Comparison of technological transformation scenario of gas test process for ships at Shandong LNG Terminal

To meet the future demand of liquefied natural gas (LNG) ship gas test, Shandong LNG Terminal intends to transform its existing process. Two technological transformation scenarios (i.e. NG/inert gas and NG/nitrogen substitution) are designed. Comparative analysis shows that nitrogen is more reasonable as the ship inerting and drying gas and its relevant scenario involves low cost, small quantities and high operability, without influence on normal operation of the terminal. On the basis of the transformed process, and referring to other gas test processes in China, the process flows at stages of NG replacement and LNG cooling and loading are proposed for gas test of the 14.7×10⁴ m³ LNG ship at Shandong LNG Terminal. Moreover, hardware facilities at Shandong LNG Terminal are proved satisfactory for gas test. This method can provide a reference for the design, construction and LNG ship gas test at other terminals.