Mark Butts

Jeff Baker and Mark Butts, McDermott’s CB&I Storage Solutions, USA, discuss the growing small scale LNG market and a related code change permitting greater flexibility for LNG storage.

New markets for LNG are emerging due to the environmental benefits of natural gas (lower carbon and particulate emissions), LNG’s low cost compared with competing fuels, and the continuing advancements in transportation. These new markets are leading to the development of small scale LNG plants, which… Show more

Jeff Baker and Mark Butts, McDermott’s CB&I Storage Solutions, USA, discuss the growing small scale LNG market and a related code change permitting greater flexibility for LNG storage.

New markets for LNG are emerging due to the environmental benefits of natural gas (lower carbon and particulate emissions), LNG’s low cost compared with competing fuels, and the continuing advancements in transportation. These new markets are leading to the development of small scale LNG plants, which generally have lower CAPEX requirements and can be built more quickly than typical baseload LNG facilities, often using modularized components. Additionally, small scale LNG is scalable; operators can add capacity as market demand increases.

A recent change in one of the principal standards governing the production, storage, and handling of LNG offers an option for LNG storage that can provide owners with a lower pressure, smaller plot alternative to pressurized storage. Issued in 2019, the latest edition of NFPA Standard 59A from the National Fire Protection Association contains a new chapter titled ‘Requirements for Stationary Applications for Small Scale LNG Facilities.’ The chapter establishes a framework under which low pressure flat bottom LNG tank systems designed to API Standard 620 can be used safely for storage of up to 1,056,000 gal. (3997 m³) at small scale LNG facilities. Show less

Mark Butts, et. al., emphasize the importance of early and comprehensive geotechnical investigations for liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tanks.

An accurate and cost effective storage tank design is a critical component of the rapidly expanding energy infrastructure system. A large contributing factor in both the tank and foundation design is the site’s soil and seismic conditions. As such, a compelling argument can be made for a deliberate and attentive approach to geotechnical… Show more

Mark Butts, et. al., emphasize the importance of early and comprehensive geotechnical investigations for liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tanks.

An accurate and cost effective storage tank design is a critical component of the rapidly expanding energy infrastructure system. A large contributing factor in both the tank and foundation design is the site’s soil and seismic conditions. As such, a compelling argument can be made for a deliberate and attentive approach to geotechnical investigations. Done early in the project development life cycle, a complete investigation can benefit both owners and tank contractors. It is therefore imperative that all stakeholders are aware of what comprises a complete investigation, when the investigation should be performed, and how each entity works together to create the tank and foundation bid design.

The article discussed a best practice for both LNG facility owners, developers, and contractors. Show less