Liquefied Natural Gas: LNG: P E I S P E I S

20
15
-20
Liquefied Natural Gas: LNG 16
Critical thinking and hands-on activities that introduce students to energy transformations, the
properties of natural gas, and how natural gas is taken from production to market, with special
emphasis on liquefied natural gas LNG.
Grade Levels:
Elem Elementary Pri Int Intermediate

Pri Int
Ele Sec
Ele Sec Secondary
Subject Areas:
Science Social Studies
Language Arts Technology

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The mission of The NEED Project is to promote an energy
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Teacher Advisory Board sided energy education programs.
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(TAB) is dedicated to developing and promoting standards-
Constance Beatty Robert Lazar based energy curriculum and training.
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Raleigh, NC
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NEED materials may be reproduced for non-commercial
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Linda Fonner data available to our teachers and students. Most statistics
Josh Rubin
New Martinsville, WV and data are derived from the U.S. Energy Information
Palo Alto, CA
Administrations Annual Energy Review that is published
Samantha Forbes Joanne Spaziano yearly. Working in partnership with EIA, NEED includes easy
Vienna, VA Cranston, RI to understand data in our curriculum materials. To do further
research, visit the EIA website at www.eia.gov. EIAs Energy
Michelle Garlick Gina Spencer Kids site has great lessons and activities for students at
Virginia Beach, VA www.eia.gov/kids.
Robert Griegoliet Tom Spencer

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2 Liquefied Natural Gas: LNG

Liquefied Natural Gas: LNG
Table of Contents
Standards Correlation Information 4
Materials 5
Teacher Guide 6
Answer Key 13
Forms of Energy Master 15
Energy Transformations Master 16
Fusion Master 17
Photosynthesis Master 18
Natural Gas Formation Master 19
Natural Gas Combined-Cycle Power Plant Master 20
Informational Text 21
Oil and Natural Gas, from the Society of Petroleum Forms and Sources of Energy 28
Engineers, is a great resource that supplements Natural Gas Energy Transformation 29
the information and activities in Liquefied Natural
Gas: LNG. Available in several languages, this book Energy Transformation Organizer 30
showcases the geology, technology, careers, and Chemical Models 31
difficult concepts of oil and natural gas in a fun,
colorfully illustrated, and informational way. LNG Production to Market 35
To order a free classroom copy, visit http://www. LNG as a System 36

energy4me.org/order/oil-and-natural-gas/. The LNG Chain 38
Natural Gas In the Round Cards 39
Oil and Gas Career Game 42
Glossary 43
Evaluation Form 44
2015 The NEED Project 8408 Kao Circle, Manassas, VA 20110 1.800.875.5029 www.NEED.org 3
Standards Correlation Information
www.NEED.org/curriculumcorrelations
Next Generation Science Standards

This guide effectively supports many Next Generation Science Standards. This material can satisfy performance expectations,
science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and cross cutting concepts within your required curriculum. For more
details on these correlations, please visit NEEDs curriculum correlations website.
Common Core State Standards

This guide has been correlated to the Common Core State Standards in both language arts and mathematics. These correlations
are broken down by grade level and guide title, and can be downloaded as a spreadsheet from the NEED curriculum correlations
website.
Individual State Science Standards

This guide has been correlated to each states individual science standards. These correlations are broken down by grade level
and guide title, and can be downloaded as a spreadsheet from the NEED website.

Liquefied Natural Gas Materials
The following is a list of materials, other than paper and pencil, needed to complete the activities in this curriculum guide. Most materials
are common lab items, or items that can easily be sourced at a grocery or big box store. If you have questions or have trouble locating a
material, call NEED for assistance.
ACTIVITY MATERIALS NEEDED
Volume Simulations
Beach ball

Ping pong ball

Sets of counting units

800-1,000 mL Beakers

Water
Energy Flows
Large, wooden kitchen matches

Battery powered flashlight

Hand-generated flashlight
Chemical Models
Molecular modeling set
The LNG Chain
Yarn
Oil and Gas Career Game
Dice

Cardstock
Teacher Guide
Grade Levels &Background

Elementary, grade 5
This guide provides background information on natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) as an

Intermediate, grades 68
energy source. Familiarize yourself with all of the information and activities contained within the

Secondary, grades 912
guide and select the activities that best suit your classroom and student needs.
Time

Approximately 5-8 class periods,
Concepts
depending on activities selected
Energy is stored in many different forms.

Energy is neither created nor destroyed; it is transformed from one form to another.
Additional Resources

Most of the energy on Earth can be traced back to nuclear fusion in the suns core.
more information on natural
For
gas as a resource, as well as
Energy flows through dynamic systems on Earth.
all of the other sources of
LNG is a nonrenewable energy resource.
energy, reference NEEDs Energy
LNG has economic and environmental advantages and disadvantages.
Infobooks. These infobooks are

Liquids use less space than gases.
available for download at any
level at www.NEED.org.
LNG is 1/600th the volume of natural gas. Natural gas is 600 times the volume of LNG.
more information on the
For
The LNG chain consists of exploration, production, liquefaction, storage, transportation,
exploration and production regasification, distribution, and end use.
of natural gas, check out
The LNG chain is a global system. All parts of the system are connected.
NEEDs oil and natural gas
The gases that compose natural gas are hydrocarbons.
curricula. Wonders of Oil and
Gas, for elementary learners,
When burned, hydrocarbons produce carbon dioxide and water.
and Exploring Oil and Gas for
intermediate and secondary 2 Preparation
learners are available for

Pre-read the student and teacher sections. Decide which activities you will conduct to reinforce the
download at www.NEED.org.
information presented in the nonfiction text.
booklist of fiction and non-
A

Gather the materials needed for the activities you have chosen. A chart can be found on pages 5.
fiction energy related books can
be found at www.NEED.org
Activity 1: Introduction
:Internet Resources
For more information about Objective
liquefied natural gas, visit:
Students will be able to identify basic facts about natural gas and LNG.

Kinder Morgan LNG Video:
www.kindermorgan.com/
Materials
pages/business/gas-pipelines/
Student informational text, pages 21-27
projects/elbalng/lng_demo.aspx
2 Preparation

U.S. Department of Energy:
http://energy.gov/fe/science-
Make copies of the informational text for each student.
innovation/oil-gas/liquefied-
Construct a large 3-column KWL chart on the board or interactive board for the class to view and
natural-gas add information.

U.S. Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission: Procedure
www.ferc.gov/industries/gas/ 1. Explain to students that we use many sources for energy every day. Natural gas is a big part of our
indus-act/lng.asp energy picture in the Uniited States. Discuss with students that they will be learning the basics

Center for Liquefied Natural about natural gas, but also how natural gas can be converted to a liquid, why it is done, and the
Gas: www.lngfacts.org/ advantages and disadvantages of doing so.

2. Ask students what they know about energy, natural gas, and LNG. Record student thoughts in the K (or Know) column of the KWL
chart. Keep track of misconceptions to address later, as you work through the unit. Ask students what questions they might have about
natural gas and LNG. Record these questions in the W (or Want to know) column of the KWL chart.
3. Direct students to read the informational text, highlighting or underlining important ideas as they read. Students may make their own
KWL charts or graphic organizers to use while reading as well. When students complete the reading, discuss what important concepts
they learned, and add ideas as a class to the L (or Learned) column of the KWL chart.
4. Keep the chart posted or available to add to or update for further discussion as the class completes the activities.
Activity 2: Volume Simulations

Objectives

Students will be able to explain how volume changes when a substance is changed from a gaseous state to a liquid state, and vice versa.

Students will be able to quantitatively describe the volume difference between natural gas and LNG.
Materials

Beach ball 800-1,000 mL Beaker for each group
1

Ping pong ball
Water
Set of 600 counting units (or any item such as cotton balls) for
1
each group
2 Preparation

Gather the materials above.

