Alkanes (C₁–C₈) — properties & control

Group: Saturated hydrocarbons (CₙH₂ₙ₊₂) Examples: Methane, Ethane, Propane, Butanes, Pentane…
DANGER — highly flammable/explosive; water scrubbing is ineffective. Use oxidation (RTO/RCO), recovery, or adsorption; design to ATEX with continuous LEL control.
Water solubility
Very low
Flammability
High (wide ranges)
Odour
Weak (fuel gases are odorized)
Abatement
Oxidation / adsorption
Toxicity
low (chemical)
Flammability
very high
Chronic risk
minimal
Environmental
GHG / ozone precursor
AspectDetail
Scrubbing suitabilityPoor with water due to non-polarity and very low solubility.
LEL–UEL (indicative)~0.5–2.2% LEL / ~7–15% UEL (species-dependent).
BuoyancyMethane lighter than air (accumulates high); C₃+ heavier (accumulates low).
AlternativesThermal/catalytic oxidation, recovery/recirculation, or activated carbon for low flows.

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