LPG Storage Options - Refrigerated or Pressurized

[bif]

I am looking for some background information as to advantages and disadvantages (technical and commercial) of refrigerated or pressurized storage (vessels and spheres) of LPG at a terminal. Typical storage quantity is 30,000 m3.

Additionally, I'd also like to understand how choosing either option may impact or limit transportation by road, rail or sea.

 

[Latexman]

I recommend you attach what you have, and we can add/comment on it.

Good luck,
Latexman

 

[BenThayer]

its a cost thing.

very large volumes would be more economically stored in a low pressure tank (cheaper to build) but with refrigeration equipment. very small volumes are more economically stored in a pressure vessel (no refrigeration required).

low temperature storage require heat to warm prior to loading in trucks or rail cars.

at some volume, you reach a price/cost point where you decide which way to go.

 

[Sandy55]

If you are using refrigeration then watch out for the phasing out of R22 refrigerant. Make sure you have a system that can eventually use something else. A new system is unlikely to get a supply of R22 (in the UK anyway).

 

[poli60]

bif,
the typical application for 30,000 m3 is the atmospheric refrigerated storage.

 

[kkala49]

LPG spheres can be "constructed" up 3000 - 8000 m3, depending on max steel plate thickness that can be "locally" beveled; see <

http://www.cheresources.com/invision/topic/10530-lpg-spherical-tank>.

Capacity of 30000 m3 would require a lot of spheres, probably not desirable. A single refrigerated storage will have advantages (including less area); unless the terminal has to handle several LPG grades.