Laser as a Shield, Guarding the Energy Artery - Guoke Hanhai Helps Sinopec Tianjin LNG Terminal Fortify Its Safety Defenses

At the critical nodes of energy transportation, safety has always been an insurmountable bottom line. As a vital hub connecting overseas gas sources to domestic users, Sinopec Tianjin LNG Terminal undertakes the daily task of receiving, storing and transporting massive volumes of liquefied natural gas. Every storage tank and section of pipeline here is crucial to the stability of energy supply and the safety of surrounding areas. With its advanced laser monitoring technology, Guoke Hanhai Laser Technology has built an "invisible defense line" for this energy hub.

01. Project Background: An Urgent Need for Safety

Although LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) is a clean energy source, any leakage during storage and transportation can easily trigger major safety accidents such as fires and explosions. In accordance with the national standard GB/T50493 - 2019, LNG terminals must be equipped with advanced gas leakage monitoring equipment. However, traditional monitoring methods have shortcomings including slow response, low precision and limited coverage, which make it difficult to meet safety requirements in complex scenarios.Sinopec Tianjin LNG Terminal boasts large - scale key areas such as storage tank farms, metering and transmission areas and IFV areas, involving a large number of low - temperature storage equipment and high - pressure pipelines. The gas leakage risk points here are numerous and concealed. To achieve comprehensive and high - precision safety monitoring, Guoke Hanhai's laser monitoring system emerged as the optimal choice.

02. Solution Deployment: Full Coverage of the Laser "Sky Net"

Tailored to the complex environment and monitoring needs of Tianjin LNG Terminal, Guoke Hanhai customized a multi - dimensional laser monitoring solution. Various types of equipment perform their respective functions, weaving an all - round safety protection network.Multiple fixed scanning laser gas telemeters serve as the backbone of the monitoring network, stationed in the storage tank farm, metering and transmission area, IFV area, SCV area and compressor room respectively. Take the equipment in the top area of Tank 5 as an example. The 3 - meter - high vertical pole endows it with a broad monitoring view, enabling full - scale scanning of the tank top area. The equipment in the metering and transmission area closely monitors the natural gas transmission process and captures potential leakage signs in real time. These devices are powered by 24V power supply and transmit signals through single - mode 4 - core armored optical fibers, ensuring stable operation in complex industrial environments.Several fixed reflective laser gas telemeters are installed on the top of the main pipe gallery and in the tank truck area, constructing monitoring paths based on the principle of optical reflection. One device is installed on both the north and south main pipe galleries, forming accurate monitoring lines in conjunction with retroreflectors. The two devices in the tank truck area focus on gas safety during vehicle loading and unloading, guaranteeing the accuracy and stability of monitoring.A number of IoT - based laser gas leakage monitors (solar - powered type) have solved the monitoring problem in outdoor areas without power supply. The monitoring equipment in the SCV platform area and the fuel gas electric heater area relies on solar energy for power supply, featuring energy conservation, environmental protection and flexible deployment. Sensors are installed above the areas to be monitored, and with the help of customized brackets, effective coverage of special areas is achieved.In addition, multiple portable telemetric laser methane detectors act as mobile forces. They allow staff to conduct rapid long - distance detection in inaccessible areas, significantly reducing the labor intensity and risks of manual inspection.

03. Practical Verification: Accurate Early Warning Averts Disasters

In the early morning of February 2, 2024, the laser monitoring system detected a gas leakage in the top area of Tank 5 and triggered an alarm, indicating that the gas concentration had reached 382 ppm. Based on the system's positioning, the staff quickly located the leakage point at a flange joint and took timely disposal measures, thus avoiding a potential major safety accident. After the disposal, the system showed that the concentration dropped to 225 ppm. The whole process was characterized by rapid response and precise positioning, which proved the reliability of the technology through practical performance.This is not an isolated case. In daily operation, the laser monitoring system, with its high sensitivity, can detect minor gas leaks, enabling hidden dangers to be identified at an early stage. Connected to switches via optical cables, the real - time monitoring data is uploaded to the server, allowing managers to carry out remote monitoring. This has achieved the safety management goal of "early detection and early handling".

04. Value Manifestation: Simultaneous Improvement of Safety and Benefits

Guoke Hanhai's laser monitoring system has brought multi - dimensional value enhancement to Sinopec Tianjin LNG Terminal.In terms of safety guarantee, the system monitors gas concentration in real time. Combined with explosion - proof boxes, lightning protection and other measures, it effectively prevents gas leakage accidents. When the concentration exceeds the standard, the acousto - optic alarm promptly reminds personnel to evacuate. Remote monitoring reduces the risk of personnel exposure on site, and at the same time, reduces environmental pollution caused by gas leakage, complying with environmental protection requirements.The economic benefits are equally remarkable. Through real - time monitoring and data analysis, the enterprise can optimize the production process and reduce production interruptions caused by equipment maintenance and accident handling. Laser equipment has a long service life and low maintenance costs. The solar - powered equipment further saves energy consumption, which can significantly reduce costs during long - term operation. Moreover, the effective prevention of accidents avoids huge losses such as equipment damage, casualties and production suspension.In terms of social benefits, this project provides an advanced gas monitoring solution for the industry and promotes the improvement of safety standards for LNG terminals. It enhances the public's confidence in the enterprise's safe production and promotes the harmonious development between the enterprise and society. Meanwhile, the successful application of laser monitoring technology provides a reference for technological innovation in related fields.

05. Future Outlook: Technological Iteration to Safeguard Energy Security

The cooperation with Sinopec Tianjin LNG Terminal marks another successful practice of Guoke Hanhai's laser technology in the energy sector. In the future, Guoke Hanhai will continuously upgrade its technology, integrate the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence to achieve intelligent management of the monitoring system. At the same time, it will promote this solution to more LNG terminals and the petrochemical industry, contributing more to China's energy security.From the energy hub of Tianjin Port to the vast industrial sites, Guoke Hanhai has always taken laser as a blade and technology as a shield to guard the safety of every energy node. For we deeply understand that every accurate monitoring is a respect for life, and every successful early warning is a fulfillment of responsibility.