LNG is simply natural gas in its liquefied state. When natural gas is chilled to a temperature of about minus 162° C (minus 260° F) at atmospheric pressure, it condenses into a clear, colourless, and odourless liquid. The cooling process takes place in an LNG facility, similar to a large refrigerator. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is non-explosive, non-toxic, non-corrosive and does not mix with water or soil. In case of a release it becomes a natural gas again and mixes into the atmosphere, typically causing no environmental or other impacts; LNG vapor will ignite if in an enclosed space, and if within the flammable range of 5%-15% when mixed with air.

Video 2: What is LNG? Turning Natural Gas into Liquid (02 minutes, 48 seconds)

Learning Activity 2: Energy Facts

Instructions

  • Working in small groups or as a class, watch Video 2 and answer the questions below.
  • Watch the video as many times as needed.
  • Choose a person in the group to write down the group’s answers.
  • Select a spokesperson for the group to share your group’s findings with the class.

Questions:

  1. How much is global energy demand expected to increase by 2050?
  2. What is the cleanest burning fossil fuel?
  3. What is the purpose of converting natural gas to liquefied natural gas (LNG)?
  4. . What steps are taken in making liquefied natural gas (LNG)?
  5. Name two heavier natural gas liquids that are separated from natural gas and sold separately or used as a refrigerant later in the cooling process?
  6. What additional element is also filtered out?
  7. What does purified natural gas contain?
  8. What device is used to liquefy natural gas?
  9. What temperature is natural gas cooled to?
  10. How many times smaller is the volume of the gas after cooling and liquefaction?
  11. What does liquefied natural gas (LNG) look and smell like?
  12. Is liquefied natural gas (LNG) toxic?
  13. Where is liquefied natural gas (LNG) stored prior to shipping?
  14. How is liquefied natural gas (LNG) transported?
  15. What happens at a re-gasification plant?
  16. How is the gas transported after re-gasification?
  17. What is natural gas used for?