Our involvement in a new flat-bottomed LNG tank in Morocco is a key piece to continue the advancement of this energy vector. In this project, Cryospain has been responsible for the design, manufacture, transport and assembly of a 6,200 m3 flat-bottomed tank. Designed specifically to store LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), it represents a key component within the natural gas facilities in which it will be integrated, located in the North West of Morocco, and dedicated to the treatment, processing, liquefaction and storage of this substance.
As the natural gas industry advances, its increasing complexity and importance means understanding it as a huge puzzle in which each piece is essential to complete the final image. With its role as an abundant fossil fuel and a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, liquefied natural gas is expected to become a key energy source in the energy transition. This involves its use both as a complement to other renewable energy sources, as well as a source of energy for more sustainable transport, such as LNG-based maritime transport.
Considering this project specifics, our tank is set to be part of a pioneering initiative in the advancement of LNG in Morocco. A program that foresees the supply of 100 million standard cubic meters of gas in its liquid form for a period of 10 years.
At the time of writing this article, Cryospain was engaged in the assembly of the flat-bottomed tank in the gas extraction field. At this crucial moment, we’re sharing here some of the project’s key details as part of our flat bottom cryogenic tank solutions.
Context and characteristics of our flat-bottomed tank for LNG
A gas extraction well is at the center of the facilities in which Cryospain’s flat-bottomed tank is integrated. Thus, the storage tank represents an intermediate step in the life cycle of liquefied natural gas from gas well to consumer. After extraction, LNG will be stored in our specialized tank. Then, the substance will be distributed through a gas pipeline connected to the Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline (GME), so that part of the gas is exported.
There are many considerations for the successful storage of liquefied natural gas and which directly involve putting Cryospain’s knowledge in cryogenic engineering to work. LNG is a transparent and non-corrosive liquid composed of 85% methane, and its storage requires attention to complex operations, including natural gas processing and its specific technical needs, as well as its specialized distribution.
Thus, in addition to the particularities of cryogenic storage in general, at Cryospain we attended to the specific needs of LNG for its safe and efficient storage. This means the design of an above-ground tank that presents complex mechanisms for thermal insulation and pressure control, as well as high-quality, technological materials and all the required specific devices that facilitate thermoregulation.
Capacities for LNG tanks can vary between 1,000 and 15,000 m³. Considering this project and its specific planned use, the tank was designed with a capacity of 6,200 m3.
Likewise, our flat-bottom cryogenic tank solutions involve our technical know-how for their design according to the applicable standards, including:
Mechanical and seismic design:
- API620, API650, ASME
- EN14620, EN14015, EUROCODE
External access:
- EN ISO14122-1/3
- OSHA 1910.23/24
Other regulations used:
- EIGA/CGA/127/13/E
- NFPA 59A
In short, this flat-bottom tank project confirms Cryospain’s commitment to generating top-quality cryogenic solutions tailored to the needs of each project. An achievement that is supported by other success stories such as our flat-bottom tank in Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia), which involved solving various complex logistical and design challenges to adapt the tank to its specific location.
These are joined by additional examples of our involvement in the advancement of LNG as an energy alternative. These include the development of 2000-meter long cryogenic LNG pipelines for a bunkering project in Sweden; as well as our involvement to make LNG-powered trains a reality.Want to learn more about Cryospain’s cryogenic storage solutions and our commitment to world-class cryogenic engineering dedicated to LNG projects? Download our reference list for cryogenic tanks and get in touch with us to talk to our team about your project needs and how we can help you.
