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Methane

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Methane

Formula: CH4, R-50

Methane (CH4) is a colorless, odorless, highly flammable gas and the simplest saturated hydrocarbon. It is the primary component of natural gas and is produced by both biogenic and geologic processes.

Applications include:

  • Calibration gases for methane analyzers (NDIR/laser), LEL sensor bump tests, and atmospheric monitoring

  • Etch/reaction gas components (e.g., CH4/H2/Ar) for III-V and wide-bandgap semiconductors

  • CVD/PECVD carbon source for diamond, DLC, and graphene growth

  • Detector/counting gases, including P-10 (90% Ar / 10% CH4) and Ar/CH4 95/5 for proportional counters and drift chambers

  • Combustion, burner, and engine/turbine R&D; emissions and calorimetry studies

  • Furnace atmospheres as a carbon donor for carburizing/carbonitriding of steels

  • Catalysis and kinetics research; controlled hydrocarbon feed in pilot plants

  • Feedstock for hydrogen/syngas via steam-methane reforming (R&D and pilot scale)

EFC supplies unodorized methane in grades from commercial to ultra-high purity for industrial, R&D, and specialty gas uses.

Download Spec PDF
Download SDS PDF
Applications
Specifications
Further Specifications
Cylinder Sizes
  • Calibrate methane analyzers and LEL sensors.
  • Etch III–V and wide-bandgap semiconductors (CH₄/H₂/Ar).
  • Grow diamond, DLC, and graphene via CVD/PECVD.
  • Fill P-10 and Ar/CH₄ detector gases.
  • Fuel burner, engine, and turbine R&D/emissions studies.
Grade 4 Grade 4.5 Grade 5 Grade 5.5 Grade 6
Purity 99.99% 99.995% 99.999% 99.9995% 99.9999%
Nitrogen < 40 ppmv < 20 ppmv < 5 ppmv < 1 ppmv < 0.5 ppmv
Oxygen < 5 ppmv < 5 ppmv < 2 ppmv < 1 ppmv < 0.5 ppmv
Ethane < 60 ppmv < 30 ppmv < 5 ppmv < 3 ppmv < 0.5 ppmv
Other Hydrocarbons < 10 ppmv < 5 ppmv < 2 ppmv < 1 ppmv < 0.5 ppmv
Moisture < 5 ppmv < 5 ppmv < 2 ppmv < 1 ppmv < 0.5 ppmv
Total Impurities < 100 ppmv < 50 ppmv < 10 ppmv < 5 ppmv < 1 ppmv
Chemical & Physical Properties
Molecular Weight 16.043
Specific Volume 23.7 cf/lb
Flammability Limits 5.0 - 15% in air
Valve Outlets CGA 350 LB CGA 170
Cylinder Size Fill Volume (cu ft)
49L/Size 300 360
44L/Size 200 260
16L/Size 80 94
7L/Size 35 40

Moisture level guaranteed only when EFC Gases & Advanced Materials prepares the cylinders.
All concentrations are on a mol/mol basis unless otherwise stated.

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