Natural gas
Natural gas and petroleum are similar in composition, as they both form under similar conditions and are usually found in underground or underwater fields.
Humans discovered petroleum and natural gas about 5,000 years ago. Natural gas contains plankton, which are small organisms invisible to the naked eye, such as algae and microorganisms, that accumulated over time in the layers of the earth and oceans. Then these remains were compressed under the sedimentary layers, and as a result of pressure and heat, they transformed into These residues and organic materials turn into natural gas after thousands of years.
Because natural gas is lighter than petroleum, it is usually in the upper layer of petroleum and is a gas that accompanies and accompanies petroleum, so it is referred to as “associated gas.” Natural gas may be transported from production platforms to collection points on shore, and natural gas is purified in refineries. Refining involves removing water and other liquids from it using gravitational forces. The gas is then passed through a cooler to extract petroleum and is then packed into bottles for use as fuel for heating and cooking in homes. The excess portion of the gas can be pumped through supply networks or liquefied by refrigeration and pressure and marketed as liquefied natural gas.
The importance of natural gas
Natural gas is of great importance in many economic, environmental and social aspects. Here are some key aspects of the importance of natural gas:
1. Clean and efficient fuel: Natural gas is considered a relatively clean fuel when burned, as it produces lower amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutants compared to other fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum.
2. Electricity generation: Natural gas is widely used in generating electricity. Natural gas-powered power plants provide a reliable and efficient source of electrical energy.
3. Chemical industry: Natural gas is used as a source of chemicals and petrochemicals such as: plastics, fertilizers, and other materials that are used in various industries.
4. Home and commercial uses: Natural gas is used in homes and commercial buildings for heating, cooling, cooking, and operating home appliances such as stoves, space heaters, and cooking ovens.
5. Vehicle fuel: Natural gas can be used as fuel for light vehicles, buses, and trucks. This reduces the dependence of public and private transportation on more polluting fossil fuels.
6. Strategic reserve: Natural gas is considered one of the components of the economic reserve of many countries, as it can be used as a source of national income and improving the trade balance.
7. Employment generation: The natural gas sector provides significant employment opportunities in areas such as extraction, production, distribution, information technology, and the environment.
8. Reducing dependence on oil: Natural gas can be used as an alternative to oil in many applications, which reduces dependence on oil fuels and limits oil price fluctuations.
In addition, natural gas is considered a somewhat renewable resource compared to petroleum, making it a sustainable option for meeting future energy needs.
Uses of natural gas
Natural gas is used in a wide range of applications in many sectors. Here are some of the main uses of natural gas:
- Electricity generation: Natural gas is used as a fuel in power plants to generate electrical energy. The gas can be converted into heat and then into electrical energy using internal combustion engines or gas power plants.
- Heating and cooling: Natural gas is used in homes and commercial buildings for heating and cooling purposes. It can be used in furnaces, central heating systems, and air conditioners.
- Cooking: Natural gas is used as a cooking source in homes and restaurants. Gas may work effectively in cooking ovens, stoves, and grills.
- Chemical industry: Natural gas is used as a raw material in the chemistry industry to produce a variety of chemical products such as plastics, fertilizers, and other chemicals.
- Transportation: Natural gas can be used as a fuel for vehicles, whether light cars, buses or trucks. This can contribute to reducing harmful exhaust emissions.
- Glass and ceramic industry: Natural gas is used as a heat source in the glass and ceramic industry to melt and shape raw materials.
- Other Industrial Uses: Natural gas is used in many other industrial applications, such as heating industrial furnaces and powering the engines of industrial tools and equipment.
- Derivative synthesis of electricity and heat from multiple plants: Natural gas is used in multiple synthesis plants to generate electricity and heat simultaneously which is known as derivative synthesis.
- Exporting natural gas: Some countries depend on exporting natural gas as a main source of national revenues through export contracts to other countries.
- Gas pumping stations: Natural gas is pumped through long pipes to transport it from production areas to consumption and distribution areas.
These are just a few examples of the uses of natural gas, and these uses can vary depending on countries and their specific needs.
Natural gas components
Natural gas consists primarily of a mixture of hydrocarbon gases that formed naturally in the Earth's interior. The main components of natural gas include:
- Methane (CH4): Methane is the main component of natural gas, and constitutes a high percentage of its composition. Methane is the main gas that burns to generate heat and power.
- Ethane (C2H6): Ethane is another important component of natural gas, making up a small percentage of its composition. Ethane can be used as fuel and also in the petrochemical industry.
- Propane (C3H8) and Butane (C4H10): These two compounds are also part of natural gas, and are widely used as heating fuel, in the petrochemical industry and as a main component in liquefied petroleum gas.
- Nitrogen (N2) and carbon dioxide (CO2): Natural gas can contain small amounts of nitrogen and carbon dioxide as non-hydrocarbon components. These non-hydrocarbon components are removed during purification processes.
- Other gases: Natural gas can contain traces of other gases such as hydrogen sulfur (H2S), helium (He), argon (Ar), hydrogen (H2), and other gases whose compositions and quantities vary depending on the source.
Natural gas compositions vary depending on location and source, which is why natural gas is carefully analyzed and tested before use to ensure it meets the specifications required for the specific application.
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