Marine transport of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is well established and extensive precedents for the design of the ships and tanks exist. Fewer precedents exist for the transport of compressed natural gas (CNG). This paper describes the application of composite (fiber) wrapped pressure vessels constructed to the requirements of ASME Section VIII Division 3, Alternative Rules for Construction of High Pressure Vessels (Division 3) to pressure vessels for marine CNG transport. Since the density of CNG is much lower than the density of LNG, efficient transport requires that the pressure vessels be as light as possible while ensuring pressure integrity. The advantages of a composite fiber wrap and of Division 3 construction for this application will be discussed.
Paper published with permission.
