(108c) Understand LNG Fire Hazards

· LNG vapors have a low ignition energy,

· delayed ignition of LNG vapors that are rich in methane will burn in the form of a vapor cloud fire

· Ignition of vapors from an LNG pool will burn back to the pool and result in a pool fire

· If an LNG vapor cloud is confined and rich in heavy hydrocarbons, it can explode if ignited

· The spreading on an LNG pool and the flame height

· A burning LNG pool fire will burn the methane in the pool first and leave a pool that is rich in heavy hydrocarbons

However there is general disagreement among LNG experts on the extent of the thermal radiation hazard zones resulting from large LNG pool fires due to uncertainties in the flame emissive power and the limiting thermal radiation impact criteria. This paper will focus on a brief discussion of the aspects that are in general agreement and will discuss in more detail the two issues where there is disagreement, including the arguments for different opinions.