Gas is a natural non-renewable resource used in industrial, commercial and residential industries. It’s a versatile element extracted as a source of energy for cooking and heating systems.
Since gas is a combustible element,specialised plumbers are needed to maintain systems operated by the hydrocarbon. Opt for a professional gas plumber Melbourne residents use regularly if you have a leak in your home.
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For your own safety, it wouldn’t hurt to know more about this topic though. If your business or home operates on gas systems, you may want to read today’s article. We’re giving you 8 facts you probably didn’t know about the gas industry. Keep reading to find out more.
1. Gas is a Natural Element
Gas is one of the most natural elements companies extract from the earth. This hydrocarbon was formed millions of years ago as a result of decomposed matter such as ancient marine microorganisms.
The organic decomposed matter combined with silt, mud or sand on the ocean floor became buried over time. This combination of sand and matter was sealed off in an oxygen-free environment and exposed to high levels of pressure and heat. The thermal breakdown converts the mixture of matter and dirt into gas.
Hydrocarbon is light because it’s in a gaseous state and it’s colourless when in its natural form.
2. Ways You Can Use Gas
We mentioned the most common ways gas is used namely heating and cooking. However, gas is used in many other ways such as:
- Natural gas is used to make plastic
- To fuel vehicles such as trucks and cars
- Provides electricity
- Used to produce other types of chemicals like ammonia
- Gas is used in the pulp and paper industries
- Provides a means to make glass and clay
As you can see natural gas is a versatile element that can be used in the transportation and manufacturing industry. Farming is also linked to natural gas because ammonia is used to make fertilisers.
3. Gas is Cleaner than Other Combustibles
Wood, coal and peat are all dirty forms of combustible materials. But did you know that natural gas burns cleaner than other types of flammable items? This means that hydrocarbon emits 50% fewer CO2 emissions.
If industries replaced coal energy with natural gas it could potentially lower the amount of CO2 and create a greener environment. Many countries use natural gases for electricity, such as Australia and America. 13% of Australia’s electrical industry is powered by natural gas.
4. Extracting Natural Gas
Natural gas is extracted similar to how oil is mined from the earth. However, natural gas deposits are found deep underground (as far as 15ft). A large machine with a thick industrial drill bit pierces the topsoil to make holes in the ground.
Conventional gas deposits aren’t as deeply rooted in the ground and are easier to extract. However, deep natural gas deposits are more expensive due to the extensive work needed to extract the hydrocarbon.
Once the deposits are reached the temperature is dropped inside the drilled tunnel to turn the gas into a liquid form using nitrogen. The liquid hydrocarbon is then pumped up through the ground and stored in tanks to be transported.
5. Gas Is Odourless
Many people will argue that gas does have an odour. However, gas in a natural state is completely odourless. A chemical scent is added to the gas so that people can detect when there’s a leak in their homes or businesses.
Since hydrocarbon is highly flammable it’s important to contact a gas plumber to come out and fix the leak immediately to avoid fires and explosions. Additionally, if you don’t get the gas leak sorted, it could harm your health. The fumes from the gas can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
So if you smell a gas leak in your home or office block call a professional gas plumber to come and find where the leak is and fix it.
6. Australia Becomes the Largest Liquid Gas Exporter in the World
Last year Australia became the largest liquid gas exporter in the world. The country shipped over 77 million tons of natural gas at a value of $49 billion. Australia knocked Qatar out of the top spot and the country exported twice the amount of natural gas that the U.S exports regularly.
7. Natural Gas Was Discovered in the 16th Century
French explorers discovered the use of natural gas when they witnessed Native Americans igniting the fumes emitting and leaking into Lake Erie in 1626. The first successful natural gas well was created by William Hart in Fredonia, USA in 1821.
8. Chefs Prefer Natural Gas Stoves
Professional chefs prefer to work with stoves that operate on natural gas. This is because the natural gas stove provides even heat distribution and allows more control over temperature.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know more about natural gas will you be using it to power up your business and home? If you do, ensure that you have a professional gas plumber Melbourne residents give good reviews about, for safe maintenance and repairs.