Divide the students into groups of three to five.
each beaker with 1 mL of water.
Fill
Procedure
1. Show the students the beach ball and the ping pong ball. Ask them which ball they think represents natural gas and which represents
LNG. The beach ball represents a gaseous state [natural gas] while the ping pong ball represents the liquid state [LNG]. Ask students to
write and explain their reasoning.
2. Explain to the students that natural gas is typically found in a gaseous state. Explain that natural gas can be changed into a liquid (LNG)
by making it very cold (-260F or -162.2C).
3. Ask the students what happens to the volume of a gas when it becomes a liquid. (The volume of a gas is reduced when it is a liquid.)
4. Revisit the ping pong ball and beach ball. Ask students to edit their reasoning from before, as necessary.
5. Pass out the 600 unit sets, one per group. Allow time for the students to determine how many units are in each set. Ask the students
to predict the volume of natural gas in a liquid state (LNG) if the whole set represents a gaseous state. Have the groups set aside the
number of units they predict.
6. Gather predictions from the groups and write them on the board or interactive board.
7. Explain to the students that LNG is 1/600th of the volume of natural gas in a gaseous state. Have the students separate out the correct
number of units to represent LNG. (One unit) Collect the unit sets from the groups.
8. Pass the beakers with 1 mL of water to each group. Have the students predict or draw a line on the beaker (with pencil) to show how
much water would represent natural gas in a gaseous state, if the amount of water presently in the beaker represents LNG. (600 mL)
Collect the beakers.
Extensions

Have students create additional visual natural gas and LNG volume comparisons and demonstrate them.

Have students list possible advantages and disadvantages to natural gas in both a gaseous state and a liquid state.
Activity 3: Energy Flows
Objectives

Students will be able to explain how energy is transformed when natural gas is taken from the well to the customer.

Students will be able to trace or describe how energy is transformed in an everyday item like a flashlight.
Materials

Large wooden kitchen matches
Natural Gas Energy Transformation worksheet, page 29

Regular flashlight and hand-generated flashlight
Energy Transformation Organizer, page 30

Forms and Sources of Energy worksheet, page 28
Masters, pages 15-20
2 Preparation

Obtain the materials needed for the activities.

Make copies of worksheets for students.

Make copies or digital projections of the masters for the class.
Procedure
FORMS OF ENERGY
1. Review or introduce energy by lighting a wooden match and asking students to describe what is happening in energy terms. Explain
the energy transformation from the match back to the sun.
2. Use the Forms of Energy master to review or introduce the forms of energy.
3. Distribute the Forms and Sources of Energy worksheet and have the students complete it. Review the answers with the students,
highlighting the forms of energy we use most.
FLASHLIGHTS AND ENERGY TRANSFORMATIONS
1. Demonstrate a regular battery powered flashlight and a hand-generated flashlight. Ask the students to explain what is happening with
each flashlight in terms of energy transformations.
2. Use the Energy Transformations master to trace the energy flow or transformations in the hand-generated flashlight. Discuss the
differences between the two flashlights and how their energy flows from one form to another.
NATURAL GAS POWER PLANT AND ENERGY TRANSFORMATIONS
1. Explain to students that natural gas is typically used for home heating and cooking, but is also used for industrial heating, manufacturing
products, and generating electricity. Ask the students to think about how natural gas is used for generating electricity, and what is
involved.
2. Use the Fusion, Photosynthesis, Natural Gas Formation, and Natural Gas Combined-Cycle Power Plant masters to explain the energy
transformations that take place in the formation of natural gas and its use to generate electricity.
3. Have students complete the Natural Gas Energy Transformation worksheet by numbering the pictures in order and then explaining the
energy transformations that take place on the back of the worksheet.
4. Have students complete the Energy Transformation Organizer either in class or as homework.
Extensions

Have students write a script and create props to act out the energy flow for natural gas.

Have students brainstorm or explain the energy conversions that occur in a compressed natural gasor liquefied natural gaspowered
vehicle.

Discuss the similarities and differences between a thermal power plant and a nuclear power plant.

Activity 4: Chemical Models
Objectives

Students will be able to construct models of the gases that compose raw natural gas.

Students will be able to balance chemical equations.
Materials

Molecular model set for each group of students (three colors of modeling clay and toothpicks will also work as a substitute)

Chemical Models worksheets, pages 31-34
2 Preparation

Gather the materials needed, and make copies of student worksheets.

Divide the students into groups of two or three, giving each group a modeling set.

Review with students the process for balancing chemical equations.
Procedure
1. Explain to the students that raw natural gas is typically found as a mixture of gases. These gases are hydrocarbons, consisting of only
carbon and hydrogen atoms.
2. The gases found in raw natural gas are alkanes, where the prefix of the name tells the number of carbon atoms present.
3. Distribute the worksheets. Have students read the background information and look at the list of Alkane Series Prefixes. Ask the students
if they have any questions and give them time to complete the Molecular Formulas section of the worksheet.
4. Discuss the answers to the Molecular Formulas section to ensure all students have the correct answers. Allow students time to complete
the Molecular Models and Balancing Equations sections of the worksheet.
5. Review the equations to ensure correct answers. Allow students time to complete the Hydrocarbon Combustion section of the worksheet.
Extensions

Have students explain what impact burning hydrocarbons has on the environment.

Have students determine the molecular formulas for gasoline and diesel and create models by combining several model sets together.
Using these formulas, have students consider the impact of using these fuels on the environment.
Activity 5: The LNG Chain

Objectives

Students will be able to list and describe the different steps needed to produce liquefied natural gas (LNG) and bring it to market.

Students will be able to provide examples of how a global LNG system can be affected by one weak link in the chain.
Materials
Ball of yarn per group
1
LNG as a System hangtags, pages 36-37

LNG Production to Market worksheet, page 35 LNG Chain worksheet, page 38
The
2 Preparation

Make copies of the worksheets specified above for each student.
out the LNG hangtags. Fold each on the dotted line. Punch a hole through the folded card, and attach a loop of string so that a student
Cut
may wear it around his/her neck. Assemble multiple sets to fit the number of students in the class.

Divide the students into groups of eight.
Procedure
LNG PRODUCTION TO MARKET
1. Explain to the students that natural gas is typically found in a gaseous state. Remind students that natural gas can be changed into a
liquid (LNG) by making it very cold (-260F or -162.2C). Revisit the ping pong ball/beach ball demonstration, if needed.
2. Ask students what they think happens to a resource when it is found far from cities or industry. Is it helpful to customers?(Known as
stranded resources, natural gas located in undesirable locations can be processed into LNG and transported to marketable locations.) Explain
to students that they are going to learn how stranded natural gas resources get to people who will use it.
3. Have students review the LNG Production to Market worksheet and write information for each step on the back of the worksheet (or
assign as homework).
LNG AS A SYSTEM
1. Distribute the role card hangtags to the groups of students (one set of eight per group).
2. Ask students to read the backs of their cards and review their LNG Production to Market handout. Allow time for questions about roles
or the process involved.
3. Have each group put on their hangtags and stand in a circle with one student holding the ball of yarn.
4. Explain that the first student should look around the circle and identify a part of the system that relates to his/her component. Have the
first student hold onto one end of the yarn, say the name of the related component, and toss the ball of yarn to that student. The first
student then explains how their parts are related.
5. Have the groups repeat the process until all students have caught and tossed the ball of yarn. In the end, there will be a web of yarn
connecting all students in the group.
6. Have one student give a tug on the string. Ask the students that felt the tug to explain how a stress on one component affected their
part. For example, a Production tug might cause an attached Liquefaction to say, If production of natural gas falls, the liquefaction
plant cannot sell enough LNG to shipping companies.
7. Continue this process with each student tugging and giving different ways the system could be affected. Students should be able to
explain various ways a change in one part of the system might affect other parts in the system. Students should also be able to identify
ways the chain could be assembled differently and explain why.
THE LNG CHAIN
1. Distribute copies of The LNG Chain worksheet to each student.
2. Explain that each student should choose one step in the LNG chain and write it in the center circle. The outside circles should be labeled
with the seven remaining steps.
3. Have students write inside the arrow a way the inner component affects the outside one and a way the outer component affects the
inner one. (Assign as homework if students do not finish in class.) One possible answer solution is listed in the answer key on page 14.
Extensions

Have students design a flow chart of the LNG chain.

Have students determine advantages and disadvantages to using domestically produced natural gas and imported LNG.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of exporting LNG.

Activity 6: Natural Gas In the Round
Objectives

Students will be able to describe properties of natural gas.

Students will be able to list the steps in the LNG chain.

