Methane

Methane (CAS 74-82-8, EC 200-812-7, formula CH4) is a saturated hydrocarbon gas, also known by the refrigerant designation R-50 and abbreviated LCH4 in liquefied form. It occurs naturally in fossil fuel deposits and is produced biologically as biogas. It carries no E-code designation.

In the oil and gas sector, methane serves as the primary feedstock for steam methane reforming, where it reacts with steam at high temperatures to produce hydrogen and synthesis gas for ammonia and methanol production. It also functions as a combustion fuel in gas turbines and industrial burners, where its high hydrogen-to-carbon ratio delivers a relatively low CO2 output per unit of energy.

Methane is supplied in compressed gas cylinders or as liquefied natural gas (LNG) in cryogenic tankers, depending on volume requirements. It falls under REACH regulation (EC 1907/2006) and is subject to the CLP classification framework. Buyers should confirm purity grade specifications, particularly for reforming or calibration gas applications.