Title: Design and Construction Aspects of Post-Tensioned LNG Storage Tanks

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Publication: CIA

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Date: 2/13/2011

Abstract:
The growing world-wide use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) has seen the development of significant LNG storage tank facilities for LNG exporters and importers. These massive storage tanks are essential for receiving as well as safe storage of the liquid gas. The storage temperature of LNG is -162°C 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. 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. The design and construction techniques have been specially formulated for LNG tank construction and this paper will outline typical details as employed on various projects around the world.