In the fast-paced world of LNG, maintaining infrastructure integrity is vital for operational efficiency and safety. Recognizing the need to modernize outdated safety instrumentation, Svanehøj has taken on the task of upgrading safety systems – starting with Konkan LNG terminal in India and Fos Cavaou LNG terminal in France.
As time progresses, aging machinery becomes obsolete, prompting the recognition of the importance of upgrading safety instrumentation. In response, Konkan LNG and Fos Cavaou have partnered with Svanehøj France to renew the safety instrumentation for three LNG tanks, respectively. This move aligns with Svanehøj’s goal of reconnecting with liquefied gas terminals worldwide and ensuring optimal safety measures.
“We encountered obsolescence issues with our older model and experienced technical difficulties. Therefore, it was time to transition to a new system. Having already had positive experiences with Svanehøj at the Montoir de Bretagne Terminal, the decision to choose them as our supplier for tank retrofits at Fos Cavaou Terminal was clear,” explained Eric Marty, Measurement and Instrumentation Technician at Elengy.
Fos Cavaou LNG Terminal has already successfully retrofitted one tank with a new densitometer, replacing previous systems from a competitor and improving functionality and reliability. Encouraged by this accomplishment and the corporation with Svanehøj, Fos Cavaou plans to simultaneously replace the densitometers in the remaining two tanks with delivery of instrumentation in October.
Konkan LNG has embarked on a comprehensive plan to upgrade one-third of its tanks, with Svanehøj’s valuable experience in safety instrumentation for LNG storage being leveraged. The project encompasses replacing various components while retaining the existing temperature probes, guaranteeing qualitative safety measures.
“As part of the upgrade, we will install three advanced servo-driven tank gauging systems, the LTs, to improve reliability and efficiency. An LTD tank gauging system and two data acquisition systems will also be delivered. These components play a crucial role in optimising operational performance, collecting and analysing data, and enabling informed decision-making,” explained Simon Dufour, Sales Manager at Svanehøj France.
While the timeline for the remaining two-thirds of the upgrade at Konkan LNG is yet to be precisely defined, it is expected to be completed within 2-3 years. Through investments in modern tank gauging systems and associated components, both Konkan LNG and Fos Cavaou are securing their facilities’ long-term viability and meeting the LNG industry’s stringent requirements.
Svanehøj’s Tank Control Systems business was established in Calais, France, in 1961 as Whessoe plc. The company equipped its first gas carriers in the 1970s and its first LNG storage tank in 1983. It was also the first to provide a level, temperature, and density (LTD) gauge for floating storage. The company was part of Wärtsilä from 2006 until it was acquired by Svanehøj in 2022.
Svanehøj France develops cutting-edge technologies that enhance the safety of LNG, LPG, cryogenic, and refrigerated storage – both on sea and land. Svanehøj’s instrumentation and software solutions are installed to ensure that all hazardous aspects related to liquified gas storage are known and controllable. The systems proactively measure possible development or creation of stratification by monitoring the tanks. The product range includes tank level and density gauges, temperature transmitters, and control systems that operate accurately under cryogenic conditions.
