Diesel and petrol prices fluctuate often thus disrupting the transport industry. Even worse, combustion of these fuels results to emission of pollutant products which are responsible for challenges such as global warming and increase in cases of terminal illnesses. Fortunately, though, natural gases come along as a viable alternative to both petrol and diesels as they are safer, cheaper and efficient for use in a variety of industries, in homes and businesses.
Primarily, natural gas consists of methane and a varying amount of other alkanes, nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. The gases are first compressed to 3600 psig before they can be used as vehicular fuel.
CNG Packaging
CNG is usually transported and stored in strongly built cylinders to contain the pressure and minimize chances of explosions.
Main types of CNG cylinders:
Type 1 cylinders
These are metallic tanks crafted from either aluminum or steel. These cylinders can easily be transported though passenger vehicles and trucks. Check more details on type 1 CNG Cylinders.
Type 2 cylinders
In contrast to the type 1 cylinders, type 2 tanks are reinforced with steel wire to improve the lightweight steel liner used during manufacturing. They are lighter than type 1 but still carry a larger load.
Type 3 cylinders
These are not only larger than the above two but also sturdier in make. They are reinforced with a composite wrap that also absorb some of the gas pressure reducing the chances of explosion.
Pro tip: Just as there are specially designed cylinders for storing CNG, there exist factory-built CNG trucks for transporting the products from one destination to another.
Merits of using CNG over gasoline:
Reduced maintenance costs
Since CNG is light and doesn’t produce carbon deposits, it is easy on the engine. As a result, the engine is more efficient and oil changes are minimized. This not only helps prolong your engine’s lifespan but also lower your vehicles maintenance costs.
Its price is steady
While prices of gasoline products fluctuate from time to time depending on the existing economic environment, CNG prices remain relatively constant over extended durations of time. Organizations and businesses can thus easily budget for their fuel usage without worrying of price slips on the long run.
Cheaper than gasoline
The prices of compressed natural gases are not only steady over long duration of time but also cheaper. On some countries, the cost of CNG gets as a low as a third of gasoline products making it an affordable alternative for car owners.
Environmental friendly
Natural gases emit far fewer hydrocarbons and harmful products compared to the gasoline components. CNG is also lighter than air meaning it easily dissipates in case of a leak. This helps in conserving the environment, minimizing the proponents of climate changes and assuring healthier environments and safer environment for car and members of society.
Bottom Line
Compressed natural gases are fast gaining as they come along as cheaper, safer and cleaner to use. If you’ve been mulling on whether to shift to using CNG in place of the costly and harmful gasoline products, then this guide has laid bare the basics of compressed natural gases.
