Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is a fuel primarily composed of methane (CH4), which is natural gas compressed to less than 1% of its original volume. As a cleaner-burning alternative to gasoline and diesel, CNG offers reduced emissions. CNG is stored in high-pressure containers, typically installed in vehicles that are either specially manufactured or modified to use this fuel.
Applications and Benefits of CNG
In response to high fuel prices and environmental concerns, CNG has been used in cars, pickup trucks, transit buses, school buses, trains, and other modes of transportation.
The cost and placement of fuel storage containers are major barriers to wider/quicker adoption of CNG as a fuel. Despite the cost and circumstances, the number of vehicles in the world using CNG has grown steadily by about 30% per year.
Existing gasoline vehicles can be converted into dual-fuel (gasoline/CNG) vehicles. Only authorized upfitters can do the refitting for these vehicles, which involves installing a CNG cylinder, plumbing, a CNG injection system, and electronics.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles operate much like gasoline-powered vehicles with spark-ignited internal combustion engines. The engine functions the same way as a gasoline engine. Natural gas is stored in a fuel tank or cylinder, typically at the back of the vehicle. The CNG fuel system transfers high-pressure gas from the fuel tank through the fuel lines, where a pressure regulator reduces the pressure to a level compatible with the engine fuel injection system. Finally, the fuel is introduced into the intake manifold or combustion chamber, where it is mixed with air and then compressed and ignited by a spark plug.”
Due to the lack of harmonized codes and standards across jurisdictions, including international ones, there are several barriers to the penetration of the natural gas market. The IOS (International Organization for Standardization) has an active committee currently working on a standard for natural gas.
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