Ethane (C₂H₆) is a light hydrocarbon gas belonging to the alkane (paraffin) family and is the second most abundant component of natural gas after methane.
While ethane is commonly present as a minor fraction in LNG streams, it is also separated, purified, and transported as a dedicated cryogenic liquid for petrochemical and energy applications.
When cooled to approximately –89°C, ethane condenses into a colorless, odorless, non-corrosive cryogenic liquid, enabling efficient storage and long-distance transportation in insulated tanks—similar to LNG logistics.
Ethane’s high hydrogen-to-carbon ratio and simple molecular structure make it the preferred feedstock for ethylene production, forming the backbone of the global petrochemical industry.
Chemical & Physical Profile
Chemical Formula: C₂H₆
Molecular Weight: 30.07 g/mol
Hydrocarbon Class: Alkane (Paraffin)
Physical State (Ambient): Gas
Physical State (Cryogenic): Liquid
Key Characteristics
Clean-Burning & Highly Flammable
Ethane burns with a stable, clean flame producing primarily carbon dioxide and water vapor, with negligible soot, sulfur oxides, or particulate matter.
Low Boiling Point
With a boiling point of –88.6°C, ethane requires cryogenic storage and rapidly vaporizes under ambient conditions.
High-Purity Petrochemical Feedstock
Ethane provides the highest ethylene yield in steam cracking compared to propane, butane, or naphtha.
Colorless, Odorless & Non-Toxic
Ethane is non-corrosive and non-toxic; hazards are limited to flammability, pressure, and cryogenic exposure.
Physical & Mechanical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C₂H₆ |
| Appearance | Colorless, odorless |
| Molecular Weight | 30.07 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | –88.6°C |
| Freezing Point | –182.8°C |
| Density (Liquid @ –90°C) | ~0.54 kg/L |
| Density (Gas @ STP) | ~1.36 kg/m³ |
| Flammability Range | 3.0 – 12.5% |
| Auto-Ignition Temperature | ~515°C |
| Gross Calorific Value | ~51.9 MJ/kg |
| Net Calorific Value | ~47.5 MJ/kg |
| Solubility in Water | Very low |
Refining & Processing Properties
Cryogenic Separation
Recovered from natural gas liquids (NGLs) using cryogenic fractionation, turbo-expander, and demethanizer systems.
High Cracking Efficiency
Ethane achieves 80–85% ethylene yield in steam cracking, making it the most cost-efficient ethylene feedstock.
Low Sulfur & Contaminants
Typically very low in sulfur, nitrogen compounds, and metals—reducing catalyst poisoning and maintenance needs.
Fuel & Blending Use
Used as fuel gas, blended with methane-rich streams, and utilized for startup and heating operations.
Storage, Handling & Transportation
Stored and transported in cryogenic tanks, pressurized or refrigerated vessels, and marine ethane carriers (VLECs).
Safety measures include vacuum-insulated containment, pressure relief systems, and continuous temperature and leak monitoring.
Applications
Petrochemical Industry
Primary feedstock for ethylene production and downstream polymers including polyethylene, PVC, PET, and styrenics.
Energy & Fuel
Fuel gas for refineries and petrochemical complexes; supplementary fuel in gas-fired systems.
LNG & Natural Gas Processing
Calorific value and Wobbe Index control; separated and monetized from rich gas streams.
Research & Specialty Uses
Calibration gases, laboratory testing, and research applications.
Advantages Over Heavier Feedstocks
Higher ethylene yield
Lower energy consumption in cracking
Reduced CO₂ emissions per ton of ethylene
Cleaner furnaces and longer operational cycles
Lower capital and operating costs