LNG sampling with the ASaP LNG Sampler System

LNG sampling with the ASaP LNG Sampler System logo

ASaP engineers and manufactures LNG analysis and LNG sampling systems with a wide variety of gas analyzing and LNG sampling options and solutions.

  • The ASaP LNG Sampler System conforms to ISO 8943:2007
  • The ASaP LNG Sampler System is available as an Intermittent or Continuous system
  • The ASaP LNG Sampler System is configurable to suit your (process) specific needs
  • The ASaP LNG Sampler System minimizes LNG transfer time at FSRU’s
  • The ASaP LNG Sampler System integrates seamlessly with all brands of LNG probe-vaporizers
LNG sampling with the ASaP LNG Sampler System
LNG Sampler System
LNG sampling with the ASaP Waterless Continues LNG Sampling System
Waterless Continues LNG Sampling System

LNG Sampler System combination

ASaP LNG Sampler System brochure
ASaP LNG Sampler System brochure

For applications as described like the Challenger FSRU, the ASaP Phazer and LNG Sampler System combination is used for custody transfer of LNG with compliance to G.I.I.G.N.L., ISO 8943, tested against EN 12838.

The most critical part in such a system is the LNG probe-vaporizer that provides the natural gas to the GC. In this step, it is usually partial or pre-vaporization that leads to erratic readings. The ASaP Phazer is the only LNG probe-vaporizer in the world that provides verifiable accurate and representative LNG samples and can do this with a transfer pressure as low as 0,5 barg

The financial impact of such wrong readings can be enormous, which is why the industry is now globally recognizing the value that the Phazer or a Phazer and LNG Sampler combination represents.

ASaP supplies this LNG sampling system with auxiliary equipment in accordance with the following technical specifications:

LNG Sampler System specifications

LNG sampling with the ASaP LNG Sampler System software
Intuitive LNG Sampler System controller software
  • Sampling System wetted parts : Material SS316Size (H x W x D) approximately : 2000 x 1600 x 500 mm
  • Material : Glass Reinforced Polyester
  • Weight Approximately : 350 kg
  • Hazardous Area classification : II 2 G ATEX Ex Zone 1 IIB T3
  • Ambient temperature range : -20°C to 50°C
  • Filling pressure Sample Cylinders : approximately 8 barg

Waterless Continuous LNG Sampling System

ASaP completed the delivery of their new, Waterless Continuous LNG Sampling System. Unique features for the system are:

Small footprint

  • Small footprint (2.5 x 0.6 m) compared to other continuous type LNG sampling systems.
  • Can be utilized even onboard offshore constructions if mandatory.
  • Whole LNG Sampling System installed inside SS316 cabinet.

Sample integrity

  • Superior sample flushing; proven both by design and testing. The amount of residual sample gas from the previous batch was tested to be 0.0028%.
  • Internal mixer in sample holder ensures homogeneous sample being transferred to sample containers, even during very long sample batches.
  • Possible option to execute SilcoNert® coating on sample wetted parts.

Reliability

  • Depending on available LNG loading line pressures the LNG Sampling System can be provided without compressors, hence resulting in lower demand for maintenance.
  • Full system self-test functionality on start-up ensures trouble free collection of the sample during cargo transfer operations.
LNG sampling with the ASaP LNG Sampler System Waterless Continuous LNG Sampling System 02

LNG sampling at low pressure

A typical LNG mixture start to boil at -260°F (-162°C) at atmospheric pressure. For an application like LNG sampling at low pressure with ship-to-ship LNG (custody) transfers, the typical pressures in the cross over manifolds are below 1 barg. This means that the LNG nearly start to reach its boiling point prior entering the sample probe.

ISO 8943: 2007 stated;

Quote ”

Sample probe

6.2.1 Sample probes shall be located at points in the pipeline where the LNG is in a sub-cooled condition.

The degree of sub-cooling at a sampling point shall be ascertained by observation of the temperature and pressure of the LNG at that point and comparing the temperature with the boiling point of the LNG at the same pressure as calculated from the composition of the LNG (see Annex A). In the case of multiple transfer lines, the sample probe shall be located downstream of the manifold, if one exists. Otherwise, each line shall be provided with a sampling point. Where multiple lines are provided with individual sampling points and the flow rates in the respective lines differ, the flow rate in each line shall be measured and the sample flows made proportional to these rates.

6.2.2 Sample probes shall be located at a point where the degree of sub-cooling is high.”

Unquote

But what if the LNG will is near its bubble point and could never reach a sub cooled or a minimal sub-cooled condition?

How is it possible to sample representatively and vaporize to a homogeneous gas mixture for sampling and analysis purpose?

