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Methane, CH<sub>4</sub>, is the lightest, least dense hydrocarbon. It is the major constituent of natural gas, and is 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.  
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. 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 of 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.  


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]].  


Portions (cc) [http://www.aum.ca/seeds/ S.E.E.D.S.] under [http://creativecommons.org/ Creative Commons]
Portions (cc) [http://www.aum.ca/seeds/ S.E.E.D.S.] under [http://creativecommons.org/ Creative Commons]

Revision as of 15:40, 19 February 2008

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.

Portions (cc) S.E.E.D.S. under Creative Commons

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