The research on Cryotransfer – Development of a complete LNG transfer System was performed by TNO
The research on the development of a complete LNG transfer system is performed by TNO. This project, also known as Cryotransfer, is considered phase III of the LNG transfer hoses research program, but does not formally make part of the National LNG Safety Program due to the project duration.
This program aims at developing a full size, standardized bunker / truck loading system that will be safe to use and will include a flow measuring system that is accurate enough for custody transfer of the product. The work is divided over two work packages, i) tools for mechanical design of the standard transfer system and ii) prediction of pressure drop and measuring of the LNG mass flow through the system.
The mechanical work package is handling the following items:
- hose configuration data from the manufacturers;
- hose stiffness data from the hose manufacturers;
- hose and fitting loads from the transfer system designer in and output;
- hose shape and deformations supported by a hose configuration test program;
- Modelling of a non-linear elastic line model with dedicated hose fine element software.
The flow work package is focusing on:
- improved modelling for pressure drop through an LNG transfer system, specifically the friction coefficient as function of the absolute pressure;
- advice on standards and guidelines for pressure drop calculations in the engineering phase;
- a custody transfer system based on inline flow measurement (coreolis, ultrasonic, tank level);
- field tests being executed with different type of hoses (composite and metal) to support the modelling and the ultimate design of the total transfer system at the facility of Rolande in Utrecht.
The program is made possible by a grant from TKI Gas and is expected to be fully completed in June 2016. The results will be used amongst others by RIVM during 2016 to review the failure frequencies of the hoses, used in the calculation models for the QRAs of LNG refuelling stations, together with the results of the other two sub-activities in this main activity ‘LNG transfer system research’.
The results of this research of TNO will become availlabe at a later time.
