Methane

Methane (CHâ‚„) Is A Simple Hydrocarbon Gas That Is Commonly Used As A Fuel And Is Also Found In Natural Gas. Its Specifications Can Vary Depending On Its Intended Use, Such As For Industrial Applications, Residential Use, Or As A Chemical Feedstock. Here Are Some General Specifications And Properties For Methane:

1. Chemical And Physical Properties:

• Molecular Weight: 16.04 G/mol
• Boiling Point: -161.5°C (-258.7°F) At 1 Atm
• Melting Point: -182.5°C (-296.5°F)
• Density: 0.717 Kg/m³ At 0°C And 1 Atm
• Flammability Limits: 5% To 15% By Volume In Air
• Odor: Methane Is Colorless And Odorless; Odorants Are Often Added For Detection Purposes

2. Purity:

For Most Applications, Especially In Natural Gas, Methane Is Expected To Be Of High Purity. Common Specifications Might Include:

• Methane Content: Typically 85-95% Or Higher
• Hydrogen Sulfide (Hâ‚‚S): Usually Less Than 4 Ppm (parts Per Million)
• Carbon Dioxide (COâ‚‚): Typically Less Than 2-3% Depending On The Application
• Water Content: Usually Less Than 7 Lbs Of Water Per 1,000 Standard Cubic Feet (scf)
• Sulfur Compounds: Usually Less Than 0.1 Ppm

3. Energy Content:

• Higher Heating Value (HHV): Approximately 55.5 MJ/kg (1,000 Btu/scf)
• Lower Heating Value (LHV): Approximately 50.0 MJ/kg (900 Btu/scf)

4. Safety And Handling:

• Explosion Limit: 5% To 15% In Air
• Toxicity: Methane Is Generally Not Toxic But Can Displace Oxygen And Pose Asphyxiation Hazards In Confined Spaces

5. Regulatory Standards:

Different Regions May Have Specific Standards And Regulations Regarding The Quality And Purity Of Methane, Such As Those Set By:

• ASTM International
• ISO Standards
• American Gas Association (AGA)
• Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Specifications

These Specifications Ensure That Methane Meets The Necessary Criteria For Its Intended Use, Whether It Is For Combustion In Engines, Heating, Or Chemical Processing.