Overview
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been cooled to −162°C (−260°F) at near atmospheric pressure, transforming it into a liquid form that is 1/600th of its original gaseous volume. This enables efficient transport and storage across long distances where pipelines are not feasible. LNG is composed primarily of methane (CH₄) with small amounts of ethane, propane, and nitrogen.

Technical Characteristics

• Composition (Typical):
  • Methane (CH₄): 85–95%
  • Ethane (C₂H₆): 3–6%
  • Propane & Butane (C₃–C₄): ≤ 2%
  • Nitrogen (N₂): ≤ 1%
• Energy Content: 50–55 MJ/kg (~21,000–23,000 kcal/kg)
• Density @ −162°C: 0.41–0.5 kg/L
• Methane Number (MN): > 80 (high knock resistance for engines)
• Boiling Point: −162°C
• Flammability Range (in air): 5–15% methane concentration
• Color & Odor: Colorless, odorless liquid (odorants added at regasification for distribution)

Specifications & Standards

• Must meet international standards such as ISO 16903, ISO 28460, and GIIGNL guidelines
• Complies with AGA, ASTM D1945/D1946, and EN 1160 testing protocols for gas composition and calorific value

Applications

• Power Generation: Used in gas-fired power plants as a low-emission fuel
• Transportation: Fuel for LNG-fueled ships, trucks, and buses (cleaner alternative to diesel)
• Residential & Commercial: Regasified LNG distributed via pipeline networks for heating and cooking
• Industrial Feedstock: Used in manufacturing processes, fertilizer production (via ammonia/urea), and petrochemicals

Performance Advantages

• Energy Density: High calorific value per unit mass compared to pipeline gas
• Environmental Benefits: 30–40% lower CO₂ emissions than coal; virtually no SOx or particulate emissions
• Transport Flexibility: Enables export from producing countries to consuming regions lacking pipelines
• Engine Compatibility: High methane number ensures clean combustion in dual-fuel and dedicated LNG engines

Handling & Storage

• Stored in cryogenic tanks at −162°C with insulated double-walled construction
• Requires boil-off gas (BOG) management systems during storage and transport
• Transported via specialized LNG carriers or cryogenic ISO containers
• Must be handled with extreme care due to risk of rapid vaporization and cold burns

Compliance & Testing

• Composition measured by gas chromatography (ASTM D1945)
• Calorific value and Wobbe Index verified for end-use compatibility
• Q&Q inspections by independent surveyors (SGS, Intertek, CIQ) ensure compliance at liquefaction and regasification terminals

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