Natural gas finds itself in a race to the finish line between three elements: Piped natural gas, LNG and Floating LNG. It’s an interesting game that is all about getting more out of the ground for less money and getting it to market faster and easier.

LNG is cleaner than traditional fuels and the more we use it the less we will contribute to global emissions.

So, what is LNG?

LNG is simply natural gas converted to liquid state. It is a clear, colorless, non-toxic liquid that is formed when natural gas is cooled to -162°C. Natural gas is typically 90% Methane, but also contain Ethane, Propane, and small quantities of other compounds. The process of cooling the natural gas reduces its volume 600 times and is undertaken on what is called an LNG Train.

What is an LNG Train?

An LNG train is a natural gas plant’s liquefaction and purification facility. The typical LNG plant will have more than one train, with each one operating independently of the others. The world’s largest trains are owned by Qatar (Ras Laffan) and can liquefy around 1 billion cubic feet of natural gas/day.

Why we Liquify natural gas to LNG?

Because it makes it significantly easier to store in large volumes and to ship out for export over long distances.

How is LNG stored?

LNG is stored in large, refrigerated cylindrical tanks with domed roofs kept at atmospheric pressure. Both pressure and temperature are kept constant in a process referred to as auto refrigeration.

Transporting LNG

For international market, LNG is transported in special tanks on double-hulled ships to receiving terminals overseas. It then goes through a regasification process, which turns the LNG back into natural gas.

It is important that LNG is not to be confused with compressed natural gas (CNG), natural gas liquids (NGL), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or gas to liquids (GTL), all of which are comprised of different components.