Babcock Wanson constructs rapid steam generators for ‘Europe’s largest LNG terminal’ 23 January 2019

Process heating systems specialist Babcock Wanson has completed a project for National Grid that features two bespoke rapid steam generators at its Grain LNG importation terminal in Rochester, Kent.

Following a major project to substantially increase the LNG handling capacity at the terminal, which has seen new storage tanks installed with four times the capacity of each of the originals, it was decided to upgrade the process heating system that converts the LNG to a gaseous state.

Babcock Wanson has designed a steam generation system based on two of its 7,000kg/h VPX Rapid Steam Generator to replace the existing two 3.5 tonne boilers on site.

The new vertical coil steam generators feature three full gas passes, plus an in-built combustion air pre-heater to give high operating efficiency. The pressure containing coil design of the steam generators form the main combustion chamber, with the second and third passes for the gases going between the coil windings to ensure high-gas velocity with good heat transfer and self-cleaning of the flue gas passes. A purpose-built and matched Babcock Wanson burner also ensures long life and simple operation.

The new steam generators at Grain LNG are fully automated with automatic unattended start and stop capability. They have been designed with specialist PLC interfaces and controls, which also enable automatic changeover between the two generators on demand. Furthermore, they have also been adapted to operate at a lower steam pressure than is standard to work with the existing steam system on site and include ATEX-rated gas controls for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

National Grid has also agreed a maintenance service contract with Babcock Wanson that includes a six-monthly burner service to both steam generators to ensure trouble-free operation and to check all safety devices, controls and limiters, as well as Babcock Wanson attending during the annual strip down inspection to complete a burner service and additional yearly checks to ancillary equipment and controls.

It is claimed that Grain LNG is the largest terminal in Europe and eighth largest in the world by tank capacity (1,000,000 m3), with a site that spans over 600 acres in total.

Adam Offord

Related Companies
Babcock Wanson UK Ltd
National Grid

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