Methane Gas | What is Methane? | CH4

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

Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon, a molecule with the chemical formula CH4. It’s a colorless, odorless gas that’s found naturally in the atmosphere and is also produced by human activities.

CH4 is the main component of natural gas, a fossil fuel that is used for heating, cooking, and generating electricity. It is also a potent greenhouse gas, meaning that it traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to climate change.

CH4 sources

Methane comes from both natural sources and human activities. Here’s a breakdown of the major sources:

Natural sources

• Wetlands: These are areas of land that are saturated with water for all or part of the year. They are the largest natural source of CH4, as the decomposition of organic matter in the absence of oxygen produces methane.
• Wildfires: Wildfires can release methane when they burn organic matter, such as trees and plants.
• Termites: These insects produce methane as part of their digestive process.
• Permafrost: Permafrost is permanently frozen ground. As permafrost thaws due to climate change, it can release CH4 that was previously trapped in the ice.

Human activities

• Agriculture: Livestock, such as cows, sheep, and goats, produce methane as part of their digestive process. Rice cultivation is another major source of agricultural methane emissions, as the flooded paddies create anaerobic conditions that favor the growth of methane-producing microbes.
• Fossil fuels: The extraction, processing, and transportation of oil, natural gas, and coal all release methane into the atmosphere.
• Waste: Landfills are a major source of methane emissions, as waste decomposes in the absence of oxygen.
• Wastewater treatment: Wastewater treatment plants can also release methane as organic matter in the wastewater decomposes.

 Uses of methane

CH4 is a versatile gas with a number of important uses. Here are some of the most common:

1. Fuel: CH4 is the main component of natural gas, which is a widely used fuel for heating homes and businesses, cooking, and generating electricity.

2. Chemical feedstock: Methane is used as a starting material for the production of a variety of chemicals, including hydrogen, methanol, and ammonia.
3. Transportation fuel: CH4 can be used as a fuel for vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and buses. It is a cleaner-burning fuel than gasoline or diesel, but it is not as widely available.
4. Biogas: CH4 produced from the decomposition of organic matter in landfills and sewage treatment plants can be captured and used as a renewable energy source.

It is important to note that CH4 is also a potent greenhouse gas, so it is important to reduce methane emissions in order to mitigate climate change.

Hazards and safety

CH4, the main component of natural gas, has several hazards and safety concerns to be aware of. These primarily stem from its physical properties:

• Flammable: Methane is highly flammable and can explode when mixed with air in certain concentrations (between 5% and 15%) and exposed to an ignition source like a spark or flame. Leaks can create a serious fire or explosion hazard.
• Asphyxiant: In high concentrations, CH4 can displace oxygen in the air, leading to suffocation. This is a particular danger in confined spaces where methane can accumulate. Symptoms of methane exposure include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, unconsciousness and death can occur.
• Odorless and colorless: CH4 itself is odorless and colorless, making it difficult to detect a leak. To address this, natural gas companies often add a distinctive odorant, like mercaptan, to natural gas so that leaks can be easily identified.

Here are some safety precautions to follow around CH4:

• Leak detection: Regularly inspect gas lines and appliances for leaks. You can use a gas detector or apply a soapy water solution to joints and connections. Bubbles forming indicate a leak.
• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in areas where natural gas appliances are located. This helps prevent methane buildup.
• Maintenance: Have gas appliances serviced regularly by a qualified professional.
• Emergency response: If you suspect a methane leak, evacuate the area immediately and call the gas company or emergency services from a safe location. Don’t light cigarettes, turn on electronics, or create any sparks.

By following these safety practices, you can help prevent accidents and keep yourself and others safe from the hazards of CH4.

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.

This group produces and imports laboratory gases and gas mixtures (calibration gases) with high quality and all related equipment for various industries. Sepher gas kavian is active in supplying pure laboratory gases and mixed gases in percent, ppm, ppb such as methane gas.

CH4 gas is available with following conditions:

• 99.9% in 5 and 10 liter cylinders with 70 bar pressure and in 50 liter cylinder with 150 bar pressure in carbon steel cylinders.
• 99.95% in 5 and 10 liter cylinders with 70 bar pressure and in 50 liter cylinder with 150 bar pressure in carbon steel cylinders.
• 99.99% in 5 and 10 liter cylinders with 70 bar pressure and in 50 liter cylinder with 150 bar pressure in carbon steel cylinders.
• 99.995% in 5 and 10 liter cylinders with 70 bar pressure and in 50 liter cylinder with 150 bar pressure in carbon steel cylinders.
• 99.999% in 5 and 10 liter cylinders with 70 bar pressure and in 50 liter cylinder with 150 bar pressure in carbon steel cylinders.

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