What is CNG?
CNG, also known as compressed natural gas, is an eco-friendly alternative to gasoline. Made by compressing natural gas (methane) down to less than 1% of its volume, CNG fuel is safer than gasoline and diesel because it is non-toxic and does not contaminate groundwater. This natural gas is the same gas that you use daily to heat your home and water, cook on the stove, and even dry your clothes in a dryer. The use of CNG fuel is becoming more popular with both commercial and non-commercial vehicles.
How does it get to the station?
The natural gas arrives at the station at a low pressure from a local gas (utility) line. An underground compressor then takes that fuel and compresses it to a higher pressure. After the compression of the natural gas, the CNG is then transferred to storage vessels so that the fuel is readily available.
Is CNG use and CNG fueling well for the environment?
The use of CNG is extremely good for the environment. CNG is one of the cleanest burning fuels available. The use of CNG reduces carbon monoxide emissions 90 to 97 percent. In fact, in terms of pollution reduction, converting one truck from diesel to natural gas is the equivalent of taking as many as 325 cars off the road. Using natural gas instead of diesel or gasoline helps reduce tiny soot particles that can aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Does CNG cost more than gasoline and diesel?
No, CNG does not necessarily cost more than gasoline or diesel. The cost of CNG can be up to half the price per gallon equivalent compared to a gallon of gasoline or diesel. Because 98% of natural gas comes from North America, it lowers our dependence on international markets for oil, helping keep the cost of CNG low and the prices stable.
Can I use CNG in my car?
Yes, compressed natural gas can be used in commuter applications. To use CNG in your car, you either need to have a dedicated CNG vehicle or a bi-fuel vehicle. A dedicated CNG vehicle is a vehicle that runs strictly on CNG. A bi-fuel vehicle is a vehicle that can run on either gasoline or CNG. If you do not have either of these types of vehicles, you would need to hire a certified CNG installer to install a conversion kit for your car if you would like to use CNG fuel rather than gasoline or diesel.
What are some other benefits of CNG fuel?
There are many benefits to using CNG. Natural gas vehicles can reduce noise by as much as 50% compared to diesel vehicles, making it quieter when trucks go down the street. Not only does it make vehicles quieter, but it can also lead to more jobs being created. For every 1% increase in natural gas production, roughly 35,000 jobs can be created.
What is LNG? Is LNG the same as CNG fuel?
LNG, also known as liquefied natural gas, is natural gas (methane) cooled down to liquid form. The reason for liquefying natural gas is for shipping and storage purposes. By liquefying the natural gas, it reduces its volume by 600 times in comparison to its gaseous state., therefore making it easier to transport out of the country or to remote areas where the use of a pipeline is not possible. Once LNG arrives at a terminal, it can be restored to its gaseous state.
How many companies, locally and nationally, use CNG for their fleet?
There are roughly 25 National companies that are partnered with Clean Cities, to encourage the usage of CNG fueling. Some of these companies include FedEx, Coca-Cola, UPS, AT&T, Verizon, and Staples. On the local Chicago and Northwest Indiana scale, there are many companies that currently use CNG fuel for their fleets or are in the process of converting to CNG vehicles. Some local Chicagoland companies that proudly promote the use of CNG for their fleets include Ozinga, Lansing Cleaners, Moran Transportation, and PeaPod.
Source: mydisposal.com
