Editorial
September 2014
New, modular Smit LNG/LPG inert gas
systems from Alfa Laval make a
difference at the bottom line
LNG and LPG carrier tanks hold both a source of income and a potential source of
danger. To avert the danger, inert gas systems (IGS) have been required on all new
tankers over 20,000 dwt since 1978 — a move that has surely saved untold lives. Yet
with increasing demand, tighter delivery schedules, the constant need to optimize
onboard footprints and numerous other factors, Alfa Laval believes IGS should go
beyond fire safety to protect against other disasters that chisel away at the potential
income for both shipyards and ship owners.
As demand for LNG increases, a significant upturn is expected in newbuild contracts for LNG
carriers over 40,000 cubic metres during the next five years. To remain competitive, it is
increasingly important for shipyards to streamline both budget and timing while still delivering
high-quality vessels that offer ship owners safe, reliable and profitable operation. In
anticipation of this, Alfa Laval is now releasing the next generation of the Smit inert gas system
for LNG and LPG carriers.
LNG and LPG carriers require very dry inert gas, making the inert gas systems installed on
these tankers the most complex. Alfa Laval has spent decades optimizing cargo safety under
the Smit Gas name, delivering the first IGS for an LNG tanker in 1971. Today Alfa Laval is the
leading supplier for the low-pressure, low-dew-point inert gas generators typically used on
LNG and LPG carriers. By taking a holistic view of IGS form and function, Alfa Laval aims to
make a deeper difference for the bottom line with the new Alfa Laval Smit LNG/LPG.
“Safety at sea has always been a main driver in Alfa Laval’s marine solutions,” says Herben
Heesen, Manager Marketing and Sales Inert Gas Systems for Alfa Laval, “and that is, of
course, why we developed some of the world’s first inert gas systems on oil tankers. Yet we
never rest when it comes to innovation and product development. We’ve solved the safety
problem. We want to solve more. And that’s exactly what we’re doing with the newest
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Laval Corporate AB. Alfa Laval reserves the right to change specifications without prior notification.
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generation of our inert gas systems. With the new Smit LNG/LPG, we’ve identified multiple
ways in which the IGS directly and indirectly puts profits back into shipyards’ and ship owners’
pockets.”
Modularity brings multifaceted savings: cost, time and space
Alfa Laval Smit LNG/LPG inert gas systems are constructed with a new, unique modular
design comprising four main components: generator, cooler, chiller and dryer unit. This
modular design allows tailored deliveries to shipyards to meet individual building demands.
“With our modular system we have a configurable system, using only the components needed
for each particular build,” explains Heesen. “In other words, you pay only for what you need.
Plus, it makes delivery times quicker and installation easier. For example, the dryer can be
delivered in two main components (barrels) for easy transport. Both main components are
easy to set up in a complete system together.”
“Saving space is also an obvious benefit of the modularity,” says Heesen. “On board, every
centimetre makes a difference, and the new modular Smit LNG/LPG system offers a
considerably smaller footprint.”
By using water as an intermittent heat transfer medium between chiller and cooler, a stable
heat transfer is created under all load conditions. The dryer unit is redundant and provides
additional security. The cooler, which has gas contact surfaces of SUS 316 for lifetime service,
takes up minimal space due to the low-temperature output of the generator.
High quality ensures safe, easy and reliable operation at sea
Smit LNG/LPG also takes advantage of Alfa Laval’s new 2Touch controller, which makes any
aspect of the system available in just two touches of the screen. As well as offering a graphical
overview of the system, it provides quick access to functions and data. Using the
comprehensive data at its disposal, Alfa Laval Touch Control ensures thorough system
optimization. Naturally, it integrates seamlessly with other Alfa Laval automation systems and
connects easily to ship control and communication.
All components for Smit LNG/LPG are engineered by Alfa Laval and manufactured at an Alfa
Laval production facility that meets strict QA/QC standards, thereby safeguarding high product
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Corporate AB. Alfa Laval reserves the right to change specifications without prior notification.
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quality.
At the heart of the system is Alfa Laval’s unique Ultramizing® combustion system, assuring
low-oxygen-level inert gas without any soot formation. Oil is atomized in an ultra-fine
dispersion pattern with steam assist, resulting in reduced NOx output. The system utilizes a
highly efficient, two-stage oil/air mixing technique which yields inert gas with 1% oxygen
content possible and zero soot formation.
