weather vaning. The analyses show that heading toward the governing sea state is the most beneficial option for two identical LNG carriers moored in a side-by-side configuration. Strategies are discussed for estimation of limiting weather criteria that are consistent with prescribed target failure probabilities.     

Multi-objective optimisation of a floating LNG terminal

The paper presents a comprehensive multi-objective hydrodynamic optimisation procedure and its application to the early design of a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal for improved seakeeping and wave attenuation characteristics on its lee side. Genetic algorithms are used to find the Pareto optima designs followed by multi-objective decision making procedures to select the optimum design among them. The paper addresses the definition of the relevant optimisation problem and the set-up and interface of relevant software tools, presents results of systematic studies with respect to the minimisation of the motion responses and wave elevation on the leeward side of free-floating terminals and concludes with analysis and critical review of the obtained results and their impact on terminal design.     

Availability of offloading from an LNG barge

Long-term data sets are discussed for three locations – a southern North Sea location, where sea states are typically dominated by wind-sea conditions, a Northwest Shelf of Australia location, where sea states are often a mix of wind-sea and swell conditions, and a Guinea Gulf location offshore Nigeria, where sea states are dominated by swell. Various types of sea state statistics that have application to availability studies are presented; but databases of these type that also include wind and current data can also be used to estimate response parameters, which can give a more direct assessment of availability, and some example statistics of these are also given. Finally, the availability of offloading an FLNG barge to carrier is evaluated for each of the data sets, for specific operability criteria. Two types of operability criteria are used in the availability evaluations, and the results compared.     

浮式海上接收终端方案研究

分析国内外海上LNG接收终端的发展趋势和需求状况,针对目前受广泛关注的FSRU形式,提出了适合国内应用的旧船改造浮式海上接收终端方案,包括储存、系泊、气化、发电、辅助设施等系统,以及工艺系统的模拟方案,并论述了海上浮式终端的各种改造、建造技术以及存在的问题,为国内进一步开展海上接收终端的设计和建设提供参考。     

Us public and private regulation of LNG transport

The authors examine the propositions that the private banking sector is capable of assuring that liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects are economically viable and that the insurance sector is capable of rating the relative risks of LNG projects to assure their operations are as safe as possible. If the markets could assure these outcomes, government regulation of LNG projects could be reduced. Reviews of public and private regulation of safety and economic viability suggest that the private sector cannot serve these functions adequately. Unless private financial and insurance enterprises are induced by government regulations to smooth their own operating cycles, private self-regulation of major new developments is unlikely to be effective. In the case of LNG, the red tape of governmental bureaucracy may have prevented the large-scale development of costly, potentially hazardous, white elephants, but for all the wrong reasons.     

基于谱分析LNG船典型热点疲劳可靠性分析

研究LNG船在疲劳载荷作用下应力热点的疲劳可靠性。通过整船有限元分析得到不同浪向角规则波中各热点的应力频响函数,用谱分析法确定各热应力点在各短期海况下的应力范围模型,进而通过长期预报,用Weibull分布对各热点应力范围分布模型进行拟合并探讨热点型式和受载特性对参数变化的影响。基于线性累积损伤理论,利用S-N曲线计算各热点的疲劳累积损伤值并建立极限状态方程,评估LNG船舯部典型热点的疲劳可靠性和结构的疲劳安全性。针对不同热点讨论了应力范围长期分布函数—Weibull分布参数的取值对典型热点可靠性指标的影响,并给出典型热点目标可靠性指标和长期应力范围极值之间的关系以用于指导设计和安全性评价。     

海上LNG接收终端技术方案研究

论述海上LNG接收终端FSRU的技术方案,并且针对国内LNG产业发展特点,提出适合国内应用的FSRU技术方案.包括FSRU接收、储存和再气化系统,YSM单点系泊系统,规定FRSU卸料系统作业条件,为进一步解决海上LNG终端的设计和建造问题提供参考.     

Influence of weight distribution on rolling of an LNG carrier

The paper discusses the various effects of the weight distribution on the roll motion of an LNG carrier based upon model tests results. The tests consisted of extinction tests in calm water as well as roll response tests in regular beam waves.The results of the wave tests were compared with those calculated with the much used simplified equation for pure rolling.     

Fatigue strength assessment of MARK-III type LNG cargo containment system

The aim of this paper is to investigate the fatigue strength of the GTT Mark-III type LNG insulation system. The LNG insulation system consists of several composite layers with various connections; plywood, triplex, reinforced polyurethane foam and mastic. Consequently, the LNG insulation system may include mechanical failures such as cracks as well as delaminations within the layers due to sloshing impact loads and fatigue loadings. In addition, these failures may cause a significant decrease of structural integrity. In this study, a series of fatigue tests have been carried out for Mark-III type LNGC insulation systems at room temperature considering the effect of sloshing impact. The load levels have been determined based on the ultimate strength of reinforced polyurethane foam. The aim of the study is to investigate the typical failure characteristics of the MARK-III LNG insulation system and to obtain the S–N data under fatigue loading. A consolidated single S–N curve is obtained based on a systematic finite element procedure. Future use of the S–N data in fatigue analysis requires that the response analysis is carried out using a finite element model with the same mesh density and material properties. This study can be used as a fundamental study for the fatigue assessment of the LNGC insulation system as well as a design guideline.     

