Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

The proposed research will be focused on eliminating fugitive emissions from liquefied natural gas (LNG) transmission, storage, and distribution operations. LNG can be used as fuel for transportation, and for combined heat and power generation in remote locations. We will study transmission, storage, and distribution operations by developing quasi-steady-state and time-dependent thermodynamic models. These models will be validated using data from instrumented, field equipment at our partners' sites (an industrial consortium has been created specifically to support the proposed research). Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) will be applied to simulate and minimize heat transfer and fugitive emissions in tanker-truck to storage-tank transfers. These models will incorporate the storage tanks and dispensing equipment featured at refueling stations. Finally, we will link and translate these efforts to optimise the design of LNG distribution chains and refueling systems. The proposed improvements aim to reduce or eliminate venting of raw methane while simplifying operations and reducing costs. The expected research breakthroughs can be transferred to our consortium partners immediately - thereby enhancing the safety and competitiveness of Canada's natural gas sector.*