DNV GL leads JIP on small scale LNG fueling risks

Dr. Mohammad Ahmad, Specialist Multiphase Flow – Gas Quality and Flow, DNV GL Oil & Gas

JULY 8, 2014 — To better understand the consequences of an accidental liquefied natural gas (LNG) release, DNV GL has been asked by industry to initiate a Joint Industry Project (JIP).  It will be run in collaboration with E&P companies and LNG market stakeholders. The JIP will contribute to the development of rigorous safety standards and guidelines for small scale LNG bunkering and filling stations. Other E&P and energy companies still have time to join the project.

LNG fuel use is evolving to include small-scale use as fuel for road transport and short sea vessels. Offering less emissions, reduced noise levels and competitive prices compared to other conventional bunker fuel like Marine Gas Oil (MGO).

DNV GL has already made steps forward to harmonize LNG bunkering operations by launching a Recommmended Practice which provides guidance on how LNG bunkering can be undertaken in a safe and efficient manner.

Challenges in the development of small scale LNG use include: quality management, material specification, metering and sampling methods and lack of safety standards and guidelines. To address this, regulatory authorities in European countries such as the Netherlands and U.K. are currently working on issuing standards for safe design, siting, construction and operation of LNG filling stations.

“The modeling community in Europe and risk assessment experts are uncertain about the capabilities of hazard tools in predicting LNG behavior in the event of an accidental release of liquefied natural gas,” says Dr. Mohammad Ahmad, Project Manager, DNV GL. “DNV GL is therefore teaming up with industry partners to simulate several credible failure scenarios at small-scale LNG bunkering and filling stations at our Spadeadam test center in the U.K. This will generate valuable data to create well verified and approved models which accurately predict the behaviour of LNG in any type of system failure.”

“This JIP will therefore contribute to the development of rigorous safety standards and guidelines for small scale LNG bunkering and filling stations,” Dr. Ahmad says.

The experiments at Spadeadam will gather data to study and understand LNG behavior (discharge, vaporization, dispersion and flammable effects) following a system failure (puncture/rupture of a transfer hose or catastrophic rupture of a storage tank). The experimental  program will also include tests of a demonstrative nature which are needed to quantify certain major hazards. The project will therefore provide information needed to carry out a quantitative risk assessment.

Industry players interested in further information about the JIP should contact: mohammad.ahmad@dnvgl.com