NBSIR 75-802

LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS RESEARCH

at the

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

PROGRESS REPORT FOR THE PERIOD

1 JULY - 31 DECEMBER, 1974

D. B. Mann Editor

DIVISION • NBS-INSTITUTE FOR BASIC STANDARDS • BOULDER,

NBSIR 75-802

LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS RESEARCH

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

D. B. Mann, Editor

Cryogenics Division

Institute for Basic Standards

National Bureau of Standards

Boulder, Colorado 80302

Progress Report for the Period

1 July - 31 December, 1974

at the

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, Frederick B. Dent, Secretary

NATONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS R chard W Roberts Director
Prepared for:

American Gas Association, Incorporated

1515 Wilson Boulevard

Arlington, Virginia 22209

LNG Density Project Steering Committee

(in cooperation with the American Gas Association)

Pipeline Research Committee

(American Gas Association)

Federal Power Commission

Bureau of Natural Gas

Washington, DC 20426

General Services Administration

Motor Equipment Research & Technology Division

Washington, DC 20406

U. S. Department of Commerce

Maritime Administration

Washington, DC 20235

U. S. Department of Commerce

National Bureau of Standards

Institute for Basic Standards

Boulder, Colorado 80302

U. S. Department of Commerce

National Bureau of Standards

Office of Standard Reference Data

Washington, DC 20234

Aerospace Safety Research and Data Institute

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Lewis Research Center

Cleveland, Ohio 44135

ii
ABSTRACT

Eighteen cost centers supported by seven other agency sponsors in

addition to NBS provide the basis for liquefied natural gas (LNG) research

at NBS. During this six month reporting period the level of effort was at an 18 man-year level with funding expenditures of over $485,000. This integrated progress report to be issued in January and July is designed to:

1) Provide all sponsoring agencies with a semi-annual and annual

report on the activities of their individual programs.

2) Inform all sponsoring agencies on related research being con- ducted at the Cryogenics Division of NBS-IBS,

3) Provide a uniform reporting procedure which should maintain

and improve communication while minimizing the time, effort

and paperwork at the cost center level.

The contents of this report will augment the quarterly progress meetings of some sponsors, but will not necessarily replace such meetings.

Distribution of this document is limited and intended primarily for the

supporting agencies. Data or other information must be considered preliminary, subject to change and unpublished; and therefore not for citation

in the open literature .

Key words: Cryogenic; liquefied natural gas; measurement; methane;

properties; research.

iii

CONTENTS

Reference Data

a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

f)

g)

h)

i)

j)

Refractive Index - Fluid Methane

(NBS-NRC Postdoctoral Research)

Fluid Transport Properties

(NBS-Office of Standard Reference Data)

Cost Center

2750122

2750124

Page

LNG Fuels Safety 2750427

(NASA-Aerospace Safety and Data Institute)

Properties of Cryogenic Fluids:

Hypersonic Velocity and Thermal

Diffusivity (NBS)

Properties of Cryogenic Fluid Mixtures:

Equilibrium Properties Data, Compilation and Evaluation, Prediction

Methods (NBS; NBS-Office of Standard

Reference Data)

Survey of Current Literature on LNG

and Methane (American Gas Association,

Inc. )

Thermophysical Properties Data for Pure

Components of LNG Mixtures (American

Gas Association, Inc.)

Densities of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG

Density Consortium of 18 energy com- panies - AGA)

Low Temperature Material Behavior

(Maritime Administration)

Program for Reducing the Cost of LNG

Ship Hull Construction (Maritime

Administration)

II. Measurement Science

a) Heating Value of Flowing LNG (Pipeline

Research Committee - AGA)

b) LNG Density Reference System

(American Gas Association, Inc.)

2750141

2750142

and

2750145

2750362

2750364

2751574

and

2752574

2750430

2751430

2756579

2751361

10

13

15

22

25

28

31

34

V
Contents (continued) Cost Center Page

III. Technology Transfer

a) LNG Technology Transfer 2750401 . 36

(Maritime Administration)

b) Federal Power Commission Consultation 2750404 4]^ (FPC)

c) LNG - Dual Fuel Auto 2750590 43

(NBS; General Services Administration) and 2750154

vi
Title. Refractive Index of Fluid Methane

Principal Investigator . James D. Olson

Cost Center Number . 2750122

Sponsor Project Identification . NBS-NRC Postdoctoral Research

Associate Program.

Introduction . This experimental program will provide accurate measurements of the refractive index of liquid and gaseous methane. The data

can be related to the fluid density by the Lorenz-Lorentz electromagnetic equation of state and, as such, offers the possibility of fluid

density gauging by optical techniques. This pure fluid data is essential

to the possible study of mixture refractive index properties.

Objectives or Goals . The refractive index of liquid and vapor methane

will be measured along the two-phase saturation boundary. In addition,

gaseous isotherms will be obtained at 220 K, 250 K, 280 K, and 300 K

at pressures to 200 atm. Low pressure isotherms will be measured below

the saturation boundary.

Background . The high precision interf erometric technique used to measure the refractive index was developed in this laboratory by D . E. Diller (J. Chem. Phys. _49, 3096 (1968)). An improved optical data

gathering method was the principal modification of this technique.

Prior to this reporting period, a literature survey of Lorenz-Lorentz

and Clausius-Mossotti virial equation data was conducted. A cryostat

was constructed using the design of Diller. The saturation boundary

data and high-pressure isotherms were measured in the last reporting

period. (See NBSIR 74-373.)

Program and Results . The program was concluded with a series of low

density isothermal measurements between 140 K and 300 K. These data can be used to analyze the virial equation of state PVT surface. A

final analysis of the data was completed and a manuscript describing

the work written. Some points of interest to the molecular theory

of refraction were considered.

Problem Areas . No problems were encountered.

Funding . Labor

Other Costs

Total

.25 MY 5.0

1.5

6.5

Future Plans . This report concludes the program. A publication of the

results of this work has been submitted to the Journal of Chemical

Physics (1975 - in review)

.
Title

.

Fluid Transport Properties

Principal Investigator. Howard J. M. Hanley

jj Cost Center Number. 2750124

Sponsor Project Identification. NBS -Office of Standard Reference

Data

Introduction. Studies of the transport properties of mixtures have | not received the attention or support that have been given to equivalent studies of pure fluids and, at this time, methods for predicting

the transport properties of fluid mixtures are unreliable. Yet

from the standpoint of the liquefied natural gas industry mixtures

are more important than pure fluids. Properties cannot be measured ! for all possible mixtures, thus adequate prediction methods are

needed in order to supply the necessary design data needed to increase

efficiency and reduce costs. i

Objectives or Goals. The long range or continuing goal of the program is to perform a systematic study of the theories and experimental measurements relating to transport properties, specifically

the viscosity and thermal conductivity coefficients, of simple mixtures over a wide range of experimental conditions. The specific

objectives of the program include: 1) the systematic correlation of m\

the transport properties of simple binary mixtures and the develop-

' ment of prediction techniques, 2) development of a mixture theory for

the dilute gas region and the dense gas and liquid regions, 3) extension of the theory and prediction techniques to multicomponent systems,

and 4) suggested guidelines for future areas of experimental work.

Background

.

A program was started in 1965 with the goal of producing tables of fluid transport properties through many approaches;

e.g. , data correlation and evaluation, statistical mechanics, kinetic

theory, thermodynamics and statistics. The theoretical studies, along I with data analysis, results in prediction techniques for the dilute f gas region for monatomic and polyatomic fluids. These techniques

were then successfully extended to the dense gas and liquid regions.

To date tables of transport properties have been prepared for argon,

krypton, xenon"""'®, oxygen®, nitrogen^, fluorine^, hydrogen, helium^,

and methane^ . In addition an analytical representation of the anomalous

behavior of the thermal conductivity coefficient in the critical region

has been developed.
7. Program and Results . Recent results include tables of dense gas

and liquid transport properties of argon, krypton, xenon, oxygen

and nitrogen""" , and molecular dynamic calculations on the equilibrium

and transport properties of methane .

8. Problem Areas. There are no problem areas at this time.

9. Funding

.

July 1 - December 31, 1974

Allocation 57.5 K$

Labor 0.5 MY

Other Costs

OSRD

28. 0 K$

1. 8 K$

30. 7 K$

26. 8 K$

Total

Remaining

10. Future Plans . The transport properties of methane, ethane, and

propane will be correlated and tabulated. Mixture studies are in

progress but have to be coordinated with corresponding work on

the equation of state. Preliminary studies along this line have been

initiated.

Reference s

1. H.J.M. Hanley, R. D. McCarty and W.M. Haynes, J. Phy. Chem.

Ref. Data 3_» (1974).

2. H.J.M. Hanley and R. O. Watts, Physics (In press, 1975); Mol.

Physics (In press, 1975); Aust. J. Physics (In press, 1975).

3. H.J.M. Hanley, J. Phys . Chem. Ref. Data 2_, 619-42 (1973).

4. H.J.M. Hanley and R. Prydz, J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data j^, 1101-14

(1972).

5. R.T, Jacobsen, R.B. Stewart, R.D. McCarty, and H.J.M. Hanley,

National Bureau of Standards Technical Note 648 (1973).

6. H.J.M. Hg^lley, R.D. McCarty, and J. V. Sengers, National

Aeronautics and Space Administration Contractor Report 2440 (1974).

7. R.D. McCarty, National Bureau of Standards Technical Note 631

(1972).

3
1. Title. LNG Fuels Safety

Principal Investigators. Neil A. Olien and A. F. Schmidt

2. Cost Center Number. 2750427

3. Sponsor Project Identification. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, Ohio, Aerospace Safety Research and Data

Institute. Order No. C-39327-C.

