The World of Energy

Chapter 28 LNG Technology (Introduction)

What is LNG?

28.1. What is LNG?

Ch. 28 - 1
What is LNG?
Colorless, odorless, non toxic hydrocarbon in very low
temperature liquid form (cryogenic)

Mainly (90% plus) is Methane, the lightest component

of hydrocarbon family

LNG is the cleanest hydrocarbon fuel

Lightest hydrocarbon
All contaminants are removed prior to liquefaction process
WRPHHWSURFHVVRU%X\HUVUHTXLUHPHQW
Carbon Dioxides
Sulphur compounds
Mercury
Heavy hydrocarbons
Aromatics

Ch. 28 - 2
The Look of LNG!

LNG
Colorless Liqud
Boiling Liquid
In LNG, ordinary
material will
become so
brittle and break
like glass
LNG requires
special low
temperature
material for
storage

Ch. 28 - 3
Some LNG Properties
LNG is a clear liquid and boils at 259 deg. F.
LNG is lighter than water (sp.gr.= 0.423) and,
hence, floats on water.
LNG vapor is heavier than air (by 1.52); hence, it
hugs the water surface or ground during dispersion
in the atmosphere.
Natural gas vapor at ambient temperature and
pressure is lighter than air (by 0.54)
A LNG spill results in its evaporation and
forms a visible vapor cloud.
Vapor is flammable in air in the range 5%
(LFL) to 15% (UFL) concentration.
The LFL concentration is always within the
visible vapor cloud for atmospheric relative
humidity greater than 55%.

Ch. 28 - 4
Some LNG Properties
LNG spill on water forms a simultaneously
spreading and evaporating pool; this
spreading pool can also sustain a fire.
Significant confinement and a long transition
distance is necessary for initiating a
detonation in methane-air mixture.
Unconfined vapor clouds of methane-air do
not explode.
Occasionally LNG impacting water will
produce a flameless explosion (called RPT).
Carbon steel, in contact with LNG, becomes
brittle and loses its strength.

Ch. 28 - 5