Regasification

Regasification is the process of converting liquefied natural gas (LNG) back into natural gas for distribution to pipelines and end users. LNG is shipped at cryogenic temperatures (about -162°C) and requires warming to ambient temperature to re-enter the gas phase and meet pipeline gas specifications.

At LNG regasification terminals, LNG is unloaded from ships and pumped into insulated storage tanks before entering the regasification unit. The core step is heat exchange, where heat is added to the cryogenic liquid to induce vaporization. Regasification technologies include open rack vaporizers that use seawater or cooling water, submerged combustion vaporizers that heat the LNG with combustion gases, ambient air vaporizers that use outdoor air, and indirect fired heaters.

Boil-off gas, a natural byproduct of LNG storage and handling, is managed by venting, recondensing, or using it as fuel for the regasification equipment. The resulting gas is conditioned to meet quality specifications and then fed into natural gas pipelines through compressors and metering stations.

Regasification terminals are typically located at coastal sites to access seawater for some vaporizer types and to enable delivery into national gas networks. They are a component of the LNG supply chain alongside liquefaction, shipping, and storage.