4. Introduction. The NASA -A erospace Safety Research and Data Institute (ASRDI) was established to provide a focal point for information

and research in aerospace safety. One of the areas of concern for

ASRDI is Cryogenic Fluid Safety. In fact, this was the first area of

effort for ASRDI. The thrust of the program is two-fold: first, to

provide an automated information bank for retrieving references,

and second, to publish series of state-of-the-art reviews. The

information system is now operational and contains over 5000 references in cryogenic fluid safety. In addition, ASRDI has published

approximately ten reviews.

Until this time, ASRDI has focused its attention and efforts on the two

primary cryogenic propellants, hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen

work was started at NBS-Boulder in 1970 and the hydrogen work in

1972. With the coming possibility of methane or LNG fueled aircraft

and the close affinity of LNG safety and cryogenic safety, ASRDI felt

that it was timely to begin work in that area.

5. Objectives or Goals. The following objectives are to be achieved:

a) Review and modify an existing Cryogenic Fluids Safety Grid and

thesaurus to include and adequately cover LNG safety.

b) Make a thorough search of over eleven information sources for

LNG information. This will include published and unpublished

material,

c) Catalog, index, abstract and put into machine readable form all

available documents located in b) above. The indexing will be done

by technical personnel with demonstrated competence in cryogenic

safety and related fields,

6. Background. This program was started at NBS-Boulder by ASRDI

in 1970. Since then considerable skill and experience has been gained

in locating, processing and, most important, detailed subject indexing

of safety-related information. In addition, NBS-Boulder has been

4
providing detailed coverage of the LNG field for the American Gas

Association since early 1970, The present program, then, provides

an opportunity for industry, government and the public to capitalize

on the accumulated past efforts of two seemingly unrelated programs.

7. Program and Results . Under this and another ASRDI-funded program

we have started a major review of the indexing and retrieval terminology which will be used in the Cryogenic fuels safety information

system. This review will result in a thesaurus to be published by

NASA. The review is complete and we are now in the process of

editing and preparing the thesaurus in its final form. Most of the

terminology unique to LNG safety is now incorporated into this

thesaurus.

During the period September 30, 1974 through December 31, 1974 we

have indexed 78 papers, reports, etc. dealing directly with LNG

safety. Of these, 63 were sent to ASRDI in machine-readable form

on magnetic tape.

8. Problem A reas. None

9. Funding. September 30, 1974 - December 31, 1975

Allocation (9/30/74 - 10/1/75) 50 K$ NASA/ASRDI

10. Future Plans. The thesaurus mentioned above will be ready for

editorial review in January and should be available in published form

prior to July 1, 1975.

We will continue to index safety-related papers and should complete

approximately 200 of these in the next reporting period.

Labor

Other costs

0. 2 MY 10. 0 K$

1. 2 K$

Total 11. 2 K$

Remaining 38. 8 K$

5
Title . Properties of Cryogenic Fluids.

Principal Investigators. G. C. Straty, D. E. Diller

Cost Center Number . 2750141

Sponsor . NBS

Introduction. Accurate thermophysical properties data and predictive calculation raethods for cryogenic fluids are needed to support

advanced cryogenic technology projects. For example, liquefied

natural gas is expected to supply an increasing percentage of the

United States' energy requirements through 1990. Liquefaction

plants, ships and receiving terminals are being constructed to

transport and store natural gas in the liquid state (LNG). Data for

LNG are needed to design low temperature processes and equipment.

Accurate data will benefit the energy industries and the consumer by

providing for safe and efficient operations and reduced costs.

Objectives or Goals. The objectives of this project are to provide

comprehensive accurate thermodynamic, electromagnetic and

transport properties data and calculation methods for technically

important compressed and liquefied gases (helium, hydrogen, oxygen,

nitrogen, methane, ethane, etc .) at low temperature s . Precise

compressibility, calorimetric and other physical property measurements will be performed to fill gaps and reconcile inconsistencies.

Definitive interpolation functions, computer programs and tables

will be prepared for engineering calculations. The immediate goals

of this work are to obtain accurate sound velocity and thermal

diffusivity data for compressed and liquefied gases by using laser

light scattering spectroscopy technique s . Sound velocity data are

useful for testing the consistency of volumetric, calorimetric and

thermodynamic properties data, and are potentially useful for

density gauging applications. Thermal diffusivity data are required

for performing thermodynamic and heat transfer calculations.

Background . When light is incident on a perfectly homogeneous

fluid, the reradiated (scattered) light field sums to zero in all but

the exact forward direction. For a "real" fluid however, fluctuations,

arising through various mechanisms, destroy the perfect homogeneity and results in the scattering of light in other directions as

well. For example, thermally activated density fluctuations

(phonons), propagating with the characteristic velocity of sound,

give rise to scattered light which is doppler shifted in frequency

from the incident light frequency and whose spectrum contains
information on the sound velocity and attenuation. Local nonpropagating temperature fluctuations, which decay diffusively, give

rise to scattered light in a narrow frequency band about the incident

light frequency and whose spectrum contains information on the

lifetime of the fluctuations (thermal diffusivity) . Since the

frequency shifts are generally very small, it was not until the advent

of the lasers with their extremely well defined frequency, that

practical experiments using these phenomena were possible.

The application of laser light scattering techniques to obtaining

thermophysical properties data was initiated to complement and

check other measurement methods and to solve measurement

problems inherent in more conventional methods. For example

laser light scattering techniques permit measurements of so\ind

velocities for fluids and under conditions for which sound

absorption is too large to perform ultrasonic measurements; laser

light scattering techniques permit measurements of thermal diffusivities under conditions for which convection interferes with

measurements of thermal conduction. The feasibility of light

scattering experiments to obtain data on binary diffusion coefficients

has also recently been demonstrated.

We have assembled and performance tested apparatus for laser light

scattering spectroscopy measurements on compressed and liquefied

gases (76 - 300 K, 350 bars). The apparatus consists of a copper

optical cell with fused quartz windows, cryostat for refrigeration

with liquid nitrogen, an argon ion laser, pressure scanned FabryPerot interferometer, and photon counting equipment.

Program and Results . Preliminary data on the hypersound velocities

in pure methane have been obtained at low densities (< 14 mollt)

where the large sound absorption in methane prohibits ultrasonic

measurements. Data have been obtained along several isotherms

from 210 K to 300 K at densities down to 1 moll^.. Agreement with

previously measured ultrasonic velocities in the regions of overlapping data is good. (See the attached Figure. The Q indicate

the light scattering measurements, the O indicate the ultrasonic

measurements. See the report on Cost Center 2 750364 for further

discussion of the ultrasonic measurements. ) Agreement with values

calculated directly from PVT data is also satisfactory.

Problem Areas. Progress on the light scattering experiment has

been primarily limited by our assignment of priorities to other

LNG related efforts. Data already obtained has been sufficient

to enable completion of related work on methane. Additional

measurements of the hypersonic sound velocity are considered

desirable for the sake of completeness, and completion of this

project has been rescheduled accordingly.
oooooooooo ooooooooo

s/ui 'All30n3A QNnOS

8
9 . Funding

.

Man -years expended (July-Dec. 1974)

Equipment and/or Services Purchased

Total Reporting Period Cost

Balance Remaining (Dec. 31, 1974)

10. Future Plans.

year

Objectives and

Schedule: quarter

1975

1 2

Methane:

Measure hypersonic (GHz)

velocities in methane

Assemble and test apparatus

for Rayleigh line -width

(thermal diffusivity)

measurements on methane

^

0.25

1.8 K$

1 5 . 0 K$

20. 0 K$

9
Title . Properties of Cryogenic Fluid Mixtures.

Principal Investigators . M. J. Hiza, A. J, Kidnay (part time),

R. C. Miller (part time), and W. R. Parrish (part time).

Cost Center Numbers . 2750142; 2750145

Sponsors . NBS; NBS(OSRD)

Introduction . Accurate thermodynamic properties data and predictive calculation methods are needed to design and optimize low

temperature processes and equipment. This project provides new

experimental measurements on equilibrium properties and compilations of evaluated equilibrium properties data which are suitable

for direct technological use or for the evaluation of predictive calculation methods. This project supports the development of LNG

technology in the areas of separation, purification, liquefaction

and custody transfer by defining relationships between the composition, temperature, pressure, and equilibrium state properties for

mixtures related to LNG.

Objectives or Goals . The overall objectives of this project are to

provide critically evaluated data, original and from other sources,

on the phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties of cryogenic

fluid mixtures. The program has been divided into the following

elements:

a) Preparation of a comprehensive bibliography on experimental

measurements of equilibrium properties for mixtures of

selected molecular species of principal interest in cryogenic

technology.

b) Selection and/or development of methods for correlation, evaluation and prediction of equilibrium properties data.

c) Retrieval and evaluation of experimental data for specific

mixture systems selected on the basis of theoretical and/or

technological importance.

d) Preparation of guidelines for future research based on the deficiencies noted in (a), (b), and (c).

e) Performing experimental research to alleviate deficiencies and

provide a basis for improvement of prediction methods.

10
Background . A physical equilibria of mixtures re search project

was established in the Cryogenics Division in 1959. The initial

effort, based on a bibliographic search and other considerations,

was directed toward the acquisition of new experimental data on

the solid-vapor and liquid -vapor equilibria and physical adsorption

properties for a limited number of binary and ternary mixtures

of components with widely separated critical temperatures. Most

of the systems studied included one of the light hydrocarbon

species - -methane, ethane, or ethylene ( ethene ) - -wdth one of the

quantum ga se s - -helium, hydrogen, or neon. The data for these

systems led to significant improvements in the predictions of

physical adsorption equilibrium and a correlation for the prediction of deviations from the geometric mean rule for combining

characteristic energy parameter s , In addition, significant new

information was obtained for interaction third virial coefficients

which was used in a correlation by one of our consultants, J. M.

