What are the Key Components and Properties Of Natural Gas?
Natural gas is primarily composed of methane (CH4), which typically makes up 70-90% of its composition. The remaining components are typically other hydrocarbons such as ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), and small amounts of other gases such as nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and hydrogen sulphide (H2S).
Hydrocarbon Content: -
Natural gas is a hydrocarbon mixture predominantly composed of saturated light paraffins such as methane and ethane, both of which are gaseous at room temperature. Other hydrocarbons, such as propane, butane, pentane, and hexane, may also be included in the combination. Because of the greater pressures in natural gas reserves, the heavier hydrocarbons exist mostly in gaseous form. They typically liquefy at the surface (at atmospheric pressure) and are separated as natural gas liquids (NGLs) in field separators or gas processing plants. Once separated from the gas stream, the NGLs can be further fractionated, ranging from the heaviest condensates (hexanes, pentanes, and butanes) to ethane via liquefied petroleum gas (LPG; essentially butane and propane).
On-hydrocarbon Content: -
Other gases, such as nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and hydrogen sulphide (H2S), as well as noble gases such as helium and argon, are present in trace concentrations. Nitrogen and carbon dioxide are non-combustible and can be found in significant amounts. Nitrogen is inert, but if present in substantial proportions, it lowers the heating value of the combination. Thus, it must be eliminated before the gas is appropriate for industrial use. Carbon dioxide is eliminated to increase heating value, reduce volume, and maintain uniform combustion qualities.
