(68b) Bulk Temperature Profile of LNG Spill on Unconfined Water – Experiment Results and Analysis

LNG experiment sponsored by BP has been conducted at Texas A&M University's Brayton Fire Training Field on April 2006. LNG was spilled onto unconfined water and the water temperature profile was recorded at 12 different points with temperature sensors in the water.

In the 70s and 80s, many tests were performed in order to estimate the boiling rate of LNG on water. Most of these tests were performed in boiling cell and with small quantities in a lab. In a confined space, the formation of ice underneath the LNG layer happens rapidly. Therefore it changes the boiling rate and the behavior of LNG on water. In an unconfined space, the formation of ice is reduced because of the movement of the water underneath the LNG layer.

In this paper, experimental data are analyzed and presented. Bulk temperature and the estimated evaporation rate are discussed and compared with currently available models.