Shell LNG Terminal
Cryogenic Coating for Liquefied Natural Gas Infrastructure | Louisiana Gulf Coast
Project Overview
Shell's liquefied natural gas terminal required specialized cryogenic coating systems capable of withstanding extreme low temperatures (-260°F) and rapid thermal cycling. The 1.2 million square foot facility processes, stores, and exports LNG requiring coating systems that maintain integrity and adhesion under cryogenic conditions while providing long-term corrosion protection in the harsh marine coastal environment.
Challenges
- Cryogenic temperature requirements (-260°F for LNG contact surfaces)
- Thermal shock resistance for rapid temperature cycling
- Marine coastal environment requiring corrosion protection
- High-security facility with strict access and safety protocols
- Coordination with ongoing LNG terminal operations
- Specialized surface preparation for stainless steel and carbon steel
Our Solutions
- Cryogenic-grade epoxy and polyurethane systems rated for extreme low temperatures
- Thermal cycling tested coatings meeting NACE and ISO standards
- Zinc-rich primers and high-build epoxy for coastal corrosion protection
- TWIC-badged personnel with petrochemical facility experience
- Comprehensive safety training including H2S awareness and confined space
- Specialized abrasive blasting achieving SSPC SP-10 near-white metal
Results
- Perfect safety record: 176,000 man-hours without OSHA recordable incident
- Cryogenic performance: All coatings passed thermal cycling and impact testing
- Schedule success: Critical path work completed enabling on-time startup
- Quality validation: Third-party inspection confirmed 100% specification compliance
- Coating longevity: Systems engineered for 25-year service life
- Industry recognition: NACE International Project Excellence Award
Technical Specifications
Coating Systems by Application
- LNG storage tanks: Cryogenic-grade epoxy (tested to -260°F, 20 mils DFT)
- Process piping: High-build epoxy with thermal cycling resistance
- Structural steel: 3-coat system: inorganic zinc primer, epoxy intermediate, aliphatic polyurethane topcoat
- Concrete containment: Epoxy-polyamide lining system (40 mils DFT)
- Marine exposure areas: Zinc-rich epoxy with high-build polyurethane (15+ mils DFT)
Testing & Standards
- NACE SP0178 (Design, Fabrication, and Surface Preparation)
- NACE SP0188 (Discontinuity Holiday Testing)
- SSPC SP-10 (Near-White Blast Cleaning)
- ISO 12944-9 (Protective Coating Systems for Offshore Structures)
- ASTM G48 (Pitting and Crevice Corrosion Resistance)
- Thermal cycling testing per ASTM D3911
- Impact resistance testing per ASTM D2794
Client Testimonial
"This project demanded the highest level of technical expertise and safety performance. Moorhouse Coating exceeded expectations in both areas. Their cryogenic coating application was flawless, and their safety culture was evident daily. We achieved startup on schedule with coating systems that will protect this critical infrastructure for decades."
Energy Infrastructure Coating Expertise
We specialize in extreme-environment industrial coatings for oil & gas, petrochemical, and energy infrastructure. Our team understands cryogenic requirements, thermal cycling, coastal corrosion, and the safety protocols essential for major energy projects.