Final answer:
True, temperature impacted the release of LPG at the Longford facility, as temperature variations affect gas properties and pressure. However, it's false to state that the flammability of LPG did not have a significant impact on the consequences; its flammability can lead to serious fires or explosions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement regarding the incident at the Longford gas plant in 1998 suggests that physical conditions such as temperature contributed to the release of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). This is true. Temperature can affect the physical state and properties of gases, and in the case of LPG, which is stored under pressure, temperature variations can impact the pressure within storage vessels. If the temperature increases, the pressure inside the vessel may also increase, potentially leading to failure if the system is not equipped to handle such changes.
In terms of the flammability of LPG having a significant impact on the consequences of the release, that statement is false. The flammability of LPG is a key characteristic that can greatly exacerbate the consequences of a release. If LPG finds an ignition source once it is released into the atmosphere, it can ignite, leading to fires or explosions.
Ultimately, the pressure increased, which was difficult to predict because two properties of the gas were changing, indicating the complexity of the situation at the Longford facility. The handling and storage of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and LPG are crucial, and both are stored in specialized conditions to maintain their liquefied state and to prevent accidents.