Similarly, water vapor must be strictly controlled; when the gas cools, the water condenses and forms hydrates, which are ice-like compounds that can block pipelines. In some regions, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a notorious constituent.
The Role of Heavier Hydrocarbons in Natural Gas
This compound is the defining constituent, generally making up 70% to 90% of the total volume of the gas. Another common non-hydrocarbon is nitrogen (N2).
Trace Elements and Impurities Beyond the major constituents, natural gas contains trace amounts of other elements that can impact its handling and use. This complexity is why natural gas undergoes extensive treatment before it reaches the consumer.
The Role of Heavier Hydrocarbons in Natural Gas
The Primary Hydrocarbon: Methane At the heart of every natural gas stream is methane (CH4), the simplest hydrocarbon molecule. Propane (C3H8) and butane (C4H10) are also common constituents, particularly in natural gas liquids (NGLs).
More About What are the constituents of natural gas
Looking at What are the constituents of natural gas from another angle can help expand the discussion and give readers a second clear paragraph under the same section.
More perspective on What are the constituents of natural gas can make the topic easier to follow by connecting earlier points with a few simple takeaways.