考虑晃荡效应的独立B型LNG液舱结构多目标优化

独立B型LNG液舱内部设置舱壁板材及多种桁材,有效缓解了液舱晃荡效应。针对晃荡载荷下的独立B型LNG液舱结构多目标优化,利用规范中的公式计算晃荡载荷,并引入液舱晃荡系数,以期综合反映液舱内部构件对晃荡特性的影响,在此基础上进一步建立以液舱结构重量和液舱晃荡系数为目标的多目标优化模型,采用多目标遗传算法(NCGA),计算得到改进的独立B型LNG液舱结构设计方案。     

Open sea berths for liquid bulk carriers

The transfer of liquid bulk through flexible transfer lines can be accomplished despite relatively large ship motions. For this reason, open sea berth terminals have replaced conventional harbors in many places. The thorough understanding of moored ships dynamics when subjected to waves, wind and currents, combined with the use of flexible dolphins, flexible fenders, asymmetric constant-tension winches and nylon tails permit us to design open sea berth terminals for relatively exposed areas. The design of an integrated system of marine sensors to continuously monitor all the critical elements-ship motion and mooring and fender forces-will enhance the operational procedure whilst insuring safe operations. A berth code can then be established for insuring the maximum efficiency of the terminal on the basis of the measurement of these critical elements.     

A probabilistic assessment of design sloshing pressure time histories in LNG tanks

The violent motion (sloshing) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in cargo tanks has attracted significant attention. Transformations of the LNG market have led to the increased transport of LNG in partially filled tanks, but established technology is mainly based on engineering experience with completely filled containers. This paper investigates a large sample of sloshing pressure measurements. It focuses on the magnitude of individual sloshing impact events, and their associated temporal and spatial patterns. The durations of these impacts are comparable to the natural frequency of an LNG container wall, so the details of their time histories are important in determining the structural response. Experiments are performed on tanks with high (92.5%) and low (30%) filling levels, for various wave headings. The common post-processing approach of representing impact pressure histories by a triangular profile is studied, and an alternative approach is presented. Two statistical models are used to describe the distribution of maximal pressures in sloshing impacts: a three-parameter Weibull model and a generalized Pareto model. The latter is found to be of questionable utility due to small sample sizes. It is observed that for low filling levels the sloshing impacts are of greater magnitude, having longer durations, smaller ratios of rise time to duration, and larger spatial extents. All these factors should in principle increase the structural response.     

A critique of offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal policy

The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 amended the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 to permit the construction of offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals. Terminals with environmentally destructive open-loop regasification systems were quickly approved in the Gulf of Mexico. This study analyzed the political methods of the George W. Bush administration to determine how it developed offshore LNG. Findings showed that the Bush administration worked closely with the energy industry to promote national energy security and limited the role of certain federal and state agencies through a centralized policy process.     

LNG低温复合软管疲劳特性及参数化分析研究

LNG低温复合软管具有强度高、重量轻、柔韧性好等优点,可以满足恶劣海况下LNG的输送需求,但其结构复杂,且面临多种耦合载荷作用下的疲劳失效问题。首先建立了LNG低温复合软管的有限元模型,研究了复合软管在弯曲和内压载荷下的力学响应和弯曲疲劳寿命特性;然后改变螺旋钢丝直径、预紧间距、导程和纤维层数及摩擦系数等参数,对软管的弯曲疲劳寿命进行了参数化分析。结果表明预紧间距、导程和纤维层数对复合软管的疲劳损伤影响显著：预紧间距增大时,复合软管疲劳损伤先增大后减小;导程减小或者层数增加时,复合软管的疲劳损伤会明显减小;摩擦系数对疲劳损伤几乎没有影响。研究成果可为低温复合软管的结构设计提供理论参考。     

A parametric sensitivity study on LNG tank sloshing loads by numerical simulations

A series of parametric sensitivity studies on unmatched dimensionless scale parameters is carried out on the liquified natural gas (LNG) tank sloshing loads by using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) program. First, a brief dimensional analysis is conducted to identify the governing and non-matched non-dimensional parameters, assuming that Froude scaling law is adopted. Then the sensitivity of impact pressure is checked through numerical simulations against non-matched parameters, such as fluid viscosity, liquid-gas density ratio, and ullage pressure and compressibility. The CFD simulations are also verified against experimental results. It is concluded that the effects of viscosity and density ratio are insignificant, while the compressibility of ullage space plays an appreciable role, as was pointed out by Bass et al. [Bass, R.L., Bowles, E.B., Trudell, R.W., Navickas, J., Peck, J.C., Yoshimura, N., Endo, S., Pots, B.F.M., 1985. Modeling criteria for scaled LNG sloshing experiments. Transactions of the ASME 107, 272-280].     

Experimental study of aerodynamic loads on an LNG carrier and floating platform

Results of experimental study of aerodynamic forces acting on two ship models are presented and discussed in this paper. Measurements have been performed in a wind tunnel utilizing floating LNG platform and LNG carrier models. Tests were carried out for different cases of the position and location of the models, starting from testing single models at full range of flow attack angles and finishing with investigation of interaction effects between two vessels in wind condition. Results are presented in the graphical form of the plots for the surge and sway force and yaw moment coefficients and compared with some other experimental data and estimates obtained with the help of a generic approximate method.