Natural gas

Description

Natural gas (described by the TSCA definition below) is an approved ingredient in the generation of “Combustion product gas”, as described in §173.350. Limits of carbon dioxide in the final product (the gas) are set at 4.5% by volume and analytical methodology for testing the gas is prescribed. Combustion product gas is used to displace or remove oxygen in the processing, storage, or packaging of beverage products and other food, except for fresh meats.

Chemical properties

Colorless, flammable gas or liquid; almost odorless.A warning odor is added to household fuel gas as a safety precaution.

Chemical properties

Raw natural gas, as found in nature, or a gaseous combination of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly in the range of C1 through C4 separated from raw natural gas by the removal of natural gas condensate, natural gas liquid, and natural gas condensate/natural gas. Natural gas is a colorless, odorless, flammable gas that occurs naturally along with petroleum deposits in marshes or from waste decomposition and is composed mainly of methane. The gas can be liquefied for transport and storage and is primarily used as fuel.

The Uses of Natural gas

Petroleum gas, recovered during crude oil refining, is a flammable gas that is easily compressed to LPG, liquefied petroleum or “bottled” gas. LPG is primarily used as fuel, as chemical raw material, and for refinery blending of a variety of materials. Hydraulic fracturing (HF or fracking) is used by gas producers to stimulate wells and recover natural gas from sources such as coal beds and shale gas formations. HF is also used for other applications including oil recovery.

The Uses of Natural gas

Fuel and cooking gas, ammonia synthesis, formaldehyde and other petrochemical feedstocks, source of synthesis gas and methanol. Asphixiant. See liquefied petroleum gas; synthetic natural gas

Definition

A mixture of low molecular weight hydrocarbons obtained in petroleumbearing regions throughout the world. Its composition is 85% methane 10% ethane, the balance being made up of propane, butane, and nitrogen. In the U.S., it occurs chiefly in the southwestern states and Alaska. An as-yet-unexploited source of natural gas under extremely high pressure (so-called geopressurized gas) exists in Texas and Louisiana at depths of 15,000–20,000 ft. The tremendous pressures involved present formidable engineering problems. Natural gas is classed as a simple asphyxiant. It should not be confused with natural gasoline. About 3% of the natural gas consumed in the U.S. is used as feedstocks by the chemical industries

General Description

A flammable liquefied gaseous mixture of straight chain hydrocarbons, predominately methane.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable.

Reactivity Profile

Liquid oxygen gives an explosive mixture when combined with liquid methane [NFPA 1991]. Contact of very cold liquefied gas with water may result in vigorous or violent boiling of the product and extremely rapid vaporization due to the large temperature differences involved. If the water is hot, there is the possibility that a liquid "superheat" explosion may occur. Pressures may build to dangerous levels if liquid gas contacts water in a closed container [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980]. Involved in many explosions when combined with especially powerful oxidizers such as bromine pentafluoride, chlorine trifluoride, chlorine, iodine, heptafluoride, dioxygenyl tetrafluoroborate, dioxygen difluorede, trioxygen difluoride and liquid oxygen. Other violent reactions include, chlorine dioxide and nitrogen trifluoride.

Hazard

Flammable, dangerous fire and explosion risk; explosive limits in air 3.8–17%

Health Hazard

Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Some may be irritating if inhaled at high concentrations. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.

Fire Hazard

EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Will form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. CAUTION: Hydrogen (UN1049), Deuterium (UN1957), Hydrogen, refrigerated liquid (UN1966) and Methane (UN1971) are lighter than air and will rise. Hydrogen and Deuterium fires are difficult to detect since they burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.) Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket.