17 Methane Uses: Facts You Should Know

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Methane is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH4. Let us discuss some important applications of CH4 in various industries in detail.

Methane is a hydride from group 14, the smallest alkane and it is used in the following:

  • cooking fuel
  • domestic use
  • lightning production
  • production of other compounds
  • machines in industry
  • carbon black production
  • fertilizer industry
  • rocket fuel

This article discusses the different uses of methane gas in detail, as given below.

Used as fuel.

  • Methane hydrocarbon produces large amount of energy per weight compared to coal. Methane being lighter than air, is convenient for cooking as it is odorless and does not produce soot on utensils.
  • Methane is a commonly used fuel in automobiles, ovens and heaters.

Domestic uses

  • Methane is used in homes to heat water.
  • Methane is widely helpful in fireplaces and dryers for clothes.

To produce lighting

  • Methane has the ability to produce electricity in homes and buildings.
  • Methane, with the help of turbines and fuel cells, produces electrical energy.

Used to produce other compounds.

  • Methanol is produced from methane.
  • Hydrogen gas is produced from methane.

Used in machines in various industry.

  • Methane runs engines in various industries.
  • Paper industry, refineries use the energy from methane to run their machines.
  • Methane combustion helps to dry, melt and clean the products formed in the industries and provides energy for lighting.

Carbon black production

Methane produces carbon residue on burning, carbon black, which is used in rubber industries and paints.

Used in fertilizers

  • When nitrogen is added to Methane gas, it produces ammonia, a commonly used fertilizer.
  • Urea is produced from methane by taking hydrogen from methane and nitrogen from air.

Used as rocket fuel

Methane produces less carbon residue, hence widely used as rocket fuel.

Electronic industry

  • High-quality methane vapors are used in integrated circuits.
  • Methane is widely used for the production of various electronic components.
  • Many important components of solar cells are made from methane.

Conclusion

Methane is a colorless, odorless gas used as a fuel in different industries. Methane plays an important role in the greenhouse effect. It is a natural constituent in cooking gas. Methane is a naturally occurring fossil fuel and economically useful energy source.