Prausnitz. The approach taken in this work has been as fundamental as possible with the intention of having an impact on a broad range of mixture problems.

Recent efforts have been directed toward problems associated with

systems containing components with overlapping liquid temperature

ranges, such as the nitrogen + methane system.

Program and Results . The recent progress of this program is summarized as follows:

a) The comprehensive bibliography of fluid mixtures data, completed earlier, \vb.s accepted for publication by Plenum Press

as the first of a series of books for the Office of Standard

Reference Data. The published volume will be entitled:

EQUILIBRIUM PROPERTIES OF FLUID MIXTURES: A

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF CRYOGEXIC DATA . To assure that

the product is current and saleable. Plenum has asked that

the work be updated through 19 74, and that a camera-ready

copy be transmitted to them on April 1, 19 75 for publication

in June. The updating process will be a major part of the

effort for the next quarter.

b) Work is currently in progress on the conapilation and derivation of the excess Gibbs functions, critical loci, and Henry's

law constants for the systems argon + methane, nitrogen + methane, methane + ethane, methane + propane, methane +

n-butane, and methane + isobutane. Currently, a numerical

method, referred to as orthogonal collocation, is being evaluated which allows critical evaluation of liquid -vapor equilibria

data when one of the components is supercritical.

11
c) Measurements tiave been completed on the nitrogen +

methane system at temperatures between 130 and 180 K,

to complete the data set for the system from our laboratory at temperatures between the triple point (90.7 K)

and critical point (190.5 K) of methane.

8, Problem Areas . None.

9 . Funding .

Man-years expended (July -Dec ember 1974)

Equipment and/or Services Purchased

Total Reporting Period Cost

Balance Remaining (December 31, 1974)

10. Future Plans.

year

Objectives and Schedule: quarter

1975

1 2

Update fluid mixture bibliography

Complete the analysis of new

nitrogen + methane L-V

equilibrium composition data;

prepare paper for publication

Prepare short paper on results

of analysis of binary systems

data using orthogonal collocation.

Begin L-V equilibrium composition measurements on methane

+

ethane mixtures

0. 7

5. 0 K$

43. 0 K$

52 . 0 K$

12
Title. Survey of Current Literature on LNG and Methane.

Principal Investigator. Neil A. Olien

Cost Center Number. 2750362

Sponsor Project Identification. American Gas Association Project

BR 50-10.

Introduction. It is important that all NBS personnel working in LNG,

as well as the AGA and others, keep up with what is going on throughout the world in the LNG field. This project is designed to provide

the Current Awareness and other information services to allow workers to keep abreast of new research and other developments.

Objectives or Goals. We will publish and distribute each April, July,

October and January a listing of all significant papers, reports and

patents relating to methane and LNG properties and technology. The

references will be listed under convenient subject headings. The

Quarterly will be distributed to all interested AGA member com.panies

and be made available to the general public on a subscription basis

In addition, LNG related information will be entered into the Cryogenic Data Center's Information System for quick retrieval. A continuing awareness of the current publication scene will be maintained

for any new periodicals to be reviewed cover-to-cover. Finally we

will update and make available comprehensive bibliographies on the

properties and technology of LNG. There are three bibliographies

involved: methane properties, methane mixtures properties, and

processes and equipment involving methane and LNG. These three

will be updated each October.

Background

.

In 1969 we made a thorough review of the world's publications to determine which periodicals and abstracting services

should be scanned cover-to-cover to adequately encompass the LNG

field. The result is that we now scan over 300 primary publications

and nearly 30 secondary publications . Of these approximately onethird are directly related to LNG. In addition, within the past year

we have increased our coverage of the energy field to include hydrogen as a future fuel. Much of this information is also Dertinent to

LNG and as such is listed in our LNG -related publications. Our

Current Awareness Service has been published weekly since 1964 and

the Liquefied Natural Gas Survey has been published quarterly since

1970.

13
Program and Results . Two issues of the LNG Quarterly were prepared and distributed. There are now 118 subscriptions going to

AGA Member Companies and 191 to other subscribers.

The three comprehensive bibliographies mentioned in section 5 have

been reviewed and shorter, more selective bibliographies have

resulted. These were prepared in October 1973 and will be updated.

B- 1055 THERMOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF METHANE - A

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY, 61 pp., indexed by property,

phase and author (Sept. 1973) $8. 00.

B-1056 PROPERTIES OF METHANE MIXTURES - A SELECTED

BIBLIOGRAPHY, 95 pp. , indexed by property, system and

author (Sept. 1973) $10. 00.

B-1075 PROCESSES AND EQUIPMENT INVOLVING LIQUEFIED

NATURAL GAS AND METHANE - A SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPH^

52 pp. , indexed by subject and author (Oct 1973) $5. 00

During the period July through December 1974 we have distributed 19

copies of these and the comprehensive bibliographies.

Problem Area s. We have no problem areas at this time.

Funding . July 1 - December 31, 1974.

Labor 9 7 K$

Other Costs 1. 8 K$

Total 1 1. 5 K$

Remaining 6. 5 K$

Future Plans. Issue 74-4 of the LNG Quarterly will be mailed to the

National Technical Information Service for printing and distribution

on January 10, 1975. Is sue 75 - 1 will be published in April The

three comprehensive bibliographies discussed in Item 7 above are

in the process of being updated and will be available for distribution

the latter part of January 1975.

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun

Search of Current Literature

Preparation of Issue 75-1

Preparation of Issue 75-2

)

^

)

14
1. Title. THERMOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES DATA FOR PURE

COMPONENTS OF LNG MIXTURES

Principal Investigators. R. D. Goodwin, G. C. Straty

Cost Center Number . 2750364

Sponsor . American Gas Association, Inc., Project BR50-10

Introduction. Accurate phase equilibrium, compressibility (PVT),

and thermodynamic properties data are needed to design and optimize

gas separation and liquefaction processes and equipment. Accurate

data for the pure components of LNG mixtures will permit developing

comprehensive accurate predictive calculation methods which take

into account the dependence of the the rmophysical properties of

mixtures on the composition.

This project will provide comprehensive accurate the rmophysical

properties data and predictive calculation methods for compressed

and liquefied hydrocarbon gases to support the development of LNG

technology at NBS and throughout the fuel gas industry.

Objectives or Goals. The objectives of our work are the determination of comprehensive accurate the rmophysical properties data and

predictive calculation methods for the major pure components

(methane, ethane, propane, butanes, and nitrogen) of liquefied

natural gas mixtures at temperatures between 90 K and 300 K and at

pressures up to 350 bar (5000 psi). Our goal is to provide a range

and quality of data that will be recognized as definitive or standard

for all foreseeable low temperature engineering calculations.

Background . Liquefied natural gas is expected to supply an increasing

percentage of the United States' future energy requirements. It is

likely that massive quantities of liquefied natural gas will be imported

during the years 1976 - 1990. Ships and importation terminals are

being built for transporting, storing, and vaporizing liquefied natural

gas for distribution. Accurate physical and thermodynamic properties

data for compressed and liquefied natural gas mixtures are needed to

support these projects. For example, accurate compressibility and

thermodynamic properties data are needed to design and optimize

liquefaction and transport processes; accurate data for the heating

value, which for liquefied natural gas mixtures depends on the total

volume, the density, and the composition, are needed to provide a basis for equitable custody transfer.

15
Accurate thermodynamic properties data for liquefied gas mixtures

must be based on precise compressibility and calorimetric measurements; compressibility data give the dependence of thermodynamic

properties on pressure and density (at fixed temperatures); calorimetric data give the dependence of thermodynamic properties on

temperature (at fixed pressures and densities). It is impossible

however, to perform enough compressibility and calorimetric

measurements directly on mult i component mixtures to permit

accurate interpolation of the data to arbitrary compositions,

temperatures and pressures. Instead, thermodynamic properties

data for multicomponent mixtures usually must be predicted

(extrapolated) from a limited number of measurements on the pure

components and their binary mixtures.

This project was initiated to provide the natural gas industry with

comprehensive accurate data for pure compressed and liquefied

methane, the most abundant component in LNG mixtures. We

have published National Bureau of Standards Technical Note 653,

"Thermophysical Properties of Methane, From 90 to 500 K at

Pressures to 700 Bar, " by Robert D. Goodwin, (April 1974). This

report contains the most comprehensive and accurate tables

available for the thermophysical properties of pure gaseous and

liquid methane, and provides an accurate basis for calculating

thermophysical properties data for LNG mixtures.

Program and Results .

7 . 1 Ethane, Thermophysical Properties Data--R. D. Goodwin . Our major, new contribution on the thermophysical properties of the

constituents of liquefied natural gas mixtures is the publication

"Provisional Values for the Thermodynamic Functions of Ethane, " NBS IR 74-398 (June 1, 1974). This report has been printed at NBS

in Boulder, Colorado. This work on ethane provides background on

available physical properties data, and may serve engineering needs

for thermodynamic properties until such time as new physical data

permit a revision of the tables. This report provides the first known

tabulation of the thermodynamic properties of saturated and compressed

liquid ethane at temperatures below its normxal boiling point (184.5 K).

