Laser as a Shield

Safeguarding Energy Arteries

Guoke Hanhai Assists Sinopec Tianjin LNG Terminal in Consolidating Safety Defenses

At the critical nodes of energy transportation, safety is always an insurmountable red line. As a key hub connecting overseas gas sources with domestic users, Sinopec Tianjin LNG Terminal undertakes the reception, storage and external transportation of massive amounts of liquefied natural gas every day. Every storage tank and every section of pipeline here is crucial to the stability of energy supply and the safety of surrounding areas. With advanced laser monitoring technology, Guoke Hanhai Laser Technology has built an "invisible defense line" for this energy hub.

1. Project Background: Urgent Safety Needs

      Although LNG (liquefied natural gas) is a clean energy source, leakage during storage and transportation can easily trigger major safety accidents such as fires and explosions. In accordance with the national standard GB/T50493-2019, LNG terminals must be equipped with advanced gas leakage monitoring equipment. However, traditional monitoring methods have shortcomings such as slow response, low precision and limited coverage, making it difficult to meet safety needs in complex scenarios.

Sinopec Tianjin LNG Terminal features a large tank farm, metering and transportation area, IFV area and other key regions, involving a large number of low-temperature storage equipment and high-pressure pipelines. Gas leakage risk points are numerous and concealed. To achieve comprehensive and high-precision safety monitoring, Guoke Hanhai's laser monitoring system became the optimal choice.

2. Solution Deployment: Full Coverage of Laser "Sky Net"

      Tailored to the complex environment and monitoring needs of Tianjin LNG Terminal, Guoke Hanhai customized a multi-dimensional laser monitoring solution. Various types of equipment perform their respective duties, weaving a seamless safety protection network.

Multiple fixed scanning laser gas telemetry instruments serve as the "main force" of the monitoring network, stationed in the tank farm, metering and transportation area, IFV area, SCV area and compressor plant area respectively. Taking the equipment in the No. 5 tank top area as an example, the 3-meter-high pole provides it with a broad monitoring view to fully scan the tank top area. Equipment in the metering and transportation area closely monitors the natural gas external transportation link, capturing possible leakage signs in real time. These devices are powered by 24V power supply and transmit signals through single-mode 4-core armored optical fibers, ensuring stable operation in complex industrial environments.

Multiple fixed reflection laser gas telemetry instruments are installed on the top of the main pipe gallery and in the tank truck area, constructing monitoring paths using optical reflection principles. One device is installed on each of the north and south main pipe galleries, forming precise monitoring lines with reflectors. Two devices in the tank truck area focus on gas safety during vehicle loading and unloading, ensuring monitoring accuracy and stability.

Multiple IoT laser gas leakage monitors (solar-powered type) solve the monitoring problem in outdoor areas without power supply. Monitoring equipment in the SCV platform area and fuel gas electric heater area relies on solar power supply, which is energy-saving, environmentally friendly and flexible in deployment. Sensors are installed above the measured areas with customized brackets, achieving effective coverage of special regions.

In addition, multiple portable telemetry laser methane detectors act as "mobile forces", allowing staff to conduct long-distance rapid detection of inaccessible areas, significantly reducing the labor intensity and risks of manual inspection.

3. Practical Verification: Accurate Early Warning to Prevent Disasters

      In the early morning of February 2, 2024, the laser monitoring system detected gas leakage in the No. 5 tank top area and issued an alarm, showing a gas concentration of 382 ppm. Based on the system's positioning, staff quickly identified the leakage point at a flange joint and handled it promptly, avoiding potential safety accidents. After treatment, the system showed that the concentration dropped to 225 ppm. The entire process featured rapid response and precise positioning, proving the reliability of the technology through practical performance.

This is not an isolated case. In daily operation, the laser monitoring system can capture tiny gas leaks with high sensitivity, enabling hidden dangers to be detected at an early stage. Connected to switches via optical cables, monitoring data is uploaded to the server in real time, allowing managers to conduct remote monitoring and achieve the safety management goal of "early detection and early handling".

4. Value Manifestation: Dual Improvement of Safety and Efficiency

      Guoke Hanhai's laser monitoring system has brought multi-dimensional value improvement to Sinopec Tianjin LNG Terminal. In terms of safety guarantee, the system monitors gas concentration in real time. Combined with explosion-proof boxes, lightning protection and other measures, it effectively prevents gas leakage accidents. When the concentration exceeds the standard, acousto-optic alarms promptly remind personnel to evacuate. Remote monitoring reduces the risk of personnel on-site exposure and minimizes environmental pollution caused by gas leakage, complying with environmental protection requirements.

Economic benefits are equally significant. Through real-time monitoring and data analysis, enterprises can optimize production processes and reduce production interruptions caused by equipment maintenance and accident handling. Laser equipment has a long service life and low maintenance costs, and solar-powered equipment saves more energy consumption, enabling significant cost reduction during long-term operation. Effective accident prevention also avoids huge losses from equipment damage, casualties and production shutdowns.

In terms of social benefits, the project provides an advanced gas monitoring solution for the industry, promoting the improvement of safety standards for LNG terminals. It enhances public confidence in enterprises' safe production and promotes the harmonious development of enterprises and society. Meanwhile, the successful application of laser monitoring technology provides a reference for technological innovation in related fields.

5. Future Outlook: Technological Iteration to Safeguard Energy Security

      The cooperation with Sinopec Tianjin LNG Terminal is another successful practice of Guoke Hanhai's laser technology in the energy field. In the future, Guoke Hanhai will continue to upgrade its technology, combining the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence to realize intelligent management of the monitoring system. At the same time, it will promote this set of solutions to more LNG terminals and the petrochemical industry, contributing more to China's energy security.

From the energy hub of Tianjin Port to the vast industrial battlefield, Guoke Hanhai has always taken laser as a blade and technology as a shield, safeguarding the safety of every energy node. Because we deeply understand that every accurate monitoring is a respect for life, and every successful early warning is a fulfillment of responsibility.