The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) announced today it has established a research facility for the localization of LNG and cryogenic equipment for the first time in Korea.
This paves the way for the localization of LNG and cryogenic equipment within Korea.
In March, Principal Researcher Keun-Tae Lee of the LNG • Cryogenic Technology Center completed the construction of a comprehensive LNG and cryogenic equipment performance test facility.
This marks the first development of a performance evaluation system in Korea for all components of cryogenic equipment, including pumps, valves, heat exchangers, compressors, and the refrigerators.
The LNG and cryogenic equipment performance test facility conducts experiments for evaluating the performance and reliability of various equipment related to LNG and cryogenic temperatures. The research team has established efficient and systematic testing procedures and secured soundness and reliability of test results.
Since 2016, the institution has obtained qualifications as an internationally accredited testing institution from the Korea Accreditation Organization (KOLAS). By the end of this year, it plans to pursue registration as an accredited institution by the Korea Register of Shipping.
The LNG and cryogenic equipment performance test facility handles cryogenic and flammable fluids below -153℃. Due to the dangers in handling such substances, it is essential to comply with strict safety regulations and operate the test facility with stability.
Accordingly, the research team is conducting performance evaluation experiments in compliance with strict safety regulations, such as the Korea Gas Safety (KGS) Codes of the High-Pressure Gas Safety Control Act and Process Safety Management (PSM) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
This newly established research facility is capable of testing the performance of LNG and cryogenic equipment, such as pumps, valves, heat exchangers, compressors, and refrigerators, developed by domestic companies. Such LNG and cryogenic equipment are being used in various fields, including shipbuilding and offshore; onshore plants; energy and power transport; and military and space.
In addition, technology in the field of LNG and cryogenic equipment and systems provides support for small and medium-sized companies in need of such assistance. Domestic companies receive technical support from professional researchers and can even receive KOLAS certification by using LNG and cryogenic research facilities.
Since 2018 to 2020, domestic companies have receivedmore than 40 performance tests on the LNG and cryogenic equipment,using the test facilities – on LNG and cryogenicpumps, valves, and heat exchangers –established at the Center throughout the years.
The newly established research facility is expected to contribute greatly in localizing technology and securing industrial competitiveness for Korean small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) related to LNG and cryogenic temperatures, particularly for businesses that have been experiencing difficulties in securing experimental facilities, as well as a shortage of professional research personnel.
This facility is also expected to help prevent any leakages of technology, which often occurs when products researched and developed by domestic companies seek accreditation from specialized agencies overseas. At the same time, the facility can be used to solve budget and time issues associated with receiving overseas accreditation.
Principal Researcher Lee Keun-Tae stated that this achievement is meaningful in that it serves as a cornerstone for the development of cryogenic technology in Korea. He also added that, in the future, his team aims to cooperate with related industry-academia-research institutes in an effort to contribute to the independence of domestic cryogenic technology. Furthermore, he hopes to promote the development of national industries and the discovery of new growth engines.
