WHAT IS NATURAL GAS

COMPOSITION:

• A mixture of gases consisting mainly of methane (94%), with some ethane (3%) and other hydrocarbon gases
  
• It is a petroleum product that may be found along with oil, or alone
  
• Like oil, natural gas is a fossil fuel
  
• Gets its name because it occurs naturally in the earth. It is believed to come from the decay of once living organisms over millions of years

CHARACTERISTICS:
In its natural state:

1. It is Odorless
   
2. Colorless
   
3. Non-Toxic
   
4. Non-Poisonous
   
5. Tasteless
   
6. Lighter than air (specific gravity of natural gas - .6 - .65) (air - 1.0)
   Note: In open atmosphere - gas rises into the air. In closed areas - it will rise to highest point and accumulate.

Note: Odorant (mercaptan, thiopane, spotleak) is added by the gas company to give natural gas a recognizable smell. The odorant aids in leak detection and helps people to notice leaking gas before it builds up to a dangerous level unnoticed. A very low level of odorant is needed to produce a strong odor.

ESCAPING GAS CHARACTERISTICS:

• Distinctive Odor - "rotten egg" smell "
  
• Vegetation may be initially greener then dead appearance
  
• Insects (may migrate)
  
• Fungus-like growth initially
  
• Sound (has blowing or hissing noise)

IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER:

• Ignition temperature of natural gas is between 1100 F and 1200 F
  
• The average BTU content is 1,000 BTUs per cubic foot
  
• The flammability range of natural gas is between 4.5% and 14.5%
  
• The ideal mixture for burning is 10% gas to 90% air

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