CLNG: LNG Not Cause of Truck Explosion in China

CLNG LNG Not Cause for Truck Explosion in China

The Center for Liquefied Natural Gas (CLNG) released the statement regarding the explosion of a truck carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in China on Monday.

“Our sincerest sympathies go out to the victims and the families of the victims who were killed or injured during a tragic gas explosion from an overturned truck that occurred in Yuanling, Hunan province, China,” said Bill Cooper, president of the Center for Liquefied Natural Gas.

“However, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) was not associated in any way with the gas explosions as some news stories have inaccurately reported. An October 8 report carried by Chinese state newspaper People’s Daily confirms the exploding tanks contained Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), not LNG.

“The properties of LPG are very different from those of LNG. LPG is a mixture of propane and butane and heavier than air. LNG is mostly made up of methane and at room temperature is lighter than air. In addition, LNG is not explosive in an unconfined space. Although substantial energy is stored in LNG, it cannot be released rapidly enough to cause the overpressures associated with an explosion in an unconfined area.

“LNG has been safely handled for 60 years and the industry has maintained an enviable safety record. The U.S. LNG industry implements robust security planning, prevention and mitigation measures in close coordination with local and state authorities. It also works closely with a number of government agencies, including the Department of Transportation and the Department of Homeland Security, to ensure that U.S. operations are safe and secure.”

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LNG World News Staff, October 12, 2012; Image: CLNG