Lng how is it made

The volume of natural gas in its liquid state is about times smaller than its volume in its gaseous state. This process makes it possible to transport natural gas to places pipelines do not reach. Liquefying natural gas is a way to move natural gas long distances when pipeline transport is not feasible.

Markets that are too far away from producing regions to be connected directly to pipelines have access to natural gas because of LNG. In its compact liquid form, natural gas can be shipped in special tankers to terminals around the world.

At these terminals, the LNG is returned to its gaseous state and transported by pipeline to distribution companies, industrial consumers, and power plants. These specialised fleets are actively being commissioned due to the growing popularity of LNG. There are however limitations of the current LNG transportation options and changes are still being made.

Due to the popularity of transportation via ship, LNG is frequently received at terminals situated on the waterfront. Alternatively, storage tanks can be found further onshore which are reached via truck. The LNG is transferred from the transportation vehicle to the storage tanks via arms , which are gradually cooled to match the temperature of the LNG. These tanks are made with a durable outer wall and use vacuum insulation technology to keep internal temperatures consistent.

In order to use the LNG it must be reheated to turn it back into its gaseous form. This process is called re-gasification. During peak demand periods, underwater burners that use natural gas as a fuel are also used to reheat the liquid.

Natural gas has no odour, so a smell is added in order to ensure harmful leaks are easily detected. It is then ready to be distributed via gas pipelines and used as natural gas.

Natural gas is also regarded as a cleaner source of energy than coal as it releases around half the amount of CO2 per unit of energy produced.

However, the processes involved in the creation, transportation and regassification of are energy intensive and the efficiency of the process is crucial in the value of LNG.

Natural gas transported as LNG is currently used in millions of homes for energy and heating and, despite the processing involved, demand and production are increasing. The fuel is then sent via established transportation methods, such as pipelines, to the end users. Although limited because of the number of liquefaction and regasification facilities located worldwide, LNG is gaining momentum. European countries also import a large percentage of the LNG produced globally. Emerging markets for the fuel are China and India, although those countries are currently pursuing major pipeline deals in an effort to increase their natural gas imports.

LNG imports are expected to increase to an average of How do Shuttle Tankers Work? More How it Works Articles. Lloyd's Maritime Academy The only Academy dedicated to enabling you to fulfill your potential throughout your maritime career. Source: Natural Gas Vehicle Association. LNG fueled vehicles. Some heavy duty vehicle fleets are moving to LNG as their fuel of choice. LNG allows more energy to be stored onboard a vehicle in a smaller volume.

Source: www. LNG can also be derived from landfill gas. At a landfill near Livermore, California, landfill gas converted into LNG is being used as fuel to power trash collection vehicles.

The plant can produce up to 13, gallons of LNG per day from landfill gas, enough fuel for LNG powered collection trucks across 20 California communities.