See attached Appendix,

In additional to all of the new analytical formulations of physical

properties data, developed for the above report on ethane, we have

carried out further work on the equation of state for methane and for

ethane to obtain the simplest possible form, amenable to corresponding

states computations on mixtures. This work, "Equation of State for

Thermodynamic Properties of Fluids, " will appear in the NBS Journal

16
"Provisional Values for the Thermodynamic Functions of Ethane"

of Research, Vol. 79A( 1), Jan. - Feb. (1975),

Appendix

"Provisional Values for the Thermodynamic Functions of Ethane"

NBS IR 74-398 (June 1, 1974)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

PREFACE vii

1. INTRODUCTION 1

2. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND THEIR REPRESENTATION . . 2

2.1 Fixed -Point Constants 2

2.2 Melting Line and Vapor Pressures 3

2.3 The Orthobaric Densities 5

2.4 The Virial Equation 9

2 . 5 The Equation of State 11

2.6 The Ideal Gas Functions 13

2.7 The Heats of Vaporization 14

2.8 Specific Heats for Saturated Liquid 15

2.9 Specific Heats Cp (T) along Isobar P^ 15

3. COMPUTATIONAL METHODS 16

3. 1 The Homogeneous Domain 16

3.2 The Vapor -Liquid Transition 17

3.3 Compressed Liqioid States 17

4. TESTS AND COMPARISONS 18

4.1 The P-p-T Compressibility Data 18

4.2 Calculated P(p) Critical Isotherm 19

4.3 Heats of Vaporization and Closure Computation 19

4.4 Heat Capacity for Saturated Liquid 20

4.5 Specific Heats, Cp(p,T) 20

4.6 Comparison of Enthalpies 20

4.7 Speed of Sound for Saturated Liquid 20

17
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

Page

5. TABLES OF PHYSICAL AND THERMODYNAMIC

PROPERTIES 21

5. 1 Calculated P-p-T Isochores and Isotherms 21

5.2 The Jovile -Thomson Inversion Locus 21

5.3 Thermophysical Properties of the Saturated Liquid . . 21

5.4 Thermophysical Properties along Selected Isobars. . . 21

6. COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 21

7. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 23

8. BIBLIOGRAPHY .• 24

APPENDIX A. Symbols and Units 31

APPENDIX B. Fixed -Point Values 32

APPENDIX C. Exposition of the Equation of State 33

APPENDIX D. Manuscript, "The Vapor Pressures of Ethane" . 35

APPENDIX E. Manuscript, "Ethane Virial Coefficients and

Saturated Vapor Densities" 58

APPENDIX F. Manuscript, "The Orthobaric Densities of

Ethane, Methane, Oxygen, and Fluorine ... 79

APPENDIX G. Manuscript, "Liquid -vapor Saturation

(orthobaric) Temperatures of Ethane

and Methane" Ill

APPENDIX H. Computer Programs for Equation of State .... 123

APPENDIX I. Computer Programs for Thermofunctions .... 142

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. The locus of recent P-p-T data 159

Figure 2. Generalized locus of isochore inflection points .... 160

Figure 3. Generalized behavior of the critical isotherm .... l60

Figure 4. Generalized behavior of the locus 9(p) l6l

Figure 5. Generalized behavior of the function f(ftT) l62

18
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

Page

Figure 6. Generalized behavior of the function ^(ft T) l62

Figure 7. Behavior of coefficients B(^) , C(^) for methane .... 163

Figure 8. Presumed behavior of C(p) for hydrogen 164

Figure 9. Generalized density -temperature phase diagram. . . 165

Figure 10, Comparisons for saturated liquid ethane 166

Figure 11. Speeds of so\ind for saturated liquid ethane 167

7 . 2 Ethane, Compressibility (PVT) Data--G. C. Straty

In the gas expansion technique used in this laboratory for accurate,

absolute, compressibility (PVT) determinations, the molar volume

V of a cryogenic fluid contained in a cell at temperature T and

pressure P is determined by expanding the fluid from the calibrated

cell into large calibrated volumes maintained near room temperature

(~ 295 K). Using the near -ideal -gas -like behavior of the room

temperature gas, the number of moles of gas residing in the total

system can be computed accurately. One of the factors limiting the

accuracy of this method is the ability to assign correctly the

appropriate proportions of the fluid to the cell and to the various

noxious volumes elsewhere in the system,

PVT measurements on ethane present an additional problem not

encountered with most cryogenic fluids such as methane, oxygen, etc,,

because the critical temperature of ethane (305,33 K) is well above

room temperature. The consequence is that during many of the density

measurements on ethane, relatively high density fluid would reside in

external parts of the system which could not be accurately accounted

for in the present apparatus without some modifications.

During the previous period, appropriate portions of the apparatus were

enclosed in ovens and/or provided with heaters to maintain their

temperatures well above the critical temperature of ethane, Thermo

metric sensors were calibrated and installed to these various portions

of the apparatus to enable the temperatures to be measured and accurate

PVT data obtained. Volume calibrations of several new system components were made. Preliminary testing of the apparatus was performed

with satisfactory results.

19
During this reporting period, data were obtained along several

isochores of both methane and ethane. Measurements on methane

were made using the apparatus as modified for the ethane experiments

in order to check the accuracy and consistency of the data. Excellent

agreement with the methane data of Goodwin and Prydz was obtained.

Preliminary measurements on ethane revealed that some additional

modification of the apparatus and data reduction techniques would be

worthwhile in order to further increase the accuracy of vapor

pressure and density determinations. An additional heater has been

installed on the PVT cell filling capillary to be used during vapor

pressure determinations. Vapor pressures obtained with this modification are in agreement with available published data.

Data obtained along several isochores of ethane appear to be in good

agreement with available data on the compressed liquid and with the

saturated liquid densities obtained independently in this laboratory by

Haynes

.

Data analysis programs are being refined as additional data on ethane

is accumulated.

7 . 3 Methane, Sound Velocity Data--G. C. Straty

The ultrasonic velocities of sound in pure saturated and compressed

fluid methane have been measured at MHz frequencies. Data have

been obtained along the saturation boundary from near the triple point

to 186 K and along several isotherms from 100 K to 300 K at pressures

up to about 34 5 bar. The sound velocity data have been combined with

the previously measured PVT data to calculate the isentropic and isothermal compressibilities and the specific heat ratio Cp/C-^.

Measurements along the compressed flviid isotherms at temperatures

of 210 K and above were limited to a minimum density ranging from

about 14 mol/^ at 210 K to about 10 mol/iat 300 K due to the large

sound attenuation in methane. A manuscript reporting the results of

the ultrasonic sound velocity measurements on methane has been

published in Cryogenics, 14 , 36 7 (1974),

A light scattering spectroscopy apparatus has been employed to

obtain hypersonic (GHz) velocity data at the lower densities where

measurement by ultrasonic techniques were impossible. Data have

been obtained to densities as low as 1 mol / 1 along several isotherms.

(See the figure attached to the report on Cost Center 2750141. The

O indicate the ultrasonic measurements; the indicate the light

scattering measurements. ) Measurements in the regions of

overlap with the viltrasonic data indicate excellent agreement,

and overall agreement with calculated sound velocity data is

satisfactory. Additional, more accurate measurements are planned.

20
8. Problem Areas. For ethane, the computation of an accurate thermodynamic network in liquid states is more difficult than for methane.

Vapor pressure measurements of high accuracy are needed at lowtemperatures, where these pressures are so small that no accurate

experimental technique so far has been developed. Heats of vaporization are so large at low temperatures (17, 000 j/mol) that the

experimental error of greater than 1% in these data gives about

200 J/mol error in computations across the vapor liquid "dome. " Densities of saturated liquid ethane in the mid-range of temperatures

(160 to 250 K) apparently never have been measured. The melting

line is known only with very low accuracy and initial attempts to

measure it using the compressibility apparatus have been unsuccessful.

Comparison of our calculated speeds of sound for saturated liquid

ethane with experimental data suggests that derivatives of the

P(p, T) surface (via the equation of state) are not as accurate at low

ternperature s as desired. All of these deficiencies suggest the need

for new highly accurate compressibility (P-p-T) measurements,

sound velocity measurements in the homogeneous, single-phase

domain, and possibly additional specific heat measurements, e.g.

Cv(P, T).

As mentioned above, we have been unable to make melting line

measurements using the compressibility apparatus. It is hoped that

these measurements can be made using other existing apparatus.

9 . Funding

.

Man -years expended (July -Dec. 19 74) 0.8

Equipment and/or Services Purchased 4.4 K$

Total Reporting Period Cost 63.1 K$

Balance Remaining (Dec. 31, 19 74) 56.9 K$

10. Plans for Future Work.

Objectives and Schedule:

1975

1 2

Measure compressibilities

(PVT) of liquid ethane.

Prepare report.

^ • >

21
1. Title. DENSITIES OF LIQUEFIED NATURAL' GAS MIXTURES

Principal Investigators . W , M. Haynes, M. J, Hiza, R. D.McCarty

2. Cost Center Numbers . 2751574, 2752574 (2751364, 2752364)

3. Sponsor . LNG Density Project Steering Committee, American Gas

Association, Inc., Project BR 50-11.

4. Introduction. Accurate density measurements and calculation

methods for liquefied natural gas mixtures are needed to provide a basis for custody transfer agreements and for mass, density, and

heating value gauging throughout the fuel gas industry.

The basis for the custody transfer of natural gas is its heating value.

It is difficult to determine and agree on the heating value of extremely

large volumes of natural gas in the liquid state. For example, methods

for calculating the heating value of a liquefied natural gas mixture require knowing its density, which in turn depends on its composition,

temperature, and pressure. As the compositions of LNG mixtures

vary considerably, depending on the sources of the gas and the processing conditions, accurate methods are needed for calculating

liquid densities at arbitrary compositions, temperatures and pressures. The accuracy is important because of the extremely large

volumes of liquid involved.

