LNG – Liquefied Natural Gas: A Reliable Methane Solution
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been cryogenically cooled into a liquid state.
It’s the same gas that powers stoves, heaters, and numerous other applications in homes and businesses around the world.
LNG is primarily composed of methane and is naturally produced.
At ELGAS, we focus on unlocking the potential of stranded gas—small, isolated gas deposits that aren’t economically viable for traditional pipelines.
Our specialization lies in micro-LNG plants that transform these stranded resources into valuable energy sources.
By leveraging cutting-edge technology developed by our parent company, Linde, we make it possible to utilize stranded gas for high-volume industrial and commercial applications.
This technology offers compelling benefits as a fuel source, including: providing cost-effective energy solutions for a wide range of applications.
LNG is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to other fossil fuels, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and supporting sustainable energy practices.
Image courtesy of Linde
LNG Explained
LNG, or Liquefied Natural Gas, is simply natural gas (methane) in a liquid form.
It is natural gas cooled cryogenically to below its boiling point of −161°C.
This changes the natural gas from its gaseous state to a liquid, reducing its volume by 600:1 (1m³ of LNG = 600m³ of methane gas).
To use LNG, it goes through a regasification process, transforming from a liquid back to a gas.
It is used just as you would pipeline natural gas.
Put simply, LNG is Natural Gas Made Portable™.
LNG, which is predominantly Methane, is an odourless, non-toxic and non-corrosive.
If spilled, the LNG evaporates quickly and disperses, leaving no residue.
Advantages of LNG
- LNG is a locally supplied Australian resource which does not rely on imports. This increases supply reliability and provides flexibility for growth.
LNG GJ/Tonne
- Unlike the price of diesel which is linked to the ever-volatile oil market, the price of LNG is much more stable, which allows for more control in business budgeting.
- Energy storage of natural gas is increased by a factor of more than 600 times as it goes from its gaseous state to liquid. This allows it to be transported more efficiently over long distances.
- LNG can be transported over 1,000KM efficiently from its source of supply.
- The energy content of LNG ranges from 24 MJ/L to 21 MJ/L or 52-55 MJ/Kg.
- The energy density of LNG is roughly 0.41 kg/L to 0.5 kg/L, depending mostly on temperature and pressure.
- The energy density of LNG is 2.4 times greater than CNG.
- LNG is stored in vertical tanks and reduces the required space for large energy or large volume fuel source requirements.
LNG for Electricity Generation
LNG, in its natural gas form, can be used to power stationary energy installations ranging from internal combustion to microturbine to industrial scale gas turbine generation.
Modular & Scalable Micro Gas Turbine Electricity Generation
For the SME market, there are a range of stationary LNG electricity generation solutions.
Gas microturbine generation modules can have individual ratings of 200 kW to 250 kW and are fully scalable.
So, as your company and electricity needs grow, you can simply add more microturbine modules.
Image courtesy of Capstone Turbine Corp.
Combined Cycle Gas Turbine – CCGT
One of the most energy efficient designs is that of the combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT).
These units take the waste heat from the gas turbine and capture it in the form of steam, which is typically used to power steam turbine generators.
They generate steam with a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG).
Overall efficiency of a stationary installation is approximately 60%.
Image courtesy of Ipieca Ltd.
Other LNG Applications
Mining and Industrial
Mining and industrial markets have considerable potential employ LNG into their operations.
LNG is currently used in power generation, boilers, fluid bed dryers, rotary kilns and furnaces.
Large quantities of diesel are consumed by mining vehicles.
These vehicles are typically used only on a particular site with short repetitive routes.
This makes them ideal for refuelling at a one site location.
Gas Fired Boilers
Industrial and commercial boilers are one of the most common uses for LNG in Australia.
The industries include dairy products, manufacturing, food processing and construction products.
LNG fired boilers burn much cleaner than oil fired boilers.
LNG Powered Ferries & Buses
LNG is a great fuel to power transport on fixed routes.
Ferries typically have multiple gas engine generator sets giving power to electric driven thrusters.
LNG tanks are usually sized to take full truck loads of LNG.
Committed to a Sustainable Future
ELGAS is committed to working with our customers, industry and government as we transition to a decarbonised Net Zero economy by 2050.
As one of Australia’s largest suppliers of Industrial gases, we understand our responsibility to find renewable alternatives to fossil fuel energy sources while reducing our emissions and the emissions of our customers at the same time.
There is no environmental cleanup needed for LNG spills on water or land.
- LNG has no particulate emissions
- No ground or water contamination
- Improved air quality
- Reduced CO2 emissions vs traditional fuels