Author Archives: admin-progasllc

5 Common Things You Didn’t Know Come From Petroleum

Crude oil, that gooey black stuff we pump from the ground, powers our cars and heats our homes, sure. But as it turns out, petroleum’s reach extends far beyond fueling our modern lives. Oil secretly lurks in all kinds of unexpected places, hiding in plain sight in some of the most surprising everyday items.

Prepare to have your mind blown as we dive into the world of black gold in disguise…

1. Sustainable Fashion

That stylish polyester shirt you’re rocking? Yep, petroleum. Nylon, polyester, and acrylic, common components of synthetic clothing, are all derived from petrochemicals. But here’s the twist: recycled plastics from used water bottles are increasingly used to create these fabrics, making your fashion statement both trendy and sustainable.

So next time you compliment someone’s outfit, you could be praising not just their taste, but their eco-conscious approach to style.

Pro-Gas Tip: Power your sustainable wardrobe with Pro-Gas’s assistance with producing clean-burning fuels for the transportation and manufacturing industries. By choosing Pro-Gas, you’re supporting both style and a greener future!

2. Relive Nostalgia

Are those nostalgic CDs and DVDs gathering dust in your attic? Petroleum again!

Polycarbonate, a plastic derived from oil, forms the base of these once-revolutionary music and movie carriers. And remember the smooth glide of the CD? That’s thanks to petroleum-based lubricants ensuring a flawless spin.

So, next time you pop in a classic CD or revisit a favorite DVD, take a moment to appreciate the unexpected connection to the earth’s hidden depths.

3. Chew on This!

Pop open a pack of your favorite gum, and guess what? The base, that chewy goodness holding the flavor, is often petroleum wax. Don’t worry, it’s safe and FDA-approved, but next time you indulge, you can’t help but think of the oil rig’s secret contribution to your bubble-blowing fun. So when you share a pack with friends, you’re also sharing a little bit of the earth’s bounty.

Pro-Gas Tip: Fuel your fun with Pro-Gas’s commitment to responsible resource management and energy efficiency. By investing in sustainable practices and reducing their environmental footprint, Pro-Gas ensures future generations can enjoy the same hidden wonders of petroleum as we do.

4. Hit the Ground Running

Those sleek Nike sneakers you hit the gym in? Petroleum’s there too! Synthetic rubber used in shoe soles often originates from oil. So, every time you pound the pavement, you’re leaving a trail of black gold in your wake (not literally, hopefully!). But here’s the good news: advancements in renewable rubber production are paving the way for more sustainable footwear options.

Pro-Gas Tip: Stay on the cutting edge of sustainability with Pro-Gas’s support for innovative technologies. Choose Pro-Gas, and choose a future where performance and sustainability go hand-in-hand.

5. Surprise! Pain Relief

Aspirin, that go-to pain reliever in your medicine cabinet? Believe it or not, it’s synthesized from salicylic acid, a compound derived from crude oil. Whenever you decide to pop a pill for a headache, you’re thanking both nature and the earth’s dark depths for your relief. It’s a reminder of the complex interconnection of our world, and the unexpected places where resources we often take for granted originate.

Let Pro-Gas Lead the Way For All Your Oil and Gas Needs

These are just a few examples of the surprising presence of petroleum in our everyday lives. From the clothes we wear to the music we listen to, invisible black gold weaves its way through our daily routines. It’s a reminder of the complex interconnectivity of our world, and the unexpected places where resources we often take for granted originate.

The next time you reach for a familiar object, take a moment to ponder its hidden origins. You might just find yourself appreciating the unlikely bounty of the oil well in a whole new light. Who knows, maybe your next fashion find will come with a whisper of the earth’s ancient energy!

Pro-Gas Services, LLC, was formed by a group of oil industry professionals with a combined 90-plus years of experience in the oil and gas industry. We apply this expertise to our clients’ needs, resulting in maximum performance. Our gas production facility equipment streamlines the production of natural gas liquids by using state-of-the-art technology on portable skids. Contact us today for a proposal!

5 Ways Natural Gas Is Catching Up with the Future

The conversation about energy often pits fossil fuels against renewables, sometimes painting natural gas as some kind of dinosaur. But peel back the surface, and you’ll find a dynamic industry — not only adapting to the future but actively shaping it.

From the invisible safety guardians at your gas station to hidden treasures within the pipes, let’s look at how natural gas is paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

#1: Gas Treatment, the Unsung Hero of Clean Natural Gas

Before that golden flame flickers in your stove, natural gas undergoes a rigorous spa treatment. At dedicated gas treatment plants, invisible foes like CO2, H2S, and water vapor are scrubbed away to ensure a safe, efficient delivery.

