Direct Supply of Natural Gas in Industry

A Brief Overview of Natural Gas Characteristics, Storage, and

Composition

Introduction
Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is widely used in various industrial sectors, such as power
generation, heating, chemical production, and transportation. Natural gas is composed
mainly of methane, but also contains other hydrocarbons and non-combustible gases. The
composition of natural gas varies depending on the source and the processing methods.
Natural gas is a finite and depleting resource, and its supply and demand are influenced by
many factors, such as geopolitics, economics, environmental regulations, and
technological innovations. This document provides a brief overview of the direct supply of
natural gas in industry in many countries, the characteristics of natural gas, its storage
methods, and its composition by volume.

Direct Supply of Natural Gas in Industry

The direct supply of natural gas in industry refers to the delivery of natural gas from the
production fields to the end-users without intermediate processing or transportation. This
can reduce the costs and emissions associated with natural gas processing and
transportation, and increase the efficiency and reliability of natural gas supply. However,
the direct supply of natural gas in industry also poses some challenges, such as the need
for high-quality natural gas, the availability and accessibility of natural gas sources, the
safety and security of natural gas pipelines, and the coordination and regulation of natural
gas markets. The direct supply of natural gas in industry is practiced in many countries,
such as the United States, Canada, Russia, China, Australia, and some countries in the
Middle East and Africa.

Characteristics of Natural Gas

Natural gas is a colorless, odorless, and flammable gas that has a high calorific value,
meaning that it produces a large amount of heat when burned. The calorific value of
natural gas depends on its composition and pressure, and it ranges from 31 to 52 MJ/m3.
Natural gas has a low density and a high compressibility, meaning that it can be stored and
transported in large volumes under high pressure. Natural gas has a low carbon-to-
hydrogen ratio, meaning that it produces less carbon dioxide and other pollutants when
burned compared to other fossil fuels. Natural gas also has a high octane number,
meaning that it can be used as a fuel for internal combustion engines with high efficiency
and low emissions.

Storage Methods of Natural Gas

Natural gas can be stored in various ways, depending on the purpose, location, and
availability of storage facilities. Some of the common storage methods of natural gas are:

• Liquefied natural gas (LNG): Natural gas can be liquefied by cooling it to -162°C,
reducing its volume by about 600 times. LNG can be stored in cryogenic tanks or
transported by ships or trucks to distant markets. LNG can be regasified by heating
it to ambient temperature and pressure before use.
• Underground storage: Natural gas can be stored underground in depleted natural
gas reservoirs, aquifers, or salt caverns. These storage facilities can provide large
volumes of natural gas at low costs and can help balance the seasonal fluctuations
of natural gas demand and supply.
• Compressed natural gas (CNG): Natural gas can be compressed to high pressures,
ranging from 200 to 250 bar, and stored in steel cylinders or containers. CNG can be
used as a fuel for vehicles or distributed by pipelines to nearby customers.

Composition of Natural Gas by Volume

The composition of natural gas by volume varies depending on the source and the
processing methods of natural gas. However, the typical composition of natural gas by
volume is as follows:

• Methane: 70-90%
• Ethane: 5-15%
• Propane: 1-5%
• Butane: 0.1-2%
• Pentane: 0.01-0.2%
• Hexane: 0.001-0.02%
• Heptane: 0.0001-0.002%

Other combustible components that can be present in trace quantities are:

• Ethylene: 0-0.1%
 • Propylene: 0-0.1%
• Butylenes: 0-0.1%
• Hydrogen: 0-0.1%
• Carbon monoxide: 0-0.1%
• Hydrogen sulfide: 0-0.1%
• Ammonia: 0-0.1%

Inert gases that can be present in natural gas are:

• Nitrogen: 0.1-10%
• Carbon dioxide: 0.1-10%
• Helium: 0-0.5%
• Argon: 0-0.1%
• Xenon: 0-0.01%