LNG and LPG Fires - The importance of selecting the right equipment!

摘要

As we watch the industry expand the production of LNG and LPG and now transporting these products by land and sea, we often wonder what to do in the event of a leak whether it be small or large. As firefighters, we know what to do based on our training using LPG in many scenarios, but how many of us have actually ever dealt with LNG? Both are liquefied gasses, however LNG reacts much differently when exposed to water than LPG when pooled. LNG itself is not flammable, however it off gases constantly, producing Natural Gas which is highly flammable. In its liquid state, LNG is about -162 Celsius (-259 Fahrenheit). LPG in its liquid state is about -44 Celsius (-48) Fahrenheit). When medium or high expansion foam is applied it can still off gas, thus the potential for re-ignition is still there. There are many factors to be considered with both of these types of gasses however LPG is much more stable and resistant to reaction with water than that of LNG.