Introduction of LNG

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is natural gas (predominantly methane, CH₄) that has been converted temporarily to liquid form at close to atmospheric pressure and temperature of approximately -160^oC for ease of storage or transport. LNG typically contains more than 90% methane. It also contains small amounts of ethane, propane, butane and nitrogen.

It is odorless, colorless, non-toxic and non-corrosive. Hazards include flammability, freezing and asphyxia.LNG takes up about 1/600 x the volume of natural gas in the gaseous state à The reduction in volume makes it much more cost efficient to transport over long distances where pipelines do not exist. Where moving natural gas by pipelines is not possible or economical, it can be transported by specially designed cryogenic sea vessels (LNG carriers) or cryogenic road tankers.

The natural gas fed into the LNG plant will be treated to remove water, acid gas (hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide) and other components that will freeze (e.g., benzene) under the low temperatures needed for storage or be destructive to the liquefaction facility. The density of LNG is roughly 0.41 ~ 0.5 kg/liter, depending on temperature, pressure and composition, compared to water at 1.0 kg/liter. The energy density of LNG is comparable to propane and ethanol but is only 60% that of diesel and 70% that of gasoline