In this article, we want to talk about liquefied natural gas (LNG) and its productivity across an economic, logistical and social landscape in all sectors and industrial processes.
Why is the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) so important?
LNG is implemented to create a hybrid fuel solution in combination with electric energies, undermining the centuries-old fuel and crude-oil demand that has been powering the naval industry for too long.
The major function of LNG is to make natural gas transportation from origin to endpoint easier. This is achieved on a wide scale where source and target are separated by a sea. It can also be used where there isn’t sufficient pipeline space. The LNG is normally degasified at the receiver end for large-scale transportation purposes and transferred into the regional natural gas pipeline system.
Keep reading: New installation: LNG piping on board a ship
Benefits of using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
LNG is more environmentally sustainable than any other fossil fuel. Burning natural gas produces dramatically less CO2, NOx, and SO2 and almost no ash, dust, smoke, or particulate matter. And when exposed to the atmosphere it disappears quickly, leaving no trace in soil or water.
Liquefied Natural Gas is an extremely flexible commodity. It is a reliable and proven solution to costly oil-based networks for businesses interested in price and reliability, burns cleaner and lowers pollution to boot. The method of refreshing natural gas in a liquid state decreases volumearound 600 times compared to its gaseous state. It also weighs far less than water. It therefore makes transportation and storage faster and cheaper.
Furthermore, in comparison with diesel engine-powered cars, Liquefied Natural Gas can minimize the noise of their engines up to 50% while providing the cars with autonomyof about 1,500 kilometres.
Logistical Benefits
It is preserved and shipped to its liquid level in extremely insulated tanks. LNG contains 95% methane (CH4) and a small quantity of ethanol, propane, butane, and carbon dioxide. It is non-toxic, colorless, and odorlessgasoline. In terms of decarbonizing the transport market, this liquefied natural gas will play a vital role.
Environmental Benefits
The cleanest fossil gasoline that exists today is LNG. It provides an excellent alternative in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help tackle climate change. With a view to general economicdecarbonization, the European Union aims to be climate-neutral by 2050 in accordance with the Paris agreement; according to the UNFCC, EU representatives are preparing for their long-term low greenhouse gas emission shift which will optimize the environment worldwide. Who knows, perhaps we’re finally going to see an economic and social transformation right there!
Economic Benefits
Nearly a quarter of North America’s supply now comes from liquefied natural gas. It contributes to the economic growth on several levels, including the employment of all those who locate, manufacture and distribute fossil fuel to industries that rely on it as a renewable source of industrial fuel and as a raw material in the industrial processes.
How do liquefied gas plants help distribution?
Gas pipelines are used for the distribution of natural gas, which is already compressed. The liquefied gas is transported to the cryogenic tanks in pipes. The pumping stations located along the pipeline have the function of ensuring that the gas flows through the pipeline. The pressure of natural gas is reduced and then it is incorporated into the distribution network for consumption.
Distribution in satellite plants is used when the distances are very large. The best way is to transport the gas using large LNG tankers that safely transport Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). In this case it is necessary to liquefy the gas at atmospheric pressure and at -161ºC, thus reducing its volume about 600 times.
Later, when the gas reaches the regasification plants, the gas is returned to its original state for consumption. Pipes carry the liquefied gas to the cryogenic tanks and the LNG is subjected to a vaporization process to raise its temperature. In this process it is given the unique smell that allows for rapid detection of leaks. Finally the natural gas is incorporated into the distribution network for consumption.
Liquefied natural gas applications in industry
LNG is used in different industries such as; for milk products, ovens, fluid bed dryers, food service, production, logging, electricity generation, and rotational stoves. In addition to these industries, it is also used in different modes of transport including trains, vessels (fridges), vehicles and natural gas automobiles as alternative energy sources. Due to its low energy consumption, LNG is often used for domestic cooking by household consumers.
The commercial usage of liquefied natural gas provides considerable benefits over all other liquids. The efficiency of manufacturing operations is enhanced by liquefied natural gas: such energy enables you to strengthen the output of your plant and manufacturing environment by installing high-performance, secure and powerless machinery. This power system allows you to use the energy generated by burning materials to do other activities.
Metallurgical Industry
In the field of smelting and metal transformations, liquefied natural gas offers various applications to the metallurgical industry. Its characteristics make it suitable for all metal heating processes, both in the melting and reheating process and thermal treatments.
Food Industry
Gas is used in cooking and drying processes. This fuel allows for the management of temperatures in a timely manner and to guarantee an adequate transmission speed in the furnaces. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) also allows companies to meet ISO quality requirements, which are pre-requisites for certain export products.
Chemical Industry
The chemical industry is one of the largest consumers of gas. Natural gas is a valuable material for this industry, both as a fuel and as a raw material. Gas is used as fuel, mainly for steam production and for heating, cracking and reforming units.
Textile Industry
Gas improves the quality of products and increases production levels. In this sector, natural gas is the main feed for steam boilers and is decisive in executing a wide variety of processes, such as those related to contact heating (burning, calendering) or radiation heating (pre-drying, polymerization)
Ceramic Industries
The appropriate and productive use of natural gas in ceramic feathering ovens relies heavily on the extensive use of the energy content of the product. In conjunction with effective natural gas burners, the appropriate kiln systems have an optimal heat transfer inside the kiln that can be chosen in compliance with specific process specifications and to maximize the possible overall performance of the firing process.
With increasing energy usage, increasing global growth, rising demand for natural gas cars, increasing economic development, and increasing appetite for LNG in emerging economies, the worldwide LNG market is projected to continue to expand exponentially.
