Compressed natural gas, or CNG, is utility, pipeline-quality natural gas that has been compressed to 3,000 - 3,600 pounds per square inch (psi). Consisting of mostly of methane, CNG is odorless, colorless and tasteless and is drawn from domestically drilled gas wells or in conjunction with crude oil production.
Liquefied natural gas, or LNG, is natural gas which has been liquefied at -260° F and takes up about 1/600 of its volume in a gaseous state. It is most commonly utilized for storage, for over-the-road applications because of the increased amount of range and by heavy-duty semi-trucks for long-hauls.
Compressed natural gas, or CNG, is natural gas which has been compressed to 3,000 to 3,600 psi to less than 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressures. It can be utilized for a variety of transportation applications, including the fueling of light- and medium-duty vehicles, school and transit buses and refuse vehicles.
In either state, natural gas can provide the same BTU equivalent as conventional transportation fuels.
Yes, the carbon fiber fuel storage cylinders used in CNG vehicles meet stringent safety requirements and are much stronger than gasoline fuel tanks. All natural gas cylinders are 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 up into the atmosphere in the unlikely event that a leak in the fuel system does occur. This is unlike gasoline, which in the event of a leak or accident, pools on the ground, creating a fire hazard.
The usage of natural gas as a transportation fuel is actually safer than conventional fuels. Natural gas has a high ignition temperature, approximately 1,200° Fahrenheit, compared with 600° Fahrenheit for gasoline. In addition, natural gas will not burn if it is mixed with too much or too little air, 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.
Before you convert your vehicle to run on natural gas or purchase a new or 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 approximately half are open to the public. Stations not open to the public are typically restricted to use by fleet operators. 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 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 in your area, 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, please contact info@cngnow.com or visit www.ngvamerica.org.
For more information on CNG, please visit www.cngnow.com.
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