Elfab safeguards LNG plant

Elfab, Europe's leading supplier of rupture discs, has won a 250k contract to meet the pressure relief requirements of a leading British gas and energy group's largest ever investment, a liquified natural gas (LNG) development in north-east Australia.

The project is the first in the world to liquify and ship gas produced from coal deposits. The first LNG exports are planned to commence from 2014, underpinned by agreements in Chile, China, Japan and Singapore for the purchase of up to 9.5 million tonnes per annum of LNG.

The contract specifies Elfab's patented Opti-Gard rupture disc, with its three per cent tolerance. In addition, Elfab had to satisfy complex logistical requirements, with sub-contract manufacturing taking place in China before final on-site assembly in Australia.

Elfab worked closely with the customers' subcontractors and drew on 50 years experience in pressure management design to make product improvements that delivered a cost-effective but technically advanced solution.