Ethane Gas Supplier

UN1035 Ethane Compressed | UN1961 Ethane, Refrigerated Liquid

Ethane is a flammable, colorless, odorless gas shipped as a liquefied gas at its vapor pressure of 544 psig at 70°F. Ethane may also be shipped as a cryogenic refrigerated liquid at -128°F. As a leading ethane gas supplier, Gas Innovations provides high-purity ethane across a full spectrum of grades and packaging formats engineered for bulk industrial and distributor supply.

Our operations on the Houston Ship Channel in La Porte, Texas, position us at the center of the global petrochemical corridor, enabling efficient fulfillment for domestic and international projects of any scale.

Product & Packaging Information

PurityCylinder SizeContentsCylinder Pressure 70FStandard Valve Outlet (CGA)
CP
99.0%
300
200
37 lb
32 lb
544
544
350
350
Instr
99.5% *
300
200
37 lb
32 lb
544
544
350
350
99.99%300
200
37 lb
32 lb
544
544
350
350
99.999%300
200
37 lb
32 lb
544
544
350
350
99.9995%300
200
37 lb
32 lb
544
544
350
350

* Subject to source availability

Product Data
Molecular Weight30.07
Specific Volume12.8 cf / lb @ 70F
Compressed Density2.996 lb /gal @ 60F
Density at boiling point4.56 lb / gal @ -128F
Flammability in Air3.0-12.4% in Air
U.S. D.O.T. Hazard Class2.1
U.S. D.O.T. LabelFlammable Gas
Refrigerant NumberR-170

Ethane Gas: Properties and Classification

Ethane (C₂H₆) is the second most abundant component of natural gas and one of the most commercially significant hydrocarbons in the global petrochemical supply chain. With a molecular weight of 30.07 g/mol and a boiling point of -128°F (-89°C), ethane gas is classified under U.S. D.O.T. Hazard Class 2.1 (Flammable Gas) and carries the refrigerant designation R-170.

Ethane is derived from natural gas streams by fractional distillation and is valued as a highly selective feedstock for ethylene production. The purity can be increased by using cryogenic distillation. Its chemical simplicity and predictable cracking behavior make it a preferred raw material for steam cracking operations globally. In compressed form, ethane gas is transported at 544 psig at 70°F, while cryogenic liquid ethane is shipped at -128°F for bulk and high-volume applications. 

Purity Grades

Gas Innovations supplies ethane gas across five distinct purity levels, each supported by documented Certificates of Conformance (COC) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) and rigorous analytical quality control.

Grade 2.0 (99.0%)

Grade 2.0 (99.0%) is suited for general industrial processing and chemical manufacturing where standard commercial purity meets operational requirements.

Grade 2.5 (99.5%)

Grade 2.5 (99.5%) is for calibration gas applications and analytical instrumentation. This grade is subject to source availability.

Grade 4.0 (99.99%)

Grade 4.0 (99.99%) supports demanding R&D and laboratory environments where impurity tolerances are tightly controlled. At this purity, the gas is meeting or exceeding AHRI specifications for R-170.

Grade 5.0 (99.999%)

Grade 5.0 (99.999%) meets the stringent specifications required in electronics fabrication, semiconductor manufacturing, and advanced pharmaceutical synthesis. At this purity, the gas is meeting or exceeding AHRI specifications for R-170.

Grade 5.5 (99.9995%)

Grade 5.5 (99.9995%) is our highest available grade, engineered for the most sensitive applications where trace-level contaminant control is critical. At this purity, the gas is meeting or exceeding AHRI specifications for R-170.

All grades are available in a range of cylinder sizes, including smaller options such as Size G and Size Q, standard high-pressure ethane gas cylinder sizes (200 and 300 cubic foot), with contents of 32 lb and 37 lb respectively, and larger Tonner fills, at a cylinder pressure of 544 psig at 70°F using CGA 350 valve outlets.

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Industrial Applications

Ethane occupies a central role in the global petrochemical economy. It is a preferred refrigerant for very low temperature applications. As a bulk ethane gas distributor, Gas Innovations supports clients across a range of high-demand sectors. 

  • Ethylene Production: Ethane is the primary feedstock for ethylene production through steam cracking. Its high selectivity for ethylene over heavier hydrocarbon feedstocks makes it the preferred input for petrochemical operators.
  • LNG Liquefaction and Cryogenic Refrigeration: Designated as Refrigerant R-170, ethane is integral to cryogenic systems used in LNG liquefaction. Gas Innovations has particular expertise in supplying refrigerant-grade hydrocarbons for LNG terminal operations.
  • Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing: Ultra-high-purity ethane gas supports the production of specialty fine chemicals and electronic-grade materials.
  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: High-purity ethane serves as a solvent and chemical intermediate in production environments governed by strict regulatory standards.
  • Research and Laboratory Use: Liquid ethane is used for vitrification in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), preserving biological sample structures for high-resolution imaging.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Work as an Ethane Supplier

What is the minimum order volume for ethane from Gas Innovations?

Gas Innovations serves bulk and wholesale customers, so order volumes typically start at the cylinder level and scale up through tube trailers, ISO containers, and cryogenic tanker loads. Contact our sales team to discuss volume requirements specific to your operation, and we will configure the most efficient supply plan.

Does Gas Innovations offer long-term ethane supply agreements?
Can Gas Innovations supply ethane for international projects?

Why Partner with Gas Innovations

Gas Innovations combines technical expertise, extensive logistics infrastructure, and a commitment to purity that has made us a preferred ethane supplier for industrial and distributor clients worldwide.

  • Purity Up to 99.9995%: Five ethane grades reaching Electronic or Research Plus levels, engineered for the most demanding specifications.
  • Bulk and Distributor-Scale Supply: Structured to serve wholesale customers, specialty gas distributors, independent gas distributors, petrochemical facilities, and multinational industrial operations.
  • Technical Consultation: Expert guidance on product selection, handling protocols, safety compliance, and logistics planning at the project level.
  • Comprehensive Documentation: Every shipment is supported by Certificates of Conformance, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), full product specifications, and optional safety training programs.
  • Proven Global Track Record: An established worldwide resume supplying high-purity hydrocarbons for LNG terminal commissioning, specialty chemical manufacturing, and beyond.
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Make Gas Innovations Your Ethane Supplier Today

Contact Gas Innovations to discuss your ethane supply requirements and let our team configure the right product, purity, and logistics solution for your project.

Phone: 281.501.7237

Email: Sales@GasInnovations.com

Address: 18005 E. Hwy. 225, La Porte, TX 77571