Pipeline Quality LNG refers to liquefied natural gas that meets strict pipeline transmission standards after regasification. It is produced by purifying natural gas to remove contaminants and then cooling it to approximately –162°C, transforming it into a clear, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic cryogenic liquid.
Once regasified, Pipeline Quality LNG fully complies with national and international pipeline gas specifications, allowing direct injection into transmission and distribution networks without additional treatment. It is widely recognized as a reliable, clean, and high-efficiency energy source for industrial, commercial, and utility-scale applications.
Composition & Purity Standards
Pipeline Quality LNG consists predominantly of methane, with impurities removed during liquefaction to ensure pipeline compatibility and safe combustion.
| Component | Typical Specification |
|---|---|
| Methane (CH₄) | 90–99% |
| Ethane (C₂H₆) | Trace – 6% |
| Propane & Butane | < 1% |
| Nitrogen (N₂) | < 1% |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) | < 50 ppm |
| Water (H₂O) | < 1 ppm |
| Sulfur Compounds | Near zero |
This ultra-low impurity profile prevents pipeline corrosion, hydrate formation, combustion inefficiencies, and excess emissions.
Key Characteristics
High Purity & Clean Combustion: Extremely low SOx, NOx, and particulate emissions.
High Energy Density: Liquefaction reduces volume by ~600 times for efficient transport.
Uniform Gas Quality: Stable Wobbe Index and heating value.
Environment-Friendly Fuel: 30–50% lower CO₂ emissions than coal and fuel oil.
Safe Storage & Transport: Non-flammable in liquid form under normal conditions.
Typical Physical & Mechanical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Methane Content | 90–99% |
| Density (Liquid @ –160°C) | 430–470 kg/m³ |
| Density (Gas @ Pipeline Conditions) | 0.75–0.85 kg/m³ |
| Gross Heating Value | 52–55 MJ/kg |
| Net Calorific Value | 48–50 MJ/kg |
| Boiling Point | –162°C |
| Auto-Ignition Temperature | ~540°C (gas phase) |
| Wobbe Index | 48–52 MJ/m³ |
| Moisture Content | < 1 ppm |
| Sulfur Content | < 4 ppm |
Storage & Transportation
Pipeline Quality LNG is handled using advanced cryogenic systems including:
Vacuum-insulated storage tanks
LNG ISO containers
LNG road tankers
Marine LNG carriers
At the destination, LNG is regasified using ambient vaporizers, water bath vaporizers, or submerged combustion vaporizers before pipeline injection or direct end use.
Applications of Pipeline Quality LNG
Industrial Heating: Steel, glass, cement, ceramics, food processing, chemicals
Power Generation: Gas turbines, combined-cycle plants, captive power units
Commercial Use: Hotels, hospitals, malls, commercial kitchens
Transport & Mobility: LNG trucks, buses, marine vessels, locomotives
Residential & CGD: City gas distribution networks
Mining & Remote Sites: Off-grid mines, islands, remote industrial hubs
Advantages Over Other Fuels
Lower carbon footprint than coal and oil
Higher efficiency than LPG and diesel
No ash or heavy metal residues
Stable long-term pricing
Minimal burner and engine maintenance
No fuel adulteration risk