In the tropical regions of Nigeria (such as Bonny Island), liquid natural gas (LNG) is stored in fully enclosed tanks. The inner walls are made of 9% nickel steel, and the outer walls are made of prestressed concrete, which enables the temperature to be maintained at minus 162°C.The primary tropical engineering challenge is minimizing Boil-Off Gas (BOG) caused by heat
Core Design Principles in Tropical Climate
In tropical climates, the core design adopts a fully enclosed structure: a liquid/gas-sealed metal inner tank (for storing liquefied natural gas) combined with a sturdy concrete outer tank. This secondary containment design can prevent major leaks and can withstand harsh tropical weather.
Thermal Insulation: The annular space between the inner and outer walls uses highly efficient perlite powder (often pressurized with BOG or nitrogen). This insulation minimizes heat transfer from persistent tropical ambient temperatures (up to 35°C+) to the -162°C LNG.
BOG Management: High ambient heat causes evaporation, generating Boil-Off Gas. Tanks require robust BOG re-liquefaction or compression systems to capture vapor and prevent pressure build-up or financial loss.
In terms of infrastructure construction:The soil in the Niger Delta region is soft, has a high water content, and receives a large amount of rainfall. Professional deep foundation (usually over 50 meters) is required to support the weight of concrete and liquefied natural gas.
In terms of corrosion prevention: coastal areas are often rainy and humid. Therefore, storage tanks need to adopt advanced protective coatings, cathodic protection, and airtight sealing measures to prevent the equipment from being corroded by the external environment.
Are you considering purchasing an LNG storage tank? With our rich experience in the cryogenic gas industry, Zhouyue Gas can provide you with a customized solution to meet your needs. Please contact our engineers.
