From left, Senior Researchers Choi Jung-hyo and Kim Jeong-hyeon, Senior Engineer Ji Heon-young, and Senior Manager Lee Dong-gwon.The stand-alone cryogenic high manganese steel tank for liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel-powered ships developed by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) won the IR52 Jang Young-sil Award for the 26th week. This is the result of localizing LNG storage tank materials and design and production technology in a situation where the use of LNG fuel, which can reduce harmful gases, is expanding. It is expected to be helpful in winning orders for and building eco-friendly ships in the future.
The liquefaction temperature of LNG-fueled ships reaches -163 degrees. For this reason, the tank must be made of a material that can withstand low temperatures. For ships that require large fuel tanks, such as container ships, the MARK3 type patented by French GTT was mainly used. It is a form of using materials such as stainless steel and nickel, which are spread very thinly and overlapped with insulation. To build this type of tank, you have to pay a technology fee.
Since 2011, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering has been working to develop tanks for LNG-fueled ships using high manganese steel materials. Developing the material was difficult, but it also took time to develop a material that can weld the developed material and secure welding technology.
Even following development, there were still difficult procedures to commercialize. Since manganese was used instead of nickel and stainless steel, it needed to be internationally recognized. Through continuous improvement, effort, and prototype production, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering’s high manganese steel tank was able to get approval.
Lee Dong-gwon, senior manager of the ship structure basic design department at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, said, “If the tank is made of high manganese steel, the manufacturing cost can be lowered.” he explained. He also said, “The membrane method is manufactured with the tank attached to the hull from the beginning, so the shape of the hull is determined. The degree of freedom in the shape of the ship is reduced.”
Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) is showing results, such as winning orders for 12 super-large container ships equipped with high manganese steel LNG fuel tanks. Contracts for 14 large tankers equipped with pressure vessel tanks were also completed.
Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering is researching ways to apply high manganese steel to tanks that transport ammonia and hydrogen. This is because it is expected that future eco-friendly fuels will be expanded from LNG to ammonia and hydrogen.
■ Hosted by: Ministry of Science and Technology Information and Communication
■ Subject: Maeil Economic Daily Korea Industrial Technology Association
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