Synthetic Natural Gas

Name:
Synthetic Natural Gas
Detailed information:
(SNG; syngas). Any manufactured fuel gas of approximately the same composition and Btu value as that obtained naturally from oil fields (85% methane and 15% ethane). There are two major methods of synthesis involving catalysts, high temperature, and high pressure: (1) direct hydrogenation of coal; and (2) methanation of synthesis gas, obtained by hydrogenolysis of coal or steam-reforming of naphtha or similar petroleum distillate. Other methods involve pyrolysis of solid wastes and extraction from oil shale and manures.See Gasification; Hydrogenolysis.