Liquefied Natural Gas

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is a natural gas (predominantly Methane (CH4), with some mixture of Ethane (C2H6). It has been cooled down to liquid form for ease and safety of non–pressurized storage or transport. It is (1) Odorless, (2) Colorless, (3) Non–toxic, and (4) Non–corrosive. Its hazards include (1) Flammability after vaporization into a gaseous state, (2) Freezing, and (3) Asphyxia. The liquefaction process involves the removal of certain components, such as (1) Dust, (2) Acid gases, (3) Helium, (4) Water, and (5) Heavy Hydrocarbons, which could cause difficulty downstream. The natural gas is then condensed into a liquid at close to atmospheric pressure by cooling it to approximately −162 °C (−260 °F); maximum transport pressure is set at around 25 kPa (4 psi).

Natural gas is mainly converted to LNG for transport over the seas. It is where laying pipelines is not feasible technically and economically. LNG achieves a higher reduction in volume than Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) so that the (volumetric) energy density of LNG is 2.4 times greater than that of CNG (at 250 bar) or 60 percent that of diesel fuel. This makes LNG cost-efficient in marine transport over long distances. However, CNG carrier ships can be used economically for up to medium distances in marine transport. Specially designed cryogenic sea vessels (LNG carriers) or cryogenic road tankers are used for LNG transport.