Boil-Off Gas (BOG) Compression Solutions

Boil-off gas (BOG) is generated whenever liquefied natural gas (LNG) absorbs heat during storage or transportation. Even with highly insulated storage tanks, a small portion of the LNG continuously evaporates due to its cryogenic storage temperature of approximately −162 °C.

Reliable boil-off gas compression is essential to maintain safe tank pressures, minimize product losses and maximize overall process efficiency. Instead of venting the evaporated gas, BOG is recovered, recompressed and returned to the process or prepared for further utilization, reducing emissions while preserving valuable natural gas.

With more than 80 years of experience in reciprocating high pressure compressor technology, LMF develops tailor-made compressor solutions for boil-off gas applications. Every solution is individually engineered according to the required suction temperature, operating pressure, gas composition and project-specific requirements, ensuring reliable, efficient and long-term operation under demanding cryogenic conditions.

BOG is commonly associated with Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), but it can also occur during the storage and handling of liquefied ethylene, refrigerated LPG and other liquefied gases.

Recommended Compression Solutions by LMF

API 618 Compressors

Recommended for continuous BOG recovery applications requiring high availability, low-temperature capability and project-specific engineering according to API 618.

  • Capacity:
    up to 27 000 Nm³/h
  • Pressure:
    up to 200 bar
  • Power consumption:
    6 MW
  • Suction temperature:
    down to -196°C

Selected References 

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FAQs

Boil-off gas is vapor generated when a liquefied gas absorbs heat during storage, transportation or transfer. The composition and temperature of the vapor depend on the stored product and operating conditions.

No. BOG can also be generated during the storage and handling of liquefied ethylene, refrigerated LPG and other liquefied gases. Each application requires a compressor configuration suitable for the respective vapor composition and temperature.

Depending on the facility, compressed BOG can be returned to a process, used as fuel gas, transferred to a gas network, routed to storage or supplied to a reliquefaction system. The compressor is engineered for the selected downstream destination and required pressure.

They influence thermodynamic performance, material selection, sealing systems, condensation risk and the required compression stages. The expected operating range rather than a single design point must be considered.

The compressor supports tank-pressure management by removing and compressing generated vapor. However, it is only one component of the overall BOG and tank-safety system, which also includes process controls, pressure protection and other equipment defined by the facility design.