Natural Gas pdf

Fossil energy source found deep beneath the earth's surface.
Composed mainly of methane (CH4) – one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.
Contains natural gas liquids (NGLs) and non-hydrocarbon gases (e.g., carbon dioxide, water vapor).
Utilized as fuel and in the production of materials and chemicals.

Formed millions to hundreds of millions of years ago from the remains of plants and animals.
Organic materials buried under layers of sand, silt, and rock were subjected to heat and pressure.
Resulting transformations lead to the creation of coal, oil, and natural gas.

Found in various geological formations:
- Conventional Natural Gas: Large spaces and cracks between rock layers.
- Unconventional Natural Gas: Tiny pores within shale, sandstone, and sedimentary rock (called shale or tight gas).
- Associated Natural Gas: Found with crude oil deposits.
- Coalbed Methane: Found in coal deposits.
Natural gas deposits can be located on land or offshore.

Geologists study earth's structure and processes to locate potential natural gas deposits.
Use seismic surveys, which measure seismic waves generated by vibrations or small explosives to analyze rock formations:
- Land Surveys: Utilize thumper trucks to create seismic waves.
- Ocean Surveys: Use sound blasts to explore underwater geology.

If seismic surveys indicate potential deposits, exploratory wells are drilled and tested.
Successful tests lead to drilling production wells, which can be vertical or horizontal:
- In conventional deposits, gas flows easily to the surface.
- In shale deposits, hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is used to release gas.
Natural gas is transported via gathering pipelines to processing plants.

Withdrawn gas, termed wet natural gas, contains methane and NGLs.
At processing plants:
- Water vapor, nonhydrocarbons, and NGLs are removed or separated.
- The final product is dry, consumer-grade natural gas suitable for pipelines.
Odorants (like mercaptan) are added to detect leaks in pipelines.

Affordability:
- Costs less than electricity and can be cheaper than coal/oil for heating.
- Estimated savings of $5,700 over 15 years when switching from other sources.
- Low operating costs for natural gas appliances.
Environmental Impact:
- Cleans fossil fuel with less carbon dioxide emissions compared to coal and oil.
- Emits little to no sulfur.
Dependability:
- Natural gas is supplied through pipelines, less affected by severe weather compared to electricity.
- Appliances like water heaters continue to operate during power outages.
Domestic Source:
- Over 97% of natural gas used in the U.S. is produced domestically.
- Increased domestic production creates jobs in natural gas production.
- Approximately 35,000 jobs created for every 1% increase in production.

Natural gas presents an efficient, cost-effective, and cleaner alternative to other fossil fuels like coal and oil.
Understanding the benefits of natural gas can influence energy choices and contribute to economic and environmental advantages.