Compressed natural gas (CNG) is utility, pipeline-quality natural gas that has been compressed to 3,000 - 3,600 pounds per square inch (psi). Compression allows more natural gas to fit into a smaller space, such as a vehicle’s fuel tank. It also allows the optimum amount of energy, commonly referred to as British Thermal Unit, or BTU, to be injected into an internal combustion engine.
In its natural state, natural gas is normally a gaseous, lighter-than-air substance — not a liquid. Natural gas can be compressed to 3,600 psi (CNG) or liquefied at -260° Fahrenheit (F) to form liquefied natural gas (LNG). In either state, natural gas can provide the same BTU equivalent as conventional transportation fuels.
CNG is a preferred fuel for various vehicle applications, including light-duty vehicles, medium-duty trucks, school and transit buses and refuse vehicles. LNG is more commonly utilized for storage, over-the-road applications due to its increased amount of range and by heavy-duty semi-trucks for long hauls.
Absolutely! Compressed natural gas is stored onboard vehicles in tanks that meet stringent safety requirements.
The carbon fiber fuel storage cylinders used in CNG vehicles are much stronger than gasoline fuel tanks. The design of natural gas cylinders is subjected to a number of federally required "severe abuse" tests, such as heat and pressure extremes, gunfire, collisions and fires.
Natural gas fuel systems are "sealed," which prevents spills or evaporative losses. CNG’s lighter-than-air nature allows it to dissipate into the atmosphere in the unlikely event that a leak in the fuel system does occur. Gasoline, on the other hand, can pool on the ground creating a fire hazard.
The use of natural gas as a transportation fuel is actually safer than conventional fuels. Natural gas has a higher ignition temperature, approximately 1,200° Fahrenheit compared with about 600° F for gasoline. In addition, natural gas will not burn if it is mixed with too much or too little air. This can be compared to a “flooded” carburetor in a motorcycle. The motorcycle’s engine will not start until the ideal percentage of air exists to allow combustion. Natural gas has a high ignition temperature and limited flammability range making accidental ignition or combustion of natural gas very unlikely. Furthermore, static electricity fires and accidents by gasoline emissions do not exist with natural gas because of its higher ignition temperature.
Natural gas is not corrosive and will not contaminate groundwater.
Source: NGV America
Before you convert your vehicle to run on natural gas – or purchase a used CNG vehicle – be sure to investigate your fueling options. While there are more than 1,000 CNG fueling locations in the U.S. – only three are in Arkansas – approximately half are open to the public. Instead, they are restricted to use only by fleet operators (referred to as private access stations). More natural gas fueling stations are being built across the country everyday as demand for CNG vehicles continues to increase. The U.S. has millions of miles of natural gas pipelines in the ground, already providing the majority of the infrastructure necessary for a national network of CNG fueling stations. All that is lacking is the final compression and dispensing of the fuel to the consumer.
For a comprehensive map of public fueling stations, please visit www.cngprices.com.
If your home has access to natural gas lines, it is possible to refuel overnight at home with properly installed equipment. Home fueling devices are available through Fuel System Solutions in a variety of shapes, sizes and speeds.
These home fueling units are safe and easy to use. By connecting to the natural gas line found in your home and a source of electrical power, home fueling units slowly compress natural gas and deliver it to the storage tank in the vehicle overnight. When the driver arrives home in the evening, he or she simply plugs it in and the unit will automatically run until the tank is full. Using the same amount of power as a hot water heater or gas dryer, these units are efficient, safe and easy to use. A user’s fuel bill will be included in their monthly utility bill and will provide a convenient system for continuous use.
To locate a certified conversion company, please visit www.ngvamerica.org or www.cngnow.com.
Home CNG refueling devices qualify for a federal tax incentive of $2,000, and may also qualify for additional state tax incentives or grant subsidies. More information about available tax incentives can be found at www.ngvamerica.org or by contacting the appropriate state authority. Conversion incentives vary from state to state. To find conversion tax incentives in your state, visit www.cngnow.com.
For those wanting to offer retail CNG, contact info@cngnow.com or visit www.ngvamerica.org.
For more information on CNG, visit www.cngnow.com.