Students will be able to list uses for natural gas.
Materials

Natural Gas In the Round cards, pages 39-41

Student informational text, pages 21-27
2 Preparation

Make two copies of the sheets of cards. Cut one set of cards into individual pieces. The other will serve as the answer key, as the clues are
in the correct order on the pages.
Procedure
1. Distribute one card to each student. If you have cards left over, give some students two cards until all of the cards are distributed.
2. Have students look at the bolded statement at the top of the cards. Give them a few minutes to review the information about their
statement using the background information in the text.
3. Choose a student to begin the game. Give the following instructions:
a. Read the question on your card. The student with the correct answer will stand up and read the bolded answer.
b. That student will then read his/her question. The game will continue until the student that started stands up and answers a question.
c. Students should discuss as a class and come to a consensus if there is disagreement on a student answer. Use the answer key to assist,
if needed.
Extension

Have students create their own versions of natural gas or LNG in the round.
Activity 7: Oil and Gas Career Game
& Background
Students are assigned to be either an oil derrick or a natural gas flame. As they move through the game, they encounter descriptions of
many different types of people and their basic job responsibilities. The path starts with exploration and ends with end-use products. If you
choose, for this unit, students may only be assigned to flames of gas and play the game using only natural gas.
Objective

Students will be able to list and/or describe careers and opportunities in the oil and natural gas field.
Materials

Dice, one die per group

Cardstock/poster board
and Gas Career Game board master, page 42
Oil
2 Preparation

Print one copy of the game board on cardstock for each group.
out game pieces from the board.
Cut

Paste onto poster board, if desired.
Procedure
1. Students will take turns rolling the die and moving through the game board.
2. Discuss the different stages in the oil and gas process as a class.
Evaluation

Evaluate the unit with your students using the Evaluation Form on page 44, and return it to NEED.

Answer Key
Forms and Sources of Energy
Forms of Energy

Petroleumchemical

Coalchemical

Natural Gaschemical

Uraniumnuclear

Propanechemical

Biomasschemical

Hydropowermotion

Windmotion

Solarradiant

Geothermalthermal
Sources of Energy

Chemical86.7 %

Nuclear8.5 %

Motion4.2 %

Thermal0.2 %

Radiant0.3 %

Nonrenewables90.4 %

Renewables9.4 %
Natural Gas Energy Transformation

1. Fusion occurs in the core of the sun.
2. Radiant energy is produced by the sun.
3. Small marine organisms decay into natural gas.
4. Natural gas is recovered and burned.
5. Combustion of gas in power plant.
6. Hot gas turns a turbine.
7. A turbine spins a generator creating electricity.
8. Electricity is transported on transmission lines to towns and cities.
9. Electricity is carried to homes on power lines.
10. Electricity powers household devices like laptops and appliances.
Energy Transformation Organizer

Sun to child
radiant > chemical > chemical > chemical > motion
Sun to bulb
radiant > chemical > thermal > electrical
Chemical Models
Activity 1

MethaneCH 4

EthaneC H
2 6

PropaneC H
3 8

ButaneC H
4 10
Activity 2
Methane Ethane Propane Butane Oxygen
O=O
Activity 3

MethaneCH 4
+2O2 > CO2 + 2H2O

Ethane2C H + 7O2 > 4CO2 + 6H2O
2 6

PropaneC H + 5O2 > 3CO2 + 5H2O
3 8

Butane2C H + 13O2 > 8CO2 +10H2O
4 10
Activity 4

Students should draw their assembled models of the equations above.
The LNG Chain

This is one possible way to complete the chart:
Center: Production
Additional Steps and Effects

Exploration
A new natural gas field is discovered, increasing the available supply for production.
More natural gas is needed to be produced, exploration of new areas increases.
Liquefaction
A new liquefaction plant opens, natural gas production can increase.
Excess natural gas is being produced, a liquefaction plant adds another shift to its schedule.
Storage
A very cold winter causes LNG storage to be low, natural gas production increases to fill storage capacity.
Natural gas production doesnt meet demand, LNG is used from storage.
Transportation
A new company produces more LNG ships, allowing natural gas production to increase.
Natural gas production slows, less transportation is needed.
Regasification
A regasification plant needs maintenance, natural gas production decreases.
Less natural gas is being produced, a plant increases the LNG being regasified.
Distribution
A major pipeline needs repair, natural gas production decreases.
Natural gas production increases and new pipelines are built to transport it to new locations.
End Use
Consumer demand for natural gas is high, production increases.
Production increases, but demand is low, consumer prices decrease.
MASTER
e Forms of Energy
All forms of energy fall under two categories:
POTENTIAL KINETIC
Stored energy and the energy of The motion of waves, electrons,
position (gravitational). atoms, molecules, and substances.
CHEMICAL ENERGY is the energy RADIANT ENERGY is

stored in the bonds of atoms and electromagnetic energy that travels
molecules. Biomass, petroleum, in transverse waves. Solar energy is
natural gas, propane, and coal are an example.
examples.
THERMAL ENERGY or heat is the
NUCLEAR ENERGY is the energy internal energy in substances the
stored in the nucleus of an atom vibration or movement of atoms
the energy that holds the nucleus and molecules in substances.
together. The energy in the nucleus Geothermal is an example.
of a uranium atom is an example.
MOTION is the movement of
ELASTIC ENERGY is energy stored a substance from one place to
in objects by the application another. Wind and hydropower are
of force. Compressed springs examples.
and stretched rubber bands are
examples. SOUND is the movement of energy
through substances in longitudinal
GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL waves. Echoes and music are
ENERGY is the energy of place or examples.
position. Water in a reservoir behind
ELECTRICAL ENERGY is the
a hydropower dam is an example.
movement of electrons. Lightning
and electricity are examples.
MASTER
Energy Transformations
e Hand Generated Flashlight
Nuclear Energy Radiant Energy Chemical Energy
Electrical Energy Motion Energy Chemical Energy
BATTERY
Stored Electrical Energy Electrical Energy Radiant (light) Energy

MASTER
e Fusion
ON THE SUN
Fusion
The process of fusion most commonly involves hydrogen isotopes combining to
form a helium atom with a transformation of matter. This matter is emitted as
radiant energy.
Hydrogen Isotope
Hydrogen Isotope
Energy
Neutron Helium
The process of fusion involves smaller nuclei combining to

form a larger nucleus, with a transformation of matter. This
matter is emitted as radiant energy.
Photosynthesis
In the process of photosynthesis, plants convert radiant energy
from the sun into chemical energy in the form of glucose, or sugar.
water + carbon dioxide + sunlight glucose + oxygen
6 H2O + 6 CO2 + radiant energy C6H12O6 + 6 O2
MASTER
18
MASTER
19
Natural Gas Formation
www.NEED.org
1.800.875.5029
8408 Kao Circle, Manassas, VA 20110
Natural gas and
oil were formed in
the same way. Hundreds of
millions of years ago, tiny sea plants
and animals died and were buried on the
ocean floor. Over time, they were covered by
layers of sediment and rock.
Over hundreds of millions of years, the remains were buried
deeper and deeper. The enormous heat and pressure turned them into
2015 The NEED Project

