文档介绍：CHAPTER 11
Natural Gas Fundamentals
INTRODUCTION
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 twenty-first 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. Natural gas
consumption and trade have been growing steadily over the past two decades,
and natural gas has strengthened its position in the world energy mix.
Although natural gas demand declined in 2009, as a result of the economic
slowdown, it is expected to resume growth in both emerging and traditional
markets in ing decades. Such increase in the near future will be driven
because of additional demand in current uses, primarily power generation.
There is yet little overlap between the use of natural gas and oil in all large
markets. However, there are certain moves in the horizon, including the elec-
trifying of transportation, that will push natural gas use to even higher levels.
This chapter gives the reader an introduction to natural gas by describing
the origin position of natural gas, gas sources, phase behavior and
properties, and transportation methods.
NATURAL GAS HISTORY
The discovery of natural gas dates from ancient times in the Middle East. It
was considered by ancients to be a supernatural manifestation. Noticed only
when ignited, it appeared as a mysterious fire bursting from fissures in the
ground. Natural gas seeps were discovered in Iran between 6000 and
2000 . The practical use of nat