Ethane Gas | What is Ethane? | C2H6

Sepehr Gas Kavian: +982146835980, +982146837072 and +989022734708

Ethane is a naturally occurring organic chemical compound with the chemical formula C2H6. At standard temperature and pressure, it’s a colorless, odorless gas. C2H6 is the second simplest alkane, and it’s the most abundant light alkane found in natural gas. It’s also a minor component of petroleum and can be produced through the fractional distillation of crude oil.

Properties of ethane

• Chemical formula: C2H6
• Molar mass: 30.07 g/mol
• Boiling point: -88.5 °C (−127.3 °F)
• Melting point: −182.8 °C (−297.0 °F)
• Density: 1.356 g/L (at -88.6 °C)

Applications

C2H6 has a wide variety of industrial applications. Its main use is as a feedstock for the production of ethylene, which is a key building block for many important chemicals, such as polyethylene, ethylene glycol, and polystyrene. C2H6 can also be used as a fuel, refrigerant, and propellant. C2H6 has a couple of main applications and other uses:

• Feedstock for Ethylene Production: The biggest use for C2H6 is in the production of ethylene. Ethylene, also known asethene, is a crucial building block for many chemicals in the petrochemical industry. Through a process called steam cracking, ethane is broken down to produce ethylene. This ethylene is then used to make a variety of things, including:
  • Plastics like polyethylene (plastic bags, bottles, etc.)
  • Ethylene glycol (antifreeze)
  • Polystyrene (packaging materials, insulation)
• Fuel and Other Uses: While less common than ethylene production, ethane can also be used in a few other ways:
  • Fuel: C2H6 is a flammable gas and can be used as a fuel source for power generation, either alone or mixed with natural gas.
  • Refrigerant: In scientific research settings, liquid ethane is used as a refrigerant in cryogenic refrigeration systems.
  • Propellant: On a smaller scale, ethane has also been used as a propellant in some aerosol applications
• Other Uses: C2H6 can also find use in some other areas like:
  • As a component in gasoline blends
  • As a raw material for the production of ethanol or acetic acid
  • As a propellant in some aerosol cans (although this use is less common nowadays)

Sources of C2H6

C2H6 is found naturally and produced industrially. Here are the main sources of ethane:

• Natural Gas: Ethane is the second-most abundant hydrocarbon in natural gas, after methane. The percentage of ethane in natural gas can vary depending on the specific gas field, but it typically ranges from less than 1% to over 6% by volume.
• Petroleum Refining: C2H6 is also a minor component of crude oil and is separated from other hydrocarbons during the fractional distillation process at oil refineries.
• Biomass Pyrolysis: Biomass pyrolysis is a thermochemical process that breaks down organic material like wood, plant matter, or agricultural waste in the absence of oxygen. This process can produce a variety of products, including ethane.
• Biogas: Biogas is a mixture of gases produced by the breakdown of organic matter in anaerobic digesters. While CH4 is the main component of biogas, C2H6 can also be present in smaller quantities.

Hazards and safety

C2H6 comes with a couple of significant hazards that require safety precautions:

1. Flammability:

• Extremely flammable gas: C2H6 is classified as an extremely flammable gas, meaning it can easily ignite and form fires or explosions. Leaks or spills of ethane can create flammable gas clouds that could reach an ignition source and cause a serious accident.

2. Asphyxiant:

• Can displace oxygen and cause suffocation: C2H6 is a simple asphyxiant. This means it can displace oxygen in the air and cause suffocation if inhaled in high concentrations. This is because ethane doesn’t react with the body but simply takes the place of oxygen in the lungs, preventing oxygen from reaching the bloodstream.

Here are some safety practices to follow when working with C2H6:

1. Always work in a well-ventilated area: This helps to ensure that any ethane leaks are quickly dispersed and don’t reach dangerous concentrations.
2. Use explosion-proof equipment: Any equipment used with ethane, like pipes, valves, and electrical devices, should be specifically designed to be explosion-proof and prevent sparks or ignition sources.
3. No smoking or open flames: Because of its flammability, it’s crucial to avoid any smoking or open flames near ethane.
4. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): Depending on the situation, this might include safety glasses, gloves, and respirators approved for ethane.
5. Leak detection and monitoring: Have systems in place to detect leaks and monitor ethane concentrations in the working environment.
6. Training: Anyone working with ethane should be properly trained on the hazards and safety procedures involved.
7. Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for ethane before working with it. The SDS will provide detailed information on the specific hazards, safe handling practices, first aid measures, and disposal procedures.

By following these safety precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries when working with C2H6.

Supply

Sepehr Gas Kavian Company – with ISO17025 certificate and standard department reference laboratory – provides the highest quality of this gas in various volumes and grades for customers.

Kavian Sepehr Gas Company is a supplier of C2H6 with a purity percentage of 99.9, 99.95, 99.99. Also, C2H6 capsules and equipment related to ethane capsules such as regulators, bundles, etc. are sold in Sepehr Gas Kavian. The volume of cylinders and capsules available for charging C2H6 gas in Sepehr Gas Kavian Company is: 5 liters, 10 liters, 20 liters, 40 liters, 50 liters.

To buy C2H6 gas and other gases such as methane, helium, hydrogen, argon, nitrogen, propane, etc., from Sepehr Gas Kavian – with ISO17025 certification – please contact these numbers: +982146835980, +982146837072, +989022734708