|
Natural gas is lighter than air, non-toxic and contains no poisonous
ingredients. Breathing natural gas is not harmful as long as there is an
adequate supply of air to breathe along with it.
Natural gas by itself
will not burn. Combustion can occur only when there is a mixture of gas
and air containing between five (5) percent and fifteen (15) percent
natural gas and between eighty-five (85) percent and ninety-five (95)
percent air.
When natural gas is burned, it produces mostly carbon dioxide and
water vapor; the substance emitted when people breathe. Compared with
other fossil fuels, natural gas emits the least amount of carbon dioxide
into the air. This makes natural gas the cleanest burning fossil fuel.
Natural gas in its natural state is odorless. A chemical known as
Mercaptan is added to give natural gas the odor that smells like rotten
eggs so that you can detect it.
Because of its unique qualities of being lighter than air with a
narrow band of combustion, natural gas is the safest energy source
available. Understanding and following safety procedures will make it
even safer.
Characteristics of natural gas
Freezing point (-296.7 degrees F)
Boiling point (-258.7 degrees F)
Auto Ignition (1004 degrees F)
Flammable limits in air:
5% Volume (LEL)
15 % Volume (LEL)
Extinguishing Media: Class B ( dry chemical, "Halon", CO2) |
