Processing natural gas

There are several steps involved in processing natural gas to make it more effective and safe to use in your home.

First, the gas passes through an extraction unit where it is cleaned to remove excess carbon dioxide, water and sulphur.

It is then compressed to make it easier to transport. The gas can then flow under pressure through pipelines to towns and cities, or be liquified for transportation on ships and trucks.

Finally, the gas is processed through an additive unit where a distinctive smell is added to make it easier to detect gas leaks, making the gas safer to use.

Networks of pipelines then deliver it to factories, homes, hospitals, hotels and other locations.

Storing natural gas for later

In some countries in Europe and the Middle East, gas is stockpiled in huge underground tanks or caverns for later use. In the United States, gas is often stockpiled by freezing it into a liquid for storage.

In Australia we generally do not store natural gas for later use. Instead the speed at which gas flows from wells is controlled such that only the amount needed is sent to refineries.

Australia’s oil and gas facilities
Source: Image courtesy of ABARE