What is the specific gravity of natural gas?

The specific gravity of natural gas is typically around 0.6. Specific gravity is a measure that compares the density of a substance to the density of water at a specified temperature. For natural gas, which is less dense than air, a specific gravity of 0.6 indicates that it is about 60% as dense as air, which is critical for understanding its behavior in various conditions, particularly in fire service and safety operations.

This specific gravity value plays an essential role in determining how natural gas will rise and disperse in the atmosphere, influencing both its flammability and the approach needed for firefighting or gas leak situations. A lower specific gravity means natural gas will tend to rise, which impacts ventilation strategies during emergencies. Understanding the specific gravity helps fire service personnel formulate effective handling and safety procedures when dealing with natural gas incidents.