NFPA 59A-2019 Standard for the Production, Storage, and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

NFPA, 2019. — 90 p.Better identify risks and help ensure safety around Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants and export facilities with the expanded 2019 edition of NFPA 59A.Adopted by DOT and referenced by other agencies including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, NFPA 59A, Standard for the Production, Storage, and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), governs the site selection, design, construction, and fire protection of LNG plants.NFPA 59A is required throughout the United States -- and internationally trusted as the final word on safety for these specialized facilities.Along with prescriptive requirements, the Standard includes a performance-based option that requires analyzing the risks to persons and property in the area surrounding the proposed LNG plant based on risk mitigation techniques incorporated into the facility design. The prevalence of LNG in the United States has caused a shift away from predominantly importing LNG towards becoming a large exporter. Numerous export facilities under development rely on NFPA 59A for guidance on LNG production, storage, and handling.Major updates in this edition:Reorganized requirements for Plant Siting and Layout provide better focus and easier implementation for users.
First-time Chapter 17, Requirements for Stationary Applications for Small Scale LNG Facilities, is built around requirements for ASME containers. This chapter also establishes a framework under which a single-wall ASME container with supplementary design and fabrication requirements can be safely implemented for storage at small-scale LNG facilities.
Coverage formerly in Annexes concerning Security and Personnel Training is now incorporated into the mandatory requirements.
The latest edition of NFPA 59A is a crucial resource for architects, owners, designers, engineers, fire safety officers, AHJs, and anyone responsible for LNG plant safety.This standard provides minimum fire protection, safety, and related requirements for the location, design, construction, security, operation, and maintenance of liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants.1.1* Scope.
A.1.1 This standard establishes essential requirements and standards for the design, installation, and safe operation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities. It provides guidance to all persons concerned with the construction and operation equipment for the production, storage, and handling of LNG. It is not a design handbook, and competent engineering judgment is necessary for its proper use.
At sufficiently low temperatures, natural gas liquefies. At atmospheric pressure, natural gas can be liquefied by reducing its temperature to approximately −260°F (−162°C).Upon release from the container to the atmosphere, LNG will vaporize and release gas that, at ambient temperature, has about 600 times the volume of the liquid. Generally, at temperatures below approximately −170°F (−112°C), the gas is heavier than ambient air at 60°F (15.6°C). However, as its temperature rises, it becomes lighter than air.Note that the −260°F (−162°C) temperature value is for methane. If the other constituents are present, see 3.3.18. For information on the use of LNG as a vehicle fuel, see NFPA 52.1.1.1 This standard shall apply to the following:(1) The siting, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of facilities that produce, store, and handle liquefied natural gas (LNG)
(2) The training of personnel involved with LNG
1.1.2 This standard shall not apply to the following:
(1) Frozen ground containers
(2) Portable storage containers stored or used in buildings
(3) All LNG vehicular applications, including fueling of LNG vehicles