
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a natural gas converted into liquid form for ease of transportation and storage. LNG takes about 1/600th of volume of natural gas. It is colorless, odorless, non-toxic and non-corrosive in nature. Liquefaction is carried out by cooling natural gas to -1620 C (- 2620 F), followed by the removal of certain components such as acid gases, impurities and dust. Thereafter, LNG is stored in cylindrical shaped and domed roof cryogenic tanks. This prevents LNG from vaporization. Generally, cryogenic tanks are made up of materials such as concrete, steel and nickel. These tanks are well insulated and kept at a very low pressure. Large underground tanks are also utilized for storage; smaller quantities of LNG are stored above the ground in vertical or horizontal tanks.