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What are NGLs?
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Unprocessed natural
gas has a variety of components depending on the reservoir from which it
was produced.
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Natural gas liquids
(NGLs) are associated with the production of
raw, unprocessed natural gas.
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The primary components
of NGLs are ethanes, propanes, butanes and natural gasolines.
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Wet, or rich, natural gas and contains
large amounts of associated natural gas liquids,
up to six gallons of NGLs per 1,000 cubic
feet.
Dry, or lean, natural gas contains only small amounts of associated
natural gas liquids, less than one gallon per 1,000 cubic feet.
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NGLs are a mixture of light hydrocarbons
that are primarily gaseous when released into the atmosphere. Small
amounts of natural gasolines remain after the other components evaporate.
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Generally, raw natural
gas that is rich in NGLs must be processed to remove the associated NGLs
for the natural gas to be useable, saleable and transportable in the
nation's natural gas pipeline system. In addition, NGLs are also removed
because the NGLs may have a higher value as purity products as compared to
remaining in the natural gas stream.
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The concentration of
rich natural gas in Texas, Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico accounts for
approximately 50 percent of NGL reserves.
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NGLs account for more
than 20 percent of the total U.S. production of liquid petroleum.
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NGLs are used as raw
materials in the petrochemical and refining industries and for industrial,
commercial and residential fuel.
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NGLs are a byproduct
of petroleum refining and the manufacturing of natural gasoline.
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