Page 9 - Penske_Student Guide Book

Module 1 Properties and Characteristics of Natural Gas

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the properties and characteristics of natural gas
2. Compare natural gas with gasoline and diesel
3. Recognize the safety hazards of natural gas

Slide Topic Content Notes

Chemical Properties of Natural  90-96% methane
Gas
 Other components include
 Ethane
 Propane
 Butane

Natural Gas Is the Simplest  Methane CH4
Hydrocarbon Fuel  Diesel C14H30
 Gasoline C8H18
 Propane C3H8

Physical Properties of Natural  Lighter than air
Gas  Specific gravity .55 - .65
(air = 1)

 Colorless, tasteless, and
odorless
 An odorant is added for
human detection

 Non-toxic

 Non-corrosive

Flammability Properties of  Ignition temperature 900 –
Natural Gas
1,080°F

 Flammability range 5% to

15% in air
 Below 5% too lean to

burn
 Above 15% too rich to

burn

9