Introduction to Natural
Gas Engineering
Natural gas is a versatile energy source used for fueling homes,
industries, and transportation. It is formed from organic matter
over millions of years and plays a crucial role in modern energy
infrastructure. We will explore its origins, classification, properties,
extraction, and applications.
By Ahmed Mohamed ahmed Mohamed
Ahmed Mohamed Shararibo
Ahmed Adel Abd Elrahman
Essam Mohamed Abdeltawab
Formation and Accumulation
Source Rock Reservoir Rock Cap Rock
Organic-rich sedimentary rock, like Porous and permeable rock that Impermeable rock layer that traps
shale or coal, where hydrocarbons stores the natural gas, such as the gas, preventing its escape, like
are generated through heat and sandstone or limestone. shale or salt.
pressure.
Classification of Natural Gas
1 Dry Natural Gas 2 Wet Natural Gas
Primarily methane, with Contains methane and
minimal heavier significant amounts of
hydrocarbons; used in ethane, propane, and
electricity generation and butane; requires
residential heating. processing for
petrochemicals.
3 Associated Gas 4 Non-Associated Gas
Found with crude oil; Extracted from gas fields
often flared but can be without oil; high methane
processed for industrial purity, used after minimal
use. processing.
Natural Gas Properties
Colorless, Odorless, Tasteless
Shapeless Density
Naturally odorless, odorants are Takes the shape of its container. Calculated using the real gas
added for safety. law, influenced by pressure and
temperature.
Compressibility Factor Heating Value
Indicates deviation from ideal gas behavior. Ranges between 900-1200 Btu/ft³, depending on
composition.
Extraction of Natural Gas
Vertical Wells
Used for shallow reservoirs, direct drilling.
Horizontal Wells
Maximize contact with gas layers, increasing production.
Directional Wells
Reach specific locations without disturbing surface structures.
Transportation and Conversion
Pipelines: Most economical but inflexible. 1
2 LNG: Efficient for long distances, requires specialized facilities.
CNG: Suitable for short distances but costly over long distances. 3
4 Gas Hydrates: Experimental but promising for safe transport.
GTL: Converts gas into liquid fuels or chemicals. 5
6 GTP: Uses gas to generate electricity at the source.
GTC: Directly powers manufacturing processes. 7
Combustion and Applications
Mixing
1 Achieving stoichiometric air-fuel ratio.
Ignition
2
Initiates methane-oxygen reactions.
Primary Combustion
3
Produces CO and H₂.
Secondary Combustion
4
Converts CO to CO₂ and H₂ to H₂O.
Cooling and Exhaust
5
Releases cooled gases.
Environmental Impacts and Mitigation
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
1
CO₂ and CH₄ contribute to global warming.
Air Pollution
2
NOx and CO emissions affect air quality.
Mitigation Strategies
3
Carbon capture, improved efficiency, air pollution control.
Biodiversity Protection
4 Minimizing habitat disruption through responsible
drilling practices.
