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Methane, CH<sub>4</sub>, is the lightest, least dense [[hydrocarbon]]. It is a [[gas]] under conditions normally found on Earth - the major constituent of [[natural gas]], and a potent [[greenhouse gas]]. Because it is so simple, many biological processes produce it. This makes it easy and popular to produce as a byproduct of [[fermentation]] and [[composting]]. | {{copyvio|non-commercial license}} | ||
It should Methane, CH<sub>4</sub>, is the lightest, least dense [[hydrocarbon]]. It is a [[gas]] under conditions normally found on Earth - the major constituent of [[natural gas]], and a potent [[greenhouse gas]]. Because it is so simple, many biological processes produce it. This makes it easy and popular to produce as a byproduct of [[fermentation]] and [[composting]]. | |||
However, it has many drawbacks as a mass energy source ([[fuel]]). Because it is so ephemeral, it contains relatively little energy per unit volume at easily obtainable pressures. Also due to its lightness, it has a very low boiling point, and it takes tremendous pressure and/or refrigeration to liquefy it. [http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel_library/MethaneDigesters/MD4.html One analysis] indicates that, when compressed adequately to have energy density required by moving vehicles, it actually consumes more energy to compress it than is released in work when combusted. | However, it has many drawbacks as a mass energy source ([[fuel]]). Because it is so ephemeral, it contains relatively little energy per unit volume at easily obtainable pressures. Also due to its lightness, it has a very low boiling point, and it takes tremendous pressure and/or refrigeration to liquefy it. [http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel_library/MethaneDigesters/MD4.html One analysis] indicates that, when compressed adequately to have energy density required by moving vehicles, it actually consumes more energy to compress it than is released in work when combusted. | ||
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This does not mean it is without use! It can be handy for low pressure, relatively low heat uses, such as [[mantle lighting]] or [[cooking]]. | This does not mean it is without use! It can be handy for low pressure, relatively low heat uses, such as [[mantle lighting]] or [[cooking]]. | ||
Source: [http://www.ecoreality.org/wiki/Methane_digestor Methane digestor] at EcoReality. | |||
==See also== | |||
* [[Biogas]] | |||
* [[Alternative energy]] | |||
{{wikipedia|methane}} | |||
== | ==External links== | ||
*[ | * [http://www.ecoreality.org/wiki/Methane_digestor Methane digestor] at EcoReality. | ||
[[Category: Biogas]] | [[Category: Biogas]] | ||
Revision as of 13:46, 20 February 2008
It should Methane, CH4, is the lightest, least dense hydrocarbon. It is a gas under conditions normally found on Earth - the major constituent of natural gas, and a potent greenhouse gas. Because it is so simple, many biological processes produce it. This makes it easy and popular to produce as a byproduct of fermentation and composting.
However, it has many drawbacks as a mass energy source (fuel). Because it is so ephemeral, it contains relatively little energy per unit volume at easily obtainable pressures. Also due to its lightness, it has a very low boiling point, and it takes tremendous pressure and/or refrigeration to liquefy it. One analysis indicates that, when compressed adequately to have energy density required by moving vehicles, it actually consumes more energy to compress it than is released in work when combusted.
This does not mean it is without use! It can be handy for low pressure, relatively low heat uses, such as mantle lighting or cooking.
Source: Methane digestor at EcoReality.
See also
External links
- Methane digestor at EcoReality.