CNG Is Natural Gas Under Pressure Which Remains Clear, Odorless, And Non-Corrosive

What is CNG?

WHT IS CNG?

Compressed natural gas, or CNG, is natural gas under pressure which remains clear, odorless, and non-corrosive. Although vehicles can use natural gas as either a liquid or a gas, most vehicles use the gaseous form compressed to pressures above 3,100 pounds per square inch.

How is natural gas produced?

Most natural gas comes from three types of wells: natural gas-and-condensate wells, oil wells, and coal bed methane wells. In 2003, Asaia had over 1,200 natural gas-and-condensate wells operating. Well-extracted natural gas requires a cleanup process before it can be used in vehicles or residences.

How is natural gas stored?

In smaller fueling locations and on vehicles, CNG is stored in thick-walled steel, aluminum, or composite tanks built to last more than 20 years.

Is natural gas flammable?

When released, compressed natural gas will mix with air and become flammable only when the mixture is within 5 to 15 percent natural gas. When the mixture is less than 5 percent natural gas, it doesn't burn. When the mixture is more than 15 percent natural gas, there is not enough oxygen to allow it to burn. Because natural gas is lighter then air, it quickly dissipates when released from tanks.

What are the benefits of using natural gas in transportation?

Natural gas is produced both worldwide and domestically at relatively low cost and is cleaner burning than gasoline or diesel fuel. Natural gas vehicles show an average reduction in ozone-forming emissions of 80 percent compared to gasoline vehicles.

What vehicles use natural gas?

CNG vehicles have been introduced in a wide variety of commercial applications, from light-duty trucks and sedans - like taxi cabs, to medium-duty trucks - like UPS delivery vans and postal vehicles, to heavy-duty vehicles like transit buses, street sweepers (pictured right) and school buses. In California, transit agency buses are some of the most visible CNG vehicles.

What is the difference between LPG and CNG?

1. CNG is basically composed of methane whereas LPG is a mixture of propane, butane and other chemicals.

2. Another important difference from a physical point of view is that CNG does not liquefy under high pressure - it remains a gas, unless it is cooled down to at least - 164°C. LPG on the other hand becomes liquid when it is compressed or when it is cooled down (therefore the name "Liquefied Petroleum Gas").

3. CNG directly comes from a gas field. The only process, which sometimes needs to be done, is filtering the gas. But usually, the gas can be used as a fuel right away after the compression process. LPG, however, is an artificial product. It is a mixture of the above-mentioned gases. Hence, these gases need to be blended, before they can be used as fuel.

4. CNG has a greater part of Hydrogen and is therefore lighter than air (this attribute in fact makes CNG very safe: once there is a leak in the system, the gas will simply be released to the atmosphere). LPG on the other hand, is twice as heavy as air. This gas is usually a by-product which accumulates from the oil drilling as well as the refinement of oil.

When will the natural gas resources be exploited?

The resources of crude oil are estimated to be exploited within this century. However, the natural gas fields are said to supply sufficient gas until the next century. Gas supply will therefore certainly last longer than the life expectancy of your current CNG car.

What is CNG?

Menu