oil and gas.
Oil and natural gas are often found together. Today, we drill down through the
layers of sedimentary rock to reach the rock formations that contain oil and gas
deposits.
Natural Gas Combined-Cycle Power Plant
Natural Gas Combined Cycle Power Plant
NATURAL
GAS HIGH PRESSURE GAS
GENERATOR ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION
TURBINE SWITCHYARD
AIR COMPRESSOR COMBUSTION
CHAMBER
HOT COMBUSTION GASES
ELECTRICITY
GENERATION
STEAM LINE
GENERATOR Inside a Generator
BOILER
TURBINE MAGNETS
COPPER COILS
ROTATING
FEED SHAFT
WATER D ETA I L
CONDENSER
GENERATOR
MASTER
20
Liquefied Natural Gas
What Is Natural Gas? Finding Natural Gas
Natural gas is considered a nonrenewable fossil fuel. Natural gas is Natural gas can be hard to find since it can be tightly trapped in
considered a fossil fuel because scientists believe that it was formed porous rocks deep underground. Geologists use many methods
from the remains of tiny sea animals and plants that died 300-400 to find natural gas deposits. They may look at surface rocks to
million years ago. find clues about underground formations. They may set off small
When these tiny sea animals and plants died, they sank to the explosions or drop heavy weights on the surface and record the
bottom of the oceans where they were buried by layers of sediment seismic waves as they bounce back from the sedimentary rock
that turned into rock. Over the years, the layers of sedimentary rock layers underground. They may also measure the gravitational pull
became thousands of feet thick, subjecting the energy-rich plant of rock masses deep within the Earth.
and animal remains to enormous pressure. The pressure, combined If test results are promising, the scientists may recommend drilling
with the heat of the Earth, changed this organic mixture into to find the natural gas deposits. After identifying a potential site,
petroleum and natural gas. Eventually, concentrations of natural companies must obtain environmental assessments and permits
gas became trapped in the rock layers like a wet sponge traps water. before they can begin drilling.
Raw natural gas is a mixture of different gases. The main ingredient
is methane, a natural compound that is formed whenever plant LNG Compression
and animal matter decays. By itself, methane is odorless, colorless, as is
and tasteless. As a safety measure, natural gas companies add Natural g d
a n
a chemical odorant called mercaptan so escaping gas can be cooled ed
s
compres id
u
detected. Natural gas should not be confused with gasoline, which into a liq G.
is made from petroleum. called LNid
In its liqu
What Is LNG? form, it a
occupies
0
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been cooled space 60
s
until it becomes a liquid. LNG is made by cooling natural gas to -260 times les ral
tha n n atu
degrees Fahrenheit (or -162.2 degrees Celsius). At this temperature,
natural gas changes state into a liquid, and its volume is reduced gas in its tate.
s
gaseous
600 times. LNG, like natural gas, is odorless, colorless, noncorrosive,
and nontoxic. LNG 3
Natural
Gas
Vo lu m e = 1 unit
Gaseous 600 units3
Volume =
How Natural Gas Was Formed

Natural gas and oil were formed in the same way.
Hundreds of millions of years ago, tiny sea plants
and animals died and were buried on the ocean
floor. Over time, they were covered by layers of
sediment and rock.
Over hundreds of millions of years, the remains
were buried deeper and deeper. The enormous
heat and pressure turned them into oil and gas.
Oil and natural gas are often found together.
Today, we drill down through the layers of
sedimentary rock to reach the rock formations that
contain oil and gas deposits.
Note: Not to Scale
Exploring for natural gas deposits is a high-risk, high-cost enterprise.
Natural gas wells average over 8,600 feet deep and can cost hundreds
of dollars per foot to drill. Only about 60 percent of the exploratory
wells produce gas. The others come up dry. The odds are better for
developmental wellswells drilled on known gas fields. On average,
about 90 percent of the developmental wells yield gas. Natural gas
can be found in pockets by itself or in petroleum deposits.
Production
Natural Gas
After natural gas comes out of the ground, it goes to a processing
plant where it is cleaned of impurities and separated into its various
components. Approximately 90 percent of natural gas is composed
of methane, but it also contains other gases such as ethane, propane,
and butane. The composition of natural gas varies according to where
it came from and how it has been processed.
Image courtesy of Encana
Natural gas may also come from several other sources. One source is
If geologic testing is promising, an exploratory well will be drilled to
coalbed methane, natural gas found in seams of coal. Until recently, determine if there is a natural gas deposit.
coalbed gas was just considered a safety hazard to miners, but now
it is a valuable source of natural gas. The gas from coalbeds accounts
for about five percent of the total natural gas supply in the past few
years.
Locations of Natural Gas
Another source of natural gas is the gas produced in landfills. Landfill Coal bed Methane
gas is considered a renewable source of natural gas since it comes
from decaying garbage. This biogas recovered from landfills is usually
Conventional
burned at the landfill site to generate electricity for facility operations. Associated Gas
Today, natural gas is produced in 32 states, but the top five states Seal
Texas, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Wyomingproduce Conventional
Non-associated Gas Sandstone Oil
70 percent of the total. Other states may be on the rise in the coming
Tight Sand Gas
years due to growth in production of shale gas. Altogether, the U.S.
produces about one-fifth of the worlds natural gas each year.
Gas-rich Shale
LNG
The process for making LNG starts the same as producing natural gas.
The raw feed gas, or natural gas that has come from the well, must be
processed to separate out impurities, such as dirt, hydrogen sulfide,
and carbon dioxide. Next, the gas is cooled to allow water to condense
and be removed. Additional dehydration is sometimes needed to Top Natural Gas Producing States, 2013
ensure even small amounts of water vapor are not present. Then the
gas is separated into its various components such as propane and
butane.
Once the natural gas is clean and dry, it is ready for the liquefaction 5
WYOMING
process. Turning natural gas into LNG takes place through heat
exchangers that cool the gas. Gas circulating through aluminum
2
PENNSYLVANIA
tube coils is cooled by a compressed refrigerant. As the refrigerant 4
vaporizes, it cools the gas in the tubes. The refrigerant returns to a OKLAHOMA
compressor while the LNG is pumped to an insulated storage tank.
The United States does not produce and export LNG on a large scale.
LNG is produced in large quantities overseas. The top countries that 3
exported LNG in 2013 were Qatar, Malaysia, Australia, Nigeria, and LOUISIANA
Indonesia. The United States has, however, been producing enough Data: Energy Information Administration
ration
natural gas that import terminals may soon begin to be able to act
as export terminals. One example of a site with this ability is Sabine
Pass on the border of Texas and Louisiana. It is scheduled to be able
to begin exports in late 2015. Several others are in various stages of
approval and construction.