These silent sentinels don’t just protect pipelines and equipment — they also contribute to cleaner air by reducing harmful emissions. It’s a win-win, safeguarding both the environment and your cozy comfort.

#2: The Hidden Value of Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs)

Think of natural gas as a treasure chest, and NGLs are the glittering gems within. During processing, these versatile hydrocarbons are extracted and transformed into everyday essentials like propane, butane and even plastics.

Propane keeps homes warm, butane fuels lighters and grills, and NGLs form the building blocks of countless products, from clothing to car parts. They’re woven into the fabric of modern life, often unseen but irreplaceable.

#3: How Fuel Treatment Keeps Engines Humming Like New

Zoom in on your car’s fuel tank, and you’ll enter a microscopic battlefield. Here, fuel treatment additives act as secret agents, wielding their powers against engine enemies like harmful deposits and corrosion.

These quiet defenders extend engine life, boost fuel efficiency, and save you money at the pump. It’s the difference between a sputtering jalopy and a smooth-running champion, all thanks to the unseen science of fuel treatment.

#4: An Unacknowledged Eco-Guardian at the Gas Station

The next time you fill up, cast a silent thank you to the unsung hero: the vapor recovery unit (VRU), which captures those noxious gasoline vapors that tend to billow when we’re refueling, preventing them from polluting the air you breathe. VRUs are silent warriors in the fight for cleaner air, protecting public health and contributing to a more sustainable future.

#5: Partner With Pro-Gas Services LLC for a Future Fueled by Innovation

As the energy landscape continually evolves, Pro-Gas Services LLC stands at the forefront, embracing innovations like these and actively investing in technologies that bridge the gap between present and future.

We believe that natural gas, with its adaptability and inherent advantages, can and will play a crucial role in a cleaner, brighter tomorrow. So the next time you hear about natural gas, remember it’s not just a relic of the past. It’s a dynamic force, evolving alongside us, quietly working behind the scenes to power our homes, fuel our industries and protect our environment.

And with companies like Pro-Gas driving the way, the future of natural gas is as bright as that flame in your stove.

Reach out to us today and learn how, together, we can help create a future powered by innovation and fueled by sustainability!

The Dangers of Overfilled NGL Storage

Natural gas liquids (NGLs) like propane, butane, and ethane are essential commodities used for heating, cooking, and feedstocks for plastics and chemicals. However, NGL storage facilities can pose significant risks if filled beyond safe capacity levels. In this blog post, we’ll examine the dangers of overfilled NGL storage and why regulating storage levels is critical.

Why NGL Storage Levels Matter

NGLs are stored in large underground caverns carved out of salt domes or depleted oil and gas reservoirs.

These storage facilities help meet variable demand by building inventories during periods of low demand and drawing down supplies when demand spikes.

Storage operators aim to maximize inventory volumes to boost revenue. However, overfilling NGL storage caverns can lead to dangerous conditions and environmental hazards. Understanding safe fill limits and avoiding overfill is vital for protecting communities near storage facilities.

Dangers of Exceeding Maximum Inventory Levels

NGL storage caverns have a maximum safe inventory capacity based on its geological characteristics and construction. Exceeding this capacity can compromise cavern integrity and lead to leaks, collapses, or catastrophic failures.

Cavern Instability and Collapse

Filling a cavern beyond its safe volume can cause instability. The immense pressures exerted on cavern walls from overfilled inventories can cause rock shifts, collapse, or buckling. Sudden cavern failure results in rapid inventory releases, vaporization, explosions, and fires capable of significant destruction.

### Loss of Containment and NGL Releases

Overfilling storage caverns also increases the risk of seal failures around access wells or weaknesses developing in cavern walls from excessive pressure. This can lead to leaks of NGLs outside the storage cavern – a dangerous event called loss of containment.

Released NGLs can mix with air and explode with devastating force. Liquid leaks also vaporize rapidly, creating a flammable vapor cloud. Toxic fumes can asphyxiate people and animals if released near populated areas.

Environmental Impact

NGL leaks not only endanger people but also cause severe environmental damage. Released NGLs contaminate groundwater aquifers and drinking water wells near storage facilities. Vaporized NGLs also increase volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere, contributing to smog. Liquid NGL spills on land kill vegetation and seep into the soil.

Overfilling storage caverns risks public safety and requires costly environmental cleanup efforts. Wise fill-level policies are essential.

Regulating Fill Levels

Preventing dangerous overfill conditions requires regulations on storage cavern inventory volumes. Well-designed regulations can balance market needs for NGL supply availability with the geological realities of safe storage.

Establishing Maximum Fill Levels

Gas facility and cavern managers must conduct rigorous cavern modeling and geomechanical assessments to determine maximum safe inventory capacity. This maximum fill limit forms the overfill threshold that should never be exceeded. Regulators must codify these limits and require facilities to have systems detecting overfill conditions.

