• LNG Transport: Loading/unloading LNG from tanker trucks or vessels.
• Process Applications: Continuous or intermittent transfer in production plants.
• Regasification: Feeding LNG to vaporizers.

Leading Manufacturers

• Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases: Known for submerged centrifugal LNG pumps.
• TS Italia Srl: Offers CP/DCP series for cryogenic transfer.
• EDUR: Provides magnetic coupling options.
• Baker Hughes: Offers high-speed, high-capacity centrifugal options.

Technical Specifications to Consider

• Flow Rate: Can exceed 20,000 m³/h.
• Operating Speed: 900 - 7500 rpm.
• Pressure Head: Up to 360 meters (or higher depending on stages).
• Safety Requirements: Explosion-proof certifications are mandatory.

Technical Specifications for High-Flow Models

Modern high-flow centrifugal pumps for liquid methane typically operate within these ranges:

• Flow Rates: Can reach up to 4540 m³/h (20000 gpm) for large industrial process pumps. Medium-to-high capacity units often range from 120 to 2050 m³/h.
• Head/Pressure: Heads can exceed 450 m (1500 ft) with pressures up to 100 bar (1500 psi ) for high-pressure transfer systems.
• Temperature Rating: Designed specifically for cryogenic service down to 196°C or lower to ensure methane remains in a stable liquid state.

Key Design Features

• Low NPSH (Net Positive Suction Head): Essential for liquid methane, which is pumped near its boiling point. Many designs use inducers or submerged configurations to prevent cavitation.
• Hermetic Sealing: Often utilize magnetic couplings or canned motors to eliminate shaft seals, preventing hazardous leaks of odorless, explosive methane gas.
• Material Selection: Constructed from specialized materials like stainless steel or bronze to maintain structural integrity at ultra-low temperatures.

Leading Manufacturers and Series

Nikkiso Clean Energy: Offers a broad range of high-flow solutions, including submerged and vertical process pumps for LNG.
Flowserve: Their Durco Mark 3 series and other hydrocarbon processing pumps handle very high capacities up to 20000 gpm.
Alfa Laval: The Cryomec® range is specifically engineered for efficient fluid transfer in LNG and industrial gas liquefaction.
TS Italia: Features the CP and DCP series, designed for high flow rates and heads up to
, suitable for mobile tanker installations.
Blackmer (PSG): Produces the CRYO-MACH Series, focusing on safe transfer of cryogenic liquids using specialized centrifugal technology.