Hertel reaches new heights with cryogenic work

The expansion of the Isle of Grain Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) importation and regasification terminal in Kent, England, has seen Hertel use cryogenic insulation on 5,000 linear metres of piping, and more than 700 valves and flanges.

Largest in the world

Hertel has been working with main contractor Chicago Bridge & Iron (CB&I) to provide access and insulation services on the construction of three concrete LNG tanks, the largest of their type in the world, with a height of up to 80 metres on the outside.

The new tanks double the capacity of the site by offering a gas storage capacity of 770,000 m3 - some five million tonnes of LNG.

Thinking with the customer

Hertel was responsible for insulating the 5,000 linear metres of cryogenic piping used to transfer the LNG from the ships to the containment tanks. Maintaining the temperature of the LNG is important and the use of cellular glass insulation will ensure it is kept at the correct temperature.

When Hertel was appointed it undertook a review of the insulation options. Hertel worked with its suppliers on reviewing specifications to find innovative ways to save installation time and cost by precoating and prefabricating cellular glass. These techniques led to project time savings and better installed quality.

Wendy Gunderson, contract administrator at CB&I, said: “The decision helped the piping insulation work finish within CB&I’s project schedule.

“This helped reduce overall costs and minimised delivery times. The decision helped the piping insulation work finish within CB&I’s project schedule.”

Safe, experienced professionals

Hertel’s team of 40 thermal insulation engineers used a combination of scaffolding and Alimak lift hoists throughout the project.

David Hannon, Operations Manager at Hertel, said: “We used pop-up and aluminium scaffolding towers where possible, which had the benefit of saving us time. We had an experienced crew of around 14 permanent scaffolders on site and we were able to deploy them around the site to suit the workload. Having a permanent team meant that they were familiar with the Isle of Grain site, which meant they were well aware of the site’s safety procedures and were able to respond quickly as the needs arise.

The insulation of more than 700 valves and flanges saw Hertel devise a method which ensured the unit’s integrity.

Efficient working methods

David said: “For the fitting out of the more than 700 valves and flanges around the site we devised an efficient solution which saw boxes being pre-fabricated off-site - some of which were as big as a garden shed. These bespoke boxes enabled the valves and flanges to be injected with foam and vapour-sealed.”

Satisfied customer

Wendy continued: “We found that Hertel were extremely responsive in meeting the priorities that we set. Having teams that were familiar with the site also meant that it was possible to quickly draw on the relevant members of the team. We were delighted that the project was delivered within the project schedule and within CB&I’s budget.”