Consumer Guide

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.

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.

It is estimated that approximately 42% of the world’s natural gas reserves are located in Russia. Significant natural gas reserves are also found in Iran, the Persian Gulf, the North Sea, Norway, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, Central America, Canada, Nigeria, Indonesia, North Africa and the Turkic states. The reserves discovered in Türkiye to date represent only a small proportion of global reserves.

Natural gas currently enters Türkiye through three separate points via pipelines. Natural gas purchased from Russia reaches Türkiye through pipelines running via Thrace and the Black Sea, while gas imported from Iran is transported through the Eastern Anatolia Pipeline. In addition, liquefied natural gas (LNG) imported from Nigeria and Algeria is supplied to the same pipeline network through the LNG terminal located in Marmara Ereğlisi, Tekirdağ.

Natural gas is transported to cities and many other settlements across Türkiye through the national transmission network constructed and operated by BOTAŞ (Petroleum Gas Corporation). The use of natural gas in homes first began in Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, Eskişehir and İzmit. Following the opening of the sector to private investment, natural gas use expanded rapidly. Today, natural gas is available in all of Türkiye’s provinces, while industrial facilities in many areas served by BOTAŞ transmission pipelines also use natural gas.

Natural gas has been used reliably and continuously around the world for more than a century. The continuous supply of natural gas is secured through international agreements, in line with demand and supply programmes. In addition, Türkiye’s position along major natural gas transit routes, new international supply agreements and the development of natural gas storage facilities in different regions of the country all contribute to the security and continuity of natural gas supply.

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. When released, it rises and disperses rather than accumulating.

It is a safe fuel with a relatively low risk of explosion.

As a result of the combustion of 1 m³ of gas, 8250 kcal is generated.

If complete combustion does not occur, carbon monoxide is produced.

Natural gas is not poisonous.

As natural gas contains no sulphur or sulphur compounds, it does not produce toxic gases such as sulphur dioxide when burned.

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 0C.

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

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.

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.

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.

For any **excavation, demolition or construction work, including controlled excavation**, to be carried out by municipalities or other infrastructure organisations on streets where natural gas pipelines are present, permission must be obtained from the licensed natural gas distribution company in accordance with applicable legislation.

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.

At Aksa Natural Gas, we harness today’s advanced communication technologies to provide fast, reliable solutions to any issues that may arise, 24 hours a day. Our teams work in coordination with fire-fighters and medical teams.

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.

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 burning devices

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.

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

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.