Storage tanks for LNG distribution station in Klaipėda have undergone their first hydraulic tests
Klaipėdos nafta says considerable progress has been made in works on the LNG storage tanks of the Czech Republic building plant, Chart Ferox, a.s. This plant manufactures the LNG storage tanks for the ongoing project of the LNG distribution station in Klaipėda. Hydraulic Tests of the first LNG storage tank have started.
About 250 tons of steel have been cut and used in order to manufacture the first LNG storage tank, and this means that the weight of the storage tank is more or less the same as the weight of the steel used to make it. Once the very first LNG storage tank had been manufactured, it had to undergo hydraulic tests. It is estimated that the testing of one single storage tank will take about 48 hours.
Hydraulic tests are usually carried out only after the completion of all engineering, construction and production works and if it is necessary to test the quality of storage tanks. During the testing process, the tank is filled with water, and the water pressure is increased up to 12 bars. An observation of the storage tank welding seams is carried out by doing so.
“Today we were convinced that one of the first technological tests was being carried out successfully, therefore, these works that adhere to the plan clearly indicate that everything necessary to fully enable the testing of the LNG storage tanks will take place in Klaipėda and on time, i.e. in the first half of next year. It is also very important to note that Chart Ferox, a.s., a world leading company specialising in the manufacture of LNG technology equipment is currently working on this project already in progress. With that being said, it is obviously one of the most significant factors that will ensure that the LNG storage tanks will be manufactured in a reliable and timely manner and with a high level of quality,” said Mantas Bartuška, the General Manager of Klaipėdos nafta, AB, when observing the process of the hydraulic tests.
A number of engineers-auditors of Klaipėdos nafta have been participating in the process of the technological testing in order to guarantee safety and quality, because the priority of the company is to run the project with a high level of quality.
There are plans to install 5 LNG storage vehicle tankers with a volume of a thousand cubic meters, and to install 2 platforms for tanker loading, including other infrastructure necessary for the aboveground terminal operations to function in a safe and reliable manner. The technical project includes the possibility to build a terminal with a capacity of 10,000 cubic meters.
The State owns 72.32 percent of Klaipėdos nafta shares.
