Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is the liquid form of the natural gas that cooled and condensed into a liquid. Methane is mostly the LNG composition with small amounts of ethane, propane and other light hydrocarbons. Liquefaction of natural gas mostly utilizes the large refrigerant system by cooling it to lower temperature (-162oC). Converting natural gas to a liquid reduces its volume by a factor of 600 to one. In other hand, LNG makes it economical to transport by tanker and easier to store it.

LNG is non-toxic, odorless, non-explosive, non-cancer causing and in liquid form non flammable. LNG only burns when gasified and mixed with air at a rate of 5 to 15 percent gas to air. Since LNG as a liquid contains no oxygen, it can burn and if it does catch fire, there is no chance of explosion. Liquefied natural gas, if spilled vaporizes and dissipates. If it spill on water, LNG stays on top where it vaporizes because its density is only 43% of water density.

In the event of a leak or spill, we have to monitor gas, flame, smoke and high or low temperatures. While LNG vapors have no odor or color, if LNG release occurs, low temperature of LNG cause water in the air (depend on humidity factor) to condense in the air and form a visible white cloud that would be readily apparent.

Safety is a high priority with companies that process, moves, and distributes the LNG. From the LNG Tanker safety features such as radar, positioning system, automatic distress systems, and automatic shut down systems and gas and fire detection equipment. Until on-shore facilities such as liquefaction system, docks, and storage tanks, piping associated and other equipment to turn LNG from gas to liquid has their own safety features. The methane detectors and fire detectors are used along with preventative measures such as restricted access, personnel training, and offsite monitoring and emergency procedures to ensure safety.

Nowadays, Tangguh LNG Plant coming into critical phase that hydrocarbon was introduced (first gas in successfully introduced to Tangguh LNG Plant on 18th May, 2008). We now have fully attention for safety precaution to avoid any incident due to hydrocarbon phase such as hot work and spark potential work.