ATPC innovates by using Refrigerated Pressure Vessels on dry land
Last month, VTTI’s ATPC terminal welcomed the arrival of two new Refrigerated Pressure Vessels (RPVs) at the Port of Antwerp. The prizewinning land-based tanks will be used for the importing, storing and distribution of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
The RPVs and their associated equipment have been designed in accordance with the latest technology and the highest standards, following strict quality assurance processes. The tanks were built following proven technology used on gas tankers in the marine industry for many years.
RPVs are normally used on ships to store gas, and are a hybrid between traditionally used pressurised bullets and larger cryogenic tanks. They have not been used in these sizes on land before.
Shortly after arrival, the RPVs have been off-loaded and placed on their foundations.
Over 1,000 people were involved in project to construct the tanks and associated equipment, which will be taken into full operations in 2019.
ATPC is pleased to be part of the growing LPG storage industry in the Port of Antwerp. Once the project has been completed, ATPC will be able to offer a full service in C2 (ethane), C3 (propane) and C4 (butane).
The RPV tanks have already picked up an innovation prize, receiving a €1 million grant from the Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VLAIO). The agency’s strategic ecologic support (STRES) rewards companies who invest, with a minimum of €3 million, in new, cutting-edge green and innovative technology in the Flemish Region. Each of the STRES-awarded investments are assessed by VITO (an independent Flemish research organisation specialised in clean technology and sustainable development) to ensure that they exceed EU standards and that they meet environmental norms that not yet exist in the EU.
Each tank has a capacity of 15,000m3 and measures 26m in diameter and 45m in length.
What is LPG?
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), gas which is liquefied through pressurisation or cooling, comes from natural gas processing and oil refining. Due to its low emissions, it is viewed as an eco-friendly option for many sustainable development challenges, not least as a low-polluting backup for intermittent renewable energy and as a fuel to assist the development of rural areas. LPG engines produce less greenhouse gas emissions.
LPG enjoys high demand and has a wide variety of uses, mainly in the agricultural, recreation, hospitality, construction, sailing and fishing sectors. It can also be used in cooking, central heating and water heating and is a particularly cost-effective and efficient way to heat off-grid homes.
