What is the ethane used for?
The ethane was intended to be used, not as a fuel, but as the feedstock for the production of ethylene (or ethene, to give it its proper name, page 42). The cracking reaction in which ethane is converted to ethylene is (page 98): H3CCH3 H2C=CH2 + H2 ethane ethylene hydrogen The ethylene molecule has a double bond between the carbon atoms, and is used in many chemical reactions which produce useful substances. Ethylene is the main feedstock for the petrochemical industry, which makes such products as antifreeze, vinyl chloride and polymers such as polyethylene, and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) See pages 98 and 502. Fort Saskatchewan is the one of the largest centres in the world for the production of ethylene from ethane, and is a major centre for the petrochemical industry. What are the environmental consequences of the fire? The products of the complete combustion of ethane are carbon dioxide CO2 and water H2O. The accidental release of a large amount of CO2 is an unfortunate addition to
