Use
A mixture of low molecular weight hydrocarbons obtained in petroleumbearing regions throughout the world. Its composition is 85% methane 10% ethane, the balance being
made up of propane, butane, and nitrogen. In the
U.S., it occurs chiefly in the southwestern states and
Alaska. An as-yet-unexploited source of natural gas
under extremely high pressure (so-called geopressurized gas) exists in Texas and Louisiana at depths
of 15,000–20,000 ft. The tremendous pressures
involved present formidable engineering problems.
Natural gas is classed as a simple asphyxiant. It
should not be confused with natural gasoline. About
3% of the natural gas consumed in the U.S. is used
as feedstocks by the chemical industries