Helium leak detection in the supply chain for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

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Helium leak detection in the supply chain for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

Konwitschny, R. / Hammerdinger, M. / Fleckinger, J. / Stoeckl, A. / Kluge, R.

The energy demand of industrialised nations leads to an increasing consumption of natural gas. Natural gas is a natural product occurring in underground deposits. In terms of composition, it is more than 90 percent methane (CH4). The most important gas resources are located in the Russian Federation, Arabia, the USA, and Algeria. Gas consumption in highly industrialised nations requires long-distance pipeline-bound transport. An alternative to pipeline transport is gas supply in liquid form via sea transport. Natural gas retains its gaseous form down to a temperature of minus 162 deg C. Below this point it becomes a liquid and occupies a far smaller volume thus allowing for economic transport solutions. Main players in LNG export are Algeria, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Qatar. The technology is also emerging in Norway, Russia, and Australia. Liquefaction requires modern gas production equipment and mature industrial cooling technology. The article describes the application of helium leak detection technologies to large industrial devices related to LNG technology. Starting from basic guidelines for good practice of helium Leak Detection we shall develop dedicated methods for demanding samples. Leak testing of plate-fin heat exchangers, coil-wound heat exchangers and fully assembled cold boxes will be discussed.