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BOC is involved at all stages of the LNG process from establishing contracts with natural gas producers through to liaison with the end user transport industry. The key technology driving the production and distribution of LNG for fuel is the micro LNG plant and the refuelling stations.

Overview of a Micro LNG Plant An LNG plant consists of 4 main unit operations: front end clean up of the feed gas refrigeration cycle cold box storage The front end clean up removes key impurities from the feed gas, typically this operation removes CO2, sulphur compounds and moisture. Then the refrigeration cycle produces the cold which liquefies the natural gas to LNG. The cold box houses the heat exchanger in which the refrigeration cycle liquefies the gas. The LNG is stored in lightly-pressurised vacuum insulated tanks, ready to be transported to wherever it is required.

Contact the LNG Team

Find out more about BOC's LNG capabilities, or organise a free vehicle fleet assessment. BOC will work with your organisation to determine the investments and payback timelines particular to your fleet operation. Email

Micro LNG Plant a first in Australia In order to find a cost effective solution for the trucking industry, BOC has found a way to build a micro LNG plant (50 tonnes a day and less) at the same price per tonne as small scale plants (200 tonnes per day). 50 tonnes of LNG per day is equivalent to 70,000 litres of diesel, which can provide fuel for 125 heavy duty trucks. The micro LNG plant operation is also scalable down to as little as 16 tonnes per day for smaller fleet operations. Using an existing patent purchased from the Gas Technology Institute (GTI) in the USA, BOCs research and development team worked jointly with GTI. They refined the technology and developed the mixed refrigerant cycle to allow micro LNG

production of up to 50 tonnes per day. BOC now owns an exclusive global licence to GTI technology patents and know-how.

Refuelling Stations BOCs sister company, Cryostar, is an expert in the design and build of refuelling stations for dispensing of LNG and CNG. All the LNG refuelling stations for Tasmania and the BOC east coast heavy duty transport network will be supplied by Cryostar.

Storage Tank A refuelling station contains a cryogenic storage tank that is refilled from an LNG tanker. The storage tanks are equipped with level and pressure transmitters, in order to monitor the state of the tank in real time.

Station Control System The LNG refuelling stations sophisticated remote control centre means that there is no requirement for the station to be manned.

LNG Dispenser Using the LNG dispenser is similar to using a conventional diesel bowser. The dispensers are fitted with a Weights and Measures approved flow meter to ensure high precision weight measurement, independent to the natural gas density. Methane emissions are kept to a minimum by using a unique vent gas recovery system incorporating a single fuelling connector and hose. Additionally, the dispensers are connected to the main pumping skid by vacuum insulated lines that allow minimal gas loss.

Payment The refuelling payment system is connected to the stations control system. It immediately activates all parts of the station when the user swipes their card in the system. The system is configured with a magnetic card payment, enabling the creation of a monthly invoice for each fleet operator.

How to Use the Refuelling Station The refuelling station is very straightforward for drivers to use and comprises just a few simple steps: Drive vehicle into refuelling station Swipe card in reader Enter pin number to identify driver Input odometer reading to enable accurate fuel management system readings Select "fuel filling process" (duel or single hose according to engine type) Connect hose Once hose is connected, press fill button A green light shows when tank is full Disconnect hose A date and time stamp with number of kilograms of fuel is issued. Refuelling is complete

Linde AG, Klosterhofstrasse 1, 80331 Munich, Germany Phone +49.89.35757-01, Fax +49.89.35757-1075, Email: info@linde.com