Characteristics & Hazards

of

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(Liquefied Natural Gas)
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ë COMPOSITION: ë APPEARANCE:
± 90% Methane ± Clear liquid, Vapors
± 8% Ethane form a white cloud in
± 2% Propane, Butane, moist air.
& Nitrogen
ë TOXICITY:
ë BOILING POINT: ± Non-Toxic, non-
± -260o F poisonous
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ë LIQUID SPECIFIC ë FLAMMABLE LIMITS (in
DENSITY (H20 = 1.0) air):
0.47 5 - 15%

ë VAPOR SPECIFIC ë REACTIVITY:

DENSITY (air = 1.0) Stable, does not self react
1.5 @ -2600F
1.0 @ -1700F ë EXPLOSION HAZARDS:
.55@ +700F Unconfined vapor clouds will
not detonate
ë LNG is usually shipped and stored at a
temperature slightly above its boiling point
at atmospheric pressure. Vapors form
flammable mixtures with air. Unlike
natural gas at normal temperatures, the cold
gas as it comes from the liquid is about 1
1/2 times heavier than air and will not rise
immediately but spread at the ground level.
ë Fog is formed (visible cloud) when the cold gas comes in
contact with the moisture in the air and will spread with the
wind currents. If the flammable vapor-air mixture reaches
an ignition source, flame is likely to travel back to the
liquid. Once the vapors warm to above -1700F, it becomes
lighter than air and begin to rise.
ë LIFE HAZARD:
± LNG vapors are nontoxic but the gas can cause
asphyxiation by displacement of the air in a
closed space.
± The liquid can cause severe frostbite or ³burn´
to the skin or other body tissues.
± Prolonged contact can cause embrittlement of
clothing.
ë Flameless explosion:
± LNG changing from a liquid to vapor suddenly
with a rapid expansion producing a low energy,
explosion type phenomenon.
‡ RPT - Rapid Phase Transition is another name for
this event.
ë The relatively slow ignition process of LNG
vapors - occurs when the flame front is
behind the shock wave and traveling at a
slower speed.

Detonation takes place when the flame front

and shock wave coincide.
ë Flame height of pooled LNG will be 6 to 8
times the diameter of the liquid pool.
ë Rollover:
± two or more layers of LNG with different
densities exists. The bottom layer is not able to
boil off, so the heat increases thus creating a
very rapid heat transfer causing a large surge of
boil off vapor.
ë Metals used in cryogenic service:
± stainless steel, aluminum & 9% nickel steel.
ë Personal Protective Equipment:
± Wear special clothing designed to prevent LNG
or the cold vapors from coming in contact with
the body.
‡ Rubber gloves, rubber boots, slicker suits, safety
glasses, goggles, face shield, hard hat, etc.
 Emergency Response

ë In the event of a LNG release:

± Control and eliminate ignition sources
± Evacuate non essential personnel
± Stop source of leak
± Initiate the Terminal¶s Emergency Action Plan
± Ventilate enclosed areas.
 Emergency Response

ë
± If a spill has not ignited, use water spray to
direct flammable gas-air mixtures away from
ignition sources. If it is desirable to evaporate a
spill quickly, water spray may be used to
increase the rate of evaporation, Ê

Ê 


 
 Ê 


  
. Do not
discharge solid water streams into an LNG
spill.
 Emergency Response
ë If LNG has ignited, use water to keep fire-exposed
containers and equipment cool and to protect personnel if
an effort is to be made to stop the source of the leak. High
expansion foam may be used to reduce the rate of burning
of relatively small spills.
 Emergency Response
ë Because of danger of reignition, liquefied natural gas fires
normally should not be extinguished until the supply of gas
has been shut off. If it is necessary to extinguish the fire,
dry chemical is the preferred extinguishing agent.
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Trunkline LNG Company
8100 Big Lake Road, Lake Charles, LA 70605-0300

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DATE ISSUE: 11/10/93

DATE REVISED: 09/11/98


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Trade Name: LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS

Synonyms: LNG, methane-refrigerated liquid, natural gas-refrigerated liquid
Formula: CH4, C2H6, C3H8, C4H10, and N2 Mixture
CAS Number: 74-82-8
DOT ID Number: UN 1972
NFPA Hazard Ratings: Health: 1 Fire: 4 Reactivity: 0 (0 = Least, 4 = Extreme)

 


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Components Percent TLV PEL
Methane 87.5 N/A N/A
Ethane 9.0 N/A N/A
Propane 2.4 N/A N/A
Butane 0.8 N/A N/A
Nitrogen 0.3 N/A N/A

*LNG is a mixture of these components: This represents a typical composition.


