Natural gas is one of the most demanding non-renewable resources and also one of the most common fuels for the domestic environment, and despite being a non-renewable resource, it is very abundant in the subsoil, which makes it very accessible for all.
Natural gas is consumed as it is in nature. Since it is extracted from the deposits until it reaches the homes and consumption points, natural gas does not go through any process of transformation.
In this article we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of natural gas, its chemical composition, as extracted and what are the forms of use of this great natural resource.
What is the definition of Natural Gas?
Natural gas is defined as a fossil fuel and is considered the cleanest on the planet. In its natural state is colorless and odorless ie does not smell and has no color and is also known as methane.
Chemical composition of natural Gas
Much of the natural gas we find and use today has its origin in the microscopic plants and animals that lived in shallow marine environments millions of years ago.
Molecular formula
Chemically it is composed of four hydrogen atoms and one carbon atom its molecular formula is CH4 or methane; which can compose up to 97% of the natural gas.
Natural Gas Benefits
- It is an abundant resource all over the world, therefore there is always availability in the market.
- The process of gas extraction, distribution and marketing is always very economical.
- The price of gas in the market is low cost, it is the most accessible source of energy.
- It is a very versatile resource to have application for different uses, for example, domestic gas, vehicular gas, etc.
- Since its composition makes it lighter than air, in front of a leak, it dissipates rapidly, reducing risks.
- It’s a non-toxic source of energy.
- Among domestic fuels, natural gas is the least flammable.
- It is a fuel that for use at any level is not required a pre-processing process.
- If inhaled there is no risk of poisoning.
- It does not leave solid or liquid residues, extending the life of the appliances operating on the basis of this fuel.
- It is used as heat source in the manufacture of glass, steel, cement, bricks, ceramics, tiles, paper, foodstuffs and many other commodities.
- Natural gas is also used in many industrial facilities for incineration.
- Its relative density makes it lighter than air, so leakages or emissions dissipate rapidly in the upper layers of the atmosphere, making it difficult to form explosive mixtures in the air.
- It is efficient and abundant
- Not corrosive
Disadvantages of Natural Gas
- If you don’t add a odorant, we can’t detect it in the environment.
- If there is an excessive leakage in a confined or reduced space, it may displace oxygen and cause suffocation.
- The calorific value of this fuel is quite small.
- Compared to butane gas, natural gas is more expensive.
- Silver is subject to continuous inspections that result in high costs.
- Natural gas takes up a lot more space than either liquid or solid.
- Contributes to the generation of greenhouse gases.
- Its storage process is complicated.
- Generates great dependence on electricity generation.
- Countries that do not have gas deposits end up in a strong dependence on the product.
Know the uses of natural gas
Natural gas is a very important form of fuel that is being used in both the household and industrial sectors around the world. These are the most common forms of use:
Home Sector
Most of the natural gas consumed in households is used for heating and water heating. It is also used in kitchens, ovens, clothes dryers, lighting fixtures and others.
Commercial Sector
The use of natural gas in the commercial sector is similar to its use in residences. It is mainly used for heating, water heating and sometimes for air conditioning.
Power generation
Studies carried out during the year 2018 indicated that about 34% of the consumption of natural gas was used to produce electricity United States. Of the three fossil fuels used for the generation of electric energy (coal, oil and natural gas), natural gas is the one that emits less carbon dioxide per unit of energy produced.
Industrial Sector
Natural gas is used in a wide variety of manufacturing processes such as raw material and as a source of heat.
It is also used for the manufacture of fertilisers, antifreezes, plastics, pharmaceuticals and tissues. It is also used for the manufacture of a wide range of chemical products such as ammonia, methanol, butane, ethane, propane and acetic acid.
Many manufacturing processes require heat to melt, dry, bake or glaze a product.
How natural gas is extracted
Natural gas is found deep in the Earth’s crust, often also in the depths of the seabed. The process begins with the investigation of a certain area by a team of geologists and geophysicists who are in charge of the exploration.
Once a potential natural gas deposit has been located, it is up to a team of drilling experts to dig up where natural gas is believed to exist.
Advances in technology have contributed greatly to the increase in efficiency and success rate in drilling natural gas wells.
Ground and offshore drillings feature unique drilling environments, requiring special techniques and equipment.
Conclusion
For generations, this type of fuel has been preferred in its domestic and industrial application, staying economically accessible for all over the years, in fact it is one of the sources of energy that has been more stable at the price level.
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