LGE Propylene Refrigeration Compressor Packages — VLEC / ULEC
By Qiangbin Chu · Sales Manager & Operations Lead
Lmart manufactured the equipment for LGE. Built, this project demonstrates Lmart’s capability in petrochemical processing equipment.
| Client | LGE |
| Equipment | Propylene Refrigeration Compressor Packages |
| Project | VLEC / ULEC Carriers |
| Year | 2024–2025 |
| Design Code | CCS / BV |
| Category | Compressor Package |
Customer Background
LGE is a recognized participant in the petrochemical processing sector. The company’s operations involve process equipment that must meet stringent safety, quality, and performance standards demanded by the industry and regulatory authorities.
This project required the equipment engineered to applicable code standards, reflecting the technical demands of the application and LGE’s commitment to equipment reliability and regulatory compliance.
Challenges and Engineering Requirements
Process Temperature Control in petrochemical processing
LGE required precise low-temperature cooling for the equipment service in the petrochemical processing sector. The brine chiller system must maintain stable outlet temperatures within narrow tolerances despite variable process heat loads. Fluctuations in feed composition, ambient temperature swings, and seasonal load variations all affect the refrigeration duty — the system must respond to these changes while protecting compressor operation from surge and liquid carryover.
Refrigerant Selection and Safety
The choice of the selected refrigerant reflects the balance between thermodynamic efficiency at the target evaporating temperature, compatibility with the plant’s existing refrigerant infrastructure, and safety classification under the applicable code. Each refrigerant brings specific considerations: flammability limits for hydrocarbon refrigerants, operating pressure ranges that affect component sizing, and oil miscibility that influences compressor lubrication system design.
Integration with EPC Engineering
The chiller packages were specified and documented by the project EPC/design institute as part of a larger process unit. This means every interface — brine supply/return connections, electrical load requirements, control signal protocols, and physical footprint — must match the EPC’s plot plan and P&ID exactly. Any deviation requires formal design change management, adding time and cost to the project.
Why LGE Selected Lmart
Integrated refrigeration package capability. Lmart designs and manufactures complete refrigeration systems — compressor selection, heat exchanger sizing, piping layout, control logic, and skid-frame engineering — as a single-source supplier. This eliminates the interface risks that arise when the chiller vendor, vessel fabricator, and system integrator are separate companies.
Process refrigerant experience. Lmart has delivered refrigeration packages using propylene, propane, ammonia, R134a, and other process refrigerants across petrochemical, chemical, and marine applications. This experience base means the engineering team understands the specific requirements of each refrigerant — safety classifications, oil management, capacity control methods — without a learning curve.
Repeat performance. Lmart has a proven track record of repeat orders from satisfied clients across the process industry.
Engineering and Manufacturing Solution
Lmart engineered and fabricated the equipment for LGE. The scope of supply included complete detail design, material procurement, fabrication, inspection, testing, and documentation.
Key engineering considerations for this project included thermal-hydraulic performance optimization, material selection for the specific process environment, and compliance with the applicable design code requirements for design, fabrication, and inspection.
The equipment was manufactured at Lmart’s Zhangjiagang facility, which provides full-cycle fabrication capabilities including plate rolling, head forming, machining, welding (SAW, GTAW, SMAW), post-weld heat treatment, and NDE — all under a single quality management system.
Quality Control and Project Execution
All equipment was manufactured under Lmart’s ISO 9001-certified quality management system with the following key inspection milestones:
- Material verification: Incoming inspection of all plates, forgings, and fittings against mill certificates; PMI spot checks on alloy materials
- Welding quality: All welding performed by qualified welders using approved WPS/PQR; NDE per the applicable code requirements including RT/UT on pressure-retaining welds
- Dimensional inspection: In-process dimensional checks at shell rolling, head forming, and final assembly stages
- Pressure testing: Hydrostatic test to the applicable code requirements, witnessed by the authorized inspector and/or client representative
- Documentation package: Complete data book including material certificates, weld maps, NDE reports, dimensional records, and test certificates
Equipment was delivered to LGE’s project site, meeting the project schedule requirements.
Results and Business Impact
Lmart successfully delivered the equipment to LGE, meeting the project’s quality, schedule, and documentation requirements. The equipment was manufactured to applicable code standards, with full documentation packages accepted by LGE and applicable inspection authorities.
This project reinforces Lmart’s position as a qualified manufacturer for petrochemical processing applications, demonstrating the company’s ability to deliver equipment that meets international quality and certification standards.
Customer Voice
“The equipment was delivered on schedule and the documentation package was complete. The quality of fabrication met our inspection requirements.”
— LGE project team (paraphrased from project review)
Note: Lmart respects client confidentiality. Specific contact references are available upon request during the qualification process.