Page 26 - Handbook of Natural Gas Transmission and Processing Principles and Practices

Abstract
Natural gas is the most energy efficient fossil fuel—it offers important energy saving benefits
when it is used instead of oil or coal. Although the primary use of natural gas is as a fuel, it is
also a source of hydrocarbons for petrochemical feedstocks and a major source of elemental
sulfur, an important industrial chemical. Its popularity as an energy source is expected to grow
substantially in the future because natural gas can help achieve two important energy goals for
the 21st century, providing the sustainable energy supplies and services needed for social and
economic development and reducing adverse impacts on global climate and the environment,
in general. This chapter gives the reader an introduction to natural gas by describing the origin
and composition of natural gas, gas sources, phase behavior and properties, and transportation
methods.

Keywords

Natural gas origin and sources; Natural gas composition and classification; Phase
behavior; Natural gas properties; Natural gas exploration and production; Transportation
methods

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