Natural gas is a mixture of light hydrocarbons in a gaseous state, which is mostly composed of methane and ethane, and in smaller proportions of propane, butanes, pentanes, and heavier hydrocarbons.
If the content of hydrocarbons higher than methane is high, it is called rich gas; otherwise, it is known as dry gas. The main impurities that the mixture may contain are water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide, and helium, among others.
How is natural gas found?
Natural gas is found just like oil in deposits underground. It can be associated (gas mixed with crude) or free. The properties of the gas such as composition, specific gravity, average molecular weight, and calorific value vary from one deposit to another.
What advantages does natural gas have?
The main advantages of natural gas are:
- It does not require major infrastructure for its use, such as storage tanks, pumps, heat exchangers, etc.
- It does not require prior or post-processing for its use at the consumption point, unlike other energy sources like coal, which requires prior grinding and ash removal after use.
- It is safe in case of leaks, as it dissipates easily in the air, reducing the risk of explosion caused by high concentrations.
- It is more environmentally friendly.
- The maintenance frequency of equipment that operates with natural gas is lower compared to that required by equipment using other energy sources.
Colombian Association of Oil and Gas