Inventory Monitoring and Reporting

Once safe thresholds are established, real-time monitoring of inventory levels and reporting to regulators is essential. Storage operators must track volumes pumped in and withdrawn each day and forecast changes anticipated from market activities. Monitoring and transparent reporting ensure oversight on fill levels.

Experience Responsible NGL Storage With Pro-Gas Services, LLC

NGLs provide essential energy, but their storage comes with risks if cavern capacity is exceeded. Protecting the health and the environment requires regulatory policies keeping inventory levels from entering dangerous overfill conditions.

At Pro-Gas Services, LLC, we provide facilities and storage caverns with reliable NGL storage equipment. Trust our team of natural gas industry experts to help your facility make the best NGL storage choices in the new year.

Contact us today to learn more about our product availability and the services we provide to natural gas production facilities nationwide.

Looking Towards Tomorrow for Oil and Gas

As the year winds down, facilities across the oil and gas industry have an opportunity to look back on past initiatives and set meaningful goals for the future that can guide responsible growth and progress in a new year.

At Pro-Gas Services, LLC, we understand that oil and gas is a forward-facing industry, and we’re ready to back up recent initiatives that will improve all aspects of production in 2024.

Here’s a closer look at some commitments our industry is making for the new year and beyond.

Commitment to Emissions Reductions

The top resolution we expect for oil and gas companies is going to be to set and meet concrete greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.

With COP27 underscoring the vast gap between current policies and those needed to meet 1.5°C goals, the industry must lead in curbing emissions from operations.

We expect major oil and gas production facilities to commit to striving for science-based net-zero targets and increasing investments in carbon capture and clean hydrogen technologies.

Foster the Energy Workforce of Tomorrow

As the skillsets needed for a net-zero environment evolve, oil and gas companies must nurture the diverse workforce that will lead the industry into the future.

Now is the time for big oil companies to Invest in retraining current employees and attracting talent versed in digitization, electrification, carbon management, and related skill sets that will bring us closer to our net-zero goals.

Cultivating inclusive, innovative workforces ready for the energy transition is key to sustainable success, and we at Pro-Gas, think 2024 is the year we’ll start seeing some big changes in the industry workforce.

Accelerate Technology Development

Technology breakthroughs are vital to decarbonizing oil and gas operations, products, and value chains. We predict companies will be more driven to participate more actively in cleantech research consortia, collaborate with startups on piloting emerging technologies, and patent more solutions tailored to industry problems. Progress depends on companies working creatively with partners to foster innovation.

Address Methane Emissions

Slashing methane emissions from oil and gas infrastructure is the most impactful short-term climate goal. Companies must set aggressive methane reduction targets for 2024 as methane reduction is currently such an attainable goal versus completely cutting emissions of carbon dioxide.

We predict oil and gas companies will invest in further detection technologies, leak repairs, pneumatic controller retrofits, and other abatement measures.

As the second largest methane emitter globally(behind agriculture), the industry bears immense responsibility for reining in this potent greenhouse gas.

Help Communities Manage Phasing Out Fossil Fuels

As the need to phase down fossil fuels increases, oil and gas companies should proactively help communities currently dependent on related jobs and revenue manage the transition.

By putting oil companies at the forefront of community assistance, these efforts can lead to partnerships with alternative industries and energy projects that can help communities across the United States achieve their phasing-out goals.

Embed Circularity Principles

From well designs to decommissioning, applying circular economy principles enables oil and gas companies to eliminate waste and maximize resource productivity.

Having effective management systems that optimize materials use, enable part reuse, and facilitate deconstruction is vital to sustainable operations that keep natural gas in the renewable energy conversation.

Stay Up-to-Date on Natural Gas Production With Pro-Gas Services, LLC

The New Year brings a chance for oil and gas companies to transform ambitions into accountable climate action.

With rising societal and global policy pressure, the gap between pledges and progress is likely to grow closer in 2024. At Pro-Gas Services, we love to watch the direction our industry grows and are ready to provide production facilities with equipment and services that help accomplish goals.

If you’re ready to help your facility gain momentum in the new year, contact us today to learn more about our services.

Detecting and Responding to a Gas Leak in Your Home

A gas leak can be hazardous if left unaddressed. Many people are unaware of the subtle signs of a gas leak in their homes that could serve as early warnings. Being able to recognize these subtle signs and acting quickly could prevent a devastating home explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning.

As a leading equipment and services provider in the natural gas industry, we put your safety first. Gas leaks in the home or office can be deadly, and fast. Let’s cover some of the subtle signs you should look out for, steps on what to do if you suspect a leak, and how to stay safe.