Transporting and Storing
Natural Gas
How does natural gas get from the well to the consumer? Usually by
pipeline. More than 2 million miles of underground pipelines link
natural gas wells to cleaning plants and then to major cities across
the U.S. Natural gas is sometimes transported thousands of miles by
pipeline to its final destination.
A machine called a compressor increases the pressure of the gas,
forcing the gas to move along the pipelines. Compressor stations,
which are spaced about 50 to 100 miles apart, move the gas along
the pipelines at about 15 miles per hour.
Some gas moved along this subterranean highway is temporarily
stored in huge underground reservoirs. In the U.S., the underground
reservoirs are typically filled in the summer so there will be enough Natural gas is primarily transported by pipeline.
natural gas during the winter heating season.
Eventually the gas is transferred from a transmission pipeline to a
local gas utility pipeline. This junction is called the city gate. The
pressure is reduced and an odorant called mercaptan is added.
Local gas companies use smaller pipes to carry gas the last few
miles to homes and businesses. A gas meter measures the volume
of gas a consumer uses.
LNG
After liquefaction, LNG is stored in insulated tanks. These tanks
are specially designed to keep the interior at extremely low
temperatures but the exterior the same temperature as the ambient
air or ground. The inner layer of the tank is a steel alloy. Then there
are layers of insulation, stainless steel, and additional insulation.
The outer layer is reinforced concrete with heating ducts laced
throughout to prevent the ground from freezing. The walls of an LNG is transported overseas by ship. Many of these ships have a
LNG storage tank can be as much as five-and-a-half feet thick. membrane hull design.
Some LNG storage tanks have a containment feature to safeguard is a great advantage for storage and transportation. More can be
against leaks. In these tanks, both the inner and outer walls are stored and moved at one time. Also, LNG can be transported over
capable of holding the LNG. However, most LNG storage facilities routes or to locations that do not have natural gas pipelines.
in the U.S. use another approach. The storage tank is surrounded by
However, because the tanks for storage must be designed for
a dam or dike made of soil that provides secondary containment.
the -260 Fahrenheit temperature (-162.2C) inside and ambient
LNG is then transported world-wide using ships with specifically temperature outside, LNG has distinct disadvantages when
designed hulls. The current world LNG fleet consists of over 350 compared to natural gas for storage and transportation. Storage
ships. Modern LNG ships follow two basic designs. The membrane tanks must keep the LNG very cold and ships and trucks must be
design features multiple tanks with linings made of thin nickel-steel specially made for LNG storage.
alloy. These tanks are integrated into the hull of the ship, which can
An LNG storage option utilizes underground salt caverns. Rather
be more than six feet thick. The spherical design has round storage
than offloading the LNG from the ship into above ground storage
tanks that sit on supports on the hull.
tanks, it is pressurized, warmed to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and then
Once LNG reaches its destination, pumps transfer it to insulated injected into underground salt caverns. This method is called the
storage tanks. When the LNG is needed the liquid is warmed and Bishop Process. This process decreases the offloading time of LNG
quickly becomes a gas; this is called regasification. Two types of tankers and increases the storage capacity potential of LNG. Suitable
systems are typically used for regasification. Ambient temperature salt cavern locations have been located in the U.S., with over 2,000
systems use heat from surrounding air or sea water. Above-ambient currently being used for storage and delivery of fossil fuels.
temperature systems burn a fuel to indirectly warm the liquid using
a fluid bath. After regasification, the natural gas can join the network
of pipelines used to transport it to consumers.
Storage and transportation of LNG make for its biggest advantages
and its biggest disadvantages. Once liquefied, LNG takes up 1/600th
the amount of space as it did as natural gas. This is like comparing
the volume held in a beach ball to that inside a ping pong ball. This
U.S. LNG Terminals and Storage Facilities
LNG Facilities, 2013 Currently the U.S. has 13 terminals for importing LNG nine on the
mainland, one in Alaska, one in Puerto Rico, and two offshore. The
mainland terminals are located in Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland,
Massachusetts, Mississippi, and Texas. Several more facilities are
in approval or construction processes both on the mainland and
offshore. In 2012, the U.S. imported 175,000 million cubic feet (Mcf) of
LNG. In 2013, however, the U.S. imported just under 97,000 (Mcf). The
reason for the major decline is due to the growth of domestic natural
gas production. Over 90% of the LNG imported comes from Trinidad,
Yemen, and Qatar.
LNG Peak Shaving Facility If terminals in the U.S. import natural gas that is not sent to market, the
Satellite LNG Peak Facility PUERTO
U.S. can re-export the LNG to other countries. In this instance, LNG is
LNG Import Terminal RICO brought into a U.S. terminal, stored at pressure, and shipped back out
Data: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as LNG. In 2013, the U.S. re-exported 157,000 Mcf of LNG to countries
like Canada, Mexico, and Japan. Re-exporting allows terminals to stay
active, in spite of the domestic availability of natural gas. However,
many of the existing LNG import facilities are in the process of
becoming export terminals, pending their approval and construction
process. These facilities would then be able to liquefy domestically
produced natural gas on-site and ship it to other countries.
Besides the mainland and offshore terminals, there are more than 100
facilities located throughout the U.S. that store or supply natural gas
to the surrounding areas. Some of these facilities are peak shaving
facilities. Consumer demand for natural gas rises and falls based upon
the season. Peak shaving facilities are able to store natural gas as LNG
LNG Terminal Profile: Elba Island, Georgia and provide a reliable supply of natural gas at times when it is at its
One of nine U.S. mainland LNG terminals, Elba Island is located peak demand, thus lowering or shaving the peaks in demand. The
near Savannah, Georgia. It receives, stores, and regasifies natural majority of the peak shaving facilities are located in the Northeast,
gas. Elba Island opened in 1978 and was fully operational for Midwest, and Southeast. Peak shaving facilities will divert natural
four years. From 1982 to 2001, however, it operated in a limited gas from the pipeline at off-peak times, liquefy it, and store it until
capacity. Since then, Elba Island has been fully operational. needed. When demand peaks, the LNG is regasified, and distributed
Currently, Elba Island can store 11.5 billion cubic feet of LNG. to customers through the regional distribution lines. Other facilities
With an average daily use in Georgia of 1.4 billion cubic feet, are termed as satellite storage facilities. These facilities truck LNG from
and a possible daily output of 1.8 billion cubic feet, Elba Island an import terminal and store it in tanks until it is needed.
could provide the state with all its natural gas needs for just over
a week. In fact, when hurricanes Katrina and Rita decimated the
Gulf Coast region and disrupted energy distribution, Elba Island
Natural Gas Use
was able to double its output to provide customers with natural Just about everyone in the U.S. uses natural gas. Natural gas ranks
gas. With the increase of natural gas and LNG use in the U.S., second in energy consumption, after petroleum, which provides 35
Elba Island has plans to expand its storage and output capacity. percent of our total energy demand. A little more than 26 percent of
the energy we use in the U.S. comes from natural gas. In 2013, the
Of the 556,000 people employed by utilities nationwide,
U.S. consumed 26.13 trillion cubic feet (Tcf ) of natural gas.
106,770 are in natural gas distribution. More than 50 people are
employed just at Elba Island. At Elba Island, one may find gas Industry is a large consumer of natural gas, using about 34 percent
plant operators that operate gas liquefying equipment, operate of the supply mainly as a heat source to manufacture goods. Industry
compressors to control gas pressure in transmission lines, also uses natural gas as an ingredient in fertilizer, photographic film,
and coordinate injections and withdrawals at storage fields. ink, glue, paint, plastics, laundry detergent, and insect repellents.
Additionally, engineers, maintenance workers, dock workers, Synthetic rubber and man-made fibers like nylon also could not be
environmental or regulatory specialists, LNG technicians, and made without the chemicals derived from natural gas.
plant supervisors all can be found at Elba Island.
Electricity generation consumes about 31 percent of our natural
gas. It is the second largest producer of electricity after coal. Natural
gas is a cleaner energy source to burn than coal and produces fewer
emissions. The majority of new electric power plants in the past
decade were natural gas fired. Combined cycle units are highly
efficient and make up the majority of the new electric capacity. Today,
natural gas generates about 27 percent of the nations electricity.

Residencespeoples homesand businesses also use about one-
third of natural gas. Five out of every ten homes use natural gas
for heating. Many homes also use gas water heaters, stoves, clothes
U.S. Natural Gas Consumption by Sector, 2013
dryers, and fire places. Natural gas is used so often in homes because ELECTRICITY RESIDENTIAL
it is clean burning. Like residences, commercial use of natural gas is 31.1% 18.8%
mostly for indoor space heating of stores, office buildings, schools, COMMERCIAL
churches, and hospitals. 12.6%
On a small scale, natural gas is used as a transportation fuel. Natural INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION
gas can be used in any vehicle with an internal combustion engine, 34.1% 3.4%
although the vehicle must be outfitted with a special carburetor
Data: Energy Information Administration
and fuel tank. Natural gas is cleaner burning than gasoline, costs
less, and has a higher octane (power boosting) rating. In 2012,
nearly 118,000 vehicles ran on compressed natural gas in the U.S.,
while about 3,400 used LNG.
HowNatural
NaturalGasGas Generates
Combined CycleElectricity
Power Plantin a Combined-Cycle Power Plant
NATURAL
GAS HIGH PRESSURE GAS
GENERATOR ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION
TURBINE SWITCHYARD
AIR COMPRESSOR COMBUSTION 4
3
1 CHAMBER
2 9

