Sealing expertise for LNG applications

LNG, securing energy supplies for a low-carbon future

There is no question that the transition to cleaner energy sources must succeed if we are to counteract the greenhouse effect. However, until the transformation of our global energy systems is complete, natural gas is the most important fossil fuel due to its comparatively low greenhouse gas emissions. Especially in the form of LNG, natural gas plays a crucial role in securing energy supplies and balancing out fluctuations in production. It is an important process material for industry and an alternative fuel for shipping and heavy-duty vehicles.

LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to -162 °C [-260 °F] and liquefied. This process reduces its volume by a factor of 600 and increases it energy density accordingly. This means it can be stored efficiently and transported over long distances by ship, truck or rail to anywhere in the world. As a result, LNG opens up new sources of supply and helps diversify the energy mix. In turn, countries that export LNG benefit from potential economic growth and gain in economic importance.

LNG – a climate-friendly alternative to fossil fuels

The carbon footprint of LNG depends heavily on the type of production, technical conditions and transportation distances. In principle, the use of LNG is significantly cleaner and therefore less harmful to the climate than the use of lignite, hard coal and crude oil. With the use of new and more efficient technologies, further reductions in emissions are possible in the future. The overall goal is to make LNG projects as low emission as possible.

1. Feed gas: Natural gas from underground wells, biomethane from biogas plants or green gas from power-to-gas plants (renewable energy).
2. Gas treatment: cleaning and separation of liquids and unwanted components.
3. Liqufaction of the gas by cooling to -162 °C [-260 °F].
4. Storage of LNG in cryogenic tanks and loading onto LNG carriers for sea transport to destination.
5. Storage in cryogenic tanks and/or transport to brakebulk terminals and loading onto tankers, bunkers or rail tank cars for delivery to bunkering and fueling stations (truck and ship fuel) and industry.
6. Regasification: heating the LNG and converting it back to natural gas.  
7. Injection into the natural gas grid to provide electricity and heat to homes, power plants, commerce and industry. 

EagleBurgmann:
Expert sealing support through the entire LNG value chain

Ever since natural gas (and thus LNG) heralded the third energy transition after coal and oil more than 50 years ago, EagleBurgmann has also been shaping the market for gas-lubricated mechanical seals. As one of the leading system suppliers of superior sealing technology, we now serve original equipment manufacturers, EPC companies and plant operators around the world.

In the production, transportation and use of LNG, it is particularly important to avoid incidents and environmental damage caused by gas spills.

Our proven solutions, unique products and comprehensive services help energy and industrial customers minimize operating costs, maximize uptime and ensure the safety of pumps, compressors and specialty equipment. We also provide consulting, engineering and valuable technical support.

An international team of experienced engineers with special project expertise is at your disposal for projects involving the rapid development and expansion of the global LNG infrastructure. Here you find out why it pays to involve EagleBurgmann as a qualified sealing partner right from the start.

LNG production at the export terminal

Several steps are required to produce LNG from natural gas. But not all natural gas is the same. As a mixture of substances, it varies in composition and quality depending on its origin. The same applies to renewable substitutes such as biogas, synthetic gas or power-to-gas.

As an integral part of an LNG production facility, centrifugal compressors are of particular importance. This is especially true in the areas of gas processing and gas liquefaction. Compressor seals from EagleBurgmann make an important contribution to the safe, efficient and clean operation of the plant.

More and more LNG production plants are also integrating CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) units into their projects to make them more sustainable. EagleBurgmann also offers proven sealing solutions for this technology, which we design perfectly to meet individual requirements. Learn more about our sealing expertise for CCUS applications here.

LNG transport by LNG carriers (LNGC)

Much of the international natural gas trade is now conducted in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Specially designed LNG carriers are utilized for long-distance maritime transportation.

Prior to loading, the tanks are cooled down to prevent thermal shock and excessive boil-off-gas during loading. Loading is performed using cryogenic loading arms or special hoses. The resulting boil-off gas is collected and either returned to the liquefaction process (reliquefaction) or used as fuel in the gas turbines of the liquefaction plants. The boil-off gas produced during ship transport is used to fuel the propulsion engines.

The pumps and compressors used must be equipped with mechanical seals specially designed for the low temperatures. EagleBurgmann has extensive experience in this field. We have already equipped a large number of boil-off gas management systems with the appropriate sealing technology.

Regasification of LNG and provision at the import terminal

In order for liquefied natural gas to be made available as natural gas at its intended destination, it must be returned to its gaseous state. This is done in special regasification terminals. Heat is gradually introduced to the cryogenic LNG through heat exchangers and vaporizers until it reaches its boiling point and vaporizes. Compressors are employed to regulate the pressure until the gas has acquired the requisite properties for subsequent utilization.

The LNG regasification process generates refrigeration that can be utilized for other processes. For instance, conventional refrigeration systems for cold storage or shock freezing can be supplanted, thereby reducing operating costs.

Consequently, liquefied natural gas has been increasingly traded as a final product in recent years. For this purpose, the LNG is first broken down into smaller quantities at break-bulk terminals, where it is then made available to industry as a process material. Additionally, LNG is employed as a fuel in the transportation sector.

We are the trusted sealing technology partner for the industrial and gas sectors, including LNG, worldwide.

EagleBurgmann is convinced that the path to a low-carbon future must rest on several pillars, and that LNG plays a crucial role, both today and in the future. To ensure the success of the green transformation in the years to come, we are leveraging our expertise and high standards of service and excellence to support this important issue.

Our extensive experience, innovative strength, and broad portfolio of superior sealing technologies can benefit your LNG project as well.