Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is a fossil fuel substitute for gasoline (petrol), diesel, or propane/LPG. Although its combustion does produce greenhouse gases, it is a more environmentally clean alternative to those fuels, and it is much safer than other fuels in the event of a spill (natural gas is lighter than air, and disperses quickly when released). CNG may also be mixed with biogas, produced from landfills or wastewater, which doesn't increase the concentration of carbon in the atmosphere.
CNG is made by compressing natural gas (which is mainly composed of methane [CH4]), to less than 1% of the volume it occupies at standard atmospheric pressure. Consisting mostly of methane, CNG is odorless, colorless and tasteless.
Typical composition ( %) of natural gas in other countries
It is stored and distributed in hard containers at a pressure of 200–248 bar (2900–3600 psi), usually in cylindrical or spherical shapes.
CNG is used in traditional gasoline internal combustion engine cars that have been converted into bi-fuel vehicles (gasoline/CNG). Natural gas vehicles are increasingly used in the Asia-Pacific region (especially Pakistan[1]), Latin America, Europe, and America due to rising gasoline prices.[2] In response to high fuel prices and environmental concerns, CNG is starting to be used also in tuk-tuks and pickup trucks, transit and school buses, and trains.
The cost of this conversion is a barrier for CNG use as fuel and
explains why public transportation vehicles are early adopters, as they
can amortize more quickly the money invested in the new (and usually
cheaper) fuel. In spite of these circumstances the number of vehicles in
the world that use CNG has grown steadily at a 30 percent annual rate.[3]
CNG's volumetric energy density is estimated to be 42% of liquefied natural gas's (because it is not liquefied), and 25% of diesel's.[4]
CNG is a readily available alternative to gasoline that’s made by
compressing natural gas to less than 1% of its volume at standard
atmospheric pressure. Consisting mostly of methane, CNG is odorless,
colorless and tasteless. It's drawn from domestically drilled natural
gas wells or in conjunction with crude oil production.
Natural gas powers more than 12 million vehicles on the road today. Unfortunately, only 112,000 of these are being used in the U.S today.
The average growth rate in the U.S. shows a 3.7% increase per year
since 2000, as contrasted with a booming global growth rate of 30.6% per
year.
Expanding the numbers of CNG fueling stations
would allow for the increase of CNG vehicles on U.S. roads. There are
12,000 around the world, yet the U.S. claims about 1,100. More stations
will continue to be built in America in the coming years.
However, as gasoline prices continue to rise, American interest in
CNG is rising, and with good reason – CNG costs about 50% less than
gasoline or diesel, emits up to 90% fewer emissions than gasoline and*
there’s an abundant supply right here in America. So it’s clean,
affordable abundant and American.
Do you know the history of CNG?
The history of CNG as a transportation fuel dates back to World War
II. Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) are a proven technology that have been
enhanced and refined over the years into a convenient and extremely safe
method of transportation. Daily use of natural gas vehicles can be found throughout the United States in a variety of applications.
Source: Wikipedia.org, CNGnow.com
Source: Wikipedia.org, CNGnow.com
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