WHAT IS NATURAL GAS?

Natural gas is a flammable natural gas that forms in the lower layers of the earth in a similar way to oil. Natural gas contains 95% methane gas. It is odourless, colourless, non-toxic and lighter than air. It is specially scented to ensure that it can be easily recognized for safety.

HOW IS NATURAL GAS FORMED?

Natural gas is formed as a result of natural transformations of plant and animal residues, known as organic matter, in the lower layers of the earth with factors such as pressure and temperature, which last for millions of years.

WHERE IS NATURAL GAS FOUND?

With an approximate estimation, we can say that 19% of the world's natural gas reserves are in Russia. There are also significant natural gas reserves in Iran, Persian Gulf, North Sea, Norway England, Netherlands, USA, Central America, Canada, Nigeria, Indonesia, North Africa and Turkic states. Currently unearthed reserves in Turkey constitute a very small part of the world's reserves.

HOW DOES NATURAL GAS REACH TO OUR CITY?

Currently, Natural gas is reaching to our country through pipelines from three different points. The gas purchased from Russia via the lines coming from Thrace and the Black Sea, and gas from Iran via the Eastern Anatolia Line reaches Türkiye are two of these routes. In addition to these, with the liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant located in Tekirdağ Marmara Ereğli, natural gas taken from Nigeria and Algeria in liquefied form is supplied to the same pipeline system. Through the national transmission network built and operated by BOTAŞ (Petroleum Gas Corporation), natural gas is delivered to our city and many settlements in our country. The use of natural gas, which started with residences in Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, Eskişehir and İzmit, has become widespread rapidly with the opening of the sector to private sector investments and has become available in all cities of Türkiye. In addition, industrial establishments also use natural gas in many cities where BOTAŞ transmission lines are located.

IS NATURAL GAS CONTINUOUS?

Natural gas has been used in the world for a century without interruption and in a healthy way. With the international agreements drawn up, the uninterrupted supply of natural gas is guaranteed within demands and programs. In addition, natural gas supply is not interrupted as our country is on natural gas transit routes, new import agreements have been made and natural gas storage facilities are built in various regions of our country with new projects.

WHAT ARE THE PROPERTIES OF NATURAL GAS?

• Natural gas is colourless and odourless.
• Natural gas is primary energy, it is used in its supplied form.
• It is highly efficient in terms of combustion properties.
• There is no non-combustible substance in natural gas.
• Natural gas is lighter than air, rises when free and does not accumulate.
• It is a safe gas with less risk of explosion.
• As a result of the combustion of 1 m³ of gas, 8250 kcal is generated.
• If complete combustion is not achieved, CO gas is released.
• Natural gas is not poisonous.
• It does not release toxic gas such as SO2 as it does not contain sulfur and sulphurous substances.
• It does not require preliminary preparation and storage for combustion.
• Combustion efficiency is high because it has a homogeneous mixture. (95%_ 99%)
• The specific gravity of natural gas is around 0.55, it is half lighter than the air of the same volume.
• Ignition temperature of natural gas is 650 ⁰
• Flame velocity of natural gas is 0.36 m/s
• Upper calorific value range of natural gas: 9360 kcal/m³ --------- 8750 kcal/m³ = 38,5 MJ/m³ = 11 kwh/m³

ADVANTAGES

• It does not leave any waste when burned, it is non-toxic, ashless and smokeless.
• It does not harm the environment, does not pollute the air.
• It is cheaper than other fuels.
• Its consumption can be read and controlled from the meters.
• It is used first, and paid later.
• It has no storage and transportation costs.
• It provides an effortless and comfortable life.
• It is a clean fuel, its operating and maintenance costs are low.
• Thanks to the cutting-edge technology, it allows the use of new control and safety systems.
• All your system is checked and kept under control on your behalf.
• Emergency teams are available 24 hours.

IS NATURAL GAS A TOXIC GAS?

In general, poisoning cases are due to carbon monoxide (CO). CO replaces the oxygen in the blood, preventing the blood from carrying oxygen to the body, thus causing the body to be poisoned. Since natural gas does not contain carbon monoxide, it is not toxic. However, since it is a lighter gas than air, it is collected at the top in case of leakage in closed areas. When it is present in large quantities, it may cause suffocation as the oxygen in the environment will decrease. For this reason, the environments where natural gas is used must be ventilated.

SAFETY OF NATURAL GAS LINE

Natural gas pipes are tested repeatedly and repeatedly starting from production phase and until the supply stage. There are valves on the line that allow intervention when necessary. Zone and service regulators function as valves, closing automatically or provide this function when required. Natural gas main transmission lines are laid, and they are controlled by a remote surveillance and intervention system called SCADA.

There are special regulations to get permits from the municipalities, other infrastructure institutions and licensed natural gas distribution company in order to carry out excavation, demolition and construction works on the streets where natural gas lines are laid. In other works, carrying out excavation activities, where natural gas line is laid, is subject to the permit and control of licensed natural gas distribution company. Using the new communication system of the era, Aksa Doğalgaz is on duty 24 hours a day to solve the problems as soon as possible. Our teams work in coordination with fire-fighters and medical teams.

AREAS OF USE

In residences

It is used for heating, obtaining hot water and cooking in kitchens.

At work places

It is used for production and service activities in heating or bread and pastry companies, dry cleaners or workplaces such as restaurants, Turkish baths and sports facilities.

In Industry

It is used to generate electricity with heating, generation and cycle facilities.

NATURAL GAS HEATING

Central systems

It is the most effortless system to install or transform, the least costly, and the cheapest to operate and maintain. If your building has a heating system and equipped with hot water transmission pipes, it is possible to use a central system.

You can evaluate the renewal options of the old boiler by contacting the relevant companies and have a heating calculation done. Note that large-capacity devices are not allowed

Individual systems

If you have or plan to have central heating radiators and hot water transmission lines in your flat, you can choose a combi boiler. Combi boilers are small-scale, wall-hung boilers. The difference from floor heating is that they have a smaller structure, they can be hung on the wall and their firing systems are different.

Natural gas stoves, on the other hand, provide heating of the room or part of the house, just like the coal stoves we used before. Warming methods as alternative to those we mentioned can also be used. For example, fireplaces burning natural gas can also be used.

Natural Gas appliances

Individual appliances burning natural gas are classified as flue and hermetic (without chimney). Flue appliances, like coal stoves, are connected to the building's chimney system. In this case, chimney reclamation is necessary.

In hermetic (without chimney) systems, there is no need for a chimney connection. After the special chimney systems of the devices are connected to the outside environment in accordance with the rules, they are in constant contact with the outside environment and not only use the air of the environment they are in, but also release the combustion air directly to the outside environment.

KITCHEN USE

You can use natural gas for cooking by converting the flame nozzle of the stoves or ovens in your kitchen into natural gas type.

HOT WATER SUPPLY

With the help of a combi boiler or a water heater, you can supply the necessary hot water for showers and sinks. If your building is equipped with a central hot water system, you can solve this requirement by converting the building heating system to natural gas. In addition, you can use it for cooking by installing a natural gas line to your kitchen in the apartment.