Ethane - Gas Profile
Ethane (C2H6), like methane, pentane and butane, is a colourless and odourless saturated hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C2H6. Ethane is a major component of natural gas, second only to methane. It is most known for its natural presence in petroleum oil and gas fields, and is a by-product of oil refineries. Ethane plays a very important role in the petrochemical and energy sector. Ethane can be liquified under pressure or at reduced temperatures to separate from natural gas. Ethane is a hydrocarbon; when it undergoes hydrocarbon combustion, it gives off heat.
Although Ethane is a greenhouse gas like methane, it exists in much smaller quantities, as it has a much smaller lifetime than methane; a few months compared to 10+ years. Ethane is most popularly used to make ethylene. Ethane can be converted to ethylene and hydrogen through pyrolysis or steam cracking in hot tubes. The melting point of ethane is -183 Celsius, and its boiling point is -39 Celsius. It is also a raw material of petrochemicals and is used to create products such as polyethene plastic, ethylene glycol and ethyl alcohol. Ethane can also be used as a refrigerant gas for very low temperatures. It is often used in the production of antifreeze and detergents.
Gas Fact – Ethane has been detected in the atmosphere of Titan, Saturn’s largest moon. This discovery supports theories of complex organic chemistry in space, possibly hinting at prebiotic conditions beyond Earth.
Where is Ethane Found?
Ethane is typically extracted from:
- Natural gas reservoirs
- Petroleum processing plants
- Oil refinery by-products
- It is separated through cryogenic distillation or pressurisation, where it is liquified, stored, or sent for conversion.
Applications Ethane is used in:
- Power generation
- Plastic manufacturing
- Detergent production
- Manufacturing polyethylene plastics
- Raw material for detergents, antifreeze, and ethyl alcohol
- Refrigerant for ultra-low temperature systems
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FAQ'S
What is ethane used for in industry?
Ethane is primarily used to produce ethylene, which is then used to manufacture plastics, antifreeze, and solvents.
Is ethane harmful to the environment?
While ethane is a greenhouse gas, its impact is much smaller compared to methane due to its lower concentration and shorter lifespan.
Can ethane be used as a refrigerant?
Yes. Due to its extremely low boiling point, ethane is used in cryogenic cooling systems for very low temperatures.
How does ethane compare to propane or butane?
Ethane has a lower boiling point and is less commonly used as a direct fuel but plays a bigger role in chemical manufacturing.