Natural Gas Facts

Description

Harmless Gas

Natural Gas is lighter than air, non-toxic and contains no poisonous ingredients. Breathing natural gas is not harmful as long as there is an adequate supply of air to breathe along with it.

Flammable Property

Natural Gas by itself will not burn. Combustion can occur only when there is a mixture of gas and air containing between 5% and 15% natural gas and between 95% and 85% air.

Carbon Dioxide & Water Vapor Emission

When natural gas is burned, it produces mostly carbon dioxide and water vapor; the same substance emitted when people breathe. Compared with other fossil fuels, natural gas emits the least amount of carbon dioxide into the air. This makes natural gas the cleanest burning fossil fuel.

Odor attribute

Natural Gas in its natural state is odorless. A chemical known as Mercaptan is added to give natural gas the odor that smells like rotten eggs so that you can detect it.

Color property

Because of its unique qualities of being lighter than air with a narrow band of combustion, natural gas is the safest energy source available. Understanding and following safety procedures will make it even safer.

Characteristics of Natural Gas

  • Auto Ignition: (1004 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Boiling Point: (258.7 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Extinguishing Media: Class B (Dry Chemical, “Halon,” CO2)
  • Flammable Limits in Air: 5% Volume (LEL) ; 15% Volume (UEL)
  • Freezing Point: (minus 296.7 degrees Fahrenheit)