Smell an Odor Like Rotten Eggs

This tip is a given, but we’d be remiss to exclude it! A faint rotten egg smell is one of the first signs of a possible gas leak.

Natural gas companies add a chemical called mercaptan to natural gas, which gives it a distinct sulfur or rotten egg odor so that leaks can be more easily detected. If you catch a whiff of rotten eggs in or around your home, you should take it seriously as a sign of a gas leak even if the smell is very faint. .

See Dead or Dying Plants Near Gas Lines

If you have dead patches or inexplicably dying plants on the exterior of your home near gas lines coming into your house, it could indicate a gas leak.

Natural gas contains substances that can be harmful to plants. So, vegetation that appears unhealthy or dead near gas lines should prompt suspicion.

If you notice dying plants only in concentrated areas around gas lines, it’s a warning sign to investigate further to ensure natural gas safety.

Hear Hissing Noises Near Appliances or Gas Lines

An important sensory clue is to listen for any hissing sounds near appliances fueled by natural gas or near gas lines. A high-pitched hissing or roaring sound often accompanies gas leaks as the gas escapes from pipes or valves.

Use your sense of hearing as you walk around rooms with gas appliances like stoves, water heaters, or furnaces, and listen closely for abnormal hissing. Also, listen to exposed gas lines running into appliances or outdoor gas connections. Even a faint hissing could signal a real leak.

What To Do If You Suspect a Gas Leak

So you’ve discovered you have a gas leak. It’s time to take prompt action now!

Flee From the Home

If you notice any of the warning signs above or directly smell natural gas inside your home, you should instantly leave the house with all occupants and pets.

Do not stop to shut off appliances, turn off lights, or gather belongings. Once safely outside, move a reasonable distance away from the home in case of explosion.

Call emergency services and your gas company’s emergency gas leak hotline if available. Stay outside until officials give clearance.

Avoid Using Electronics

A key thing to avoid is turning on or off any electrical devices including lights, and garage doors, and especially do not try to make a phone call from inside a home with a gas leak.

Electronics could produce sparks and risk explosion. It’s vital to immediately exit the house and call for help from a safe distance outside.

Open Doors and Windows

If you suspect a major gas leak and have time to ventilate on your way out quickly, you can open doors and windows to allow gas to diffuse instead of concentrating in an enclosed space.

Opening up the house can diminish gas buildup and reduce certain risks. This is only something to do if you can do so non the way out of your house.

Call Emergency Services

After leaving your home, call emergency help from a secure location at least several houses away from the gas leak. Call 911 to report the situation so that firefighters, medical services, hazmat teams, gas company professionals, and police if necessary, can all respond for coordinated management and resolution of the gas leak.

Give details on the gas smell detected, your household size, and if anyone is still inside or has health conditions for EMT awareness.

Wait For the All Clear

Once emergency crews arrive on site, they’ll use specialized gas detection tools and ensure the area is safe before letting you back into your home.

After calling for help, the rest of the process is just a waiting game that ends with you getting the “all clear” to go back to your safe home.

Pro-Gas Services Helps America Stay Alert For Signs of Gas Leaks

While we mainly provide equipment like gas coolers and NGL storage, we also love advising our customers about natural gas safety and industry news.

Concerning this tidbit, we say always remain alert in your home for any of the subtle warning signs indicating a hazardous gas leak. Taking quick action if you ever suspect a leak could save your life and those of your loved ones.

If you are a natural gas production facility manager or just a natural gas consumer who wants to know more about natural gas production, contact us today to learn more about our products and availability.

Top Oil and Gas Industry Trends to Watch in 2024

The oil and gas industry is constantly evolving to adapt to changing energy demands, new technologies, and market forces.

As we look ahead to 2024, several key trends are emerging that will shape the future of the oil and gas sector. As leaders in the oil and gas industry since 2011, the team at Pro-Gas Services, LLC, is dedicated to staying on top of trends that keep natural gas facilities and well sites producing successfully.

Here are some of the top oil and gas industry trends to keep an eye on in 2024 and beyond.

Increasing Adoption of Digitalization and Automation

A shift towards digitalization and automation is one of the biggest oil and gas industry trends in the coming years. Companies will increasingly adopt the latest technologies like advanced software, control systems, IoT sensors, and machine learning to automate oil and gas operations. This includes processes like leak detection, predictive maintenance, remote equipment monitoring, and modeling of new drilling sites.

Digitalization provides major efficiency and safety improvements for facilities and drill sites.. Automating manual processes with artificial intelligence and sophisticated algorithms will also enable deeper data-driven insights. Expect to see more oil and gas companies embrace automation and digital capabilities in 2024 as these technologies mature.

