Liquefied natural gas is clean, reliable, and abundant, and is expected to become a major source of energy in the coming decades. Natural gas is a refrigerant, which means it is liquid at very low temperatures. Natural gas can be efficiently and safely transported in liquid form from resource-rich regions to regions of high demand, helping to provide energy during periods of peak global demand.

Learn what is LNG, the benefits and applications of this liquefied gas, and what is LNG storage tank.

What is LNG?

LNG is an abbreviation for liquefied natural gas, which is natural gas cooled to a liquid state for easy storage and transportation. Composed almost entirely of methane, liquefied natural gas is odorless, colorless, non-corrosive, and non-toxic. When natural gas is cooled to about -260°F (-161.5°C), it is liquefied in a process using cryogenic heat exchangers in which the volume of liquid is about 1/600 the volume of natural gas. This makes it easier to handle, which is its main advantage, but it must also be thoroughly washed and dehydrated to remove impurities that solidify at liquid temperatures.

The Main Advantages of LNG

- All resources

Compared to other fossil fuels, LNG is abundant and available worldwide.

- Easy to store and use

LNG is easy to store, distribute and use when needed.

- Protect the natural environment

Compared to other fossil fuels, LNG is more environmentally friendly and offers cleaner combustion than other alternatives.

The Main Application of LNG

The most common applications where LNG can be used as a primary energy source are:

Home heating. LNG has become an adequate response to peak demand that exceeds normal parameters.

Industries use LNG as fuel for various products such as electronic devices, textiles, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and many others.

The transport sector has already begun to consider LNG as an alternative to gasoline.

LNG does not burn like a liquid. When LNG vaporizes, it burns in the air with a gas concentration of about 5-15%. Although LNG vapors are initially heavier than air, when temperatures rise above -106.7 °C (-160 °F), LNG (methane) vapors become lighter than air, rise, and disperse rather than pool near the ground. LNG allows natural gas to be efficiently stored and transported and gasified for consumption by consumers.

What Is an LNG Storage Tank?

An LNG storage tank is a storage tank specially designed for storing liquefied natural gas (LNG). LNG storage tanks can be located above ground or on an LNG carrier. A common feature of LNG storage tanks is their ability to store LNG at extremely low temperatures of -162 °C (-260 °F). LNG is typically stored in low-pressure (less than 5 psi), high-capacity underground storage tanks; the smallest LNG tanks typically do not exceed 70,000 gallons, while LNG is stored in vacuum-sealed, high-pressure (up to 250 psi) in double tanks. LNG tanks contain LNG in an inner shell, while the outer shell of the tank is insulated to keep it cool. The inner wall of the tank is made of nickel-plated steel and the outer wall is carbon steel. Conventional steel is too brittle for direct contact with cryogenic LNG, so nickel-plated steel is used. Today it is common to add a high nickel steel wall or concrete outer tank to provide additional insulation.

Despite effective insulation, heat leaks out of the jar. In this way, small amounts of LNG are "evaporated" from above. In this way, LNG remains cold through a process called "self-cooling." A small amount of LNG continues to boil and exit the tank. The cold steam is then heated and supplied to natural gas consumers.

Cimc Enric provides LNG storage tank products, if you want to buy or learn more information, please contact us.