ELECTRICITY
GENERATION
STEAM LINE 6
BOILER
TURBINE MAGNETS
5 8
7 COPPER COILS
ROTATING
FEED SHAFT
WATER D ETA I L
CONDENSER 10
GENERATOR
A generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into stream of gas that moves to the turbine. In the turbine (3) the
electrical energy. All electric power plants have a generator. high temperature, high pressure gas expands causing blades to
What differs from plant to plant is the fuel source and method rotate. The rotating blades are connected to a shaft that spins
used to spin the shaft that will spin the generator to produce an the electromagnet in the generator (4), producing electricity (9).
electric current. After the gas passes by the turbine, it is piped into a boiler (5) to
Electricity generated from natural gas has steadily increased. produce steam.
Most new natural gas electric power plants are building highly Steam turbines have three major components: a boiler, a turbine,
efficient combined-cycle units. These units use both gas and a condenser. In the boiler (5), a fuel is burned, such as natural
combustion turbines and steam turbines. gas. The heat turns water into steam (6) where it travels to a
Gas combustion turbines have three main components: a turbine. The steam moves the blades of the turbine (7), which
compressor, a combustion system, and a turbine. The compressor is attached to the electromagnetic shaft of the generator (8).
(1) draws air into the machine. Here, the air is pressurized The rotating electromagnetic shaft in the generator produces
and pushed into the combustion chambers. The combustion electricity (9). After moving through the turbine, the steam goes
system consists of fuel injectors and combustion chambers. A through the condenser (10) where a coolant, often water, is
ring of fuel injectors puts a stream of fuel (natural gas) into the used to turn the steam into a liquid so it can return to the boiler.
combustion chambers (2). There the natural gas and air mix. The
mixture is burned to produce a high temperature, high pressure
LNG is beginning to be used in rural areas as an alternative to
propane. Additionally, LNG can meet some distributed energy
The Global LNG Market
needs. Distributed energy is generated and stored near the point The U.S. is not the only country that imports natural gas. Fortunately,
of use. While natural gas is a popular choice for distributed energy global natural gas reserves are vast, estimated at about 6,800 Tcf.
systems, not all locations are within the pipeline distribution This is nearly 60 times the volume of natural gas used worldwide
system. LNG can bring fuel to an isolated facility that has its own in 2013. However, much of the reserves are considered stranded
energy system. due to geographic locations and distance to consuming markets.
Converting natural gas to LNG allows stranded gas to move to
useful markets.
U.S. Natural Gas Supply and Demand The global LNG market is divided into geographic regions. The
People in the energy industry use two terms to explain how much Atlantic Basin includes trade in Europe, northern and western Africa,
natural gas existsresources and reserves. Natural gas resources and the U.S. Eastern and Gulf Coasts. The Pacific Basin involves trade
include all the deposits of gas that are still in the ground waiting in South Asia, India, Russia, and Alaska. Middle Eastern countries
to be tapped. Natural gas reserves are only those gas deposits that typically export LNG to the Pacific Basin, but some cargoes are
geologists know, or strongly believe, can be recovered given todays shipped to Europe and the U.S. LNG trade in Middle Eastern
prices and drilling technology. In other words, when geologists countries is growing to the point that some experts consider the
estimate the amount of known gas reserves, they do not include Middle East to be the third LNG geographic trade region.
gas deposits that may be discovered in the future or gas deposits LNG trade within the Atlantic and Pacific Basins differs. Prices are
that are not economical to produce given todays prices. generally higher in the Pacific Basin. However, peak seasonal
The U.S. has large reserves of natural gas. Most reserves are in demands can cause short-term price increases in the Atlantic
the Gulf of Mexico and in the following states: Texas, Wyoming, Basin. Importing countries in the Pacific Basin are almost entirely
Oklahoma, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, West Virginia, and dependent upon LNG. Countries such as Japan and South Korea,
Pennsylvania. If we continue to use natural gas at the same rate as which are the largest importers, use LNG to meet over 90 percent
we use it today, the U.S. has over an 85 year supply. of their natural gas needs. Importing countries in the Atlantic Basin
In the past several years, the U.S. produced between 82 and 94 rely mostly upon domestic natural gas supplies and use LNG to meet
percent of the natural gas it consumed, with the balance being the difference between production and demand. For example, LNG
imported by pipeline, mostly from Canada. However, annual accounts for less than two percent of U.S. natural gas supplies.
consumption is expected to rise. By 2040, experts anticipate U.S. More countries are entering the LNG global market every year.
natural gas use to be 29.5 Tcf per year. Countries already active in LNG trade are increasing their capacity
by either constructing new LNG terminals or expanding existing
plants. Growth within the global LNG market is being driven by
declining natural gas production in gas consuming countries, and
the desire of gas-producing countries, such as Russia, to maximize
their resources.
Top Exporters and Importers of LNG, 2013
3 2 1
Top Exporters 3 1
4 5
1. Qatar
2. Malaysia 5
4
2
3. Australia
5
4. Nigeria
5. Indonesia
3
Top Importers 3
1. Japan
2. South Korea
3. China
4. India
5. Taiwan

Georgia is home to the Elba Island facility, one of only nine LNG The Honda Civic Natural Gas, which is fueled by compressed natural
import terminals on the U.S. mainland. gas (CNG), was named one of the greenest cars for 2013, a position it
held for nine consecutive years.
State Energy Profile: Georgia Running on Natural Gas

Georgia, the 8th most populated state in the U.S., has a variety of Natural gas is usually placed in pressurized tanks when used as a
ways to provide for the energy needs of its 10 million residents transportation fuel. Even compressed to 2,4003,600 pounds per
and its many industries. Nuclear energy, hydroelectric power, fossil square inch (psi), it still has only about one-third as much energy
fuels, and biomass, are all a part of the Georgia energy picture. per gallon as gasoline. As a result, natural gas vehicles typically
have a shorter range, unless additional fuel tanks are added, which
Electricity can reduce payload capacity. With an octane rating of 120+, power,
Coal-fired and nuclear power plants provide about 60 percent of acceleration, and cruise speed are comparable. Today, there are
the electricity used in the state. Natural gas supplies 38 percent of more than 118,000 CNG vehicles in operation in the U.S., mostly in
Georgias electricity consumption. In 2013, renewables, petroleum, the South and West. About half are privately owned and half are
and hydropower generated less than six percent of Georgias vehicles owned by local, state, and federal government agencies.
electricity.
Based on the nationwide average for annual miles driven, it is
Electricity Generated by Fuel in 2013 in Georgia estimated that the Honda Civic Natural Gas emits 3.7 tons of CO2,
compared to 4.6 tons of CO2 for the gasoline version of the Honda
Natural Gas Nuclear Coal Hydroelectric Other Renewables Petroleum Civic. The EPA gives each vehicle an air pollution score to represent
37.70% 31.80% 26.40% 3.30% 0.69% 0.06% the amount of health-damaging and smog-forming airborne
pollutants the vehicle emits. Scores range from 0 (worst) to 10
Heating (best). The Honda Civic Natural Gas receives a score of eight, while
Forty percent of Georgians use natural gas to heat their homes.
the Honda Civic gasoline-fueled vehicle receives a five.
Since there are no natural gas reserves in Georgia, it is imported by
pipeline from the Gulf Coast region of the U.S. or in the form of LNG, The production and distribution system for natural gas is in place,
mostly from Trinidad and Tobago. The other large heating resource but the delivery system of stations is not extensive. Today, there are
is electricity, with 53 percent of homes heated by electricity. more than 800 public natural gas refueling stations in the United
States and even more private ones, but considerably less than
Transportation the multitude of gasoline stations. CNG refueling stations are not
Transportation is the largest energy consumer in Georgia. With always at typical gasoline stations, may not be conveniently located,
no petroleum production or reserves, Georgia is like many states and some have limited operating hours. Natural gas vehicles are
in the U.S.; it must rely on imported petroleum products to keep well suited to business and public agencies that have their own
moving. Petroleum is imported from other states by pipeline, such refueling stations, including public transit agencies. Nationwide,
as Texas and Louisiana, or from other countries by tanker at the Port 20 percent of public buses use natural gas or a natural gas blend
of Savannah. With almost 6,900 fueling stations, Georgia has about as their fuel source. Many fleets report two to three years longer
four percent of all gasoline stations in the U.S. With over 33,500 service life, because the fuel is so clean-burning.
alternative fuel vehicles in use, Georgia also has fueling stations
for alternative fuels including biodiesel, compressed natural gas, LNG as a Transportation Fuel
ethanol, liquefied petroleum gas, and electric charging stations. There are over 3,400 vehicles in the U.S. that run on LNGnatural
gas that is liquefied by cooling it to -260F. There are only 64 LNG
Industry fueling stations in the U.S., with the majority located in California.
Industry is the second largest energy consumer in Georgia. As a The advantage of LNG is that natural gas takes up much less space
national leader in the wood and paper products industry, biomass as a liquid than as a gas, so the tanks can be much smaller. The
is used to generate part of industrys energy needs. Much of the disadvantage is that the fuel tanks must be kept cold, which uses
rest of the energy needed by the industrial sector of the state is fuel.
provided by natural gas and petroleum products.
e Forms and Sources of Energy
In the United States we use a variety of resources to meet our energy needs. Use the information below to
analyze how each energy source is stored and delivered.
1 Using the information from the Forms of Energy chart, and the graphic below, determine how energy is stored or
delivered in each of the sources of energy. Remember, if the source of energy must be burned, the energy is stored as
chemical energy.
NONRENEWABLE RENEWABLE
Petroleum _______________________ Biomass _______________________
Coal _______________________ Hydropower _______________________
Natural Gas _______________________ Wind _______________________
Uranium _______________________ Solar _______________________
Propane _______________________ Geothermal _______________________
2 Look at the U.S. Energy Consumption by Source graphic below and calculate the percentage of the nations
energy use that each form of energy provides.
What percentage of the

nations energy is provided U.S. Energy Consumption by Source, 2013
by each form of energy?
NONRENEWABLE RENEWABLE
Chemical _____
PETROLEUM 35.2% BIOMASS 4.7%
Nuclear _____ Uses: transportation, Uses: heating, electricity,
Motion _____ manufacturing transportation
Thermal _____ NATURAL GAS 26.6% HYDROPOWER 2.6%
Radiant _____ Uses: heating, Uses: electricity
manufacturing, electricity
What percentage of the
nations energy is provided
COAL 18.5% WIND 1.6%
Uses: electricity, Uses: electricity
by nonrenewables? ______ manufacturing
By renewables? ______ SOLAR 0.3%
URANIUM 8.5%
Uses: electricity Uses: heating, electricity
PROPANE 1.7% GEOTHERMAL 0.2%

Uses: heating, Uses: heating, electricity
manufacturing
*Total does not add to 100% due to independent rounding.

