Case Study: LNG Commissioning Project in Plaquemines Parish

N2 Solutions was contracted by a nationally known contractor for commissioning LNG facilities to perform nitrogen purging, inerting, and pressure testing the plant to bring it online for the reception of first gas. The project is scheduled for 12 months and within this, the case study will show the overview of this commissioning project and how N2 Solutions has created an execution plan for this project.

Location

Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana

Pipeline Specifications

The project involved testing, inerting, purging, drying, and pre-cooldown of systems and pipelines for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility commissioned by a nationally known contractor for commissioning LNG facilities. The key systems required nitrogen purging at a rate of 25,000 SCFH (Standard Cubic Feet per Hour) initially, with potential increases to 280,000 SCFH to maintain a pipeline temperature range between -150°F and -250°F. Each system required up to 6.7 million SCF (Standard Cubic Feet) of nitrogen per day.

Background

N2 Solutions was contracted by a prominent contractor specializing in LNG facility commissioning to support a major LNG project in Plaquemines Parish. The focus was the testing, inerting, purging, drying and pre-cooldown of LNG piping, storage tanks, and systems to ensure efficient commissioning and operation of the facility. The facility included 36 LNG trains and storage/export systems, making the pre-cooling phase critical for reducing the temperature of the pipelines before introducing LNG into the system.

Scope of Work

N2 Solutions was tasked with the following:

1. Purging vaporized nitrogen through the pipelines for the ship loading stations.

2. Ensuring a consistent flow rate of nitrogen to maintain the desired temperatures and dew points.

3. Providing qualified operators and technicians for 24/7 support, with two 12-hour shifts per day.

4. Delivering equipment and resources, including nitrogen transport vehicles, pump trucks, and various support vehicles.

5. Meeting safety and procedural guidelines as stipulated by the client and ensuring all equipment and personnel adhered to safety standards.

The Execution Plan

The execution of the testing, inerting, purging, drying and pre-cooldown involved preparation, where safety briefings and pre-job meetings were conducted with all personnel. N2 Solutions ensured that all equipment, including hoses, check valves, and PRVs (Pressure Relief Valves), were inspected and certified. The delivery of nitrogen was coordinated, and rigging equipment was connected to the customer’s system. The various activities on-site followed procedures to successfully complete the commissioning of these systems to achieve customer required specifications. 

The pre-cooldown of systems followed procedures requested by the customer. Nitrogen vapor was used to pre-cool the systems. After the nitrogen pre-cooldown, final cooling was carried out with LNG, and LNG circulation was established. N2 Solutions provided qualified operators to ensure the procedure was executed safely and efficiently.

Achievements

N2 Solutions played a crucial role in pressure testing, inerting, and purging, as well as commissioning various parts of the plant to bring it online. This is a continuous 12-month project, during which N2 Solutions demonstrated its ability to provide significant labor and large volumes of nitrogen to meet the project's needs.

N2 Solutions, Your Nitrogen Partner

N2 Solutions is a leading supplier of nitrogen services to the energy, industrial, and utility industries with strategic locations along the Gulf Coast and in the Northeast. We offer competitive rates and fast turnaround times.

Trust us as your partner for all nitrogen services and equipment, including nitrogen turnaround, pump trucks, cryogenic transports, purging, pigging, dewatering, and more. Choosing N2 Solutions means partnering with a team that prioritizes precision, safety, and the successful execution of every aspect of the project, ensuring the long-term integrity and performance of your pipeline systems.

Ready to kick off your next project? Request a quote today and begin your journey with N2 Solutions!

About N2 Solutions

N2 Solutions strengthens their position as a nitrogen services leader with the acquisition of PFS Nitrogen Services, expanding its locations and product offerings. With pump trucks, nitrogen transports, pipeline chemical solutions, pig tracking, ILI tool runs, and pipe freeze technology, N2 delivers cost-effective solutions to energy, industrial, chemical, and pipeline clients. Together, N2 Solutions and PFS set a new standard of excellence in nitrogen solutions for their customers.