Flexible cryogenic arm
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Designed by GDF SUEZ R&D and Technip, the flexible cryogenic arm makes it possible to transfer Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from carriers on the open sea or near the coasts.
LNG: a crucial asset
LNG makes it possible to transport natural gas by sea over long distances. This is an asset for the diversification and safeguarding of supplies, at a time of increasing global demand.
Classic LNG chain:
- the natural gas is liquefied on its production site by lowering its temperature to
-162° C , - the LNG is transported in the tanks of the LNG carriers,
- the LNG is unloaded and degasified at an on-shore LNG terminal,
- the natural gas is reinjected into the transmission network.
What does the cryogenic arm do?
The GDF SUEZ Research & Innovation team developed an unloading arm which makes it possible to transfer LNG from the carrier to the terminal, on the open sea or near the coasts. This is a world’s first which paves the way for the construction of floating
How does it work?
The flexible cryogenic arm rests on a major innovation: A flexible and resistant large-diameter cryogenic pipe at the temperature of LNG:
The arm is
An innovation ready for manufacturing
In 2008, full-scale tests conducted on a test bench installed at the Group terminal of Montoir-de-Bretagne made it possible to qualify the system - a world’s first. The operating tests successfully simulated connection operations and the use of the cryogenic arm at maximum output under choppy conditions, as well as emergency disconnections. The technology on which the arm is based has been certified by the audit and certification firms Bureau Veritas (for the components) and Det Norske Veritas (system operability). The flexible cryogenic arm is now ready for manufacturing and marketing worldwide.
