RegO Products is looking forward to “additional opportunities” following the ruling to authorise bulk transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by rail in the US.
The rule – issued last week by the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), in consultation with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) – allows the use of cryogenic railcars to ship LNG from production plants to destinations across the US from late July.
North Carolina-based RegO offers advanced equipment for LNG vehicle and point of use applications and has been providing flow control products for use in liquified petroleum gas (LPG), ammonia and industrial gas railcars for many years.
Emily Harrell, Senior Product Line Manager, Industrial Gas and LNG at RegO, told gasworld, “RegO products are used in various LNG applications globally, including cylinders and dispensers for LNG-powered vehicles as well as bulk tanks, ISO containers and trailers. RegO’s cryogenic products are also already being used on railcars to transport industrial gases in the US.
“This decision opens up additional opportunities for RegO products to be used on LNG railcars here in the US, as well. As RegO has continued to expand its cryogenic product line to include more stainless steel offerings, we are in an even better position today to supply flow control products for LNG railcar applications.”
LNG, natural gas that has been refrigerated to -260°F (-162°C), is used to generate electricity in remote areas off the traditional power grid and also provides critical services like residential and industrial heating and cooking.
Harrell says the benefits of transporting LNG by rail include lowering the cost and environmental footprint required to move the LNG.
“In our experience with LPG transportation companies, the fuel costs and overhead are typically less expensive, especially when transporting large volumes via rail,” Harrell said.
“In addition to being more cost effective, it is also more environmentally friendly. According to studies by the Association of American Railroads, moving freight by rail is four times more fuel efficient than by road. Companies should realize the same benefits by transporting LNG by railcar.”
Harrell added, “By focusing on quality and innovation and working directly with railcar OEMs and the AAR, RegO has helped ensure the highest possible safety and reliability of transporting these products via rail. RegO is taking the same actions to uphold the same level of safety integrity on LNG railcars.”