, 5. Objectives or Goals . The objectives of this work are to perform

accurate (0. 1%) and precise (0.02%) measurements of the densities

of saturated liquid methane, ethane, propane, butanes, nitrogen and

their mixtures in the temperature range 105-140 K, and to test and

optimize methods for calculating the densities of LNG mixtures at

arbitrary compositions and temperatures.

6. Background . This project is being carried out at NBS because of

the realization that equitable custody transfer agreements could be

reached more readily if the density measurements and the evaluation

and development of calculation methods were performed by independent professionals of established reputation.

Prior to this reporting period an apparatus incorporating a magnetic

suspension technique has been developed for absolute density measurements on liquids and liquid mixtures, particularly at saturation, for

temperatures between 90 and 300 K. The repeatability and estimated

precision of measurement are better than 0.02% while the accuracy is

better than 0.1%.

22
7. Program and Results . Saturated liquid density measurements

have been completed for the pure components of liquefied natural

mixtures in the temperature ranges as follows: (a) methane

(105-160 K), (b) ethane (100-220 K), (c) propane ( 105-1 50 K),

(d) normal butane (135-170 K), (e) isobutane (115-150 K), and

(f) nitrogen (95-120 K). The saturated liquid densities of approximately equimolar mixtures of methane + ethane and

ethane + propane have been determined in the temperature

range from 105 to 140 K.

The task of producing and testing a mathematical model which

will accurately predict the densities of LNG mixtures as a function of composition, temperature and pressure has continued

during this reporting period. Extensive effort has been directed

toward applications of the one fluid theory of corresponding

states. New computer programs have been written to optimize

the so-called "shape factor s"using the recent pure fluid data

from this laboratory. Significant improvements in the shape

factors have been obtained. The testing and optimization of

the predictive models [1-3] will continue during the next reporting period as new experimental data become available.

Reference s:

Albright, M. A., Technical Publication No. 3, A Report

to the Gas Processors Assoc., 1812 First Place, Tulsa,

Okla. 74103(1973).

Rodosevich, J. B. and Miller, R. C., Advances in Cryo - genic Engineering, 1_9, 3 39 (1974).

Mollerup, J. and Rowlinson, J. S., Chemical Engineering

Science, 29, 1373 (1974).

[1]

[2]

[3]

23
8.

9.

10,

Problem Areas . None

.

Funding .

2 751574 (measurements)

Man years expended, July-December 1974

Equipment and /or services purchased $

Total reporting period cost $

0. 8

3. 3 K

41 . 7 K

Balance remaining, December 31, 1974 $ 62. 3 K

2752574 (calculation methods)

Man years expended, July-December 1974 0.4

Equipment and /or services purchased $ 1.8 K

Total reporting period cost $ 21.7 X

Balance remaining, December 31, 1974 $ 42 . 5 K

Plans for Future Work.

year

^1 . , . T 1 T . quarter

Objectives and Schedule:

1975

1 2

Measure densities of binary

mixtures containing methane,

ethane, propane, butanes and

nitrogen.

Test and optimize available

calculation methods.

24
1. Title. Low Temperature Material Behavior

Principal Investigators . R. P. Reed, R. L. Tobler, R. P. Mikesell,

and R. L. Durcholz.

2. Cost Center Number . 2750430

3. Sponsor Project Identification . Maritime Administration Project

55-300-15-011.

4. Introduction . Data on thermal and mechanical properties of structural

and insulation materials are essential to facilitate material selection

on the basis of cost and safety. Proper material choice and reliable

definition of material behavior using fracture mechanics is of major

economic importance for cryogenic containers in the sea transport of

LNG.

5. Objectives . The objective of this program is to obtain fracture toughness and fatigue crack growth rate data in the temperature range 76-

300 K. These measurements are being conducted on a series of Fe-Ni

alloys and Al alloys.

6. Background . To construct tanks for sea transport of LNG requires

between 500,000 and 7,000,000 pounds of expensive alloys, depending

on the type of tanker chosen. This large-scale consumption of costly

alloys demands very careful material selection to insure economical

but safe, storage tanks. Therefore, since MarAd's goal is to reduce

ship costs, it is in their interest to insure the availability of

relevant thermal and mechanical property data to enable the best possible material selection and dependable, efficient design.

7. Program and Results . The materials effort in this program has concentrated on two areas, a general materials properties assessment and the

initiation of an experimental low temperature tensile, fatigue, and

fracture study of candidate materials. The materials properties assessment has included a compilation of all fatigue and fracture data on Fe-Ni steels and their weldments, a collection of ship design data and an analysis of materials in use, an assessment of the current production

and/or research efforts of the materials suppliers, an assessment of

the current materials requirements for LNG containers by the American

Bureau of Shipping, U. S. Coast Guard, and the ASME pressure vessel

code, and the bibliography of literature containing data on aluminum

alloys, non-metallics , and insulation materials. For the experimental

program the materials were procured; specimens were made for tensile,

fatigue and fracture tests for selected materials; a variable temperature cryostat was built; and the experimental procedures proofed, and

fracture data obtained on selected Fe-Ni alloys and alluminum alloys.

Materials Properties Assessment

The literature data from some 60 references on the fatigue and fracture

properties of the ferritic Fe-Ni steels (Ni 18%) has been extracted,

25
critically valuated, and compiled. The fracture data in the compilation

are the impact energy; nil ductility transition, crack opening displacement, fracture toughness, and dynamic tear tests and their dependencies

on temperature, composition, and heat treating or cold working. Fatigue

data include fatigue lifetime and fatigue crack growth rates at LNG

temperatures. Also included are tensile properties, hardness, impact

energies, explosion bulge tests, and other fracture data. The entire

compilation will be sent as an interagency report and included in a review article on LNG materials in the open literature.

The production and research capabilities of the major suppliers of LNG

structural alloys were also assessed. Direct contact was made with the

research personnel of all the major suppliers to assess what work on these materials has been done or was in progress. These in-house efforts

indicated are generally low level. We have attended the LNG Materials

Conference at the British Welding Institute and visited Technigaz, Det

Norske Veritas, and the Welding Institute to provide information about

the foreign efforts in LNG materials research. We also have a member

of our staff on the Cryogenic Materials for LNG Tank Applications

Committee of the Metals Properties Council.

Experimental Program

Test materials of 1-1/2 inch thick plate have been obtained for the

3-1/2, 5, 6 and 9% Ni steels and Al 5083. Fe-9Ni steel has been obtained

from two sources. A cryostat for variable temperature control near LNG temperatures was designed and built. The experimental procedures, especially J integral

test techniques, were evaluated and proven satisfactory. New methods

were devised to monitor the crack growth and crack opening.

Fracture toughness and fatigue crack growth rate tests at 300, 195, 111,

76, and 4 K have been completed. These alloys include Fe-6Ni and Fe5Ni in the QLT or austenitized, temperized, and reversion annealed condition, two Fe-9Ni alloys from different suppliers in the quenched and

tempered condition, and 5083 aluminum in the annealed condition.

Linear elastic fracture mechanics parameters (K^, ^-^q) J-integral

(J^^) test data have been measured for identical 1.25 inch thick com- pact tensile specimens. For the first time valid K^^ critical stress

intensity data have been obtained for these alloys. Also, for the

first time a decided temperature dependence of the fatigue crack growth

rate in Fe-Ni body centered cubic alloys has been measured; the rate

of crack propagation is higher at 67 K compared to room temperature

for all alloys. For 5083 aluminum, however, the fatigue crack growth

rate decreases at lower temperatures.

Program Publications and Talks

One paper has been Included in the Special Technical Publication of the

ASTM conference, "Low Temperature Fracture Behavior of Ferritic Fe-Ni

Alloy Steels," by R. L. Tobler, et al.

26
Problem Areas . Testing has proceeded on schedule. There are no delays

.

Funding . During this reporting period, about 540,000 has been spent.

This completes research for the program described.

Future Plans . During the next six months the fatigue and fracture

toughness properties of welded Fe-5Ni steel will be measured at 300,

195, 111, and 76 K.

27
Title . Program for Reducing the Cost of LNG Ship Hull

Construction

Principal Investigators . H. I. McHenry, M. B. Kasen and

R. P. Reed

Cost Center Number. 2751430

Sponsor Project Identification. Maritime Administration

Project 400-58073

Introduction. Construction of LNG tankers requires the use of

fine grain normalized steels for the part of the hull structure

that is cooled by the cargo to temperatures in the range of 0 to

-50° F. Several ABS steels have satisfactory base plate properties but extreme care must be exercised during v^elding to

avoid degradation of the steel adjacent to v^^eld (the heat affected

zone) to a level of toughness below U. S. Coast Guard requirements. Significant cost problems are being encountered by

U. S. shipyards due to the resulting inefficient low-heat-input

welding procedures that must be employed to meet the fracture

requirements in the heat affected zone.

Objective. The objective of the current program is to survey

the feasability of developing, evaluating and qualifying a ship

steel that permits more efficient welding practices and retains

satisfactory low-temperature fracture behavior.

Background. Early in 1974, the Welding Panel of MarAd's

Ship Production Committee recommended that a program be

conducted to reduce the cost of ship hull construction. NBS

was requested by MarAd to propose such a program to the

LNG subcommittee of the Welding Panel at a meeting in Boulder

in August. In mid-October, MarAd approved the initial phase

of NBS's recommended program, i. e. to survey the problem

and the technology available for it's solution. On the basis of

this survey a coordinated program involving the LNG shipyards,

the steel suppliers and NBS will be planned and recommended

to MarAd and to the Welding Panel in the first quarter of 1975.

