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Natural Gas
Natural Gas is a gaseous fossil fuel, which is mainly methane (CH4). It
formed similarly to other fossil fuels though the decomposition of
plants and animals
remains to form organic matter several years ago. The organic matter, over
years have been overlain by soil and rocks
and has undergone several transformations through pressure
and heat
to form
fossil
fuel substances such as
coal, oil (petroleum), and natural gas
Natural gas
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, odorless and tasteless, mercaptan (a
chemical that has a sulfur like odor) is added before distribution, to
give it a distinct unpleasant odor (smells like rotten eggs). This serves
as a safety device by allowing it to be detected in the atmosphere, in
cases where leaks occur.
Modern day technology also uses digesters to transform
organic material
such as
plants
and
animal wastes into natural gas.
Natural Gas
energy is not a sustainable energy resource. However, it provides a better
alternative to other fossil fuels such as coal and oil. Natural gas burns
more cleanly and produces less greenhouse gases.
There are concerns about
natural gas leaking during production, transportation or storage. Best
practices and new technologies are being developed in the industry to
ensure minimal or no leaks of methane to the environment.
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