gas
Quick Summary
Gas is a crucial energy source used in both industrial and domestic settings. Natural gas, primarily composed of methane, is a fossil fuel valued for its clean-burning properties, producing fewer pollutants than coal or oil. It is widely used for electric power generation, industrial processes, and heating and cooking in homes.12
Refinery gases, such as propane and butane, are sold as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), serving as a portable fuel for domestic and light industrial needs. Natural gas is transported via extensive pipeline networks, with liquefied natural gas (LNG) enabling international trade. While considered cleaner, natural gas, particularly methane, is a potent greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. Industrial applications also include driving compressors for natural gas pipelines and use in oil refining processes.3415
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
lubricationGaseous lubricants.Lubrication with a gas is analogous in many respects to lubrication with a liquid, since the same principles of fluid-film lubrication apply. Although both gases and liquids are viscous fluids, they differ in two important particulars. The viscosity of gases is much lower…
Read MoreLubrication with a gas is analogous in many respects to lubrication with a liquid, since the same principles of fluid-film lubrication apply. Although both gases and liquids are viscous fluids, they differ in two important particulars. The viscosity of gases is much lower…
Read More
small armGas operationNot all the early heavy machine guns were of the recoil-operated Maxim type. Gas operation was also employed. In this system a piston located in a cylinder below the barrel was driven to the rear by gas diverted from the barrel through a…
Read MoreNot all the early heavy machine guns were of the recoil-operated Maxim type. Gas operation was also employed. In this system a piston located in a cylinder below the barrel was driven to the rear by gas diverted from the barrel through a…
Read More
petroleum productionSecondary recovery: injection of gas or waterThis is accomplished by injecting gas or water into the reservoir to replace produced fluids and thus maintain or increase the reservoir pressure. When gas alone is injected, it is usually put into the top of the reservoir, where petroleum gases normally collect to form a gas cap. Gas injection…
Read MoreThis is accomplished by injecting gas or water into the reservoir to replace produced fluids and thus maintain or increase the reservoir pressure. When gas alone is injected, it is usually put into the top of the reservoir, where petroleum gases normally collect to form a gas cap. Gas injection…
Read More