Industrial Applications of Natural Gas

Natural gas has several industrial uses and that would explain why the Canadian and provincial governments and private entities are focusing more on natural gas exploration and processing. Natural gas is responsible for providing the fundamental ingredients for fertilizers, plastics, fabrics, and anti-freeze. In fact, after electricity, it is the most used energy source in the industrial sector. 

In the US, natural gas is highly sought-after in the industrial sector but just a few industries, such as pulp and paper, petroleum refining, plastic, food processing, clay and glass, chemicals, stone, and metal industries use natural gas. Alberta Petrochemicals Industries also use natural gas as feedstock. Natural gas liquids, propane, and ethane are essential natural gas feedstock in petrochemicals industries. 


Industrial Applications

Besides being used for heating, cooking, and cooling, there are several other industrial applications of natural gas. It is used in waste treatment as well as in incineration as it minimizes byproducts and emissions that could be harmful to the environment. 

Fertilizer and pharmaceutical industries use natural gas to extract propane, butane, and ethane, and these are then used as feedstock to make fertilizers and pharmaceutical products. Natural gas is also used as feedstock for methanol, which has several useful industrial applications. Using steam reforming, natural gas is converted into synthesis gas. This gas is then used to make methanol, which is the main source of fuel in fuel cells. Synthesis gas is also used to make methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) which is used as an additive to make clean-burning gasoline. 

It has many industry-specific uses as well. For instance, in recycling plants, candy-making units, the pharmaceutical industry, and plastic manufacture, natural gas is used in desiccant systems. These systems help in dehumidification as moisture during the manufacturing process can damage and spoil the end product. Desiccant systems help maintain the moisture level in the air and as a result, it ensures that the end product is of high quality. 

The Bottom Line

There are several more industrial applications of natural gas and some of them are quite innovative. That is the reason that natural gas exploration and processing have become popular and more petrochemical exploration and drilling companies are looking at it. It allows them to build a value-added petrochemical industry that is linked to natural gas. 


Location: Canada

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