Investigation on Fog Formation of LNG Ambient Air Vaporisers

Abstract

Fog formation around liquefied natural gas (LNG) ambient air vaporizers (AAVs) is a recognised safety and operational concern. The cold surfaces and discharged cold air from AAV units cause condensation of atmospheric moisture, producing visible fog that can reduce visibility, affect nearby equipment, and alter local air flow patterns. Understanding and predicting fog formation is important for safe facility design and operation. This study investigates the mechanisms and characteristics of fog formation around LNG ambient air vaporizers using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling.

The CFD model captures the thermodynamic and multiphase processes involved in fog formation, including heat exchange between the cold AAV surfaces and ambient air, condensation of water vapour, and transport of fog droplets. The model enables systematic investigation of how operating conditions, AAV geometry, and ambient meteorological conditions influence the extent and distribution of fog formation. Results provide insight into the spatial and temporal characteristics of the fog envelope around AAV units and demonstrate how operational parameters can be adjusted to manage fog formation. The findings contribute to improved safety assessment and operational guidelines for LNG facilities employing ambient air vaporization technology.

@article{sun2021investigation,
  title         = {Investigation on Fog Formation of LNG Ambient Air Vaporisers},
  author        = {Sun, Biao and Wadnerkar, Divyamaan and Kim, Ho-Yen and Utikar, Ranjeet P
                  and Pareek, Vishnu K},
  year          = 2021,
  journal       = {Applied Thermal Engineering},
  publisher     = {Pergamon},
  volume        = 193,
  pages         = 117023,
  doi           = {10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2021.117023}
}