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What is Natural Gas Combustion?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Natural gas combustion is an exothermic chemical reaction in which natural gas and oxygen react, producing heat and several chemical byproducts. This reaction can be controlled and harnessed to generate heat for cooking and heating. It can also be used to power an electrical generator used to create electricity which can be used for lighting and other purposes.

Natural gas is comprised primarily of methane. Sources for natural gas include fossil fuel deposits which can be processed to yield natural gas and biofuel generators which can be used to make methane from biological material. The gas is treated to make it as pure as possible, removing compounds which could impair the combustion process or generate pollution which would make combustion harmful to the environment.

Because liquefied natural gas can be transported via rolling stock or pipeline, it is used as a common fuel in North America.
Because liquefied natural gas can be transported via rolling stock or pipeline, it is used as a common fuel in North America.

When natural gas burns, the primary byproducts are carbon dioxide and water, with some carbon monoxide as well. Natural gas combustion does not generate other atmospheric pollutants, and when it takes place efficiently, it should not generate soot and other particulates. The byproducts of combustion can be vented into the environment or trapped. Trapping is often recommended for carbon dioxide to prevent this greenhouse gas from entering the environment.

Natural gas is comprised primarily of methane.
Natural gas is comprised primarily of methane.

Proponents for natural gas energy often point out that natural gas combustion is a clean process. It is certainly cleaner than burning many fossil fuels, creating lower amounts of pollution per unit of energy generated. However, a number of factors can influence the cleanliness of natural gas combustion, including the precise mixture of components in the gas, the efficiency of the conditions under which it is combusted, and the filtering system used to trap byproducts, if such a filter is in place.

Natural gas combustion is used in devices such as furnaces.
Natural gas combustion is used in devices such as furnaces.

Because byproducts of combustion are a concern, natural gas combustion must take place in a well ventilated area. Indoors, this includes a flue to draw byproducts of combustion away from the site of combustion. It may also include a fan and other measures. Outdoors, gases generated during combustion will naturally dissipate, with no need for ventilation.

Natural gas plants are made up of an interconnected system of wells and processing chambers that treat and process the gas.
Natural gas plants are made up of an interconnected system of wells and processing chambers that treat and process the gas.

A system which is designed for natural gas combustion may work with other gases, or it may not, depending on when and how it was designed. People who want to convert to a different gas source should consult a gas professional to confirm that it will be safe and to find out if any adjustments need to be made to the system so that it will work properly and safely.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllTheScience researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllTheScience researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon158020

1 cubic foot of natural gas (Ch4) produces between 900 to 1100 BTU's of heat. Use 1000 as a good average.

Each cubic foot of natural gas requires 10 cubic feet of air for proper combustion (the ten cubic feet of air has 2 cubic feet of oxygen, and the rest is mostly nitrogen-i.e air is 20 percent [plus a bit] oxygen).

Too rich a burn (more ch4 than 02) results in more carbon monoxide, a byproduct resulting from the resultant incomplete combustion.

Too lean results in creation of a nitrous oxide, a combustion byproduct.

With the right ratio, Ch4 is far cleaner burning than other hydrocarbons.

End of lecture test: 10,000 btus needs how much oxygen?

(Why building codes now require external combustion air be brought to the larger natural gas appliances).

anon147605

Does anyone know the ratio of natural gas vs. air for optimum combustion. Thanks in advance for your time. I've looked every where.

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    • Because liquefied natural gas can be transported via rolling stock or pipeline, it is used as a common fuel in North America.
      By: Dmitriy Sladkov
      Because liquefied natural gas can be transported via rolling stock or pipeline, it is used as a common fuel in North America.
    • Natural gas is comprised primarily of methane.
      By: Ingo Bartussek
      Natural gas is comprised primarily of methane.
    • Natural gas combustion is used in devices such as furnaces.
      By: scaliger
      Natural gas combustion is used in devices such as furnaces.
    • Natural gas plants are made up of an interconnected system of wells and processing chambers that treat and process the gas.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      Natural gas plants are made up of an interconnected system of wells and processing chambers that treat and process the gas.