What is LNG?

LNG is the liquid form of natural gas (Liquefied Natural Gas). LNG is a natural gas, just like the gas produced in the North Sea and used in our homes for more than 25 years. It is called liquefied natural gas because it is a liquid.

When natural gas is cooled to very low temperatures (minus 162 degrees Celsius, minus 260 degrees Fahrenheit) it condenses into a liquid. Natural gas is composed primarily of methane (typically at least 90%), but may also contain ethane, propane and heavier hydrocarbons. The liquefaction process utilized removes the oxygen, carbon dioxide, sulphur compounds, and water.

LNG Physical Properties:

• LNG is an extremely cold (-259° F), clear and odourless liquid.
• LNG vaporises easily, the vapours become lighter than air and dissipate quickly.
• Specific Gravity - Air = 1.0, Natural Gas = .55, Gasoline = 3.4, Diesel = >4.0
• LNG is a non-corrosive and non-toxic liquid.
• LNG weighs about half as much as Diesel.
• 3.54 lb./gal versus 7.3 lb./gal
• 1 ft3 of LNG is approximately 618 ft3 of natural gas at atmospheric pressure.

LNG has a higher flammability limit.

• 5.0-15% versus 0.5-4.1% of that of Diesel
• 5.0-15% versus 1.0-7.6% of that of Gasoline

LNG has an ignition temperature twice that of Diesel and Gasoline

• 1000-1200°F versus 500°F

The primary component of natural gas is Methane (CH4). Minor components include; ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10) and pentane (C5H12) and inert gases such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide. The liquefaction of natural gas removes the impurities found in its composition. I.e. Water, Carbon Dioxide, Sulphur and some of the heavier hydrocarbons mentioned above. LNG is typically found & sold for vehicle consumption in the 97.5-99.5% methane range while CNG or Compressed Natural Gas is typically found in the 81.3-97.5% Methane range and that is highly dependent on its source.