Tony Collins, EonCoat, USA, explains how the shift towards sustainability has seen an increase in support for LNG storage assets protected by non-toxic coatings.
T
he 21st Century demands solutions that sustainably meet the economic needs of society, but also protect the environment in the face of climate change and pollution. LNG is the right energy solution for an environmentally conscious society: it is the cleanest-burning fossil fuel and has numerous environmental advantages, providing operators a smart, safe, and affordable way to meet regulations. LNG releases 45 – 50% less carbon dioxide (CO2) than coal, 30% less CO2 than fuel oil, dramatically reduces nitric oxide emissions, does not emit soot, dust, or fumes, and produces insignificant amounts of sulfur dioxide, mercury, and other particulates compared to other fuels.
Safety
LNG is inherently safe because it is not flammable in liquid form. Another huge safety factor is that LNG vapours are not toxic.
In addition, LNG spills do not damage the waterway or harm aquatic life in any way. So where do the operators of this safest, cleanest, and most environmentally-friendly fuel turn when they need to protect the steel assets that store and transmit their product? Many of them choose the safest, cleanest, most environmentally-friendly and completely non-toxic coating of chemically bonded phosphate cement that protects steel from corrosion for decades, typically the life of the asset. In addition to being safe and environmentally-friendly, chemically bonded phosphate cements are not flammable – making them even safer for use around fuels.
Cement as coating
So, what are chemically bonded phosphate cements? They are acid/base cements, similar to dental cements, and were pioneered by Argonne National Labs to shield radioactive waste in the
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