Development of pre-cooling simulation analysis system for large scale full containment LNG storage tank based on Python

Author of the article:ZHANG Baohe1, TIAN Guangsheng2, FENG Jianzhou1, HUANG Zhixin2, ZHANG Hao1, GAO Xinyu1

Author's Workplace：1. Offshore Oil Engineering Co., Ltd., Tianjin, 300461, China; 2. PERA Global, Beijing, 100025, China

Key Words：LNG tank; Pre-cooling; CFD simulation; Secondary development

Abstract：In order to reduce the cost of pre-cooling simulation test research, simulation analysis on the tank pre-cooling process is carried out using simulation software. In this paper, the pre-cooling simulation analysis system for large scale full containment LNG storage tank is developed based on Python language. The developed pre-cooling simulation analysis system can incorporate the related technologies, engineering experience and simulation process into a template. Upon the input of corresponding parameters by users, program template will automatically performs the simulation calculation to get the simulation results of pre-cooling. This approach lowers the simulation threshold, shortens the analysis and verification time frame and cycle time of the pre-cooling effect, and improves pre-cooling efficiency and reliability. At the same time, the pre-cooling simulation can obtain the real time temperature data of each monitoring point as well. By comparing the actual pre-cooling process monitoring temperature drop curve with the simulation results, it is confirmed that the relative error is 5%, and the pre-cooling simulation analysis system settings and calculated CFD simulation results are reliable.