Liquefied natural gas

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is natural gas (predominantly methane, CH₄) that has been converted to liquid form for ease of storage or transport. It takes up about 1/600th the volume of natural gas in the gaseous state. It is odorless, colorless, non-toxic and non-corrosive. Hazards include flammability after vaporization into a gaseous state, freezing and asphyxia. The liquefaction process involves removal of certain components, such as dust, acid gases, helium, water, and heavy hydrocarbons, which could cause difficulty downstream. The natural gas is then condensed into a liquid at close to atmospheric pressure by cooling it to approximately −162 °C (−260 °F); maximum transport pressure is set at around 25 kPa (4 psi).

LNG achieves a higher reduction in volume than compressed natural gas (CNG) so that the (volumetric) energy density of LNG is 2.4 times greater than that of CNG or 60 percent that of diesel fuel. This makes LNG cost efficient to transport over long distances where pipelines do not exist. Specially designed cryogenic sea vessels (LNG carriers) or cryogenic road tankers are used for its transport. LNG is principally used for transporting natural gas to markets, where it is regasified and distributed as pipeline natural gas. It can be used in natural gas vehicles, although it is more common to design vehicles to use compressed natural gas. Its relatively high cost of production and the need to store it in expensive cryogenic tanks have hindered widespread commercial use. Despite these drawbacks, on energy basis LNG production is expected to hit 10% of the global crude production by 2020.(see LNG Trade)

Tanker

Tanker may refer to:

Transportation

Other

Rolling stock (Thomas and Friends)

This article lists the rolling stock that has featured in the Thomas & Friends children's television series.

A large number of different railway trucks and coaches have appeared over the years. In many episodes, coaches or trucks are key to the plot line. The engines prefer coaches, which are smooth-running and well-behaved. The trucks, on the other hand, are generally trouble.

Recurring Characters (Passenger)

The Coaches are pulled by engines to transport passengers from one station to another. The engines consider pulling passenger trains a privilege, although they have been known to anger or upset the coaches. The coaches talk generally to praise or scold the engine pulling them, and sometimes to complain about the conditions of their travel.

Annie and Clarabel

Annie and Clarabel are the two coaches who work with Thomas the Tank Engine on his branch line. Although they are old-fashioned, Thomas loves them very much and the three of them are quite inseparable. The coaches often offer advice to Thomas, and often appear more experienced than he is. Other characters have pulled them when Thomas was preoccupied, which usually makes Thomas upset as he worries for the coaches' safety.