The solution is known and possible by sub-cooling the LNG probe and transfer line to its vaporizer by using the LNG’s latent heat or enthalpy. This paper will describe how sub cooling can be done by a combined Probe/Vaporizer.

LNG sampling with the ASaP LNG Sampler System Ship-to-ship LNG (custody) transfers
Ship-to-ship LNG (custody) transfers

Theoretical background of LNG sampling at low pressure

Based on a composition of natural gas and its Equation of State (EoS) a phase diagram can be generated as shown below. Based on the Peng-Robinson EoS, the LNG temperature must be below its bubble point (light blue line) prior to the LNG entering the vaporizer. This is what is called the sub-cooled region. The degree of sub-cooling is a function of the LNG composition, temperature and pressure.

Figure 1: Phase diagram typical LNG composition
Figure 1: Phase diagram typical LNG composition

So the lower the LNG pressure, the closer the LNG will be to its bubble point.

LNG sampler system combined with LNG probe-vaporizer

In order to sample and vaporize LNG properly with the lowest uncertainty it is essential to keep the distance between the tip of the probe till the vaporizer as short as possible. As a matter of fact the vaporizer should be close-coupled with the probe without having thermal flow from the heater to the probe.

The photo and figures below illustrate suits an close couple probe-vaporizer.

Figure 2: Closed coupled P/V in horizontal position, shown without weather protection
Figure 2: Closed coupled P/V in horizontal position, shown without weather protection
LNG sampling at low pressure closed coupled vertical position

The combined Probe/Vaporizer (CPV) consists of three main sections as given in the illustration below.

Figure 4: Schematic diagram combined Probe/Vaporizer
Figure 4: Schematic diagram combined Probe/Vaporizer

The main sections and their functions are;

  1. Cold section: extract a sample, created sub-cooled conditions, control flow, transport sample to vaporizer.
  2. Thermal expansion section: eliminated material stresses between the cold- and heater sections, increases flow in order to eliminate back mixing.
  3. Heater section: flash evaporate LNG and mix the natural gas to a homogeneous mixture.

During the transfer from the tip of the probe to the vaporizer entrance must maintain a 100% bubble free liquid (LNG) state. The only way to achieve this to transport the sample under sub-cooled conditions. This apply for all cases but especially in the case of LNG sampling at low pressure while it reaches its boiling point.

LNG sub-cooling

In order to create sub-cooling, a small proportion of LNG is used. In the illustration below the dark blue line is representing the LNG needed for analysis. A slipstream of the LNG is filling a container around the LNG for analysis, represented by the light blue area. The light blue area is exposed to atmospheric pressure or the Boil Off Gas (BOG) header pressure.

Figure 5: sub cooling of LNG sample transport
Figure 5: sub cooling of LNG sample transport

By lowering the pressure of the LNG used for sub-cooling, the LNG will start to boil. In order to start to boil the LNG needs energy. Since it is an adiabatic system, the energy needs to come from its surroundings and its core, which is the LNG transfer line for analysis.

Figure 6: Enthalpy diagram
Figure 6: Enthalpy diagram

In the enthalpy diagram above the maximum degree of sub cooling is given and expressed as -5000 J/kg.

LNG sampling test at a truck loading facility of Rolande LNG

In order to prove the theory and visualize the power of sub cooling, a test was performed at a truck loading facility of Rolande LNG in The Netherlands.

Two identical Phazers (commercial name of the combined Probe/Vaporizer) where installed at the filling manifold. Both Phazers were sampling the exact same LNG at the same time. The vaporized LNG of both Phazer were analyzed by the same analyzer (switching between the two Phazers).

LNG sampling at low pressure

By one of the Phazers the sub-cooling was shut-off (Phazer 1) while the other Phazer was in operation with sub-cooling (Phazer 2).

Figure 7: Both Phazers installed at filling manifold at Rolande LNG
Figure 7: Both Phazers installed at filling manifold at Rolande LNG

The results of the ethane concentration reading in the graph below show clearly that Phazer 1 start have negative influence of pre-vaporization while Phazer 2 has a perfect reading due to sub-cooling of the sample.

Figure 8: Measuring results of ethane of Phazers without and with sub-cooling
Figure 8: Measuring results of ethane of Phazers without and with sub-cooling

Results during actual ship-to-ship transfers

In the period from march till end October nearly every week a ship-to-ship transfer took place on the FSRU moored in Dubai. The FSRU is shown on the photo below on the right hand side.

LNG sampling with the ASaP LNG Sampler System Ship-to-ship LNG (custody) transfers 2
Figure 9: StS LNG transfer in progress

Below the trend of the Gross Calorific Value is given during the offloading of the LNG. It is important to mention that the LNG transfer pressure was as low as 0,8 barg.

