There seem to be several names for hydrocarbons such as natural gas, LPG dry and wet gas. What are the differences?
Hydrocarbons are molecules made up of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H). As atoms are added to hydrocarbon molecules, they become heavier. As they become larger and heavier, their form changes from gas to liquid. Methane (CH4) is the smallest and the lightest gas molecule. Ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10) and pentane (C5H12) are progressively heavier molecules. Natural gas – mainly methane – is piped into homes and factories for heating and cooking. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is methane which has been cooled to become a liquid. Ethane is used as a feedstock to make plastics and paint. Propane and butane are gaseous at normal atmospheric conditions but are easily compressed to liquid form – liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). LPG is used extensively as a fuel for vehicles and domestic gas cylinders.
