Industrial users also burn natural gas to produce steam for various operations. Utility companies use natural gas to produce electricity. Natural gas is burned to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity. So not only does natural gas keep us warm in the winter, it also helps keep us cool in the summer. Oil and gas companies obtain other products from natural gas that help improve our lives.
Natural gas contains compounds that are removed before the gas is sent to customers.
Ethane is a raw material in the petrochemical industry. Ethane is processed to make ethylene that is used to manufacture polyethylene . Polyethylene is a plastic that is used in a variety of products including housewares, insulation, packaging films, and toys. Ethylene is also used to manufacture ethylene oxide that is a raw material to make ethylene glycol or anti-freeze for car and truck engines. Ethylene oxide is also used in polyester fibers and film and latex paints.