[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature of methane, its use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, and what is the nature of methane?

Methane Properties

Methane (CHALEH) is the simplest alkane and the main component of natural gas. It is a colorless and odorless gas at normal temperature and pressure. With a molecular weight of 16.04g/mol and a density of about 0.656kg/m³, methane is lighter than air. It has a melting point of -182.5°C and a boiling point of -161.5°C. Methane has low solubility in water, but high solubility in organic solvents. Methane has a low ignition point, about -188°C, is flammable and produces a blue flame when burned, producing carbon dioxide and water.

Methane Uses

Methane has a wide range of industrial uses. Methane is an important energy resource, mainly used for power generation and heating. In natural gas power plants, methane combustion produces high efficiency and low pollution. Methane is an important source of synthesis gas (CO and H₂), and synthesis gas produced by steam reforming or partial oxidation processes can be further used to produce ammonia, methanol and other chemicals. Methane can also be used as a fuel for fuel cells for vehicles and portable power sources. The chemical properties of methane make it a basic raw material for organic chemicals, such as the production of hydrogen, carbon black and methyl chloride.

Methane upstream feedstock

The main upstream feedstocks for methane include natural gas and biomass. The methane content in natural gas is usually above 70%, which is the most important source of methane. Natural gas is extracted by drilling, fracking and other extraction techniques and purified to remove impurities to give pure methane. Biomass produces biomethane through anaerobic digestion, a process that involves microorganisms converting organic waste such as agricultural waste, animal manure, and municipal sludge into methane and carbon dioxide. The use of biomass to produce methane can not only treat waste, but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve sustainable energy development.

Methane Downstream Products

As an important basic chemical raw material, methane has a wide range of downstream products. Hydrogen is one of the important downstream products of methane, and a large amount of hydrogen can be produced by methane steam reforming for ammonia synthesis and petroleum refining. Methanol is also an important downstream product. Methane is produced by partial oxidation or steam reforming to produce syngas, and then methanol is produced by methanol synthesis reaction, which is widely used in the fields of chemical industry, fuel and materials. Methane can also be used to produce basic organic chemicals such as ethylene, propylene, and acetylene, through methods such as cracking and partial oxidation.

Methane storage methods

The storage of methane is a technical challenge, mainly in three ways: compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and adsorbed natural gas (ANG). Compressed natural gas is methane compressed into high-pressure cylinders, suitable for short-distance transportation and small-scale storage. Liquefied natural gas cools methane to -162°C to liquefy it, which has a high storage density and is suitable for large-scale long-distance transportation and storage. Adsorbed natural gas uses porous materials such as activated carbon to adsorb methane at room temperature and pressure to achieve safe and efficient storage, but this technology is still in the research and development stage.

Methane transport mode

There are three main modes of methane transportation: pipeline transportation, liquefied natural gas ship transportation and compressed natural gas tank transportation. Pipeline transportation is suitable for large-scale transportation on land and is one of the most cost-effective ways. LNG ship transportation is suitable for transoceanic transportation. Methane is liquefied and loaded into a special low-temperature LNG ship, which can be transported in large quantities over long distances. Compressed natural gas tank transportation is suitable for small-scale flexible transportation and is usually used for natural gas supply in non-pipeline areas.

Methane Safety

Although methane is widely used, its flammable and explosive nature also brings security risks. During the production, storage and transportation of methane, leakage and concentration must be strictly controlled to avoid the formation of explosive mixtures with air. regular safety measures include the use of explosion-proof equipment, sensors to detect methane leaks and ventilation systems. In the biomethane production process, care should also be taken to prevent methane from escaping into the atmosphere, as methane is a potent greenhouse gas and has a significant impact on climate change.

Methane's environmental impact

The impact of methane on the environment is mainly reflected in the greenhouse effect and pollutant emissions. Methane has a global warming potential (GWP) about 25 times that of carbon dioxide and is a potent greenhouse gas. Therefore, reducing methane emissions is of great significance to mitigate climate change. The main pollutants produced by methane combustion are carbon dioxide and water. Although the pollution of methane combustion is less than that of coal and oil, it is still necessary to pay attention to controlling its combustion emissions. Methane leakage that may occur during natural gas extraction and transportation is also an important environmental problem that needs to be controlled through technical means and management measures.

Methane Market Prospects

Methane has a broad market prospect. With the increase of global demand for clean energy, methane, as an efficient and low pollution energy, has attracted more and more attention. Continued growth in demand in areas such as natural gas power generation, industrial fuel substitution, and home heating is driving the methane market. The development and utilization of biomethane and hydrogen energy also inject new vitality into the methane market. The promotion of government policies and environmental regulations also helps to promote the development of methane technology and market. The methane market is also facing competition and challenges. The rapid development of new energy technologies and policy uncertainties may affect the demand and price of methane.

Conclusion

Methane as an important energy and chemical raw materials, its nature and use determine its wide application in modern industry and life. Through the development of upstream resources and the extension of downstream products, the methane industry chain continues to expand and deepen. Methane storage and transportation technologies are also advancing to ensure its safe and efficient supply. Despite the environmental and market challenges, methane still has great market potential and development prospects. In the context of the energy transition and sustainable development, the clean and efficient use of methane will continue to play an important role.