Rising Prominence of Renewable Natural Gas

Renewable natural gas (RNG) produced from organic waste is gaining significant traction. Major oil and gas companies are increasingly eyeing RNG as a way to reduce emissions and expand their business models toward renewable gases. In 2024, look for accelerated growth in RNG production from landfills, agriculture waste, and water treatment plants.

Blending RNG with traditional natural gas is a pathway for oil and gas firms to meet stricter environmental standards. More pipeline injections of RNG will occur as companies incentivize biogas projects. RNG is on the path to go mainstream in 2024.

Growing Role of Natural Gas and LNG

Natural gas will take on a greater role in 2024 providing affordable and low-emission energy to meet global demand. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) will also gain importance, with the natural gas trade expanding. By displacing higher-carbon energy sources, natural gas and LNG can contribute to emissions reduction targets in power generation.

Look for high investment in new natural gas power projects and LNG export/import facilities worldwide in 2024. With natural gas remaining essential for both firm and flexible energy, its share of the global energy mix will rise significantly.

Continued Growth in U.S. Oil and Gas Production

While the staggering production growth rates of the early shale boom have passed, U.S. oil and gas production is still projected to steadily increase in 2024 with drastic demand.

Advancing Deepwater Offshore Production

As shallow water fields mature, deepwater offshore drilling is the next frontier. With recent presidential approval for more offshore drilling, offshore projects will move forward in 2024 and beyond.

Watch for more companies sanctioning multibillion-dollar offshore projects in 2024, even if oil prices remain lower. Production from these capital-intensive deepwater fields will increase through the decade, bringing big volumes to the surface.

More Focus on Methane Emissions Reductions

With methane emerging as a major greenhouse gas contributor, oil and gas firms will amplify their methane emissions reduction efforts in 2024. Leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs using advanced sensors are sure to expand. Companies will also pursue valves, seals, and equipment innovations to cut methane leaks across gas value chains.

Voluntary methane emissions pledges like the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership will gain members. Look for more collaboration industry-wide in achieving substantial methane reductions.

More Emphasis on Circular Economies and Sustainability

A shift towards circular business models that maximize resource value and minimize waste will pick up the pace in oil and gas. Companies will want to expand commercial opportunities around recycling produced water, reusing equipment, sharing drilling data, and recovering commodities from flare gas.

The focus on environmental, social, and governance issues will also grow. Investors will increasingly drive sustainability in areas like emissions reductions, renewable energy, land use, diversity, and community engagement.

Leap Into the New Year With Pro-Gas Services, LLC

As the new year approaches, it’s time to accept that the oil and gas landscape will continue evolving rapidly in 2024. Companies must watch emerging trends and position themselves to benefit.

If you’re facility or firm is ready to innovate in 2024, it’s time to team up with a group like Pro-Gas Services for high-quality equipment and the knowledge you’ll need to push forward amidst change.

From NGL storage solutions to facility services, our team has you covered for 2024 and beyond. Contact us today to learn more about our nationwide services.

It’s a Wonderful Industry: Giving Oil and Gas Its “Wings”

The holidays are approaching, and it’s time to start planning for family gatherings and watching classic holiday movies. One of our personal favorites is the Jimmy Stewart film, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” In the film, the main character, George gets a special look at what life would be like if he weren’t around, and the consensus is, not great!

We thought it’d be fun to get into the holiday spirit and show how the time filled with joy, togetherness, and celebration just wouldn’t mix without oil and gas production facilities.

As we think about decorating our homes, buying gifts for our loved ones, and prepping dinner with family and friends, it’s easy to get caught up in the magic of it all. But behind the scenes, a vital resource makes the holiday hustle and bustle possible – oil and gas.

No Natural Gas, No Fun

It can get pretty chilly during Texas’s winter season. In fact, many people rely on the fact that natural gas storage exists as an emergency remedy if a winter outage occurs and gas becomes a prime energy source.

From the moment we wake up on a crisp winter morning, oil and gas power the holiday season. Most of us rely on natural gas to warm our homes against the winter chill and get us ready for a day of activity.

Between enjoying holiday lights and charging devices to make memories, the electricity used to make the holidays great is likely generated at power plants fueled by natural gas, coal, or petroleum. So, if our industry disappeared for a season, so would a lot of comfortable moments throughout the holidays.

Gas Literally Fuels Our Intentions

Imagine having to walk or bike to every holiday shopping event. You’d really have to rely on Santa to bring all of the gifts under the tree without oil and gas!

When it’s time to head out for a day of Christmas shopping, oil enables transportation around town. Gasoline produced from crude oil powers the cars, buses, trains, and other vehicles that take us to the shops and bring us home again, loaded with gifts.

