The World of Energy

Chapter 28 LNG Technology (Introduction)

What is LNG?

28.3. Is LNG Safe?

Ch. 28 - 11
Types of LNG Hazards
Pool Fire: Thermal Radiation Hazard away
from the fire.
Vapor Fire: Dispersion of vapor and its
ignition at some downwind location.
Vapor Cloud Explosion: Ignition of a
dispersed LNG vapor cloud and detonation.
Rapid Phase Transition: LNG contacting
water resulting in a superheat explosion

Ch. 28 - 12
Assessment of LNG Hazards
A number of field tests have been conducted
since 1970 to assess LNG hazards
Spill tests on land sponsored by AGA, DOE,
JGA, BG/Gazde France. Vapor dispersion, fire
radiation and cloud explosion type tests.
Spill tests on water sponsored by USCG, DOE,
BG/Gazde France, Shell.
Largest land pool size = 35 m diameter
Largest liquid pool spread on water = 30 m

Ch. 28 - 13
 LNG Behavior When Released
LNG spilled on land
boils and produces
heavier-than-air
vapors.
Vapor, being heavier
than air, disperses
close to ground.
Fire can be
sustained on an
unconfined LNG pool
spreading on water.

Ch. 28 - 14
 LNG Behavior When Released
Vapor cloud fire is
a deflagration fire.
No over pressures
have been
recorded.
Progression of a
vapor fire may be
impeded by
ground level
obstructions

Ch. 28 - 15
LNG Fire Characteristics
at Different Burn Stages

Ch. 28 - 16
 Characteristics of 35 m dia. LNG Fire

Very large fires are

sooty because of
oxygen starvation in
the fire center.
This reduces the
radiative output from
the fire.
Also reduces effective
hazard area around the
fire.

Ch. 28 - 17
LNG is Safer Than Other Hydrocarbons
LNG has less fire hazard than
other hydrcarbon
LNG leaks will be easily
detected due to visible moisture
cloud
LNG leaks immediately vaporize
LNG pool open fire will not
cause any explosion
LNG flame speed travel slower
than people walking
Low temperature hazard
Frost byte
Cause structural material brittle
and fail

Ch. 28 - 18
Why is LNG Considered to be Safe?

In its liquid state, LNG is not explosive

When LNG is heated and becomes a gas, the

gas is not explosive if it is unconfined

Natural gas is only flammable within a narrow

range of concentration in the air (5% to 15%)

Ch. 28 - 19
Which Studies Speak to the Safety of LNG?

According to the December 2004 report issued

by Sandia National Laboratory:

Risks from accidental LNG spills, such as from

collisions and groundings, are small and
manageable within current safety policies and
practices

Risks from intentional events, such as terrorist

acts, can be significantly reduced with modern
engineering, enhanced security, planning, accident
prevention, and on-going training

Sandia National Laboratory primarily serves the U.S.

Department of Energy

Ch. 28 - 20
LNG-related Accidents:
Causes and Resulting Safety Upgrades

Cleveland, Ohio, 1944

Cause: Inadequate war-time material used
Upgrade: High quality stainless steel and modern
construction techniques now used
Cove Point, Maryland, 1979
Cause: Human error and inadequate electronic
monitoring
Upgrade: Lessons learned led to changes in
monitoring and practices that are now used industry
wide
Algeria, 2004 and 1977
Cause: Human error and a bad valve (1977)
Cause: Improper boiler repair (2004)
Upgrade: improved operating procedures

Ch. 28 - 21
LNG-related Accidents: Lesson Learned

LNG accidents are rare

In spite of an excellent record, the industry has

not ignored those rare incidents
The result is better containment, materials,
procedures, monitoring and training

The extremely low accident rate is the result of

effective, industry-wide safety efforts

Ch. 28 - 22
Types of Potential LNG Accidents
Example 1: LNG Explosion

Explosions could occur if a sufficient amount of

natural gas vapors release into a confined area
and encounter an ignition source of sufficient
strength

Just like motor gasoline, propane, or even

electricity, human error can cause problems

Experience with LNG shows that this is highly

unlikely because of on-going industry efforts to
improve monitoring and training

Ch. 28 - 23
Types of Potential LNG Accidents
([DPSOH/1*3RRO)LUH

As a result of an accident at sea, LNG could seep

out of the breached tank and form a pool on the
surface of the water
As the pool forms, some of the liquid will turn into
LNG vapors
If an ignition source is present, vapors could
ignite, resulting in the ignition of the LNG pool on
the surface of the water
Experience shows that this scenario is unlikely
because where severe collisions have occurred, no
vessel tanks leaked

Ch. 28 - 24
Possible Effects of a LNG Pool-fire

Within up to 4,220 feet of an LNG-related fire

people and major commercial/industrial areas
could be seriously affected

According to the Sandia Report, if the LNG is

ignited, the impact of the fire should generally be
low beyond 2,460 feet for small accidental spills
and beyond 4,250 feet for large spills

The proposed Sparrows Point facility would be

approximately 7000 feet from the surrounding
public areas

Ch. 28 - 25
Effects and Types of Injuries Resulting from
an LNG Pool-fire?

Radiant heat is the main hazard

Up to 2,460 feet from the fire, the predominant

injuries would be third degree burns

Beyond approximately 2,460 feet victims would

suffer lesser degree burns

Beyond approximately 4,250 feet there would be

little or no injury or property damage

Ch. 28 - 26
Is a Terrorist Attack Likely?

The World will continue to face the risk of domestic

terrorist attacks

The energy industry continues to take extensive

steps to protect critical infrastructure

LNG components are built to much higher

standards than many other energy facilities and
are much harder to penetrate and damage

Creating the events necessary to cause a

significant LNG incident is unlikely

No one can say a determined perpetrator would

not try

Ch. 28 - 27
7KH2WKHU6LGHRI7KH0RRQ

Not everybody in favour of LNG

Consumer Protection Attorney Tim Riley Warns

About Liquefied Natural Gas

Certified Member of the Million Dollar Advocates

)RUXP7KH7RS7ULDO/DZ\HUV LQWKH&RXQWU\
LNG "Safety" Danger To Our Communities Tim
Riley Law .com 805-984-2350

Go to his website
http://timrileylaw.com/LNG_SAFETY.htm

Ch. 28 - 28