Design Optimization, Cost and Risk Analysis of CNG Vessels Transportation

Abstract

The GASVESSEL Project, financed by the EU under H2020, aims to prove the technoeconomic feasibility of a new CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) transport concept, enabled by a novel patented Pressure Vessel manufacturing technology and a new conceptual ship design including safe on- and off-loading solution. In this paper we illustrate how the process automation and web-based collaboration software from ESTECO have been used by the partners in the different phases of the Project for the design of the system. In function of each different geographical scenarios (which includes East Mediterranean, Barents Sea and Black Sea) and gas demand, parameters such as ship size and number, storage and facilities units at the ports have been optimized in order to reduce the transportation costs and therefore gas tariff. Components of the gas vessels, in particular material and type of the fibers that wraps the liner, have been then optimized to minimize weights while respecting high value of safety factors. Finally, a CFD study is performed to analyze the risks related to gas leakages and explosions

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