Environmental impact of liquified natural gas fire accident emissions

Abstract

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which mainly consists of methane, is produced through the process of cryogenically cooling natural gas. This versatile energy source is extensively used for generating electricity and providing clean-burning fuel for heating in residential and commercial settings. There are two primary ways an LNG spill can ignite which are by a pool fire and by a vapor cloud explosion. A pool fire occurs when ignition happens early, sustaining the fire through the liquid pool. On the other hand, if LNG forms a vapor cloud before ignition, it can lead to a vapor cloud explosion. In the case of an LNG spill near an ignition source, the risk of immediate ignition and combustion above the spilled LNG is high, resulting in a pool fire [1]. Unconfined LNG pools can rapidly expand, especially upon contact with water, leading to fires that burn at very high temperatures and are resistant to conventional extinguishing methods [1]. These fires continue until the LNG is entirely consumed, and the thermal radiation from such fires poses severe risks to individuals and property even at considerable distances [1].