Even online shopping depends on deliveries made possible by petroleum-powered planes, trains, and trucks.

Let’s also not forget that gift cards and holiday cash are enabled by oil-derived plastics used to make credit cards and manufacture ATMs.

Imagine Not Being Home for the Holidays!

Yikes! We don’t want to put ourselves in the shoes of many holiday movie main characters. However, the travels that bring far-flung families together every holiday season wouldn’t be possible without oil and gas.

So many dinner table seats would be empty, and so few core memories would get made.

Refined oil fuels make automobile road trips, domestic flights, and international air travel possible. And when heading over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house, oil helps deliver the horsepower in snowmobiles, four-wheelers, snow plows, and other vehicles that transport us there.

Cold Holiday Dinners Would Be Commonplace

Without drill sites and production facilities, the special hot foods we associate with the holidays could eventually become a tradition of the past.

Aside from being unable to bake Grandma’s favorite cookies in your gas oven, there would be even bigger problems in the commercial sectors if gas wasn’t available.

The farm equipment that harvests crops, the trucks that transport them, and the machinery that processes and packages our canned cranberries, vegetables, hams, turkeys, and other holiday staples are powered and manufactured with petroleum products.

The Holidays Just Wouldn’t Jingle Without Oil and Gas

Even beloved holiday traditions like trimming the tree, watching classic movies, and leaving cookies for Santa wouldn’t be possible without hydrocarbons.

Christmas tree ornaments, twinkling lights, festive decor, and holiday baking all involve materials derived from petrochemicals. Holiday classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the film we based this blog on, were recorded on petroleum-based film stock.

And Santa’s late-night travels are powered by reindeer fuel, which science tells us has a surprising amount in common with gasoline!

Keep the Holidays Cheery with Pro-Gas Services.

This holiday season, as we gather with loved ones, experience the joy of giving and receiving gifts, and make memories to carry into the new year, we can pause to appreciate the essential role that oil and natural gas play in making it all happen.

The petroleum industry helps power the experiences and traditions that make the holidays special.

At Pro-Gas Services, we believe energy abundance is something to be thankful for this time of year, as oil and natural gas keep us warm, comfortable, fed, and connected during the most wonderful time of the year.

If you manage a facility or well site and want to make it its best, contact us today to learn more about our equipment availability and nationwide services.

Exploring How Natural Gas Heats Up Your Home

Natural gas is an important energy source that heats up homes across the country. While it seems easy enough to turn a knob and experience some warm relief or fire for cooking, getting natural gas from the gas production facility to the corners of your home is quite the journey.

As the cooler months approach, let’s examine how natural gas really heats up your home.

Where Natural Gas Comes From

Before natural gas can heat up your home, it has to be drilled and extracted from underground reservoirs. Natural gas is formed over millions of years from decaying plants and animals that are buried under rock, sand, and silt. It is found in certain rock formations deep below the earth’s surface.

Energy companies drill natural gas wells to tap into these underground natural gas reserves. Once extracted, the natural gas is processed to remove impurities and transported through pipelines to local distribution companies. These utility providers deliver the gas to homes and businesses for heating, cooking, and other uses.

How Natural Gas Systems Work in Homes

Let’s take a look at the process that displays how natural gas heats your home. It all starts with the external gas line that runs from the street to your home. This buried pipe connects to the gas meter near your home, which measures the amount of gas entering.

From the gas meter, pipes run into your home. These carry the natural gas to the furnace or boiler, water heater, stove, and other gas appliances.

Furnaces and Boilers

The furnace or boiler is the primary way that natural gas heats up your home. Here’s how they work:

The Combustion Chamber

Inside the furnace is a combustion chamber. This is where the natural gas is burned as fuel. The gas enters through a gas valve, which regulates the amount of fuel flowing in.

The gas mixes with air and is ignited by a pilot light. This creates flames within the combustion chamber. As the gas burns, it gives off heat energy.

The Heat Exchanger

Next, the heat from the burning gas passes through the heat exchanger. This metal enclosure contains tubes or plates that separate the flames from the rest of the system.

As air from your home blows across the heat exchanger, the heat is transferred to the air. This warmed air then circulates through ductwork into different areas of your home.

The Blower and Thermostat

The blower is a fan that pulls in the air and pushes it over the heat exchanger. This allows for efficient heat transfer.

The whole system is controlled by the thermostat. This sensitive device monitors the air temperature and signals the furnace to turn on if the home gets too cold. Once your home reaches the desired temp, the thermostat tells the furnace to shut off.

What’s the Efficiency of the Average Furnace?

A furnace’s efficiency level indicates the percentage of fuel converted to usable heat. Higher efficiency models maximize heat transfer while minimizing energy waste. Upgrading to an energy-efficient unit can reduce your heating costs.

