OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE These factors contribute to reduced
labour costs, as the application process doesn’t require highly- skilled workers with intense training, complex equipment, and intense inspection before, during, or after the application process.
MEETING GLOBAL ENERGY DEMANDS: THE GROWING LNG MARKET As the world seeks greener energy solutions to meet global demands and reduce carbon footprints, the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market is experiencing significant growth. LNG is considered a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions during combustion. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global LNG trade has a growth of 20% between 2021 and 2025, reaching 585 billion cubic metres (bcm) [1]. This growth is driven by increasing demand in Asia, particularly China and India, as well as emerging markets in Southeast Asia and South America. The LNG industry requires extensive infrastructure, including liquefaction plants, storage tanks, and transportation vessels. All these assets are susceptible to water penetration, leading to eventual corrosion and premature insulating material/ system breakdown, due to exposure to harsh environments and extreme temperatures. PIB-based sealing technologies offer an ideal solution for protecting LNG infrastructure:
1. Cold resistance: Maintain effectiveness even at cryogenic temperatures associated with LNG (-162°C
or -260°F ).
2. Flexibility: Adapt to the thermal cycling and movements of LNG storage and transportation systems.
3. Easy application and maintenance: Reduce downtime, time to commission, and costs associated with insulation and corrosion protection in LNG facilities.
4. Environmental friendliness: Align with the industry’s goal of reducing overall environmental impact, being non-hazardous to humans and the environment.
PIB-based sealants offer significant advantages over conventional sealing systems
PIB-sealing technology is an excellent solution for the LNG market, particularly as a vapour barrier. Given the inherit properties of the sealant, the proven performance to be a complete barrier to water and oxygen, and the ability to adhere to various substrates with minimal surface preparation and need for stringent surface cleanliness, products like Stopaq InsulWrap have been chosen to be applied overtop of cryogenic insulation. Stopaq InsulWrap is used to protect the insulation from moisture penetration to allow full effectiveness of insulation over time, but to also reduce risk of corrosion under insulation (CUI), which is often difficult to detect due to the visual inability to inspect under a multi-layer system of coating, insulation and cladding. The easy to apply wrap- around system self-adheres without the need for primers, specific optimal temperatures or strapping to various types of insulation such as aerogel, mineral wool and foam glass. The self adhering abilities also provide the benefit of self amalgamation providing a seamless seal throughout the coating and sealing application area.
FUTURE OUTLOOK As industries evolve to meet growing energy demands while reducing environmental impact, embracing effective, safer and easy to apply
technologies becomes imperative to the success and growth of the future energy market. PIB-based sealants offer a superior solution for asset integrity and protection in various sectors, including the rapidly expanding LNG market for not only corrosion under insulation protection but also for its vapour barrier capabilities through products like Stopaq InsulWrap. Their unique adhesion properties, ease of application, and impenetrable water and oxygen inherit benefits make them extremely beneficial for protecting vital infrastructure in the energy sector. By adopting these advanced sealant
technologies, companies can extend asset lifespans, reduce commissioning times on new build projects, reduce maintenance costs, and contribute to overall emission reductions. As the global energy landscape shifts towards cleaner alternatives, PIB- based sealants are well-positioned to play a crucial role in ensuring the longevity and integrity of critical energy infrastructure.
References: [1] International Energy Agency. (2021). Gas Market Report, Q3-2021. Retrieved from
https://www.iea.org/reports/gas-market-report-q3-2021
For more information visit:
www.sealforlife.com
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