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<onlyinclude>'''Liquefied natural gas''' or LNG is a colorless and odorless liquid that contains 85-95% [[methane]] with trace amounts of [[ethane]], [[propane]], [[butane]] and [[nitrogen]].</onlyinclude><ref name=LNG>U.S. Department of Energy, | [[File:640px-LNG_carrier_Alto_Acrux_-_4_May_2013.jpg|400px|framed|Figure 1. An [[LNG carrier]]. Note the size of the LNG ship compared to the size of the one to the right of it, the LNG ship is enormous!<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (June 8, 2015). ''LNG carrier Alto Acrux'' [Online]. Available: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LNG_carrier_Alto_Acrux_-_4_May_2013.jpg#/media/File:LNG_carrier_Alto_Acrux_-_4_May_2013.jpg</ref>]] | ||
<onlyinclude>'''Liquefied natural gas''' or '''LNG''' is a colorless and odorless liquid that contains 85-95% [[methane]] with trace amounts of [[ethane]], [[propane]], [[butane]] and [[nitrogen]].</onlyinclude><ref name=LNG>U.S. Department of Energy. (August 31, 2015). ''Liquefied Natural Gas: Understanding the Basic Facts'' [Online], Available: http://energy.gov/fe/downloads/liquefied-natural-gas-understanding-basic-facts</ref> The worldwide [[liquefied natural gas industry]] is growing rapidly. Global LNG trade enables development and is able to supplement domestic production to regions that lack [[natural gas reserve]]s or infrastructures. LNG has been used and traded worldwide for more than 50 years, but many organizations are expecting this trade to increase dramatically in the coming years. | |||
Liquefied natural gas is made by cooling [[natural gas]] to - | Liquefied natural gas is made by cooling [[natural gas]] to -162[[Celsius|°C]] (-259°F) at 1 [[atm]].<ref name=Temp>IHRDC. (August 31, 2015). ''LNG Value Chain'' [Online], Available: http://www.ihrdc.com/els/po-demo/module15/mod_015_02.htm</ref> As often happens with [[phase change]]s, this process of going from [[gas]] to [[liquid]] makes the [[volume]] decrease considerably, often over 600 times smaller. This reduced volume makes it easier to store and transport.<ref name="Temp"/> This allows natural gas to be transported to markets that lack natural gas reserves. | ||
The concept of converting natural gas into LNG was developed in Germany in 1893, but the first commercial LNG plant not built until 1941 in Cleveland, Ohio. | The concept of converting natural gas into LNG was developed in Germany in 1893, but the first commercial LNG plant not built until 1941 in Cleveland, Ohio.<ref name=Plant>M. Foss, The University of Texas. (August 31, 2015). ''Introduction to LNG'' [Online], Available: http://www.beg.utexas.edu/energyecon/lng/documents/CEE_INTRODUCTION_TO_LNG_FINAL.pdf</ref> The advancement in LNG technologies and practices for liquefaction and degasification processes has transformed the LNG market into a more efficient and global business. There are currently 18 exporting countries and 25 importing countries that have proposed LNG plants and units in operation.<ref name=Terminals>A. Walker, ''BG Group'' [Online], Available: http://www.bg-group.com/InvestorRelations/Presentations/Pages/Global-LNG-Market.aspx [Accessed 2 October 2013].</ref> | ||
==Use of Liquefied Natural Gas== | ==Use of Liquefied Natural Gas== | ||
Natural gas has been used for various applications (e.g. [[home heating]]) for many years. The availability of LNG as a way of moving natural gas around is making other uses more feasible like using it in [[natural gas vehicle]]s. | Natural gas has been used for various applications (e.g. [[home heating]]) for many years. The availability of LNG as a way of moving natural gas around is making other uses more feasible like using it in [[natural gas vehicle]]s. | ||
*Trucks: LNG can be used as a transportation fuel because of its [[energy density]]. This could be cheaper than conventional [[diesel]], quieter [[heat engine|engine]] operation, and modest reduction in [[greenhouse gas]] emissions (30-40% reduction).<ref name=Truck>CLNG, | *Trucks: LNG can be used as a transportation fuel because of its [[energy density]]. This could be cheaper than conventional [[diesel]], quieter [[heat engine|engine]] operation, and modest reduction in [[greenhouse gas]] emissions (30-40% reduction).<ref name=Truck>CLNG. (August 31, 2015). ''LNG and Its Many Uses'' [Online], Available: http://lngfacts.org</ref> | ||
