|
Natural
gas is the gaseous releases from the decomposing organic matter. It is
trapped in-between the spaces in the coal and can be extracted through
pipes to the surface to provide energy required to generate electricity,
provide heating and cooling at homes and industries, power manufacturing
companies, used as fuels in cars and in the manufacturing of several
products (watch the video: Facts about Natural Gas below).
Natural
gas
is mainly methane (CH4), while still in the ground with
some other impurities. It is purified after extraction
to give natural gas that is used in meeting the earlier identified energy
needs. It could be sourced on
land and offshore by drilling. Drilling is preceded by exploration to
identify the potential natural gas deposits.
After abstraction, natural gas is cleansed at a gas processing plant to
remove the "by-products" usually propane and butane.
Because natural gas is colorless, odourless and tasteless,
Mercaptan (a
chemical that has a sulphur like odour) is added before distribution, to
give it a distinct unpleasant odour (smells like rotten eggs). This serves
as a safety device by allowing it to be detected in the atmosphere, in
cases where leaks occur.
|
