Definition:
The process of cooling natural gas to approximately -260°F (-162°C) to convert it into a liquid state for efficient storage and transportation.
Key Components:
- Gas Pretreatment: Removes impurities such as CO₂, water, and mercury.
- Cryogenic Cooling: Uses refrigerants to cool gas into a liquid state.
- LNG Storage: Maintains LNG at cryogenic temperatures in insulated tanks.
- LNG Transport: Moves LNG via specialized tankers, rail, or trucks.
Use Cases/Industries:
- Global Energy Trade: Enables large-scale transport of natural gas.
- Power Generation: Provides a stable fuel supply for electricity production.
- Industrial Applications: Used in steel, chemical, and manufacturing industries.
Advantages:
- Efficient Transport: Reduces natural gas volume by 600 times for easier shipping.
- Energy Security: Allows gas to be moved to regions without pipeline infrastructure.
- Lower Emissions: Produces fewer greenhouse gases compared to coal and oil.
Challenges:
- High Capital Costs: Requires significant investment in liquefaction plants and infrastructure.
- Safety Risks: LNG must be handled carefully due to cryogenic temperatures.
- Energy Intensive: Requires a substantial amount of energy to liquefy and regasify gas.
Related Terms:
LNG Storage, Gas Liquefaction, Cryogenic Engineering
Example:
An LNG terminal receives and regasifies imported liquefied natural gas before distributing it through local pipelines.
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Synonyms:
LNG Production, Natural Gas Liquefaction, Cryogenic Processing
