LNG

Liquefied Natural Gas, or LNG, is becoming increasingly integral to the global energy landscape. LNG is primarily used to transport natural gas to markets that are difficult to reach, and it is then “regasified” and delivered as pipeline natural gas. This process enables the safe and efficient delivery of natural gas over large distances, thus allowing energy access to regions that would otherwise be inaccessible.

LNG is produced from methane (CH4), of which natural gas consists of almost 95%. The gas is cooled to -160°C through compression and condensation, expansion, and evaporation, after which it becomes liquid. Its liquefaction does not just make transportation easier but cuts down the volume of the gas drastically; in fact, liquefied natural gas takes up a volume that is 1/600th its gaseous form’s volume. This reduction in volume makes it more practical and safer to store and transport.

Efficient LNG transportation is critical and demands cutting-edge LNG piping solutions for industries, and the most effective method involves shipping the gas in specially designed LNG tankers. These tankers are equipped with thermally insulated tanks that maintain the gas in liquid form during transit.

The materials used to transport LNG have to be carefully selected so as to ensure safety and performance under extreme conditions. During transportation, LNG is in its liquid form, so there is no toxicity or corrosiveness risk, but it can become dangerous if it vaporizes; thus, it can cause explosions or emit thermal radiation.

Steel alloys containing 9% nickel are one of the best LNG pipeline solutions because:

• Ductility: They have a low transition temperature of the brittle-ductile, which means their ductility is retained to really low temperatures.
• Weldability: In addition to the toughness at low temperature, nickel steel alloys are weldable which determines how the LNG storage tanks and transportation vessels are constructed.
• Cryogenic Toughness: These alloys do not lose strength or resiliency up to -196°C. Such properties guarantee the safe and long-term transportation of LNG.

For the materials provided to remain functional for a long time, Hatco has partner manufacturers around the world to test each product strictly according to international quality standards. Hatco helps clients eliminate wasted time and excess inventory with the best LNG pipeline solutions when dealing with specific projects by only providing them with exactly what they need to be done.

Hatco’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is reflected in its ability to supply the most reliable and high-performing piping materials for liquefied natural gas. Whether it is sourcing critical alloys for LNG storage tanks or supplying specialized piping systems, Hatco continues to deliver the materials that enable safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly LNG transportation and storage.