LNG sampling
LNG sampling with the ASaP LNG Sampling Systems. Our LNG Samplers are available as intermittent (composite) or continuous sampling systems and integrate seamlessly with all brands of LNG probe-vaporizers.
- 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 integrates seamlessly with all brands of LNG probe-vaporizers.
- The ASaP LNG Sampler System minimizes LNG transfer time at FSRU’s and LNG terminals.
- The ASaP LNG Sampler System is configurable to suit your (process) specific needs.
ASaP is a leading company specializing in the engineering and manufacturing of cutting-edge LNG Custody Transfer Systems (CTMS), LNG Probe-Vaporizers, advanced LNG Samplers, and precise NG analysis systems.
Table of contents
- LNG Sampling System specifications
- Intermittent or Continuous Samplers? The Differences
- LNG Sampler System and Phazer combination
- LNG sampling project satisfied customer
- LNG Sampler System predictive maintenance and operation with AIM
- What is the expert take on LNG sampling at low pressure?
- Theoretical background of LNG sampling at low pressure
- LNG Sampler System combined with LNG probe-vaporizer
- LNG sub-cooling
- LNG sampling test at a truck loading facility of Rolande LNG
- Results during actual ship-to-ship transfers
- Conclusions for LNG sampling at low pressure
- Keep your head cool with our LNG products & services
- Need help choosing your next LNG sampling solution?
LNG Sampling System specifications
ASaP supplies LNG Sampling Systems with auxiliary equipment in accordance with the following technical specifications:
- Sampling system wetted parts: Material SS316
- Size (H x W x D) starting from: 2000 x 1600 x 500 mm
- Material: including Glass Reinforced Polyester
- Weight approximately: starting from: 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
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.
Small footprint
- Small footprint (1.6 x 0.5 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.
Intermittent or Continuous Samplers? The Differences
Intermittent LNG Sampling System
An intermittent or composite LNG sampling system is a method used to collect representative samples of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) at specific intervals or during a defined period. The process involves taking multiple samples over time and combining them to create a composite sample, which represents the average characteristics of the LNG during the sampling duration. Here are the key differences, advantages, and disadvantages of the intermittent (composite) LNG sampling system:
- Cost-Effective: Intermittent sampling systems are generally more cost-effective to implement and maintain since they don’t require continuous sampling equipment.
- Simplicity: The intermittent system is relatively straightforward to set up and operate, making it accessible to a broader range of facilities and operators.
- Suitable for Batch Operations: It is well-suited for facilities with batch operations where composite samples can provide an accurate representation of the LNG during specific production runs.
Continuous Waterless LNG Sampling System
A continuous waterless or membrane LNG sampling system is a method used to obtain real-time samples of LNG without the need for water or other liquid-based sampling techniques. This system utilizes a gas-permeable membrane to extract vapor-phase LNG components for analysis. Here are the key differences, advantages, and disadvantages of the continuous waterless (membrane) LNG sampling system:
- Real-time Monitoring: The continuous waterless system offers immediate feedback on the LNG composition, making it ideal for situations where prompt analysis and decision-making are critical.
- High Precision: The real-time monitoring ensures high precision and accuracy of the data, allowing for precise control and adjustment of LNG processes.
- Minimal Delays: Since the system provides instant data, there are no delays in obtaining critical information about the LNG properties.
In summary, the choice between intermittent (composite) LNG sampling and continuous waterless (membrane) LNG sampling depends on specific requirements, budget constraints, and the level of real-time data needed. The intermittent system is more cost-effective and suitable for batch processes, while the continuous waterless system offers real-time precision but comes with higher costs and complexity.
LNG Sampler System and Phazer combination
For applications as described like the Challenger FSRU, the ASaP LNG Sampler System and the Phazer Cryogenic Probe-Vaporizer 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 gas chromatograph. In this step, it is usually partial or pre-vaporization that leads to erratic readings. The 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 ASaP Phazer and LNG Sampler System combination represents.
LNG sampling project satisfied customer
“At the request of ASaP this letter may serve as reference.
It is the most advanced design which is currently commercially available on the market. It is the only LNG vaporizer and sampling system which take care for a subcooling of the sample before vaporization. The flange connection avoids any unnecessary heat leak on the sample transfer to the LNG vaporizer system. Due to the flexible design on the orifice and heater system, the flow can be easily adjusted to the process requirements as well as to the required flow rate to overcome the natural heat input to the sample.
There are no moving parts, and it is flexible in configuration. Installation work on site is expected to be kept to a minimum. Operational and maintenance costs are predicted to be minimal. The ASaP solution appears to be the perfect match for a happy customer from the Middle East with regards to technical requirements, flexibility and planning. A return on investment of 1 to 2 weeks is predicted.
The functionality of the system was tested, and the outcome is above expectation. Even without proper insulation on the transfer part, the contact temperature on the bottom part (close to the hot section) was found to be below -150°).”
– Quote from the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT)
LNG Sampler System predictive maintenance and operation with AIM
LNG Sampler System predictive maintenance is integrated with ASaP’s proprietary Analyzer Information Module. AIM predictive maintenance and analyzer data collection software has been developed in-house by ASaP’s engineering team and can be implemented with any brand or type of analyzer available in any analyzer system, new or retrofit. With AIM in our LNG Sampler System, we are able to provide the user with one interface for all data, information, parameters, alarms and diagnostics, while integrating specific LNG applications such as LNG probe-vaporizer performance, LNG Sampler System control and analyzer performance.
Customers will now benefit not only from a superior analysis performance, but also from an easy-to-use operator interface and diagnostic functions that are not available in similar packages.
What is the expert take on 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 states:
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.”
But what if the LNG will be 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.
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.
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.
The combined Probe/Vaporizer (CPV) consists of three main sections as given in the illustration below.
The main sections and their functions are;
- Cold section: extract a sample, created sub-cooled conditions, control flow, transport sample to vaporizer.
- Thermal expansion section: eliminated material stresses between the cold- and heater sections, increases flow in order to eliminate back mixing.
- 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.
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.
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 Phazer Cryogenic Probe-Vaporizers (commercial name of the combined probe and 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).
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.
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.
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.
The buying joined venture party applies a so-called Minimum Performance Criteria, in order to judge every LNG transferred cargo.
Based on the analytical data gathered from the Phazer Cryogenic Probe-Vaporizers following statistics were generated.
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.
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.
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 Cryogenic Probe-Vaporizer aging can be measured and trended with makes it beneficial for motor management control for LNG fueled engines.
Keep your head cool with our LNG products & services
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ASaP practical solutions
The practical solutions of ASaP are based 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 engineering, manufacturing, offshore service, analyzers, system integration, and cutting-edge LNG Custody Transfer Systems (CTMS), LNG Probe-Vaporizers, advanced LNG Samplers, and precise NG analysis systems. You are kindly invited to consult us on any analytical challenge!
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