Modern furnaces typically reach 90-98% efficiency levels. Older, less efficient units can be as low as 60%.

Boilers and Steam Heat

Boilers operate similarly to furnaces, but there are a few key differences. Boilers also have a combustion chamber and heat exchanger. But the boiler heats up water instead of directly warming air.

The hot water from the boiler then circulates through pipes to radiators, baseboard convectors, or radiant flooring throughout your home. This is called a steam heating system.

The radiators or pipes then release the heat into different rooms. After releasing its heat, the water loops back to the boiler to be reheated before recirculating.

Water Heaters

In addition to heating your home, natural gas is also used to heat the water in your home for bathing, washing, cooking, etc. This is done by an appliance called a water heater.

Water heaters also have a combustion chamber, heat exchanger, and flue. Cold water enters the tank while the heat exchanger warms it. The now-heated water exits through pipes to the hot water fixtures in your home.

Natural gas water heaters heat water more quickly than electric models. They also recover faster after use to reheat the water.

Gas Fireplaces

Many homes today feature natural gas fireplaces. These work similarly to a furnace by burning gas to produce flames and heat. But instead of ductwork, the warmth directly radiates into the room.

Gas fireplaces are convenient to use. Simply flip a switch or press a button to turn on the flame. No need to stock and carry firewood.

Keep Your Holidays Warmer This Year With Pro-Gas, LLC

With proper maintenance and care, natural gas furnaces, water heaters, and appliances provide safe and efficient home heating for families nationwide.

Knowing how the technology works gives homeowners a deeper appreciation for this convenient fuel source. At Pro-Gas Services, LLC, we’re proud to provide Texas and national production facilities with the necessary equipment that keeps homes feeling great for the holidays.

If you’re a natural gas facility manager who knows it’s time to improve your site’s equipment, contact us to learn more about our services and equipment availability.

Tips for Safe NGL Storage at Your Industrial Facility

Natural gas liquids (NGLs) like propane, butane, and ethane are valuable byproducts of natural gas processing. They have a variety of industrial and commercial uses, from providing fuel for heating and engines to being petrochemical feedstocks.

However, NGLs can be hazardous if not properly handled and stored.

As natural gas production experts, we’re here to provide an overview of safe NGL storage methods at industrial plants, including portable storage options.

Ensure Proper Storage Containers and Tanks

NGLs are often stored onsite in large pressurized storage tanks at gas processing plants. It’s crucial that these tanks and any associated piping and equipment be engineered to contain the NGLs safely.

Tanks should comply with standards from organizations like the American Petroleum Institute. The proper construction materials, thickness, welds, valves, and gauges must be used. Tanks should also have emergency pressure relief mechanisms in case of over-pressurization. Regular inspection and maintenance are key.

Smaller NGL containers like drums and cylinders should also be robust and specifically designed for holding liquid hydrocarbons at pressure. Containers should be clearly labeled with their contents and any associated hazards. Never use an unapproved container to store NGLs. Proper personal protective equipment like fire-resistant clothing, gloves, and eye protection should be used when handling NGL storage containers.

Use Caution with Portable NGL Storage

Portable NGL storage tanks provide flexibility in containing and transporting NGLs onsite. These tanks are filled at processing units and transported for further loading, unloading, and use. Caution must be exercised during every step of working with portable NGL tanks.

Tanks should be designed for at least 1.5-2 times the maximum allowable working pressure of the NGL. Steel construction with welded, flanged, and threaded connections is preferable.

Only trained personnel should fill, transport, and offload portable tanks. Proper personal protective equipment must be worn.

Hoses and transfer piping should be resistant to NGLs and have the appropriate pressure rating. Connections must be tight.

During transport, tanks should be properly secured to trucks or trailers. Tanks must have shutoff valves.

Offloading should take place away from ignition sources in a contained area. NGLs should go directly into approved permanent storage infrastructure.

Use Dikes and Containment Structures

As an added safety measure, permanent and portable NGL tanks can be surrounded by containment structures like dikes or catchment pits.

These are barriers made of impermeable materials like concrete. They provide an extra layer of spill and leak containment in case of a breach in the tank itself. Dikes should hold a volume equal to 1.5 times the full volume of the tank. And the dike material must be compatible with exposure to NGLs.

Similarly, filling and offloading areas for NGL tanks and containers can be designed with curbs, berms, or drainage trenches for spill containment. Having containment measures and the appropriate absorbent materials on hand enhances the safety of any area where NGLs are transferred and stored.

Adhere to Codes and Inspect Storage Infrastructure

There are a variety of occupational safety codes and standards in place for handling NGLs from organizations like OSHA and NFPA. Plant managers must be familiar with any regulations applicable to their site and make sure all NGL infrastructure adheres to the necessary codes.

