LNG High Pressure Pump Skid: Selection and Specification Guide
An LNG high pressure pump skid is a packaged system that transfers cryogenic liquefied natural gas and raises its pressure to meet a defined process or dispensing requirement. To select one, start with the required flow and discharge pressure, then confirm the LNG supply conditions, pump technology, materials, controls, utilities, and site interfaces. There is no single specification that suits every application: the skid must be matched to the station layout, operating profile, and applicable project requirements. This guide explains what to define before requesting a quotation and how to evaluate a supplier’s proposal.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is for project owners, EPC contractors, station developers, and procurement teams specifying LNG high pressure pump skids. It is also useful when comparing supplier quotations that appear similar but may differ in scope, operating assumptions, or interfaces. Use it to prepare a clear inquiry package rather than treating a general product description as a final design.
How an LNG High Pressure Pump Skid Works
The skid receives LNG from a storage tank or another defined source, conditions and filters the incoming stream as required by the design, and delivers pressurized LNG to downstream equipment. A typical package may include a cryogenic pump, base frame, piping, valves, instruments, electrical components, and a local control system. The exact boundary of supply varies, so confirm whether items such as a motor, control panel, vapor handling provisions, or connecting pipework are included.
Core Equipment and Pump Options
Pump selection depends on the required flow range, pressure rise, inlet conditions, duty cycle, and maintenance preferences. A reciprocating pump may be considered where a project needs high pressure at a defined flow, while a centrifugal design may suit a different combination of flow and pressure. These are starting points for evaluation, not universal rules; the supplier should demonstrate that the proposed pump’s operating envelope matches the project’s actual duty.
Because LNG is cryogenic, the wetted components, seals, clearances, and piping arrangement must be suitable for the specified temperature and fluid conditions. LNG boils at approximately -162°C at atmospheric pressure; actual operating conditions depend on pressure and composition. Ask suppliers to identify the design temperature basis and material specifications for relevant components rather than relying on a general statement that the package is “cryogenic.”
Match the Skid to the Application
LNG high pressure pump skids can be used in L-CNG fueling stations, where pressurized LNG is subsequently converted to compressed natural gas, as well as in other LNG transfer or process applications that require a defined high-pressure supply. The downstream process determines the required delivery pressure, flow profile, controls, and interfaces. For an L-CNG station, coordinate the pump specification with the vaporizer, gas storage, dispensing equipment, and control philosophy.
Describe the operating profile, not only the maximum capacity. A station with intermittent demand may have different control and turndown needs from a process that runs continuously. Provide expected start-stop frequency, peak and normal demand, required availability, and any standby-pump strategy so the supplier can assess the duty realistically.
Selection Framework: Information to Specify
1. Define Performance Requirements
State the required normal and peak flow, inlet pressure range, target discharge pressure, and allowable operating variation. Identify whether flow is expressed by mass or volume, and specify the reference conditions for any volumetric figure. For unit consistency, 1 MPa equals 10 bar; also state whether pressure values are gauge or absolute, since mixing these conventions can lead to a materially different design basis.
2. Describe LNG and Site Conditions
Provide available LNG composition or the project’s agreed design basis, inlet temperature and pressure range, tank connection details, and any known contaminants or filtration requirements. Include ambient temperature range, altitude if relevant, indoor or outdoor installation, hazardous-area classification, and available electrical supply. Identify site constraints such as lifting access, footprint, foundation loads, drainage, and maintenance clearance.
3. Clarify Controls, Utilities, and Interfaces
Specify the required control mode, alarms, interlocks, emergency shutdown interfaces, and communication protocol if these are defined by the project. List available electrical power, instrument air, cooling, or other utilities, and ask the supplier to state consumption and connection requirements. Agree on battery limits, nozzle orientation, cable entry, and signals to downstream equipment before approving drawings.
4. Review Materials and Design Requirements
Request a component-level material schedule for pressure-containing and LNG-wetted parts, along with the design pressure and temperature basis. Identify the codes, regulations, and inspection requirements applicable to the installation’s location and project scope. A supplier should confirm which requirements are included in its quotation and flag any items that require customer or EPC input.
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Specification Checklist for a Supplier Inquiry
| Specification area | Information to provide or request |
|---|---|
| Process duty | Normal and peak flow, inlet conditions, required discharge pressure, and operating profile |
| LNG basis | Composition or agreed design basis, temperature range, and relevant fluid assumptions |
| Package scope | Pump, motor, piping, valves, instrumentation, controls, base frame, and stated exclusions |
| Site and interfaces | Utilities, electrical supply, hazardous-area requirements, footprint, connections, and signals |
| Project execution | Documentation, inspection plan, drawing review, testing scope, delivery basis, and service needs |
Pricing, Minimum Order Quantity, and Lead Time
Skid pricing depends on the pump and motor configuration, pressure and flow requirements, materials, instrumentation, control scope, fabrication requirements, and inspection documentation. Freight, export packing, commissioning support, and site services may be quoted separately. Because these variables differ by project, compare quotations by line-item scope and exclusions rather than by headline price alone.
Minimum order quantities and lead times are supplier- and project-dependent. A standard configuration may have a different schedule from a customized package requiring additional engineering, approvals, or long-lead components. Request a preliminary schedule with key approval and manufacturing milestones, and confirm when the delivery period begins—for example, after technical approval or receipt of an agreed deposit.
Supplier Evaluation Checklist
Evaluate whether the supplier can explain the pump selection against your stated duty and provide a clear package boundary. Review the proposed datasheets, general arrangement drawing, material information, control description, and list of deviations. Ask how design changes are managed and what information the supplier needs to freeze the specification.
Also check the proposed inspection and documentation scope, packaging method, shipping assumptions, warranty terms, and availability of technical support. Do not assume that testing, certification, commissioning, or spare parts are included unless they are explicitly listed in the offer. Where local codes apply, confirm responsibilities for compliance and approvals with the supplier and the project’s qualified engineering team.
Common Specification Mistakes
Giving only a maximum pressure: Pressure without flow, inlet conditions, and operating profile is not enough to select a pump.
Mixing units or pressure references: State units consistently and label pressure as gauge or absolute.
Leaving package boundaries unclear: Ask for a scope list and exclusions to prevent interface gaps between the skid and station equipment.
Ignoring site conditions: Electrical supply, hazardous-area requirements, access, and ambient conditions can affect design and installation.
Comparing unlike quotations: Align technical scope, documentation, inspection, delivery terms, and support before comparing price.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
The right LNG high pressure pump skid is the one matched to the project’s flow, pressure, LNG inlet conditions, operating profile, site environment, and downstream interfaces. Before requesting quotations, prepare a process data sheet, site and utility information, package-boundary expectations, and applicable project requirements. Then ask each supplier to identify assumptions, exclusions, and deviations so proposals can be compared on a consistent basis.
At Dongzhao, we can review your LNG high pressure pump skid requirements and discuss a configuration and supply scope suited to your project. Send your target flow and pressure, LNG inlet conditions, application, site requirements, and preferred delivery schedule for an initial technical discussion. A complete inquiry helps us clarify the specification and identify open points before a formal quotation.