Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)

Natural gas is a fossil fuel composed mainly of methane, along with other hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane, and butane. It is a naturally occurring gas that is often found in deposits alongside petroleum and coal. Natural gas is a non-renewable energy source that is extracted from the ground through drilling. It is used for a variety of purposes, including heating homes and businesses, generating electricity, and as a fuel for vehicles. Natural gas is also considered to be a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal and oil, which makes it a popular choice in many countries as an energy source.

Types of Natural Gas

There are different types of natural gas based on their composition and origin. Types of natural gas:

Conventional natural gas: Conventional natural gas is the most common type of natural gas and is typically found in porous rocks or reservoirs beneath the earth’s surface. It consists mainly of methane with small amounts of other hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane, and butane.
Shale gas: Shale gas is a type of natural gas that is trapped in shale formations deep underground. It is extracted using hydraulic fracturing (or “fracking”), which involves injecting a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals into the shale to release the gas.
Tight gas: Tight gas is similar to shale gas but is found in tight sandstone formations. It is also extracted using hydraulic fracturing techniques.
Coalbed methane: Coalbed methane is a type of natural gas that is trapped in coal seams. It is extracted by drilling wells into the coal seams and pumping out the gas.
Biogas: Biogas is produced by the breakdown of organic matter such as agricultural waste, food waste, and sewage. It is primarily composed of methane and carbon dioxide.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG): LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to a temperature of around -260°F (-162°C) to convert it into a liquid form for transportation and storage. It is primarily used as a fuel for heating, electricity generation, and transportation.
Compressed natural gas (CNG): CNG is natural gas that has been compressed to a high pressure and stored in cylinders for transportation and storage. It is primarily used as a fuel for vehicles and industrial processes.

Natural Gas Specifications

Our specifications of natural gas can vary depending on the source of the gas and its intended use. However, some common specifications for natural gas include:

Methane content: Natural gas is primarily composed of methane, so the methane content is an important specification. Typically, natural gas must contain at least 70% methane by volume to be considered pipeline-quality gas.
Non-methane content: Natural gas may also contain other hydrocarbons, such as ethane, propane, and butane, which are collectively known as natural gas liquids (NGLs). The non-methane content of natural gas can vary depending on the source of the gas.
Heating value: The heating value of natural gas refers to the amount of heat that can be produced by burning a given volume of gas. The heating value of natural gas is typically expressed in British thermal units per cubic foot (BTU/cf).
Density: The density of natural gas can vary depending on its composition and temperature. The density of natural gas is typically expressed in pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).
Sulfur content: Natural gas may contain sulfur compounds, which can be harmful to the environment and to human health. The sulfur content of natural gas is typically expressed in parts per million (ppm).
Moisture content: Natural gas may contain small amounts of moisture, which can cause problems in pipelines and other equipment. The moisture content of natural gas is typically expressed in pounds per million standard cubic feet (lb/MMscf).
Impurities: Natural gas may contain impurities such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and helium, which can affect its properties and its usability. The maximum allowable levels of these impurities can vary depending on the intended use of the gas.