Program and Results. The survey of the feasability of reducing

the cost of LNG ship hull construction consisted of four distinct

tasks

:

1. Visit the shipyards to properly define the problem.

2. Visit the regulatory agencies to define the -limits

that we must work within.

28
3, Visit the steel companies to assess the technologyavailable to solve the problem,

4. Survey the technical literature.

Significant progress has been made on each of these tasks during

the reporting period.

The four U. S. shipyards with contracts to build LNG tankers

were visited:

Avondale Shipyards, Inc. , New Orleans, LA.

General Dynamics, Quincy Shipbuilding Div, , Quincy, MA.

Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co. , Newport

News, VA.

Sun Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co, , Chester, PA.

At each shipyard, the design and fabrication of the LNG ships

were reviewed and the problems associated with welding of the

ship plates for the low temperature (0 to -50° F) portion of the

ship were discussed. The overall conclusion of these visits

was that productivity was limited by the weldability of the base

metal. Thus, the program should be directed towards improving

the base metal--as opposed to improving the welding procedures

or the consummables such as fluxes, rods and wires.

Visits were made to the two regulatory agencies that control the

construction of LNG tankers in the U. S. : the American Bureau of

Shipping (ABS) and the U. S. Coast Guard (USCG). Their viewpoints of the requirements on the properties required in the steel

weldments were solicited. ABS indicated that the requirements

might be unrealistictly severe and favored a program that would

lead to the establishment of more rational requirements. The

USCG emphasized the permanence of the standards as they currently exist because of the international acceptance of the requirements as they stand. The conclusion of these visits was that the

program to develop an improved ship steel should be conducted

using the current requirements as the property goals; however,

parallel program to evaluate the rationality of these requirements

should be formulated in conjunction with ABS.

The four leading steel plate producers and two other companies

were visited to assess the applicable steel making technology:

Armco Steel Co. Middletown, OH.

Bethlehem Steel Co. Bethlehem, PA.

Lukens Steel Co, Coatesville, PA.

U. S. Steel Co. Monroeville, PA.

Linde Division of Union Carbide Ashtabula, OH.

Climax Molybdenum Co. Ann Arbor, MI.

29
At each steel company, an overview of the MarAd program was

given by NBS»and the steel companies reviewed their experience

with low temperature steels and advised NBS on the technology

available to provide ship plate with improved low temperature

toughness in the heat affected zone. The conclusions of these

visits were that the most promising steel making practices

were sulfide shape control and columbium treated steels. In

addition, the advisability of purchasing steels to guaranteed

transverse toughness requirements was emphasized.

A literature search is being conducted to further assess the technology available to improve ship steels. The basis for this search

was bibliographies obtained from DDC, NTIS and the American

Society of Metals. This task is still in progress and will be re- ported on in the next issue of this document.

Problem Areas. None

Funding. Cost to 12/31 /74 $10,000

Balance 25,000

Future Plans. The results of our survey will form the basis of a program to be formulated and recommended to MarAd on

February 12, 1975. Approxirm tely one month later, the program

will be presented to the MarAd Welding Panel for their consideration.

30
1. Title . Heating Value of Flowing LNG

Principal Investigators . J. A. Brennan and J. M. Arvidson

2. Cost Center Number . 2756579

3. Sponsor Project Identification . Pipeline Research Committee (American

Gas Association) PR-50-48

4. Introduction . This project will draw on information and facilities

generated by other sectors of the NBS LNG effort. Thus the calibration

of a densimeter used will be traceable to the NBS density reference

system being constructed by Younglove under cost center 2751361.

Mixture density data produced under 2751574 by Haynes and Hiza will also

provide a necessary input to the proper interpretation of results.

5. Objectives . The original objective of this program was to set up a LNG

flow facility and to evaluate selected flowmeters in LNG service. In

November 1973 the objective was expanded to demonstrate the accuracy

of measurement of the heating value of LNG flowing in a pipeline through

integration of state-of-the-art instrumentation for flow, density and

heating value. The expanded project has been conceived of in a threeyear time frame. In the first year individual components will be calibrated and installed in the NBS LNG flow facility.

6. Background . The need for accurate flowmetering of LNG provided the

original impetus for the work in this program (unpublished NBS Report

[1972], NBSIR 73-300). Since liquid natural gas may be sold on the

basis of heating value the program was broadened to include the necessary instrumentation for determining heating value of LNG, this ex- panded program to commence early in 1974. The objectives are based on scaling small flowmeters capable of laboratory testing up to full line

size components. Appropriate intermediate sizes are included with field

tests scheduled as part of the overall project.

7. Results . Liquid nitrogen tests on both four-inch vortex shedding flowmeters referred to in the last report [NBSIR 74-373] have been completed. One of the meters was installed in a test section and sent to an LNG facility for installation preparatory to conducting the LNG tests.

These tests were originally scheduled to be completed in 1974 but have

had to be rescheduled for early in 1975.

The orifice meter used in the gas phase measurement at the LNG facility

was calibrated in water at the NBS flow facility in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This calibration will help in determining the actual orifice

flow coefficient which will be used in comparing the liquid measurement

with the vaporized gas measurement.

Refurbishing of the surplus calorimeter has been completed. The calorimeter and the gravitometer have been connected to the flow facility

and are now operational.

31
Problem Areas . No problem areas have been encountered that would

have an adverse effect on the project.

Funding . Man Years Expended 1.25

Major Equipment Purchased $ 8,000

Total Reporting Period Costs 73,000

Balance on Hand 26,000

Future Tests . The flowmeter tests at an LNG peak shaving plant are now planned for early 1975. The next phase of the flowmeter scaling

will be started after the LNG tests. Tests of the NBS integrated flow

facility will also be started in early 1975.

32
33
1. Title . LNG Density Reference System.

Principal Investigator . Ben Younglove

2. Cost Center Number . 2751361

3. Sponsor Project Identification . American Gas Association, Inc.

Project BR-50-10.

4. Introduction . The emphasis of the LNG effort of NBS is in providing

technical support to industry in meeting the energy needs of our economy with natural gas.

The density reference system will evaluate the ability of com- mercially available instruments to measure densities of LNG. Density

is an essential measurement in performing total energy content determinations of natural gas reservoirs. While this effort is oriented

towards metrology, the output from cost center 2751574 will provide

basic reference data on pure liquids and mixtures which will serve as density standards.

5. Obj ectives . This research will provide a system for evaluating the

density measurement capability of commercially available meters. We

will evolve a density reference system capable of generating accurate

densities for this evaluation. From the commercial meters we will

attempt to select one capable of performance as a transfer standard in

order to provide traceability of accuracy to field density measurement

systems.

The first year will be devoted to construction and testing of the

density reference system. In the second year we will concentrate on evaluation of commercial meters, while the final year will involve

selection testing and application of the transfer standard.

6. Background . In early 1973 a proposal was made to the American Gas

Association for research in several areas of LNG technology to be done

at this installation. Part of this program was the density reference

system. Initial scheduling indicated for the first year of work, starting

in April, to be design, fabrication, and testing of a density system.

Work actually commenced in August as a result of staffing difficulties.

Since this initiation, we have conducted extensive study on the

feasibility of various techniques for such a system, deciding finally

on an application of Archimede's principle (see 7. below). The reference

system is now in the latter stages of construction and evaluation.

7. Program and Results . Vibrating cylinder and vibrating plate densimeters

have been received and installed in the test apparatus. An additional

vibrating cylinder device has been withdrawn from the test program due

to vibrating instabilities. The capacitance meter is ready for delivery

and will arrive on commencement of the liquid nitrogen test.

34
There is some uncertainty regarding the delivery of the magnetic

buoy device. We will be advised on this soon by the manufacturer.

A microwave cavity is being modified for installation and evaluation; this is an NBS device. We also are assembling a vibrating

hollow-tube densimeter for evaluation.

The vibrating plate device has been checked in distilled water,

also alcohol, acetone, hexane and in air as a preliminary evaluation

and pre-calibration at room temperature. The vibrating cylinder

densimeter was checked in liquid nitrogen in a similar test. No malfunctions were noted.

The capacitance device was checked in liquid nitrogen on its first

arrival and showed reasonable behavior but suffered from an intermittent

open circuit. The device was returned to the manufacturer for inspection. The electronic read-out unit was replaced by a more up-to-date

version.

The weighing head has arrived in this reporting period and has

shown some malfunctioning in the electronics. The weight loader is

being rebuilt as the initial design was too position sensitive. The

density monitor device has been checked in distilled water.

It is expected that the density reference system will be operational by 15 February 1975 and that significant testing can be initiated

at that time. Preliminary considerations have been made concerning

statistical test procedures.

8. Problem Areas . The weighing head had several malfunctions including

an unintentional short to ground in the sensing circuit and improperly

installed knife edge. One vibrating cylinder device and possibly the

magnetic buoy may not be available for test; the magnetic buoy system

is large enough to require separate testing from the other transducers.

9. Funding . July 1 - December 31, 1974.

Man-Years this period:

Principal 0.42

Technician 0.16

Equipment $ 550

Total Cost 31,700

Balance on hand end December 24,500

10. Future Plans . First three months. Check monitor performance using

liquid nitrogen and methane. Run tests on assembled densimeters using

binary mixtures of methane with ethane, propane, and butane. Develop

a statistical test plan in cooperation with the NBS statistical group.

Second three months. Complete binary bests and conduct tests on more complex mixtures according to the test plan. Initiate the preliminary tests on the magnetic buoy device depending on its availability

and the scheduling of the above tests.

