Liquefied natural gas

Metanowiec LNG - dostawa z USA

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LNG exports

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Natural gas capacity and exports

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World LNG Volumes

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is a form of natural gas primarily composed of methane, CH4, with some mixture of ethane C2H6, that has been cooled down to liquid form for ease and safety of non-pressurized storage or transport. It takes up about 1/600th the volume of natural gas in the gaseous state. LNG is odorless, colorless, non-toxic, and non-corrosive. Hazards include flammability after vaporizing into a gaseous state, freezing, and asphyxia. The liquefaction process involves removal of certain components, such as dust, acid gases, helium, water, and heavy hydrocarbons, which could cause difficulty downstream.

Production

The production of LNG is a complex process that begins with the extraction of natural gas from the ground, which is then purified by removing any impurities or contaminants. The purified gas is then cooled at a liquefaction plant to a temperature of approximately -162°C (-260°F), at which point it becomes a liquid. This process, known as liquefaction, significantly reduces the volume of the gas, making it easier and more cost-effective to transport over long distances, especially where pipelines are not feasible.

Transportation

LNG is transported in specially designed tankers with insulated walls. The insulation prevents the LNG from warming up and converting back into its gaseous state. LNG can also be transported in smaller quantities in cryogenic road tankers. Upon reaching its destination, LNG is regasified and distributed as natural gas.

Uses

LNG is used across the world for a variety of purposes. It is a major source of energy for heating and generating electricity and is also used as a fuel for vehicles and ships. LNG is increasingly being looked at as a more environmentally friendly fuel compared to coal and oil, as it produces less carbon dioxide when burned.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

While LNG is considered to be safer than other fossil fuels, there are safety and environmental concerns associated with its production, storage, and transport. The process of liquefying natural gas is energy-intensive and contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases. There is also the risk of leaks or spills, which can be hazardous due to LNG's flammability.

Market and Trade

The global LNG market has grown significantly in recent years, driven by increasing energy demand, especially in Asia. Major LNG exporting countries include Qatar, Australia, and the United States, while Japan, China, and South Korea are among the largest importers.