Natural gas is extracted from the depths of Earth. This mineral consists of mix of gaseous hydrocarbons which is formed as a result of decomposition of organic matter in sedimentary rocks of earth crust.
What substances are a part of natural gas
For 80-98% natural gas consists of methane (CH4). Physical and chemical properties of methane define characteristics of natural gas. Along with methane as a part of natural gas there are connections of the same structural type – ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8) and butane (C4H10). In certain cases in small amounts, from 0.5 to 1%, in natural gas are found: pentane (C5H12), hexane (C6H14), heptane (C7H16), octane (C8H18) and nonan (C9H20).
Also natural gas includes compounds of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2), helium (He), water vapor. The composition of natural gas depends on characteristics of fields where it is got. The natural gas extracted in purely gas fields consists generally of methane.
Characteristics of components of natural gas
All chemical compounds which are a part of natural gas have a number of the properties useful in various spheres of the industry and in life. Methane – combustible gas without color and a smell, it is easier than air. It is used in the industry and life as fuel. Ethane is combustible gas without color and a smell, it is a little heavier than air. Generally from ethane receive ethylene. Propane – poisonous gas without color and a smell. On properties butane is close to it. Propane is used, for example, during the welding works, when processing scrap metal. Fill with the liquefied propane and butane lighters and gas cylinders. Butane is used in refrigeration units. A pentane, hexane, heptane, octane and nonan – colourless liquids. The pentane and hexane in small amounts are a part of motor fuels. Hexane is also used at extraction of vegetable oils. Heptane, hexane, octane and nonan are good organic solvents. Hydrogen sulfide – poisonous colourless heavy gas, has a smell of rotten eggs. This gas even in small concentration causes paralysis of an olfactory nerve. But owing to the fact that hydrogen sulfide has good antiseptic properties it in small doses is applied in medicine to hydrosulphuric bathtubs. Carbon dioxide – flavourless nonflammable colourless gas with sour taste. Carbon dioxide is used in the food industry: in production of carbonated drinks for saturation by their carbonic acid, for freezing of products, for cooling of cargoes when transporting, etc. Nitrogen – harmless colourless gas, without taste and a smell. Apply it in production of mineral fertilizers, use in medicine, etc. Helium – one of the lightest gases. It has no color and a smell, does not burn, is not toxic. Helium is used in various fields of the industry – when welding, for cooling of nuclear reactors, filling of stratosphere balloons.