Natural Gas Energy Transformation
Number the pictures from one to ten in order to trace the flow of energy. On the back of the worksheet
number one through ten and explain the transformations of energy that occur in each step.
Fusion
The process of fusion most commonly involves hydrogen isotopes combining to
Generator form a helium atom with a transformation of matter. This matter is emitted as
radiant energy.
MAGNETS
Hydrogen Isotope
Hydrogen Isotope
COPPER COILS
Energy
ROTATING Neutron Helium
SHAFT
nedNatural
Cycle Power Plant Cycle Power Plant
Gas Combined
GENERATOR
The copper coils spin inside a ring of magnets. This

NATURAL
HIGH PRESSURE
creates an electricGAS
field, producing electricity.
GAS HIGH PRESSURE GAS ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION
GENERATOR ELECTRICITY TR
GENERATOR
TURBINE SWITCHYARD
TURBINE SWITCHYARD
MBUSTION
HAMBER Natural Gas Combined Cycle Power Plan
CHAMBER
Radiant Energy Chemical Energy
NATURAL
GAS HIGH PRESSURE
COMBUSTION GASES
ELECTRICITY
GENERATION ELECTRICITY TUR
GENERATION
STEAM LINE CHAMBER
STEAM LINE
OILER GENERATOR Inside a Generator
BOILER MAGNETS HOT COMBUSTION GASES
TURBINE MAGNETS
TURBINE
Motion Energy Chemical EnergyCOPPER COILS
COPPER COILS
ROTATING STEAM LINE
SHAFT ROTATING
FEED BOILER
FEED SHAFT
WATER D ETA I L TU
CONDENSER WATER
CONDENSER D ETA I L
GENERATOR GEN
FEED
WATER
CON
y Electrical Energy Radiant (light) Energy
e Energy Transformation Organizer
Write the transformations of energy on the connecting lines. The first one is completed for you.

Chemical Models
&Background
Hydrocarbons are molecules composed only of carbon and hydrogen. Carbon atoms have four electrons available to bond. When one
carbon atom bonds with only hydrogen, it will need four hydrogen atoms. This hydrocarbon is known as methane.
When a hydrocarbon molecule has as many hydrogen atoms bonded as possible, it is considered saturated and is part of the alkane group.
Alkanes are named for the number of carbon atoms present. The alkanes form a straight chain of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms
bonding with the remaining open electrons.
The generic formula for alkanes is CnH2n+2. This formula can be used to determine the molecular formula for the gases that typically compose
raw natural gas.
Alkane Series Prefixes

meth- one carbon atom

eth- two carbon atoms

prop- three carbon atoms

but- four carbon atoms
Activity 1: Molecular Formulas

Use the generic formula for alkanes to determine the molecular formula for the following gases:
Methane
Ethane
Propane
Butane
Activity 2: Molecular Models
Use the molecular model sets or modeling clay to make three-dimensional models of the alkanes. Use one color to represent hydrogen
and another for carbon. Use the third color to make several oxygen molecules, which consist of two oxygen atoms bonded together (O2).
Draw each model below.
Methane Ethane
Propane Butane
Oxygen

33
Activity 3: Balancing Equations
When a hydrocarbon burns, it combines with oxygen to make carbon dioxide and water. Fill in the molecular formula for each gas and then write the balanced equations for
methane, ethane, propane, and butane on the right.
Methane
HEAT
_______ + O2 CO2 + H2O
Ethane
www.NEED.org
HEAT
_______ + O2 CO2 + H2O
1.800.875.5029
Propane
8408 Kao Circle, Manassas, VA 20110

HEAT
_______ + O2 CO2 + H2O
Butane
HEAT
_______ + O2 CO2 + H2O
2015 The NEED Project

Activity 4: Hydrocarbon Combustion
Using the chemical models of methane and oxygen, create the products of methane combustion. Draw all the model molecules formed
for a balanced reaction.
Repeat the process for ethane, propane, and butane.

LNG Production to Market
LNG as a System
The process of finding natural

Exploration gas deposits.
The process of drilling wells and

Production processing natural gas into a
clean, commercial product.
The process by which natural gas

Liquefaction is converted into a liquid.
Facilities for storing LNG

Storage both internationally and
domestically.

Moving LNG to distant locations,
Transportation typically with specially designed
ships or trucks.
The process by which LNG is

Regasification heated, converting it into its
gaseous state.
Moving natural gas within

Distribution networks of pipelines.
Industry, businesses, and

residential users all need
End Use natural gas for heating, cooking,
manufacturing products, and
generating electricity.
The LNG Chain
Choose one step in the LNG chain and write it in the center box. Label the outside boxes with the seven
remaining steps. In the arrows connecting the LNG steps, write a way the center step affects the outside step
as well as a way the outside step affects the inside one.

IN THE ROUND
I have energy. I have natural gas.

Who has energy sources that cannot be replen- Who has a facility that uses stored natural gas
ished in a short period of time? during peak-use periods?
I have nonrenewable. I have peak shaving facility.

Who has the name of organic compounds made Who has the name for natural gas in its liquid
of carbon and hydrogen? state?
I have liquefied natural gas

I have hydrocarbons. LNG.
Who has resources that are too far away from Who has the fuels made from plants and
industries or cities to be marketable? animals that lived hundreds of millions of
years ago?
I have stranded resources. I have fossil fuels.

Who has the term for drilling and processing Who has the main method for moving natural
natural gas into a marketable product? gas?
I have production. I have distribution by pipeline.

Who has a colorless, odorless gas mostly made
Who has a disadvantage to LNG?
of methane?
IN THE ROUND
I have LNG must be kept at I have Georgia.

extremely cold temperatures. Who has the process by which natural gas is
Who has LNG exporting countries? converted into a liquid?
I have Qatar, Malaysia, and

I have liquefaction.
Indonesia. Who has the amount a volume of natural gas
Who has the process by which LNG is heated, is reduced when it becomes a liquid?
converting it into its gaseous state?
I have regasification. I have 600 times.

Who has the facilities that hold natural gas or Who has the process of finding natural gas
LNG until it is used? deposits?
I have storage facilities. I have exploration.

Who has the gases typically found in raw Who has the main method for transporting
natural gas? LNG?
I have methane, ethane, I have ships with specially

butane, and propane. designed hulls.
Who has an example of a U.S. state with an LNG
Who has an advantage to LNG?
import terminal?

IN THE ROUND
I have LNG can be transported I have Atlantic and Pacific

almost anywhere. Basins.
Who has the facility that receives and stores Who has the form in which energy is stored in
LNG from overseas? natural gas?
I have an import terminal. I have chemical energy.

Who has a large consumer of natural gas in the Who has the usable energy generated in a
U.S.? natural gas-fired power plant?
I have industry. I have electricity.

Who has the temperature to which natural gas Who has the main residential uses of natural
is cooled to change it to a liquid? gas?
I have -260F/-162.2C. I have heating and cooking.

