ExxonMobil licenses innovative LNG storage tank technology
Posted: 10 January 2004
ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company announced today that it has
licensed a patented liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tank technology
to UK-based Skanska Whessoe, a leading engineering, procurement
and construction contractor with specialized, worldwide experience
in storage and handling of low-temperature fluids. This new innovation
in LNG storage technology, called modular tanks, offers the potential
for significant cost savings and faster construction times for LNG
import and export terminals.
The technology employs modern shipyard fabrication practices and
a scalable, modular design to provide a full-containment LNG storage
system. The tanks have been designed and rigorously evaluated for
a wide range of conditions including earthquake prone areas of the
Pacific-rim, North America, and Europe.
ExxonMobil's modular tanks are fully compatible with the design
standards and criteria currently being considered for use at LNG
import terminals worldwide. To provide a high degree of safety,
the inner, nickel/steel, and the outer, reinforced, prestressed
concrete tanks of the modular storage system are liquid and gas
tight, and independently capable of containing the stored LNG.
The modular LNG storage tank system is another example of ExxonMobil's
extensive LNG technology development program contributing to the
company's expanding LNG business. While currently participating
in the production of about 20 percent of the world's LNG, ExxonMobil
is leveraging its LNG experience, technology and worldwide gas marketing
processes to rapidly grow its LNG portfolio.
Significant new applications of LNG technology are being planned
for ExxonMobil's joint venture projects with Qatar Petroleum that
are developing resources from Qatar's giant North field. These include
the world's largest liquefaction trains, each producing about 7.8
million tons annually (MTA) of LNG, surpassing the current industry-record
4.7 MTA trains in RasGas II, which is also a joint venture project
between Qatar Petroleum and ExxonMobil. The LNG from these large
trains will be transported to market via a new generation of very
large LNG carriers.
ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company is the upstream research unit
of Exxon Mobil Corporation (www.exxonmobil.com),
a leading global oil, natural gas and petrochemicals company with
operations in nearly 200 countries and territories. ExxonMobil leads
the industry in upstream technology development and application.
From its U.K. base, Skanska Whessoe (www.skanska.co.uk)
operates worldwide to design and build tanks and terminals for the
LNG/LPG market and is also in the business of associated gas treatment,
fluid handling and storage systems.
Posted by Richard Price,
Editor Pipeline Magazine
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