Metrix LNG Cryogenic Proximity Systems
LNG Turbo Expanders and Other Cryogenic Systems
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is considered a bridge between polluting fuels and renewable energy because it has the lowest greenhouse gas emissions of nonrenewable energy resources. As a result, the popularity of natural gas has increased for heating and power generation; there has been a strong increase in demand for the production and transportation of natural gas throughout the world. The full processing of natural gas has four steps: extraction, removal, separation, and liquification. To safely transport natural gas around the world, its physical state must be changed from a gas to a liquid. The gas is liquefied by decreasing its temperature to around -162°C (-323°F) using cryogenic processes and its volume is decreased by 600 times at LNG facilities to allow for safe and economic transportation, predominantly using LNG tankers. These tankers must be able to be either fully pressurized, refrigerated, and semi-pressurized or fully refrigerated to safely transport LNG.
LNG must be processed to become a cleaner natural gas, even in a liquid form. Cryogenic processing of natural gas (mainly methane) separates liquified natural gas from unwanted components, like carbon dioxide, nitrogen, water, and a range of other undesirable components. The natural gas impurities are separated through a series of scrubbers, filters, and moisture separators at the LNG plant. During this cryogenic gas processing, the natural gas is converted from a gas to a liquid through a series of refrigeration processes. Turbo Expanders are used to remove energy from the LNG refrigeration process and produce power at the same time. This method of energy harnessing reduces total energy production costs. Cryogenic processing is the liquification process used to turn natural gas into a liquid. LNG is typically regarded as one of the most efficient means of transporting natural gas — Metrix Vibration has the best speed and position monitoring for these cryogenic applications.
LNG Cryogenic Storage Tanks
Vibration Monitoring of LNG Cryogenic Systems
Various machine trains are used in LNG plants during cryogenic liquefaction and compression processes. Vibration monitoring of these important machines is the most effective way of ensuring they are functioning efficiently and have no unscheduled downtime resulting in a loss of revenue. Vibration monitoring uses vibration trend analyses to detect any faults in an operating machine by identifying any irregularities in the vibration signature being put out by the machine. These irregularities likely suggest that something has changed in how the machine is operating and may provide valuable insight into what has changed.
In the past, the monitoring of LNG facilities was exceedingly expensive because it required a full-time field engineer to address any issues that arose as well as frequent, invasive checks to ensure the equipment was running smoothly. Not only did this scenario result in revenue lost from the machinery being inoperable, but it also decreased the safety of the employees working with possibly faulty equipment. Metrix Vibration now provides vibration monitoring systems that can enable LNG plant personnel to effectively monitor the machinery used in the cryogenic processing of natural gas. This includes refrigeration trains, turbo expanders, and other rotating and reciprocating equipment used at the plant.
This application page and the attached documents are intended to outline the specifics regarding the speed, vibration, and position systems used in LNG Cryogenic applications.
The Metrix Cryogenic Proximity Systems are rugged and industry-proven proximity sensor systems. Our innovative team members have developed multiple upgrades and modernizing alterations to our vibration monitoring systems. From planning stages to their creation in our factories, Metrix products are the highest of quality and built with our customers in mind. This dedication to our products and clients has helped to ensure the proximity systems are easy to install and provide excellent data - such as providing interchangeable parts, preventing cross talk, adjusting pulse height to improve phase trigger and speed performance, providing high-pressure feedthroughs, and many other enhancements. Please refer to the Documentation tab below to learn more.
The Metrix Cryogenic Proximity Systems are a versatile measurement system that can be arranged in many different system lengths and configurations. Current systems are 9, 10, 12, and 18-meters, that are designed to take advantage of the Metrix Digital Proximity System. This flagship product combines the flexibility of digital reconfigurability with an eddy-current proximity measurement system. This system is fully compliant with the API 670 standard and maintains full functionality in many extreme or hazardous conditions.
Metrix Cryogenic Proximity System
Environmental Ratings
• -192°C (-313°F) for MX8030 Probes and MX8031 Cables
• System Lengths – up to 12-meter for Position and Vibration
• System Lengths – up to 18-meter for Speed
• Fully LNG submerged triaxial probe and cable systems
• 2 to 5 Probe Systems
• 6-Pin and 10-Pin High-Pressure Feedthroughs Available
• Feedthroughs 150 Bar (2175 PSIG) – 203.4 N-m torque (150 ft-lbs)
You can also get additional information from our various other datasheets which outline the specifics regarding the MX8030 Proximity Probes, MX8031 Extension Cables, MX2033 Drivers, suitable for use with monitoring systems, and the MX2034 Proximity Transmitters, suitable for use as a variety of control systems (e.g. DCS, PLC, SCADA, etc.).
Why Metrix?
For more than 55 years, Metrix has focused its energy on crafting machinery condition monitoring equipment for our customers in various industries. Metrix has ensured that we maintain ISO-9001 certification, a standard we have met and exceeded for upwards of 20 years. This long history shows our dedication to the continual improvement and quality of our manufacturing processes.
Metrix equipment can be found in many different industries, providing high-quality instruments in the power generation, pipeline, petrochemical, oil & gas, air separation, cooling tower, water and wastewater, and chemical facilities. Reach out today to Metrix Sales or Technical Support so we can help you determine how our proximity systems could help you succeed in your operating goals and answer any questions that you may have.
By Nizamuddin Mohammed, Middle East Regional Sales Manager