ARCA supplies valves for gas transportation

German company ARCA Regler GmbH, has a share in a large order to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels with the delivery of valves. LNG is natural gas that has been liquefied through cooling to temperatures around -160°C. LNG has only 1/600th the volume natural gas and is therefore suited for cost effective transportation.

The bypass valves for the nitrogen compressors are designed for very low temperature operation

On the LNG vessels two parallel compressors are mounted to remove gas that evaporates during transport, re-compress it, and return it to the storage tanks. ARCA has been supplying the bypass flaps for these compressors for over 20 years. For the new order, cryogenic valves designed for use down to -195°C as well as bypass valves for two parallel nitrogen compressors have been supplied. To regulate the temperature of the nitrogen compressors, temperature control valves designed for -200°C were supplied. According to ARCA, shipping of LNG over long distances is more economical than piping due to the drastic reduction in volume after cooling. While the demand for natural gas in the EU is increasing, production in Europe is declining. The net result is an increase in the number of LNG tankers and therefore increased demand for the specialised valves required on board.

For more information on ARCAs products and services please visit our website www.valve.co.za, or contact
Valve & Automation (Pty) Ltd
Johannesburg : sales.jhb@valve.co.za or call +27-11-397 2833
Durban : sales@valve.co.za or call +27-31-579 2593