Heating systems for gravity based offshore LNG tank concrete structures

The increased focus on LNG as a vital part of the energy equation around the world has resulted in the development of new concepts for the export, reception, storage, and vaporization of LNG. The offshore located gravity based structures significantly differ from historical methods of cryogenic gas storages, and therefore the heating systems have to be carefully evaluated and selected as its purpose and design differs from that of traditional land-based cryogenic tank base heating systems. This paper offers a brief review of design fundamentals and refers to the latest tools in design such as 3D finite element analysis and other such analytical tools. The paper also offers insights into the application of skin effect heat management systems for heating the offshore gravity based structures. The introduction of cutting-edge technologies in temperature control and monitoring is also introduced as a means of delivering optimum heating to the LNG tanks located on these structures.