Regular inspection and testing ensure that tanks, piping, valves, and containment structures remain in satisfactory condition over time. Storage infrastructure should also be designed by qualified engineers familiar with NGL safety requirements.

It’s also crucial to have active leak monitoring, good ventilation, proper labeling, and restricted access to NGL storage areas. Fire suppression equipment, system interlocks, and emergency shutoffs add to the overall safety of the facilities as well. Plant personnel require ongoing training for operating NGL handling and storage equipment most safely.

Perfect NGL Storage Today, With Pro-Gas Services, LLC

Storing NGLs properly is vital for the safety of industrial facilities and personnel. Following the best practices outlined above for storage methods, containers, portable tanks, containment measures, and good design ensures NGLs are managed prudently. Safe handling and storage of these valuable gas plant products starts with working with our team at Pro-Gas Services, LLC.

We can help you find the right storage solutions for your NGLs and give your facility the edge it needs in our thriving industry. Contact us today to learn more about our product availability,

The History of Using Natural Gas for Heating Homes

Natural gas has become one of North America’s most popular energy sources for heating homes. Natural gas’s convenient, clean-burning properties suit home heating systems well. But how did natural gas become integral to providing residential warmth?

Let’s look closer at natural gas use throughout history and how we went from early times to full natural gas facility processing.

The Early Days of Manufactured Gas for Lighting and Cooking

The origins of using gas for residential needs can be traced back to the early 1800s. There were no official pipelines in cities, and gas was used mainly for lighting streets, businesses, and homes. Coal gas was also used for cooking in more affluent households.

But it wasn’t until the last decades of the 1800s that using gas for heating came into broader use. Early gas heating systems were simple, relying on the open flame burners of gas lamps or plates to provide warmth to a room.

The Rise of Natural Gas and Closed Heating Systems

The development of long-distance pipelines brought naturally occurring gas from wells to population centers in the early 1900s. With this steady supply, closed central heating systems fueled by natural gas began to gain popularity in the 1910s and 20s.

Early natural gas heating systems took the form of solid fuel stoves that had been converted to use gas. Heat circulates through rooms via free convection from the stove and radiation from stove pipe assemblies. These systems were a major advancement from wood and coal stoves in convenience and cleanliness.

However, fireplaces and stoves were still the main heat source during the early years. Heating systems using natural gas were for more affluent homeowners and businesses.

Natural gas wouldn’t expand to the average user via pipeline until the 1940s.

Natural Gas for Heating Expands after World War II

The interstate pipeline network greatly expanded in the 1940s and 50s, increasing the availability of natural gas across the country. With this improved access, natural gas heating systems grew to become the most common choice for new home construction.

Smaller, more efficient gas furnaces and boilers made heating with natural gas economical. Improved designs also offered enhanced safety with the use of pilot lights and automatic valve shutoffs. This appealed to homeowners wanting to avoid the work and mess of coal furnaces.

The postwar economic boom and rise of suburbs led to rapid housing construction. These new neighborhoods were outfitted with natural gas, furthering its prominence. By the 1960s, gas heating was the preferred method for keeping a family warm.

Continuing Use Despite 1970s Shortages

Natural gas shortages through the 1970s temporarily disrupted the residential market. New connections were limited, and some switches back to heating oil occurred. But it remained the cheaper and preferred option for most homes with existing natural gas hookups.

Shortages spawning from the oil embargo of 1973 spurred improvements in energy efficiency that would benefit gas heating. Building codes began requiring more insulation. Furnace efficiency standards also increased, lowering fuel usage.

Deregulation of natural gas in the 1980s enabled more production and stable supplies, leading to a rebound in new construction with gas heat. More efficient furnace designs such as condensing boilers also reduced consumption.

Natural Gas Heating in Modern Homes

Around 58 million U.S. households today use natural gas as their main space heating fuel. High-efficiency furnaces and boilers have minimized home heating costs while reducing emissions.

Natural gas is now delivered through an extensive network of underground mains and service lines, creating ease of use and a comfortable environment for owners. Continued infrastructure maintenance and safety improvements by utilities ensure modern gas heating remains convenient and reliable.

Stay Up-to-Date On Natural Gas Access With Pro-Gas Service, LLC

Though refinements are still being made, natural gas heating has undergone relatively little change compared to the boiler and furnace systems of a century ago. Natural gas’s clean, economical properties continue to make it well-suited for providing warmth in homes across North America.

Pro-Gas Services specializes in providing the equipment that helps facilities and drill sites bring natural gas home to consumers.

If you’re ready to make your production facility the best it can be, contact us today to learn more about our available equipment.