Modular design allows shipyards to meet individual building demands
Alfa Laval is releasing the next generation of the Smit inert gas system for LNG and LPG carriers.
LNG and LPG carriers require very dry inert gas, making the inert gas systems installed on these tankers the most complex. Alfa Laval has spent decades optimizing cargo safety under the Smit Gas name, delivering the first IGS for an LNG tanker in 1971.
“Safety at sea has always been a main driver in Alfa Laval’s marine solutions,” says Herben Heesen, Manager Marketing and Sales Inert Gas Systems for Alfa Laval, “and that is, of course, why we developed some of the world’s first inert gas systems on oil tankers. Yet we never rest when it comes to innovation and product development. We’ve solved the safety problem. We want to solve more. And that’s exactly what we’re doing with the newest generation of our inert gas systems. With the new Smit LNG/LPG, we’ve identified multiple ways in which the IGS directly and indirectly puts profits back into shipyards’ and ship owners’ pockets.”
Alfa Laval Smit LNG/LPG inert gas systems are constructed with a new, modular design comprising four main components: generator, cooler, chiller and dryer unit. This modular design allows tailored deliveries to shipyards to meet individual building demands.
“With our modular system we have a configurable system, using only the components needed for each particular build,” explains Heesen. “In other words, you pay only for what you need. Plus, it makes delivery times quicker and installation easier. For example, the dryer can be delivered in two main components (barrels) for easy transport. Both main components are easy to set up in a complete system together.“
“Saving space is also an obvious benefit of the modularity,” says Heesen. “On board, every centimetre makes a difference, and the new modular Smit LNG/LPG system offers a considerably smaller footprint.“
By using water as an intermittent heat transfer medium between chiller and cooler, a stable heat transfer is created under all load conditions. The dryer unit is redundant and provides additional security. The cooler, which has gas contact surfaces of SUS 316 for lifetime service, takes up minimal space due to the low-temperature output of the generator.
Smit LNG/LPG also takes advantage of Alfa Laval’s new 2Touch controller, which makes any aspect of the system available in just two touches of the screen. As well as offering a graphical overview of the system, it provides quick access to functions and data. Using the comprehensive data at its disposal, Alfa Laval Touch Control ensures thorough system optimization. Naturally, it integrates seamlessly with other Alfa Laval automation systems and connects easily to ship control and communication.
At the heart of the system is Alfa Laval’s Ultramizing? combustion system, assuring low-oxygen-level inert gas without any soot formation. Oil is atomized in an ultra-fine dispersion pattern with steam assist, resulting in reduced NOx output. The system utilizes a highly efficient, two-stage oil/air mixing technique which yields inert gas with 1% oxygen content possible and zero soot formation.
Besides safe combustion, the Ultramizing? burner design meets Alfa Laval’s strict requirement for low emissions, as well as excellent operation during its entire life cycle. Horizontal installation also allows for easy maintenance, although maintenance is seldom required.
“For both shipyards and ship owners, every day spent waiting – whether it’s for quotations, deliveries or spare parts – costs them, both in profits and in reputation,” explains Heesen. “That’s why we’ve always worked so closely with our customers. We want to make sure they never need to wait unnecessarily. As we see conditions shifting for LNG/LPG, we make sure to adapt – taking strategic steps to ensure we continue to offer a hassle-free process from beginning to delivery to commissioning.“
“The biggest benefits aren’t derived from any one feature of the new Smit LNG/LPG inert gas system, but all of them combined,” says Heesen. “Altogether, with Alfa Laval’s proven quality and local expert support, the new Smit LNG/LPG inert gas system is the most profitable choice both for shipyard and ship owners.“
Source and Image Credit: Alfa Laval
