1.2.6 LNG Tank Maintenance and Routine Care Procedures
Operation technicians at Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) stations must be familiar with the structure and principles of the storage tanks, and strictly follow operational procedures for LNG-related activities.
2. Operators of liquefied natural gas must be familiar with the performance and principles of storage tank accessories (pressure gauges, level indicators, temperature gauges, vacuum test valves).
3. LiquefiedNatural Gas Storage TankThe outer cylinder is an external pressure vacuum vessel; welding operations under vacuum are strictly prohibited.
4. Regularly inspect the outer cylinder of storage tanks for signs of icing. Upon detection, promptly report to the on-duty supervisor and station master. The on-duty supervisor or station master should immediately contact the manufacturer to identify the cause and initiate immediate action. During the process, closely monitor the changes in icing conditions. If there is a tendency for the accident to escalate, immediately proceed with tank emptying or cease filling operations, and close the relevant emergency shut-off valves for inlet and outlet.
5. Regularly inspect the storage tank's connecting pipes and valves, observe for frost formation, and report any issues to the on-duty supervisor promptly. The supervisor will then arrange for personnel to address the situation.
6. Regularly inspect the tank's pressure gauge, level gauge, and thermometer to observe if the readings are normal.
7. Regularly inspect the sealing performance and operation of the connecting valves to ensure normal functioning.
8. Regularly calibrate safety valves, pressure gauges, level gauges, and thermometers according to regulations to ensure proper operation and timely update the equipment inventory.
9. Regularly perform anti-corrosion treatment on the outer cylinder of the storage tank and carry out visual cleaning and maintenance of the tank's pressure gauge, level gauge, and thermometer.
10. Regularly perform rust removal and anti-corrosion treatment on the easily corroded parts such as pressure gauges, level control instruments, and three-way valves of storage tanks.
11. Perform annual or on-site operational vacuum level checks for the storage tanks to monitor their operational status.
Storage Capacity and System Reform
"Addressing the supply gap at its root and successfully achieving the natural gas supply goals as planned still requires accelerating the reform of the oil and gas system, and improving the market mechanism design for aspects like gas storage." An industry expert openly stated.
In August, the National Energy Administration's Petroleum and Natural Gas Department, among other departments, released the "2017 China Natural Gas Development Report," stating that compared to developed countries in Europe and the United States, China still lags significantly in the construction of natural gas pipelines and underground gas storage facilities. As of the end of last year, China's pipeline mileage per 10,000 square kilometers of land area was approximately 70 kilometers, only 12% of the United States, and the underground gas storage facilities had a working gas volume of 6.4 billion cubic meters, accounting for only 3.1% of consumption, far below the global average of 10%. Han Xiaoping, the Chief Information Officer of China Energy Network, further explained that in Europe, the proportion of storage levels to consumption levels has reached 15%, while in the United States and Russia, the two major natural gas-producing countries, the storage volumes have reached 120 billion and over 70 billion cubic meters, respectively, accounting for 15.4% and 18.8% of consumption. The National Development and Reform Commission had also publicly stated that China's gas storage facilities have shown a slow construction pace and insufficient peak-shaving capacity, urgently requiring incentives for investment in the construction of gas storage facilities to enhance the guarantee of natural gas supply.
Han Xiaoping stated that the production cost of natural gas is higher than that of coal, and the level of pipeline construction for natural gas transportation needs improvement, with a higher waste rate along the route compared to coal transportation. The profitability of natural gas companies is not ideal. Whether to continue subsidizing natural gas companies and how to balance the benefits of natural gas companies with subsidies are among the reform challenges faced by various regions.