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Boiling Point 760 mm Hg: -260oF

Specific Gravity (water =1): 0.470
Vapor Pressure mm Hg 20 C:o 5,600
Melting Point: o
-305 F
Vapor Specific Density (air=1) 1.5 @ -260oF; 1.0 @ -170oF; 0.55 @ = 70oF
Solubility in Water: insoluble
Molecular weight: 18.3
PH: N/A
Appearance and Odor: Colorless and odorless liquid

  
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Flash Point: -369oF
Autoignition Temperature: 999oF
Flammable Limits: LFL 5%: UFL 15% in air
Extinguishing Media: Dry Chemical, Carbon Dioxide, Halon
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Evacuate area. Stay upwind of vapors. Stop flow
of material. Use water for cooling buildings and other structures and to protect
personnel effecting shutoff. If a leak or spill has not ignited, use water spray to
disperse the vapors and to protect personnel attempting to stop the leak. Applying
water directly on the spill will increase the vaporization rate of LNG. Direct
application of water streams should be avoided unless suitable precautions are taken to
safely manage vapors. For fires in enclosed areas, firefighters must use self-contained
breathing apparatus. Approach containers from sides, not ends. Prevent runoff from
fire control or dilution from entering streams or drinking water supply.

 

Stability: Stable
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, flames, and build up of static electricity
Incompatibility: Strong acids, alkalis, and oxidizers such as chlorine and oxygen

Hazardous Decomposition Products:

Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur

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Routes of Entry: Inhalation, Skin/Eye contact

Health Hazards:
 ! " #Vapors are virtually non-toxic below lower flammability limits. Above the LFL, low
to moderate incidental effects such as depression and irritation occur but are completely
reversible upon cessation of exposure. At high concentrations, acts as a simple asphyxiate.
$"# Contact with liquid may cause burns and frostbite. Skin may be flushed: as frostbite
develops, skin may change to white or yellow; blisters may appear.
Eyes: Direct contact with liquid or frost particles may produce severe and possible permanent
eye damage.
%&'" # Not expected to occur in normal industrial use.
&(") ! ("" '
&&* !!+%%* , &(-+./ '0*&#Personnel with pre-existing
respiratory disease should avoid exposure to this material.

Carcinogenicity: NTP: No IARC Monographs: No OSHA Regulated: No


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Steps to be taken in case material is released or spilled: Eliminate all potential sources of ignition.
Evacuate all non-essential personnel to an area upwind. Stop source of release, being careful not to
generate a spark. Ventilate enclosed areas to prevent formation of flammable or oxygen-deficient
atmospheres. Water spray may be used to reduce vapors. Closed systems form white frost at the point
of leak. Liquid spills will vaporize forming cold dense vapor clouds that do not readily disperse.
Avoid vapor cloud even with proper respiratory equipment.
Waste Disposal Method: Releases are expected to cause only localized non-persistent
environmental damage.
Handling and Storage Precautions: Ground and electrically interconnect containers for transfer. Use
spark proof tools. No smoking in areas or use or storage. Avoid prolonged or repeated breathing of
vapors or contact with skin. Avoid contact with eyes. Eye wash stations and safety showers should be
available in areas of use. Store in well ventilated, fireproof area, away from sources of heat, open
flame, ignition and oxidizing agents. Protect against damaging valves on containers.

 

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Respiratory Protection: For gas concentrations at or above the LFL, use only NIOSH/MSHA
approved, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
Ventilation: Use in well ventilated area. Equipment must be explosion proof. Use away from all
ignition sources.
Skin Protection: Thermally protective gloves must be worn when handling liquid.
Eye Protection: Chemical type goggles or full face shield should be worn if contact with
liquid is possible.
Other Protective Equipment Splash resistant protective clothing should be worn when
handling liquid.

 
 
 
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Inhalation: Remove victim to fresh air at once. Restore and/or support breathing as required. Keep
victim warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Skin Contact: Promptly flush affected area with tepid water. If freeze burns have occurred,
apply bulky, dry, sterile bandage to protect area. Get medical attention.
Eye Contact: Vapors are not expected to present an eye irritant hazard. If contacted by
liquid, immediately flush the eye(s) gently with warm water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical
attention if pain or redness persists.
Ingestion: None considered necessary.

