 | Natural gas is a
mixture of hydrocarbons.
|
| Chief component of
natural gas
is methane (CH4) 80%-95%.
|
| Other components
include
ethane, propane, butane,
nitrogen, helium, carbon
dioxide,
hydrogen sulfide, and water.
|
| It is extremely
flammable.
|
| Natural gas occurs
primarily in
petroleum deposits, but also in sand,
sandstone, and limestone deposits.
|
| It is produced
either form gas wells
or in conjunction with crude oil
production.
|
| Liquefied natural
gas, called LNG, is natural gas that has been pressurized
or cooled for easier shipping and storing.
|
| It has a very low
boiling point.
|
| The U.S. is the
leading natural gas consumer in the world.
|
| Consumed in
residential, commercial, industrial, and utility markets
Advantages:
|
| The price of natural
gas is relatively low. It costs 15%-45% less than
gasoline or diesel.
|
| It is the cleanest
of all alternative-burning fuels.
|
| Natural gas produces
lower CO2 emissions, which means it contributes less to
the greenhouse effect.
|
| Domestic
Abundance*Scientists calculate that there is a 65 year supply of
natural gas available in the U.S. through current technology. (U.S.
Department of Energy)
|
| Deposits are more
evenly distributed throughout the world than are petroleum
deposits.
|
| It is an efficient
fuel for vehicles. It reduces vehicle maintenance
because standard spark plugs last up to 75,000 miles, whereas oil needs to
be
changed every 10,000-20,000 miles.
|
| Natural gas is safer
than gasoline. In an accident, compressed natural gas
dissipates into the atmosphere, rather than pooling on the ground and
creating a fire hazard.
Disadvantages:
|
| Although natural gas
produces lower Co2 emissions, burning it does emit
methane, which is another greenhouse gas.
|
| Due to consumption
rate, natural gas reserves will be depleted by the middle
of the 21st century.
|
