Did you know that natural gas isn’t actually explosive? One of the biggest misconceptions is that it explodes on meeting air, but it doesn’t. There must be an ignition source for it to explode and there needs to be a concentrated amount of 5-15% of it relative to the air. To avoid getting caught up in its myths we have to understand where our energy comes from. We have to understand what natural gas is. Natural gas is the most common source of energy that consumers use every day. It powers our homes, cars and keeps the world moving.
What many may not know about natural gas is that it is a much cleaner energy source to burn compared to other alternatives such as petroleum and coal. It produces less carbon dioxide and is now being used as fuel for logistic fleets and as electricity throughout the United States. The U.S. produces about 97% of the amount of oil that it consumes with 65% of onshore production being done in 5 states Louisiana, Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania and Texas.
Natural gas consists of hydrocarbons with methane being a large portion of it. Once refined, the hydrocarbons are used for various sources of energy.
Methane
Before being used by consumers, natural gas is processed into methane. It is highly combustible and passed through steam and gas turbines to generate electricity. Homeowners receive the final product through pipelines where they can use the energy for their gas fireplace, or with their gas dryer.
Ethane
Ethane is the next aspect of energy within natural gas. While it is a hydrocarbon, it is also a consequence of the refining process. Since it has a higher heating temperature than methane, it is used for other purposes, such as to create ethylene and any related products. It is then turned into packagings, such as trash liners, wire or any other consumer product.
Propane
Propane is turned into either a gas or liquid and is an abundant form of energy. It is used to power stoves, central heating, and fuels engines. With it being easily transportable, it is a prevalent source of heating used to power grills. Propane is used to fuel larger vehicles and buses. Even larger sized homes can have their water heaters powered.
Butane
Making 20% of natural gas, Butane is an excellent source of energy. It is highly flammable and when it comes in contact with either oxygen or air burns quickly. It is typically used in liquefied petroleum gas, which is used to fuel cars. Butane is also found in refrigerant, and is fuel for lighters.