Information given herein is offered in good faith as accurate, but without guarantee. Conditions of use and
suitability of the particular uses are beyond our control; all risks of use of the product are therefore assumed
by the user and we expressly disclaim all warranties of every kind and nature, including warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose in respect to the use of suitability of the product. Nothing
is intended as a recommendation for uses which infringe valid patents or as extending license under valid
patents. Appropriate warnings and safe handling procedures should be provided to handlers and users.
 FIRST AID FOR
CRYOGENIC/FREEZE BURNS
ë Personnel involved in the handling and transportation of
LNG should be particularly aware of the hazard of
cryogenic burns. A cryogenic burn, although easily
produced by direct contact with the liquid, can also occur
due to contact with cold vapor or an un-insulated piece of
equipment carrying LNG. The rate at which heat is
transferred from exposed skin to a cold vapor is
substantially less than the rate at which heat is transferred
to a cold object or liquid. The severity of a cryogenic or
freeze burn depends upon the duration of contact, the
amount of skin exposed and the rate of heat transfer.
 FIRST AID FOR
CRYOGENIC/FREEZE BURNS
ë The term cryogenic burn, while a misnomer, is derived from the
sensation experienced when materials at cryogenic temperatures
contact the skin. Since the nerve endings in the skin cannot
differentiate between temperature extremes, the sensations are similar.
Although the tissue responds differently, the treatment is basically the
same: restoration of normal 370C (98.60F) temperature and protection
of injured tissue from infection and further damage. Unlike the effects
from exposure to heat, freezing of the flesh causes embrittlement of the
affected area due to its water content. If the skin has surface moisture
on it, contact with a cold object may result in the skin adhering to the
cold object. Flesh may be torn when the victim tries to remove the
affected area from the cold surface.
 FIRST AID FOR
CRYOGENIC/FREEZE BURNS
ë Permanent tissue damage due to frostbite can result if the
skin temperature is reduced to below 00C (320F) for a
prolonged period. As the body temperatures fall, the
ability to perform both physical and mental tasks
decreases. Cardiac disturbances occur when the body
temperature drops to 270C (810F). Death will result if the
body is further cooled.
 TREATMENT OF CRYOGENIC
BURNS

ë Remove any clothing that is wet or may constrict the

circulation to the frozen area.
ë If the entire body is exposed to the cryogenic material,
place the body in a water bath with arms and legs extended
out of the water. If a body part (hand, arm, foot, or leg) is
exposed to the cryogenic material, place the entire body in
a water bath with the affected body part extended out of
the water to prevent contamination by infection of the
affected area(s). Submerging the patient is done to help
keep the body core temperature as close to normal as
possible due to the extreme cold temperature of LNG.
 TREATMENT OF CRYOGENIC
BURNS
ë The water bath temperature must be between 37.80C
(1000F) and 43.30 C (1100F). When no tub-type facility is
available, a hot (43.30C) shower while wrapped in towels
or blankets is preferable. If at all possible, the affected
body part should not be exposed to the water, and the
patient should sit on a chair in the shower and be
constantly observed for a possible circulatory problem
leading to fainting.
 TREATMENT OF CRYOGENIC
BURNS
ë Simultaneous to the bath immersion, arrange for
transportation to a hospital for further therapy and
observation. If at sea, prior to contact with a physician
ashore, have the following information available for
transmission: the patient's age, sex, percent of burn, vital
sign (blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, and body
temperature)and the care given up to the present time.
 TREATMENT OF CRYOGENIC
BURNS
ë If the burn is 15% or less, oral fluids should be given to
replace any loss of body fluids. Do not administer oral
liquids if the patient is unconscious or has difficulty in
taking oral substances.
ë Morphine sulphate may be given intravenously as advised
by a physician.
ë Topical burn ointment (Ex. Sulfamylon) should be applied
over the burn surface while wearing sterile gloves.
 TREATMENT OF CRYOGENIC
BURNS
ë If the burn is more than 15% of the body surface, start a
large bore I.V. with ringers lactate at a rate prescribed by a
physician.
ë Place a urinary catheter in the patient to monitor fluid
output which should be between 50 and 75 milliliters per
hour.
ë Morphine sulphate may be given intravenously as advised
by a physician.
 TREATMENT OF CRYOGENIC
BURNS
ë Topical burn ointment (Ex. Sulfamylon) should be applied
over the burn surface while wearing sterile gloves.
ë The pulse in any burned extremity should be monitored,
and a lack of pulse in that extremity should be
REPORTED IMMEDIATELY to medical authorities.
 TREATMENT OF CRYOGENIC
BURNS
ë With any patient subjected to a cryogenic burn the vital
signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, and body
temperature) must be closely monitored. Any adverse
change in vital signs should be immediately reported to the
advising physician.
 TREATMENT OF CRYOGENIC
BURNS
ë For a person that has been exposed to a cryogenic liquid,
the body core temperature, as determined by rectal
thermometer, is of prime importance. When the body core
temperature drops near 26.70C (800F) cardiac disturbance
can occur. There is also a danger of re-warming shock; a
condition which results when the heart cannot sufficiently
supply the demand for increased blood flow. This may
result from re-warming the extremities prior to or faster
than the body trunk.
 TREATMENT OF CRYOGENIC
BURNS
ë Frozen tissues are painless and appear waxy with a pallid
yellowish color. They become painful, swollen, and very
prone to infection when thawed. Therefore, do not re-
warm rapidly if the accident occurs in the field and patient
cannot be transported to a hospital immediately. Thawing
may take from 15 to 60 minutes and should be continued
until the blue pale color of the skin turns to pink or red.
Morphine and tranquilizers are required to control the pain
during thawing.
 TREATMENT OF CRYOGENIC
BURNS
ë If the frozen part of the body has thawed by the time
medical attention has been obtained, do not re-warm.
Under these circumstances, cover the area with dry sterile
dressings with a large bulky protective coverage.
ë Alcoholic beverages and smoking decrease blood flow to
the frozen tissue and therefore should not be used.