Who has the term for natural gas resources that Who has the facility that processes natural gas
can be economically recovered? into a liquid?
I have liquefaction
I have natural gas reserves.
Who has the geographic trade regions of the plant or export facility.
global LNG market? Who has the ability to do work or make a
change?
GAME
Oil and Gas PIECES
Career Game
Imagine you are a drop of
oil or a molecule of natural
gas. Cut out the game pieces PETROLEUM
ENGINEERS
to the right and roll a die S EXPLORATION formulate the
to follow the path from the TA
Geologists conduct many tests gathering general plan for
R
ground to market. Along the T information, such as seismic data, to determine how the extraction
way, you will meet many if the geology holds oil or natural gas. operation will go.
They help design
people who help
the general structure
you on your of the well and the most
journey. efficient method of
extraction.
DERRICK ELECTRICIANS
OPERATORS maintain and repair the
work on small electrical and electronic
platforms high on rigs equipment and systems that keep
to help run pipe in and the facilities up and running.
out of well holes and
operate the pumps that
circulate mud through
the pipe.
DRILLING & PRODUCTION MACHINISTS
install, maintain,
Wells are drilled deep into the repair, and test
ground to bring oil and natural rotating
ROUGHNECKS
gas to the surface. mechanical
guide the lower ends of REFINING
pipe to well openings and equipment and
connect pipe joints and & systems.
drill bits. DISTRIBUTION
Crude oil and natural gas
are refined into many
ENERGY TRADERS different products and
buy and sell oil and O
PRO
CE shipped to consumers.
gas in the U.S. and prepa R PIPELI SS PIPIN
cons re drawing E DRAF G
N
international markets. tructio s
n, an used in RS
TE
gas f d th
ields operation e layout,
and r
efine of oil and
STOP! ries.
Roll the die
one last time to
find out what
kind of product
you will
become. If you
are a drop of oil, EUM
R OL
follow the P E T 1 3 5
petroleum path. You are refined You are processed
If you are a
4 You are used to 6
2
FINISH
into gasoline for into the wax that You are part of make asphalt, You are refined
molecule of use in cars and You are made into becomes a crayon. which paves a new
medicine that into jet fuel and
natural gas, trucks. plastic and become highway.
helps save a travel the world in
follow the part of a toy. persons life. first-class.
natural gas path.
NA
1 TU END-USE PRODUCTS
RA
You are sent to a L GAS
house and used to
3 5
cook dinner on a stove. 2 You are compressed
4 You are a raw 6
and used as an You are sent to a
You are used as You are piped to a material used to
FINISH
alternative fuel in a house and used for

fuel in a power plant factory where you make paint.
city bus. space and
that generates help make cars.
electricity. water heating.

a
b c
Glossary
alloy a mixture of metals and sometimes other elements
biogas a gas produced by the breakdown of organic matter
bishop Process a process where LNG is offloaded and injected into subsurface geologic formations called salt caverns
carburetor a device in an internal combustion engine that mixes fuel with air in the cylinders; replaced by fuel injectors in
most vehicles, but commonly used in small engines or with alternative fuels
combined-cycle power plants that use a fuel to power a combustion turbine and a steam turbine, essentially using the fuel twice
in different cycles
compressor a machine used to increase the pressure of a gas
condenser a system that is used to turn a gaseous substance into a liquid; condensers in power plants turn steam from the
turbine into water
developmental well a well drilled in an area proven to produce oil and natural gas resources
distributed energy energy that is generated and stored very close to where it is used
exploratory well a well drilled by energy companies in an effort to locate a source of fuel
generator a device that turns mechanical or motion energy into electrical energy; the motion energy is sometimes provided
by an engine or turbine
heat exchanger any device that transfers heat from one fluid (liquid or gas) to another or to the environment
liquefaction the process by which a gas is converted into a liquid
liquefied natural gas natural gas that has been converted to a liquid by cooling it to temperatures below -260F/-162.2C; when cooled
to become LNG, natural gas volume is reduced 600 times
mercaptan an organic chemical compound that has a sulfur-like odor that is added to natural gas and propane before
distribution to the consumer, to give it a distinct, unpleasant odor (smells like rotten eggs); this serves as a safety
device by allowing it to be detected in the atmosphere, in cases where leaks occur
methane a colorless, flammable, odorless hydrocarbon gas (CH4), which is the major component of natural gas; it is also an
important source of hydrogen in various industrial processes; methane is a greenhouse gas
natural gas an odorless, colorless, tasteless, non-toxic, clean-burning fossil fuel; usually found in fossil fuel deposits and used
as a fuel
nonrenewable fuels that cannot be easily made or replenished; we can use up nonrenewable fuels; oil, natural gas, and coal are
examples of nonrenewable fuels
peak shaving a facility that diverts natural gas from the pipeline at times of low demand, liquefies, and stores it until periods of
high demand
pipelines a series of pipes that convey petroleum and natural gas from a refinery to their end consumer
porous having tiny openings or spaces in a material that can hold fluid
propane a normally gaseous, straight-chain hydrocarbon; it is a colorless paraffinic gas that boils at a temperature of
-43.67 degrees Fahrenheit; it is extracted from natural gas or refinery gas streams
refrigerant a substance used to aid in the cooling process; phase changes are often involved
regasification the process in which a liquefied substance is warmed or heated, converting it to its gaseous state
reserves natural resources that are technically and economically recoverable
salt cavern an underground location for the storage of LNG; see also Bishop Process
satellite a plant that stores LNG off-site from the import facility for use during peak demand
sedimentary a type of rock formed by deposits of earth materials, or within bodies of water; oil and gas formations, as well as
fossils, are found within sedimentary rock formations; coal is a sedimentary rock
stranded resources resources that are located in an area that makes them difficult to recover or transport
Evaluation Form
State: ___________ Grade Level: ___________ Number of Students: __________
1. Did you conduct the entire unit? Yes No
2. Were the instructions clear and easy to follow? Yes No
3. Did the activities meet your academic objectives? Yes No
4. Were the activities age appropriate? Yes No
5. Were the allotted times sufficient to conduct the activities? Yes No
6. Were the activities easy to use? Yes No
7. Was the preparation required acceptable for the activities? Yes No
8. Were the students interested and motivated? Yes No
9. Was the energy knowledge content age appropriate? Yes No
10. Would you teach this unit again? Yes No

Please explain any no statement below.
How would you rate the unit overall? excellent good fair poor
How would your students rate the unit overall? excellent good fair poor
What would make the unit more useful to you?
Other Comments:
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Liquefied Natural Gas: LNG: P E I S P E I S

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20

Elem Elementary Pri Int Intermediate

Science Social Studies

Language Arts Technology

Teacher Advisory Board sided energy education programs.

Shelly Baumann Barbara Lazar Teacher Advisory Board Statement

Robert Griegoliet Tom Spencer

Printed on Recycled Paper

2 Liquefied Natural Gas: LNG

To order a free classroom copy, visit http://www. LNG as a System 36

Next Generation Science Standards

Common Core State Standards

Individual State Science Standards

4 Liquefied Natural Gas: LNG

ACTIVITY MATERIALS NEEDED

6 Liquefied Natural Gas: LNG

Activity 2: Volume Simulations

8 Liquefied Natural Gas: LNG

Activity 5: The LNG Chain

10 Liquefied Natural Gas: LNG

12 Liquefied Natural Gas: LNG

Natural Gas Energy Transformation

Energy Transformation Organizer

The LNG Chain

Additional Steps and Effects

CHEMICAL ENERGY is the energy RADIANT ENERGY is

Nuclear Energy Radiant Energy Chemical Energy

Electrical Energy Motion Energy Chemical Energy

Stored Electrical Energy Electrical Energy Radiant (light) Energy

16 Liquefied Natural Gas: LNG

The process of fusion involves smaller nuclei combining to

2015 The NEED Project

How Natural Gas Was Formed

Note: Not to Scale

22 Liquefied Natural Gas: LNG

24 Liquefied Natural Gas: LNG

HOT COMBUSTION GASES

Top Exporters and Importers of LNG, 2013

Data: Energy Information Administration

State Energy Profile: Georgia Running on Natural Gas

What percentage of the

PROPANE 1.7% GEOTHERMAL 0.2%

28 Liquefied Natural Gas: LNG

The copper coils spin inside a ring of magnets. This

30 Liquefied Natural Gas: LNG

Alkane Series Prefixes

Activity 1: Molecular Formulas

32 Liquefied Natural Gas: LNG

8408 Kao Circle, Manassas, VA 20110

2015 The NEED Project

34 Liquefied Natural Gas: LNG

The process of finding natural

The process of drilling wells and

The process by which natural gas

Facilities for storing LNG

36 Liquefied Natural Gas: LNG

The process by which LNG is

Moving natural gas within

Industry, businesses, and

38 Liquefied Natural Gas: LNG

I have energy. I have natural gas.

I have nonrenewable. I have peak shaving facility.

I have liquefied natural gas