On September 9, 2010, an explosion of an 30-inch natural gas pipeline rocked a residential neighborhood in San Bruno, California. The tremendous blast and following blaze killed at least seven people and destroyed 53 homes. Firefighters overwhelmed by the intense heat from the 60-foot inferno could only try to keep flames from spreading to other homes until utility workers managed to shut down the gas main an hour and a half later. It is unclear what caused the explosion, although residents reported smelling gas prior to the blast. An investigation into the cause of the explosion may take up to a year.
Natural gas is an important part of America’s energy infrastructure, and deadly explosions such as this are uncommon. In this week’s online current events activity you will learn more about natural gas, how we collect and distribute it, and how we use it.
All About Natural Gas
It’s easy to confuse the term “natural gas” with our short form of the word gasoline. In fact, they are very different. To learn what natural gas is, where it comes from, and how we use it, visit NaturalGas.org, an educational web site covering a variety of topics about the natural gas industry.
The best place to begin any learning activity is usually the overview. First, read the Background section of the site, which explains what natural gas is, gives its chemical composition, and explains how natural gas is formed. What are some of the characteristics of natural gas? What is the primary component in natural gas? Why is mercaptan added to natural gas? What is the difference between “dry” and “wet” natural gas? Where is natural gas typically found in the earth?
Next, learn about the History of natural gas as a fuel source. How did ancient civilizations discover natural gas, and what did they do with it? What was the first country to use natural gas commercially, and how did they produce it? Who was the first American to dig a natural gas well? Who was Robert Bunsen and what did he invent?
Natural gas is a fossil fuel, not a renewable energy resource. How much natural gas is left in North America? Find out by reading the Resources section. Why is it difficult to estimate the amount of natural gas in the ground? Give one estimate for the total number of cubic feet available. In what areas of the United States is natural gas plentiful?
Finally, learn about the Uses of Natural Gas which, according to the Energy Information Administration, accounts for 24 percent of total energy consumed in the United States. Read about Residential and Commercial uses of natural gas, such as water heating, space heating, and cooking. Learn how natural gas is increasingly used in the Transportation industry, and it is a cleaner burning fuel than gasoline or diesel. Also read how natural gas is used for Electric Generation. For which of these uses do you think natural gas utilization is likely to increase in the near future?
Natural Gas Distribution
Let us focus now on the distribution of natural gas—how it gets from the well to our homes and businesses. For that, visit California’s Energy Story web site and read Chapter 9: Natural Gas Distribution System. This page describes a network of pipes, from larger pipes (like the one that exploded in San Bruno, California) to smaller pipes that reach residential homes. What do people use for gas who live in rural areas outside the gas pipe networks?
How many miles of pipeline are there in America? Find out at Pipeline101. What is the difference between a gathering line and a transmission line? Are gathering lines used offshore, or only on land?
Natural gas pipelines are part of America’s energy infrastructure in populated areas. The nation’s electric grid, the highway system, fiber optic data, wireless telephone networks, water pipelines, and even local sewage pipes are other examples of the infrastructure that delivers a high standard of living. It is easy to take these services for granted. In a current or recent issue of the e-edition, look for stories and articles about local utilities and infrastructure. You may find notices about maintenance and repair work, or you may find news about infrastructure failures of one kind or another. Collect several of these stories over the course of a week, then write an essay explaining what your life would be like if water, electricity, mobile communications, natural gas, or any other type of utility or service because unavailable for a whole month. What aspects of your daily routine would change?