35
1. Title . Liquefied Natural Gas Technology Transfer

Principal Investigator . D. B. Mann, R. S. Collier

2. Cost Center Number . 2750401

3. Sponsor Project Identification . Maritime Administration, Project

55-330-15-011.

4. Introduction . The NBS support of the Maritime Administration (MarAd)

LNG ship program is divided into two areas. These are a materials

experimental program (Cost Center 2750430) and cryogenic technology

transfer. In addition to those objectives listed below this program

provides a cohesive structure for the coordination of the NBS LNG

program.

5. Objectives . Cryogenic Technology Transfer is designed to provide

cryogenic technical information, data, and advice to the Maritime

Administration (MarAd) , its contractors and other agencies performing

work of interest to, or for, MarAd in the design, development, testing,

construction and^operation of LNG ships and ship components.

6. Background . The Merchant Marine Act of 1970 restructured federal

maritime policies to make bulk carrier vessels, such as tankers and

LNG ships, eligible for construction and operating subsidies. In

December 1973 the keel was laid for a 926 foot long LNG vessel carrier

at Quincy, Mass. The keel laying initiated the construction of the

first LNG tanker to be built in the United States. American ship

builders have orders for a total of 15 of these complicated ships.

Various future projections indicate a total of from 25 to well over

a 100 ships will be required to handle the LNG importation within the

next 10-15 years. LNG marine technology is presently foreign dominated

As a matter of fact, many of the ships being constructed in U. S. shipyards are using designs under license from foreign industrial groups

or governments. LNG is a cryogenic fluid and the massive technology

developed over the past 15-20 years in cryogenics as applied to industrial gases and the aerospace effort provides a resource which could

be applied profitably to improving the U. S. competitive position in

the construction and operation of LNG shipping. Because of its

historical association with broad based cryogenic technology over a period of 20 years, the NBS Cryogenics Division was requested to provide support to the MarAd LNG ships program in order to aid in the

transfer of cryogenic technology where it could enhance the effectiveness of maritime LNG shipping. Therefore, on April 17, 1973 we submitted a work statement which was confirmed by the establishment of a program in May.

7. Program and Results . In the initial phases of the LNG Cryogenic Technology Transfer Program emphasis was placed on establishing the level

and degree to which we could interface with MarAd, MarAd Research

36
Centers and MarAd contractors. Progress, therefore, Is measured as specific responses to MarAd and MarAd contract requests and NBS

generated output felt necessary for the overall program,

7.1. Data and Information — LNG . Thermophysical property data and

measurement methods for LNG are necessary for design and performance

evaluations of major structural ship containment systems, insulation

and major components such as valves, piping, pumps and safety oriented

and operational instrumentation. This data is also necessary to es- tablish ship operational efficiencies by accurately relating the

volume of LNG carried to the actual quality of the LNG as a fuel —

its heating value. This latter quantity is the contract designation

which the ship owner or operator is obligated to establish both on purchase and delivery of the cargo.

Thermophysical property data and related measurement methods must

be of high accuracy and precision and the information must be put in

the hands of those who need it. This information must be accepted for

its validity on an international basis, but with emphasis on first

availability to U. S. maritime industry.

Emphasis during this reporting period has been to establish the

necessary mechanism for acceptance of previously generated data as well

as the results of current research. The thermophysical properties of

methane (see AGA project BR-50-10, cost center 2750364) generated under

the NBS program have been accepted and approved by the three AGA standing committees charged with LNG responsibilities. In addition, the

data has been submitted as an ASTM standard by NBS and will be recom- mended as an ANSI standard by the AGA. Other data on ethane, propane,

butane, and nitrogen and their mixtures (LNG) will follow this

procedure (see AGA project BR-50-11, cost center 2751574, 2752574).

Measurement methods to establish cargo value are also being established (see AGA project PR-50-48 and paragraph 7.2 below) and will be

submitted to shipbuilders, owners and operators for their comments and

approval.

Additional methods of disseminating cryogenic technology are also

being explored. The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) was visited in

November of 1974. The ABS is a ship classification society which es- tablishes standards known as "Rules" for the design, construction and

periodic survey of ships and other marine structures. Classification

certifies adherence to these rules providing assurance that a vessel

posseses the structural and mechanical fitness for its intended service.

The visit by NBS personnel was at the request of ABS staff for the presentation of the total NBS LNG program with particular emphasis on materials of construction information. We will continue to provide

them with program information and ABS will certainly be closely associated with the ships hull material study (cost center 2751430).

37
7.2. LNG Custody Transfer Systems . As part of a program to provide

information and assistance to the shipbuilding companies of the United

States, NBS was requested to give an independent evaluation of custody

transfer systems for ships designated by MA Design LG8-S-102a MA Hulls

289, 290, 291.

In general, the scope of work for system component evaluation includes transducers and instrumentation for liquid level, density, temperature and pressure, and also the sampling of mole fractions of LNG

components; advanced techniques may include direct measurements of the

total mass and the total potential heat of combustion of the fluid

(heating value or "therm" metering)

.

In addition to design and evaluation of system components (which

would possibly be common to several different types of systems), there

is a need to consider the integration of these components into a custody

transfer system. This may require knowledge of the system independent

of instrumentation. For example, tank capacity tables relating liquid

level to liquid volume rely on the accuracy of survey procedures for

measuring the inside tank dimensions, also on calculations of list and

trim corrections, the effect of thermal contractions, and tank loading

factors. Also, since LNG is a mixture, there is normally a selective

vaporization of the fluid causing space and time variations of the fluid

mixture and its properties (tank "weathering") . These effects extend

the conditions under which sensors and transducers must operate.

As part of Phase I of this evaluation (System Design Review) NBS

has received from the ship contractors and builders information, plans,

and drawings regarding the following:

1) Overall layout of the ship tank and piping system.

2) Basic tank construction materials.

3) Drawings and information on the locations and use of Resistance

Thermometer Devices (RTD's).

4) Preliminary drawings and block diagrams concerning the capacitance liquid level and density measuring devices.

5) An error analysis of tank measurements using conventional strapping techniques.

6) Information on the probable range of LNG mixture constituent

fractions

.

In addition, informal discussions have been held with the shipbuilder, owner and subcontractors concerning the capacitance level

measurement, heat leak and convective patterns within the tank, ship

operating procedures, possible new tanks trapping procedures, potential

heat of combustion (heating value) and its measurement, and alternate

(future state of the art) gauging techniques.

38
Using this and other sources of information NBS has completed the

following:

1) Calculated the changes in dimensions of the tank due to thermal

contractions and tank loading.

2) Made preliminary calculations of heat transfer and system thermodynamics concerning the spacial and time variations of LNG

mixture fractions (tank weathering)

.

3) Completed preliminary evaluation of the capacitance level and

density measurement techniques.

4) Conducted a detailed evaluation of the relationship between dielectric constant and density using the relevant range of mixture

fractions and current (provisional) equations of state.

5) Reviewed various tank strapping procedures.

Based on these studies NBS has identified the following major

sources of uncertainty:

1) A non-unique relationship between dielectric constant and density.

2) Measurement of tank inside dimensions (tank strapping).

3) Possible density variations within the tank.

The systematic uncertainties for these factors are estimated as follows:

1) Density - ±1.2% or less; this nijmber may be reduced if thermodynamic conditions in the tank are known and mixture constituent

fraction data is applied as a correction factor. Technical details

of these considerations will be contained in a separate report.

2) Tank strapping - ±0.4% or less depending on the surveying technique used.

3) Non-uniform density - it is not possible to give a good estimate

of this uncertainty at the present time, some calculations show

that this effect is negligible but more work should be done in the area of heat transfer and convective patterns of fluid within the

tank.

The uncertainty estimate for the total mass will be at least the

r.m.s. value of these three factors. Other factors mentioned above

are considered small or calculable-and-correctable. Uncertainties in

liquid level and density output, electronic signal conditioning, and

readout have not been calculated and are considered to be relatively

small at the present time; more information on this point is needed

and could possibly be considered as part of a testing program.

If the problem of tank strapping is solved the ultimate (least

possible) uncertainty will most probably rest on fluid sampling and

the resulting measurement of mixture fraction; possible non-uniform

39
density within the tank and liquid level measurement may also be a factor. Thermometry may also become an important factor if mixture

constituent fraction is not well known or if density is not measured

directly.

A testing program to verify this design review is suggested as follows:

1) A complete rangeability test of the capacitance densitometer in

the LNG density reference system over the operating ranges of

temperature, pressure, and mixture constituent fractions.

2) A test of the capacitance liquid level vernier in a convenient

LNG test facility.

3) An independent check of the strapping technique which is ultimately

decided upon.

4) Instrumentation of at least one of the tanks in operation, to

measure possible density variations within the tank.

In addition, an experimental program should be conducted to develop

gauging techniques which are less sensitive to tank strapping and possible fluid variations within the tank; e.g., RF gauging (see NBSIR 73-

346) and the strain gage technique proposed by General Dynamics. Possible direct measurements of potential heats of combustion (heating value

or "therm" metering) should also be considered.

8. Problem Areas . None.

9. Funding . July 1 - December 31, 1974

Labor

Costs

Balance

.6 m

$42,000

0

10. Future Plans . A preliminary work statement has been submitted to

MarAd for continuation of this program in the areas of cryogenic

technology transfer, a study of cryogenic custody transfer systems

(2750401), and the completion of the materials experimental program

(2750430). Particular emphasis will be on maintaining present methods

of information dissemination and establishing new contacts with such

groups as the coast guard and additional shipbuilders.

40
1. Title . Federal Power Commission Consultation

Principal Investigators . D. B. Chelton and A. F. Schmidt

2. Cost Center Number . 2750404

3. Sponsor . Federal Power Commission - Bureau of Natural Gas — letter

agreement dated 4 June 1973.

