Natural Gas Liquids

Natural gas liquids (NGLs) are composed of hydrocarbons, including ethane, propane, butane, isobutane, pentane, and higher alkanes. Although ethane cannot be readily liquefied by pressure at ambient temperature such as propane and butane (LPG) it is considered a component of NGL. There are many uses for NGLs, as summarized in Table 12.1 [3]. NGLs are extracted from the natural gas production stream in field processing plants, using techniques discussed related to petroleum refining operations.

NGL field production is growing in the United States, representing an important part of the supply picture.

Table 12.1: NGL Attribute Summary (EIA)
Natural Gas LiquidChemical FormulaApplicationsEnd Use ProductsPrimary Sectors
Ethane

C2H6

C2H6 (ethane) chemical structure

Ethylene for plastics production; petrochemical feedstockPlastic bags; plastics; anti-freeze; detergentIndustrial
PropaneC3H8Residential and commercial heating; cooking fuel; petrochemical feedstockHome heating; small stoves and barbeques; LPGIndustrial, Residential, Commercial
Table 12.2: NGL Attribute Summary (EIA)
Natural Gas LiquidChemical FormulaApplicationsEnd Use ProductsPrimary Sectors
Ethane

C2H6

C2H6 (ethane) chemical structure

Ethylene for plastics production; petrochemical feedstockPlastic bags; plastics; anti-freeze; detergentIndustrial
Propane

C3H8

C3H8 (propane) chemical structure

Residential and commercial heating; cooking fuel; petrochemical feedstockHome heating; small stoves and barbeques; LPGIndustrial, Residential, Commercial
Butane

C4H10

C4H10 (butane) chemical structure

Petrochemical feedstock; blending with propane or gasolineSynthetic rubber for tires; LPG; lighter fuelIndustrial, Transportation
Isobutane

C4H10

C4H10 (isobutane) chemical structure

Refiner feedstock; petrochemical feedstockAlkylate for gasoline; aerosols; refrigerantIndustrial
Pentane

C5H12

C5H12 (pentane) chemical structure

Natural gasoline; blowing agent for polystyrene foamGasoline; polystyrene; solventTransportation
Pentanes Plus*Mix of C5H12 and heavierBlending with vehicle fuel; exported for bitumen production in oil sandsGasoline; ethanol blends; oil sands productionTransportation

C indicates carbon, H indicates hydrogen; Ethane contains two carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms

*Pentanes plus is also known as "natural gasoline." Contains pentane and heavier hydrocarbons. 

Table 12.2. Some components and applications of natural gas liquids [3].

Source: US Energy Information Administration 

[3.] What are Natural Gas Liquids?