1.

Definition of the Industry of the Natural Gas:

The industry of the natural gas is a vast sector, concentrated and intensively in the capital. Due to the narrow bow that exists between the exploration and the production of the natural gas and of the oil, the petroleum companies are equally the principal companies involved in the sector of the natural gas. Nevertheless, the transport and the distribution of the gas are alike more the sector of the transport and distribution of electricity.

2|. Description of Raw Material:

It is a natural energy from fossil fuels, which is usually found in continental or marine subsoil. It was formed millions of years ago when a series of decomposed bodies as animals and plants, were buried under mud and sand at the bottom of ancient lakes and oceans. To the extent that accumulated mud, sand and sediment were formed layers of rock deep underground. The pressure caused by the weight of these layers on the heat of the earth, slowly transformed the organic material into crude oil and natural gas. Natural gas accumulates in pockets between the porosity of the rocks underground. But sometimes the natural gas trapped underground in solid rock that prevents the gas flow, forming what is known as a reservoir. Natural gas can be found in an "associate", when the reservoir is accompanied by oil or natural gas "not associated" when it is accompanied by only small amounts of other hydrocarbons or gases. The composition of natural gas includes various gaseous hydrocarbons, predominantly methane, about 90%, and minor proportions ethane, propane, butane, pentane and small amounts of inert gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen Hydrocarbon Range Chemical Methane Ethane Carbon Dioxide Propane Nitrogen CH4 C2H6 CO2 C3H8 N Composition (in%) 91-95 2-6 0-2 0-2 0-1

Is also defined as natural gas hydrocarbon mixture whose main component is methane, together with other hydrocarbons and impurities such as water, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, among others. Fuel is less damaging to the environment, which is called green fuel and energy alternative considered the twenty-first century, hence the increasing use worldwide to meet energy requirements.

3. Origin and History of Natural Gas:

The discovery of natural gas dates back to antiquity in the Middle East. Thousands of years ago, it was found that there were natural gas leaks that set fire when ignited, resulting in so-called "hot sources". In Persia, Greece and India, erected temples for religious practices around these "eternal flames". However, these civilizations not immediately recognized the importance of his discovery. It was in China, around 900 BC, where he learned the importance of this product. The Chinese drilled the first natural gas well known in the year 211 BC. In Europe it was not known until natural gas was discovered in Britain in 1659, although it became commercially available until 1790. In 1821, residents of Fredonia (USA) found that gas bubbles going back to the surface in a stream. William Hart, considered the "father of natural gas," American dug the first well of natural gas. During the nineteenth century, natural gas was almost exclusively used as light source. Consumption remained very localized due to lack of transport infrastructure that hindered the transfer of large quantities of natural gas over long distances. In 1890, there was a significant change with the invention of leakproof joints in pipelines. However, existing techniques did not allow for transporting natural gas over 160 miles away so that the product will be burned or left in place. Transport natural gas over long distances became widespread during the twenties, thanks to technological improvements made to the pipeline. After the Second World War, the use of natural gas grew rapidly following the development of pipeline networks and storage systems. In the early days of oil exploration, natural gas was often considered a byproduct without interest that prevented the labor of workers forced to stop working for natural gas leak discovered at the time of drilling. Today,

especially since the oil shocks of the 70's, natural gas has become an important energy source in the world. For many years the natural gas industry was heavily regulated because it was considered a state monopoly. Over the past 30 years, there has been a movement towards greater liberalization of natural gas markets and a strong deregulation of prices for this product. This trend resulted in opening the market to greater competition and the emergence of a natural gas industry more dynamic and innovative. And thanks to numerous technological advances facilitated the discovery, extraction and transportation of natural gas to consumers. These innovations allowed also enhance existing applications and create new applications. Natural gas is increasingly used for electricity production

4. Properties and Characteristics of Natural Gas:

Natural gas is colorless, odorless, tasteless, no particular shape and lighter than air. Is presented in its gaseous form below -161 C. For security reasons, add mercaptan, a chemical that gives rotten egg smell, in order to detect a possible gas leak.Natural gas is a mixture of light hydrocarbons consisting mainly of methane, ethane, propane, butanes and pentanes. Other components such as CO2, helium, hydrogen sulfide and nitrogen are also found in natural gas. The composition of natural gas is never constant, however, one can say that its main component is methane (at least 90%). Has a simple hydrocarbon structure, composed of a carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms (CH4). Methane is highly flammable, burns easily and almost completely and emits very little pollution. Natural gas is neither corrosive nor toxic, its combustion temperature is high and has a narrow flammability range, making it a safe fossil fuel compared to other energy sources. Furthermore, by its density of 0.60, below the air (1.00), natural gas has a tendency to rise and can consequently easily disappear site where any crack.It is generally accepted that carbon and hydrogen in natural gas come from remains of plants and animals that gathered at the bottom of lakes and oceans for millions of years. After being covered by thick layers of other sediments, organic material is transformed into crude oil and natural gas under the effect of pressure exerted by the sediment layers and the heat emitted by the Earth's core. Oil and gas are then expelled outside the marine shales in which clay had been deposited and then penetrate the porous

sedimentary rocks. Subsequently the oil and gas rising through the porous rock, as they are less dense than water, and fill the pores. There are different types of "traps" of oil and gas.Natural gas is present everywhere, whether in the warehouse is located in the depths of the earth's surface or in the oceans. The webs of gas may be formed above crude oil deposits, or be trapped within porous rocks. The gas is called "associated" when in the presence of crude oil and "associate" when he is alone.In a normal atmospheric pressure, if natural gas is cooled to a temperature of - 161 C, is condensed in the form of a liquid called liquefied natural gas (LNG). A volume of this liquid takes up almost 600 times less space than natural gas and is two times lighter than water (45% approximately). Is odorless, colorless, non-corrosive and toxic. When burned evaporates only at concentrations of% to 15%, mixed with air. Neither LNG nor its vapor can explode outside. Since LNG takes up less space, natural gas is liquefied for easy transport and storage.Natural gas is considered a clean fuel. Low as sold, contains almost no sulfur and produces virtually no sulfur dioxide (SO2). Its emissions of oxides of nitrogen (N) are lower than those generated by oil and coal. Emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) is lower than that of other fossil fuels (as Eurogas emits 40 to 50% less than coal and 25 to 30% less than oil).

BACHILLERES: HIGUERA FRANJALIMAR C. I. 20.933.187 PETIT, YUBENNY C. I. 20.297.653 PROGRAMA DE INGENIERIA QUIMICA SECCION 54