Natural gas is liquefied by cooling it to approximately -161°C (-259°F). This extreme cooling process condenses the gas into a liquid, known as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:
-
Cooling: The primary method involves reducing the temperature of the natural gas significantly. This is achieved through refrigeration cycles utilizing refrigerants such as propane, ethane, and nitrogen.
-
Volume Reduction: Liquefaction drastically reduces the volume of natural gas. LNG occupies about 1/600th of the space of its gaseous form. This substantial reduction in volume makes it economically feasible to transport natural gas over long distances via specialized ships or trucks.
-
Impurities Removal: Prior to liquefaction, impurities like water, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide are removed from the natural gas stream. These impurities can freeze and cause problems during the liquefaction process.
-
Storage: LNG is stored in insulated tanks designed to maintain the extremely low temperature and prevent vaporization.
In essence, liquefaction allows for the efficient storage and transport of natural gas, bridging the gap between production sites and areas where it's needed for energy consumption.
