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 are reconnecting with liquefied gas terminals worldwide and have learned that some could be in better shape. Some only need spare parts, but some need new instrumentation installed. Without new instrumentation, it can result in dangerous situations and end up shutting down any operations, explains Simon Dufour, Sales Manager at Svanehøj France.
Driving Modernization
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.
- 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, explains Eric Marty, who is Measurement and Instrumentation Technician at Elengy.
Restoring qualitative safety measures
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 optimizing operational performance, collecting and analyzing data, and enabling informed decision-making, explains Simon Dufour.
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.
About Svanehøj France
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.
About Svanehøj Danmark A/S
Svanehøj was founded in 1928 by F. Dam – a Danish marine engineer who, after many years at sea, decided to go ashore to use his experience to develop pumps for the marine industry.
Today, Svanehøj designs and manufactures specialized deepwell pumps for vital applications within the fuel, cargo (gas, P&C), and offshore, as well as high-end measuring systems for LNG and LPG tanks on ships and land-based terminals. Svanehøj is also a leading provider of inspection, servicing, and calibration of cargo equipment on gas and P&C tankers.
Svanehøj Denmark is part of the Svanehøj Group, which employs over 350 employees, of which more than half are in Svenstrup near Aalborg, where the group has its headquarters. The group is behind the four brands of Svanehøj, Hamworthy Pumps, Eureka, and Dolphin and has activities in Denmark, France, the UK, Singapore, Japan, and China. Svanehøj Group is owned by investment company Solix. More info at www.svanehoj.com.