4. Goals . The Cryogenics Division will provide consultation and advisoryservices to the Federal Power Commission on the cryogenic safety and

the design aspects of several current applications before the FPC

for authorization of LNG terminal and storage facilities. These

services cover properties of cryogenic environments, insulation systems, cryogenic safety, thermodynamics, heat transfer, instrumentation

and cryogenic processes such as refrigeration and liquefaction.

5. Background . Cost Center initiated July 7, 1973.

6. Program and Results . The results and status of those facilities presently under the jurisdiction of the Federal Power Commission and subject to our review are outlined in the following table.

Elements of the facilities that are subject to review are the landbased cryogenic storage tank components, bounded by the tanker or barge,

the vaporizer and the liquefaction units (if any). These include, but

are not limited to the transfer lines, the storage tanks, the vaporizers

and the process piping as it interacts with the storage tanks. It is

essential that the reviews cover the operation, maintenance and emergency

procedural philosophies for each terminal. Based upon these studies,

reports are submitted to the staff of the FPC setting forth the technical evaluations and conclusions on each proposal. In addition, NBS

may provide expert witnesses on behalf of the staff of the FPC in any

hearings on the aforementioned applications.

Emphasis is placed on the safety aspects of the facilities including

their possible interactions with the surrounding areas. The impact of

engineering design such as appropriate use of existing technology and

material selection for structural integrity must be assessed. The

basis of review includes various codes and standards, prior experience,

precedent and engineering knowledge.

7 . Funding .

8. Future Plans . At the present time there are several pending applications, but detailed information is not yet available. It is anticipated that additional facilities will be reviewed as applications are made to the Federal Power Commission.

Funding FY 75

July 1 - December 31, 1974

Anticipated Man Years of Effort FY 75

$50,000

14,000

0.8

41
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1. Title . LNG - Dual Fuel Auto

Principal Investigator . J. M. Arvidson, J. Hord and D. B. Mann

2. Cost Center Number . 2750590 (Reimbursable), 2750154

3. Sponsor Identification . Joint NBS and General Services Administration

Requisition Number F4KE023, Case Number 66551.

4. Introduction . The work described relates to the general area of

transfer of technology based on Division experience in the handling

of liquefied combustible gases, instrumentation and systems analysis.

5. Objectives . To establish the degree of hazard to passengers and auto

on the release of liquefied natural gas in the trunk area of the

standard GSA dual fuel (natural gas and gasoline) sedan.

6. Background . The General Services Administration (GSA) dual fuel automobiles are equipped to run on gasoline or natural gas. In the initial

GSA program the natural gas was compressed and carried in high pressure

cylinders, which in sedans were located in the trunk space. To take care of accidental leakage, a large vent was installed in the roof of

the passenger compartments, with two small air vents installed in the

top of the trunk space. More recently, most of the dual fuel installations have been installed with liquefied natural gas (LNG) carried in an insulated tank at low pressure in the trunk compartment.

Natural gas has a density less than air and therefore is buoyant

and will rise at temperatures above about 151 K. It was anticipated

that vents provided would be adequate for dilution of explosive con- centrations of methane gas in the trunk and passenger compartments

under conditions of operation. This was believed to be the case even

if very cold gas was vented (at a temperature of less than 157 K) as the amount of the methane gas vented at this lower temperature would

be minimal, would be heated rapidly above 157 K and then vented normally.

A recent explosion of a sedan, believed to be caused by migration

of methane gas from a trunk area to the passenger area, raised the

question of functional adequacy of the high level vents. In other

words, can a combustible mixture of cold methane gas (at a temperature

of less than 157 K) migrate from a leakage area in the trunk to the

passenger compartment, and if so, can additional venting, relocation

of vents, or other methods be incorporated in the sedan to eliminate

this hazardous situation?

GSA has requested the Cryogenics Division of NBS to perform tests,

analyze data, and make recommendations for the modification (if any)

to be made in the vent system or any other aspect, method or design

that would minimize the concentration of methane gas (or LNG vapor)

in the trunk or passenger area to well below the lower explosion limit

(at least to 50% LEL)

.

43
A test program and results were described in the previous re- porting period (NBSIR 74-358) . The potentially hazardous condition

caused by release of methane or vaporized LNG in the trunk area was reported to the co-sponsor in the form of a progress report.

Program and Results . During this reporting period the General Services

Administration concluded that the work done here on the venting of the

GSA auto was adequate for their needs and that they did not intend to

pursue the subject further. TThile these decisions were being made, NBS

had requested use of the sedan for additional NBS experiments concerned

with the venting of hydrogen in addition to methane gas.

These new tests were designed to add to the information previously

collected and to answer the following questions:

a) ^'That are reasonable inflow (leakage) rates, cumulative leakage

quantities and leakage injection locations?;

b) \^at are experimentally reasonable gas residence times in the passenger compartment?;

c) \'}hat is the effect of increased roof vent area?;

d) ^-That is the effect of leakage gas temperature and environmental

temperature on test results?;

e) I-Jhat is the effect of wind direction and velocity on the rate of

efflux of gaseous fuels from the car interior?; and

f) \\Tiat instrumentation is required?

The test vehicle was relocated into a test bay of a metal building

equipped with explosion proof electrical fixtures and a roof mounted

explosion proof exhaust fan. In place solid state combustible gas sensors were substituted for sample lines used in the previous test. Temperatures and pressures inside the vehicle were monitored as well as flow

rates of combustible gas introduced to the passenger compartment. Both

hydrogen and methane gas were injected into the passenger compartment.

A series of experiments were then performed to identify the explosioi

hazards, establish venting criteria, and obviate general safeguards for

hydrogen or methane fueled passenger vehicles.

It was found that appropriately designed ventilation systems significantly reduced the safety hazards associated with accumulated com- bustible gases. Vents were recommended for all autos converted to burn

hydrogen or methane and may possibly be eliminated in new cars that are designed for gaseous fuel operation. Combustible gas warning systems

are recommended, at least in the interim, for all (converted and new

design) gaseous fueled vehicles. Hydrogen and methane gases appear

equally safe as vehicular fuels if used in properly designed vehicles.

The information developed under the joint OTS-GSA program has been

compiled and will be published as an NBS report (TN 666)

.

44
This study indicates that gasoline powered vehicles converted to

burn gaseous fuel should be equipped as follows:

1) The fuel system should be adequately designed for fuel containment in the event of collision;

2) The car trunk should be adequately vented if the fuel tank is

located in the trunk;

3) The fuel tank vent should be ducted to the far rear exterior of

the vehicle;

4) A trunk membrane should be provided to isolate the trunk or fuel

and passenger compartments.

Optional but highly desirable equipment for such vehicles would include a positive ventilation system and an early warning combustible gas

detector. Guidelines for the design of appropriate ventilation systems are given in the report. If used, a combustible gas sensor should be

located in the passenger compartment at the highest point of the roof

(vented or nonvented)

.

Problem Areas . None.

Funding . Labor .5 MY

Cost (includes some equipment) $30,000

Future Plans . The program will be terminated with the publication of

the NBS Technical Note.

45
NBS-1J4A (REV. 7-73)

U.S. DEPT. OF COMM. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

SHEET

1. PUBLICATION OR REPORT NO. NBSIR 75-802

2. Gov't Accession

No.

3. Recipient's Accession No.

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

Liquefied Natural Gas Research at the National

Bureau of Standards

5. Publication Date January 1975

6. Performing Organization Code

7. AUTHOR(S)

u» D • nann ^Hiuiuor^

8. Performing Organ. Report No.

9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20234

10. Project/Task/Work Unit No. 2750401

11. Contract/Grant No.

12. Sponsoring Organization Name and Complete Address (Street, City, State, ZIP)

Same as Item 9.

13. Type of Report & Period Covered

14. Sponsoring Agency Code

15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

16. ABSTRACT (A 200-word or less factual summary of most significant information. If document includes a significant

bibliography or literature survey, mention it here.) Eighteen cost centers supported by seven other agency sponsors in addition to NBS

provide the basis for liquefied natural gas (LNG) research at NBS. During this six

month reporting period the level of effort was at an 18 man-year level with funding

expenditures of over $485,000. This integrated progress report to be issued in

January and July is designed to:

1) Provide all sponsoring agencies with a semi-annual and annual report on

the activities of their individual programs.

2) Inform all sponsoring agencies on related research being conducted at the

Cryogenics Division of NBS-IBS.

3) Provide a uniform reporting procedure which should maintain and improve

communication while minimizing the time, effort and paperwork at the cost ' center level. '

I The contents of this report will augment the quarterly progress meetings of some sponsors, but will not necessarily replace such meetings. Distribution of this document is limited and intended primarily for the supporting agencies. Data or other

information must be considered preliminary, subject to change and unpublished; and

therefore not for citation in the open literature .

17. KEY WORDS (six to twelve entries; alphabetical order; capitalize only the first letter of the first key word unless a proper name; separated by semicolons

)

Cryogenic; liquefied natural gas; measurement; methane; properties; research.

18. AVAILABILITY | | Unlimited 19. SECURITY CLASS

(THIS REPORT)

21. NO. OF PAGES

For Official Distribution. Do Not Release to NTIS

UNCLASSIFIED

1 1 Order From Sup. of Doc, U.S. Government

Washington. D.C. 20402. SD Cat. No. C13

Printing Office 20. SECURITY CLASS

(THIS PAGE)

22. Price

1 1 Order From National Technical Information

Springfield, Virginia 22151

Service (NTIS)

UNCLASSIFIED

USCOMM-DC 29042-P7