Besides safe combustion, the Ultramizing® burner design meets Alfa Laval’s strict requirement
for low emissions, as well as excellent operation during its entire life cycle. Horizontal
installation also allows for easy maintenance, although maintenance is seldom required.
Experts close by ensure on-time delivery for sales and service
With the largest installed base in the world for inert gas systems, Alfa Laval has always
prioritized fast turnaround time for both sales and service, offering a global network of experts.
The new-generation Smit LNG/LPG inert gas system gives the assurance of that reliable
network, with a focus on being in place as needs change for LNG/LPG.
“For both shipyards and ship owners, every day spent waiting — whether it’s for quotations,
deliveries or spare parts — costs them, both in profits and in reputation,” explains Heesen.
“That’s why we’ve always worked so closely with our customers. We want to make sure they
never need to wait unnecessarily. As we see conditions shifting for LNG/LPG, we make sure
to adapt — taking strategic steps to ensure we continue to offer a hassle-free process from
beginning to delivery to commissioning.”
For shipyards, Alfa Laval has strategically placed local sales support and production facilities
worldwide specifically to meet the growing demand for LNG and LPG systems. That means
quicker quotations, streamlined order handling and just-in-time delivery.
Training is conveniently available on board or at customer-specified locations. In-house
operator training is also available in Alfa Laval’s facilities in the Netherlands.
From the time of commissioning and initial training, Alfa Laval continues to stay in close
contact with ship owners and operators worldwide. Alfa Laval supplies OEM spare parts and
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carries out inspections, service, repairs, retrofits and upgrades on all their inert gas systems
anytime, anywhere.
Combining multiple benefits makes all the difference
With over 4,200 systems supplied, Smit Gas has the largest installed base in IGS in maritime
today. Now, the new-generation Smit inert gas system is poised to make an even deeper
difference for the LNG and LPG tanker industry. The reason is that Alfa Laval manages to
focus on important features and services which all build on each other to achieve a common
goal: more profitable operation with the utmost safety.
“The biggest benefits aren’t derived from any one feature of the new Smit LNG/LPG inert gas
system, but all of them combined,” says Heesen. “Altogether, with Alfa Laval’s proven quality
and local expert support, the new Smit LNG/LPG inert gas system is the most profitable choice
both for shipyard and ship owners.”
To learn more about inert gas systems and Alfa Laval’s solutions for LNG and LPG carriers,
visit www.alfalaval.com/marine
Editor’s notes
About Alfa Laval
Alfa Laval is a leading global provider of specialized products and engineering solutions based
on its key technologies of heat transfer, separation and fluid handling.
The company’s equipment, systems and services are dedicated to assisting customers in
optimizing the performance of their processes. The solutions help them to heat, cool, separate
and transport products in industries that produce food and beverages, chemicals and
petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, starch, sugar and ethanol.
Alfa Laval’s products are also used in power plants, aboard ships, in the mechanical
engineering industry, in the mining industry and for wastewater treatment, as well as for
comfort climate and refrigeration applications.
Alfa Laval’s worldwide organization works closely with customers in nearly 100 countries to
help them stay ahead in the global arena.
Alfa Laval is listed on Nasdaq OMX, and, in 2013, posted annual sales of about SEK 29.8
billion (approx. 3.5 billion Euros). The company has today, after the acquisition of Frank Mohn
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AS about 17 500 employees.
www.alfalaval.com
For further information, please contact:
Anne Kirstine Senderovitz
Communication Manager, V.P.
Marine & Diesel Division, Alfa Laval
Phone: +45 39 53 63 11
E-mail: annekirstine.senderovitz@alfalaval.com
www.alfalaval.com/marine
Herben Heesen
Manager Marketing & Sales
Business Unit Inert Gas Systems
Alfa Laval Aalborg Nijmegen BV, The Netherlands
Phone: +31 6 105 98 335
E-mail: herben.heesen@alfalaval.com
www.alfalaval.com/marine
NN is a trademark owned by Alfa Laval Corporate AB. Alfa Laval is a trademark registered and owned by Alfa Laval
Corporate AB. Alfa Laval reserves the right to change specifications without prior notification.