*Shipping: LNG is a potential solution for the shipping industry as an alternative fuel source to [[power]] vessels. LNG is not only cleaner-burning, but also cost-saving as the vessel can hold a greater volume of LNG than diesel fuel. However, the challenge is to retrofit a vessel that uses LNG, which cost between $10 to $50 million.<ref name=Ship>S. Kolenko, | *Shipping: LNG is a potential solution for the shipping industry as an alternative fuel source to [[power]] vessels. LNG is not only cleaner-burning, but also cost-saving as the vessel can hold a greater volume of LNG than diesel fuel. However, the challenge is to retrofit a vessel that uses LNG, which cost between $10 to $50 million.<ref name=Ship>S. Kolenko. (August 31, 2015). ''BC Ferries weights costs of LNG ship fuel option'' [Online], Available: http://www.mining.com/web/bc-ferries-weighs-costs-of-lng-ship-fuel-option/</ref> | ||
== LNG Value Chain == | == LNG Value Chain == | ||
The major stages of the LNG value chain consist of the following and can be seen in | The major stages of the LNG value chain consist of the following and can be seen in Figure 2: | ||
# '''Exploration and Production (E&P)''' - | # '''Exploration and Production (E&P)''' - [[Upstream industry]] that focuses on the search for [[hydrocarbon]]s in favorable geological conditions for extraction. Once a promising location has been identified a [[natural gas reserve]] is developed. Natural gas is extracted by drilling holes in to the [[reservoir]] follow by treatment such as removal of impurities and separation of hydrocarbons for end market use.<br /> | ||
# '''Liquefaction''' - Treated natural gas is transported to [[LNG liquefaction plant]] site by [[pipeline]] and is converted into its liquid state. | # '''Liquefaction''' - Treated natural gas is transported to [[LNG liquefaction plant]] site by [[pipeline]] and is converted into its liquid state.<br /> | ||
# '''LNG Storage''' - To maintain LNG at its low temperature state, double | # '''LNG Storage''' - To maintain LNG at its low temperature state, double walled LNG tanks with good insulation are used.<br /> | ||
# '''Transporting LNG''' - [[Transportation of liquefied natural gas]] involves shipping LNG over long distances in a special purpose [[LNG carrier]], which includes good insulation and a double hull design to provide more strength and safety. | # '''Transporting LNG''' - [[Transportation of liquefied natural gas]] involves shipping LNG over long distances in a special purpose [[LNG carrier]], which includes good insulation and a double hull design to provide more strength and safety.<br /> | ||
# '''Re-gasification''' - Upon arrival, LNG is converted from the liquefied phase to the gaseous phase, where it is transported through natural gas pipeline system for distribution to businesses and homeowners. | # '''Re-gasification''' - Upon arrival, LNG is converted from the liquefied phase to the gaseous phase, where it is transported through natural gas pipeline system for distribution to businesses and homeowners. | ||
[[File:LNG_Value_Chain.jpg|thumb|800px|center|Figure 2. LNG Supply Chain Model - Source: PPT, LNG.<ref name=Value>PPT, LNG. (Accessed Sept 3, 2015). "LNG Value Chain'' [Online], Available: http://www.pttlng.com/en/mr_chain.aspx</ref>]] | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
[[Category:Uploaded]] | [[Category:Uploaded]] | ||
Revision as of 17:41, 3 September 2015
Figure 1. An LNG carrier. Note the size of the LNG ship compared to the size of the one to the right of it, the LNG ship is enormous![1]
Liquefied natural gas or LNG is a colorless and odorless liquid that contains 85-95% methane with trace amounts of ethane, propane, butane and nitrogen.[2] The worldwide liquefied natural gas industry is growing rapidly. Global LNG trade enables development and is able to supplement domestic production to regions that lack natural gas reserves or infrastructures. LNG has been used and traded worldwide for more than 50 years, but many organizations are expecting this trade to increase dramatically in the coming years.
