Liquefied natural gas regasification plants: Materials and corrosion

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is transported from continent to continent in cryogenic sea vessels to maritime ports and regasification plants (RPs). Corrosion protection and control technologies are applied, which include correct selection of materials, coatings and linings, and cathodic protection (CP). LNG storage structures are constructed from corrosion-resistant engineering materials such as stainless steel (SS), Ni-alloys, reinforced concrete, aluminum alloys, and reinforced plastics. To maintain a continuous and effective operation, a diversified assembly of equipment is employed in RPs, including LNG storage tanks with special insulation, pumps, heat exchangers, screen filters for seawater, pipes of varying sizes for both operational processes, and LNG and NG transmission lines. The corrosive characteristic of NG requires the selection of CRAs (corrosion-resistant alloys) that will ensure long service life that is free of corrosion. They include martensitic, austenitic, and duplex SS, precipitation-hardened steel, and acid-resistant Ni-alloys.