Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been cooled to the point

that condenses to liquid, which occurs at a temperature of

approximately –161 ° C and at atmospheric pressure. This process, called

"Liquefaction", allows to reduce its volume by approximately 600 times,

facilitating its storage in large quantities and making it more economical

for transport in boats.

The leading countries producing natural gas and marketing LNG to

World markets are Algeria, Indonesia and Qatar. However many

nations play small but important roles as gas producers

Natural and LNG exporters, such as Australia, Nigeria, and Trinidad and

Tobago

Meanwhile, countries like Angola and Venezuela are trying to reach their

maximum potential in the global LNG market. And others like Saudi Arabia,

Egypt and Iran, which have large reserves of natural gas, could also

Participate as LNG exporters.

Liquefaction plants are usually located on the coast, and

STAGES OF THE LICUEFACTION PROCESS

The liquefaction process in a plant can be summarized as follows

way:

1. CO2 extraction stage: Gas purification is performed by

adsorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water in it, by

means of applying a reverse stream of momo-ethanol solution-

amine (MEA).

2. Dehydration and filtering stage: Moisture is extracted to the gas until

achieve values less than 1 ppm. Then filtering is done to extract

traces of mercury and solid particles, and also the separation of

heavy hydrocarbons by partial condensation.

3. Liquefaction and storage stage: Cooling occurs

necessary for liquefaction. The LNG produced is sent to the tank of

storage, which keeps it at its liquefaction temperature,

operating at a pressure of 20 to 70 mbar. LNG is stored in tanks of

double walls at atmospheric pressure, which is rather a tank inside

other. The annular space between the two tank walls is covered with a

insulating. The internal tank in contact with the LNG, is made of

specialized materials for cryogenic service and structural loading

created by LNG. These materials include 9% steel, nickel, aluminum and

prestressed concrete The outer tank is usually made of steel

to carbon and prestressed concrete.