Liquefied natural gas is made by cooling natural gas to -162°C (-259°F) at 1 atm.[3] As often happens with phase changes, this process of going from gas to liquid makes the volume decrease considerably, often over 600 times smaller. This reduced volume makes it easier to store and transport.[3] This allows natural gas to be transported to markets that lack natural gas reserves.
The concept of converting natural gas into LNG was developed in Germany in 1893, but the first commercial LNG plant not built until 1941 in Cleveland, Ohio.[4] The advancement in LNG technologies and practices for liquefaction and degasification processes has transformed the LNG market into a more efficient and global business. There are currently 18 exporting countries and 25 importing countries that have proposed LNG plants and units in operation.[5]
Use of Liquefied Natural Gas
Natural gas has been used for various applications (e.g. home heating) for many years. The availability of LNG as a way of moving natural gas around is making other uses more feasible like using it in natural gas vehicles.
- Trucks: LNG can be used as a transportation fuel because of its energy density. This could be cheaper than conventional diesel, quieter engine operation, and modest reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (30-40% reduction).[6]
- Shipping: LNG is a potential solution for the shipping industry as an alternative fuel source to power vessels. LNG is not only cleaner-burning, but also cost-saving as the vessel can hold a greater volume of LNG than diesel fuel. However, the challenge is to retrofit a vessel that uses LNG, which cost between $10 to $50 million.[7]
LNG Value Chain
The major stages of the LNG value chain consist of the following and can be seen in Figure 2:
- Exploration and Production (E&P) - Upstream industry that focuses on the search for hydrocarbons in favorable geological conditions for extraction. Once a promising location has been identified a natural gas reserve is developed. Natural gas is extracted by drilling holes in to the reservoir follow by treatment such as removal of impurities and separation of hydrocarbons for end market use.
- Liquefaction - Treated natural gas is transported to LNG liquefaction plant site by pipeline and is converted into its liquid state.
- LNG Storage - To maintain LNG at its low temperature state, double walled LNG tanks with good insulation are used.
- Transporting LNG - Transportation of liquefied natural gas involves shipping LNG over long distances in a special purpose LNG carrier, which includes good insulation and a double hull design to provide more strength and safety.
- Re-gasification - Upon arrival, LNG is converted from the liquefied phase to the gaseous phase, where it is transported through natural gas pipeline system for distribution to businesses and homeowners.
Figure 2. LNG Supply Chain Model - Source: PPT, LNG.[8]
References
- ↑ Wikimedia Commons. (June 8, 2015). LNG carrier Alto Acrux [Online]. Available: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LNG_carrier_Alto_Acrux_-_4_May_2013.jpg#/media/File:LNG_carrier_Alto_Acrux_-_4_May_2013.jpg
- ↑ U.S. Department of Energy. (August 31, 2015). Liquefied Natural Gas: Understanding the Basic Facts [Online], Available: http://energy.gov/fe/downloads/liquefied-natural-gas-understanding-basic-facts
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 IHRDC. (August 31, 2015). LNG Value Chain [Online], Available: http://www.ihrdc.com/els/po-demo/module15/mod_015_02.htm
- ↑ M. Foss, The University of Texas. (August 31, 2015). Introduction to LNG [Online], Available: http://www.beg.utexas.edu/energyecon/lng/documents/CEE_INTRODUCTION_TO_LNG_FINAL.pdf
- ↑ A. Walker, BG Group [Online], Available: http://www.bg-group.com/InvestorRelations/Presentations/Pages/Global-LNG-Market.aspx [Accessed 2 October 2013].
- ↑ CLNG. (August 31, 2015). LNG and Its Many Uses [Online], Available: http://lngfacts.org
- ↑ S. Kolenko. (August 31, 2015). BC Ferries weights costs of LNG ship fuel option [Online], Available: http://www.mining.com/web/bc-ferries-weighs-costs-of-lng-ship-fuel-option/
- ↑ PPT, LNG. (Accessed Sept 3, 2015). "LNG Value Chain [Online], Available: http://www.pttlng.com/en/mr_chain.aspx