Figure 10: GCV trend line at 0,8 barg
Figure 10: GCV trend line at 0,8 barg

The buying joined venture party applies a so-called Minimum Performance Criteria, in order to judge every LNG transferred cargo.

Figure 11: Phazers versus Minimum Performance Criteria
Figure 11: Phazers versus Minimum Performance Criteria

Based on the analytical data gathered from the Phazers following statistics were generated.

Figure 12: cross section illustration of LNGC tank
Figure 12: cross section illustration of LNG carrier tank

The results were good and meet the minimum performance criteria, they also point to another interesting phenomenon; the enriching of the LNG, sometimes also called aging or weathering.

During the offloading of the LNG Carrier the level of LNG in all tanks is maximal which means that the vapor headspace above the LNG is minimal. The LNG and vapor headspace are in equilibrium with each other.

By transferring the LNG from the tanks of the LNG carrier, the vapor headspace volume becomes larger. This means that the equilibrium between the LNG and the vapor headspace is adjusted at every level. Consequently, the large the vapor headspace the more light-end molecules like methane and nitrogen will be in the vapor space. Actually the remaining LNG becomes richer.

This is exactly shown in the GCV trend line of figure 10.

So the whole data set is not suitable for statistics while it is not constant. In order to run proper statistics the data set must be divided into smaller intervals which are considered as constant.

Figure 13: Enlarged scale of GCV with smaller statistical intervals
Figure 13: Enlarged scale of GCV with smaller statistical intervals

It has been the first time that the customer observe such a trend which prove what they were always expecting, enriching of the LNG over time.

The data set was divided into small intervals of 7 measurements in order to compare to the minimum performance criteria. The statistical results are given below and it may be obvious that the results are exceeding the minimum performance criteria by far.

Figure 14: Corrected Phazer performance
Figure 14: Corrected Phazer performance

Conclusions for LNG sampling at low pressure

By the test and the actual ship to ship transferred gathered data it is proven that sub cooling is extremely beneficial and essential while vaporizing and LNG sampling at low pressure. It means that for LNG applications with higher pressures the same result will apply as well.

The phenomena of enriching the LNG during offloading a LNG carrier is also occurring at LNG storage tanks and LNG fuel tanks, in those cases it is often called weathering or aging of the LNG. With the performance of the Phazer aging can be measured and trended with makes it beneficial for motor management control for LNG fueled engines.

ASaP practical solutions

The practical solutions of ASaP are based on on decades of experience, specific education, knowledge of the team members and, last but not least, the joy in our work. The well-established and complementary ASaP package of services and products is an important contribution to the right solutions for your analytical needs. Moreover, the team spirit and the cooperation with specific partners give us the opportunity to design, build, locally install and commission tailor made analyzer systems for you. All these products and systems can be carried out according to the latest guidelines, such as ATEX.

ASaP is a reputable provider of analytical solutions; We can provide you with a full service package including analyzers, system integration etc. You are kindly invited to consult us on any analytical challenge! The Phazer is manufactured by ASaP, an ISO 9001:2015 certified company in the Netherlands.

Normec ASaP ISO 9001 2015
ASaP’s Quality Management Systems are audited according to the most recent guidelines of the NEN-EN-ISO 9001:2015 standard.
Normec ASaP ISO VCA
ASaP is VCA certified

Keep your head cool with our LNG products & services

Service engineer Vinicius Rossetti with LNG Sampler

LNG vaporizing, sampling, and analytical products

Time is money! Every hour an LNG carrier can sail away earlier from a FSRU will have a significant positive financial impact. So it is important that a FSRU can always operate at its maximum flow rate to minimize transfer time.

ASaP Phazer LNG Probe-Vaporizer

LNG probe-vaporizer for accurate LNG samples – The Phazer

The Phazer is the only cryogenic LNG probe-vaporizer that provides verifiably accurate and representative LNG samples from as low as 0,5 barg.

ASaP LNG Sampler - LNG Sampling System doors open

LNG sampling with the ASaP LNG Sampler System

ASaP engineers and manufactures LNG analysis and LNG sampling systems with a wide variety of gas analyzing and LNG sampling options and solutions.

ASaP AIM predictive maintenance software rugged tablet

Predictive maintenance software & analyzer data collection – AIM

AIM is easy to use predictive maintenance software and centralizes analyzer data collection for operators and reliability engineers similar to AMADAS to get insight into their measurement and analyzer equipment.

Natural gas analyzer ABB NGC8206 chromatograph

LNG analysis for LNG energy determination

The cycle time of traditional GC analyzers that are used for LNG analysis and energy determination is several minutes.

LNG sampling with the ASaP LNG Sampler System
Scroll to top