Natural gas is primarily composed of which gas?

Natural gas is primarily composed of methane, which is a simple hydrocarbon with the chemical formula CH₄. Methane is the lightest alkane and is non-toxic, colorless, and odorless in its pure form, making it the most abundant component of natural gas. It typically makes up about 70-90% of natural gas, with its other components being present in smaller amounts.

Methane is favored for its efficiency as a fuel source, as it burns cleanly compared to heavier hydrocarbons. This efficiency and cleanliness make it a popular choice for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. Understanding the composition of natural gas is fundamental for gas fitters, as it impacts safety, handling, and application.

Other gases like butane, propane, and ethane, while present in natural gas in trace amounts or found in some natural gas mixtures, are not the principal constituents. Propane and butane, for example, are heavier gases often utilized as liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) in various applications, but they are distinct from the primary makeup of natural gas. Ethane, although present, is also less common in comparison to methane.