LNG Plant Safety Norms

LNG or liquified natural gas is a gas which has been liquified either by refrigeration or by pressure to facilitate storage or transportation.

Potential Safety Measures for LNG Operation

• LNG operators must conform to all relevant national and local regulations, standards and codes.
• Employ suitable materials for storage.
• If LNG leaks or spills it can be contained and isolated. Dikes and berms surround liquid storage tanks to capture product in case of spill.

MSDS Data Sheet
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Product Name : LNG
Product Full Name : Liquified Natural Gas
State : Gaseous

COMPOSITION AND INFORMATION
Substance / Preparation : Substance
Components / Impurities : Contain methane, ethane, propane and heavier components.

CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Natural gas becomes liquified at a temperature of about -256 degree F. After that it is ready for storage and shipping. LNG takes up only 1/600 volume required for a comparable amount of natural gas. It is an extremely cold liquid.

LNG is a clear, non corrosive, non toxic, cryogenic pressure. It has a distinctive disagreeable odor.

Density : 3.9 pounds per gallon

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
Emergency Overview : It is an extremely flammable gas and may cause flash fire or explosion. High concentration may exclude oxygen and cause dizziness and suffocation.

Route of Entry : Inhalation, Skin and Eye Contact

Effects of Acute Exposure
Inhalation : It is considered to be non toxic by inhalation. Inhalation of high concentrations may cause central nervous system depression such as dizziness, headache and similar narcotic symptoms.

Eye Contact : Contact with pressurized vapor may cause frostbite, freeze burns and permanent eye damage.

Skin Contact: Direct contact with pressurized vapor may cause freeze burn and frost bite. Signs of frostbite include a change in color of the skin to gray or white followed by blistering. Skin may become inflamed or painful.

Ingestion : Not a likely route of exposure

FIRST AID MEASURES
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air. If person is not breathing provide artificial respiration. If necessary, provide additional oxygen once breathing is restored if trained. Seek medical attention.

Skin Contact : Seek immediate medical attention.

Eye Contact : In case of freeze burn, cover eyes to protect from light. Get immediate medical attention.

Ingestion : Though risk of ingestion is extremely unlikely, medical attention is seeked if there is a case of frostbite or freeze burn.

FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
Specific Hazards : Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) releases flammable gas at well below ambient temperatures and readily forms a flammable mixture with air.

Suitable Extinguishing Media : Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, Halon or water. However, fire should not be extinguished unless flow of gas can be immediately stopped

Special Procedures : Gas fires should not be extinguished unless flow of gas can be immediately stopped. Shut off gas source and allow gas to burn out. If spill or leak has not ignited, determine if water spray may assist in dispersing gas or vapor to protect personnel attempting to stop leak.

Auto Ignition Temperature : 900-1170 degree F

Flash Point : Flammable gas

Lower Flammability Limit : 5%

Upper Flammability Limit : 15%

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Personal Precautions : Evacuate nonessential personnel and secure all ignition sources. No road flares, smoking or flames in hazard area. Consider wind direction, stay upwind, if possible. Evaluate the direction of product travel. Cold vapor cloud may be white, but color will dissipate as cloud disperses - fire and explosion hazard is still present

Clean Up Methods : Ventilate area.

HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling Procedures : Open valve slowly to avoid pressure shock. Protect system damage against physical damage. Segragate from flammable gases and other flammable. Use adequate ventilation.

Storage Requirements : Store in a cool, well ventilated place. Store in bond and ground containers.

EXPOSURE CONTROL / PERSONAL PROTECTION
Ventilation: Use adequate ventilation to keep gas concentrations of this product below occupational exposure and flammability limits.

Eye Protection: Splash pool safety googles or face shield for protection from pressurized gas.

Gloves: Wear insulated gloves.

Respirator : Use a NIOSH/MSHA approved positive-pressure, supplied air respirator with escape bottle or self- contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for gas concentrations above occupational exposure limits.

STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Reactivity : Stable at normal temperatures and pressure.

Conditions to Avoid : Keep away from strong oxidisers, ignition sources and heat.

Hazardous Decomposition : Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and non combusted hydrocarbons.

Polymerization : Will not polymerize.

TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Methane and ethane, the main components of natural gas, are considered practically inert in terms of physiological effects. At high concentrations these materials act as simple asphyxiants and may cause death due to lack of oxygen.

ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
This product is expected to exist entirely in the vapor phase in ambient air

DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Gas will dissipate in air. Consult federal, state and local waste regulations to determine appropriate disposal methods.

TRANSPORT INFORMATION
Hazard Class : 2.1
Dot Identification Number : UN 1971
Dot Shipping Label : Flammable gas