How is CNG produced? How is CNG produced? Once a potential natural gas deposit has been located by a team of exploration geologists and geophysicists, it is up to a team of drilling experts to dig down to where the natural gas is thought to exist. Although the process of digging deep into the Earth’s crust to find deposits of natural gas that may or may not actually exist seems daunting, the industry has developed a number of innovations and techniques that both decrease the cost and increase the efficiency of drilling for natural gas. Advancements in technology have contributed greatly to the increased efficiency and success rate for drilling natural gas wells. Within the last decade new technology in horizontal drilling has enabled experts to access deeper shale plays of natural gas as well as to drill horizontally in all directions to enable one well to reach a much larger reserve of natural gas than traditional shallow wells were are able to do. Determining whether to drill a well depends on a variety of factors, including the economic potential of the hoped-for natural gas reservoir. It costs a great deal of money for exploration and production companies to search and drill for natural gas, and there is always the inherent risk that no natural gas will be found. The exact placement of the drill site depends on many factors, including the nature of the potential formation to be drilled, the characteristics of the subsurface geology, and the depth and size of the target deposit. After the geophysical team identifies the optimal location for a well, it is necessary for the drilling company to ensure that it completes all the necessary steps so that it can legally drill in that area. This usually involves securing permits for the drilling operations, establishment of a legal arrangement to allow the natural gas company to extract and sell the resources under a given area of land, and a design for gathering lines that will connect the well to the pipeline.
Transcript
How is CNG produced?How is CNG produced?
Once a potential natural gas deposit has been located by a teamof exploration geologists and geophysicists, it is up to a teamof drilling experts to dig down to where the natural gas is
thought to exist. Although the process of digging deep into theEarth’s crust to find deposits of natural gas that may or may not
actually exist seems daunting, the industry has developed anumber of innovations and techniques that both decrease the cost
and increase the efficiency of drilling for natural gas.Advancements in technology have contributed greatly to the
increased efficiency and success rate for drilling natural gaswells. Within the last decade new technology in horizontaldrilling has enabled experts to access deeper shale plays of
natural gas as well as to drill horizontally in all directions toenable one well to reach a much larger reserve of natural gas
than traditional shallow wells were are able to do.
Determining whether to drill a well depends on a variety offactors, including the economic potential of the hoped-fornatural gas reservoir. It costs a great deal of money for
exploration and production companies to search and drill fornatural gas, and there is always the inherent risk that no
natural gas will be found.
The exact placement of the drill site depends on many factors,including the nature of the potential formation to be drilled,
the characteristics of the subsurface geology, and the depth andsize of the target deposit. After the geophysical team identifiesthe optimal location for a well, it is necessary for the drillingcompany to ensure that it completes all the necessary steps sothat it can legally drill in that area. This usually involves
securing permits for the drilling operations, establishment of alegal arrangement to allow the natural gas company to extract andsell the resources under a given area of land, and a design forgathering lines that will connect the well to the pipeline.
If the new well, once drilled, does in fact come in contact withnatural gas deposits, it is developed to allow for the extraction
of this natural gas, and is termed a ‘development’ or‘productive’ well. At this point, with the well drilled and
hydrocarbons present, the well may be completed to facilitate itsproduction of natural gas. However, if the exploration team wasincorrect in its estimation of the existence of a marketable
quantity of natural gas at a wellsite, the well is termed a ‘drywell’, and production does not proceed.
Onshore and offshore drilling present unique drillingenvironments, requiring special techniques and equipment. The
first diagram depicts both the horizontal drilling andtraditional shallow drilling techniques to access the deeper
shale plays and the shallow sandstone plays, respectively. Thesecond diagram depicts various types of offshore drilling setups.
What is COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG)?A fuel used by an internal combustion engine that produces minimum hydrocarbon, however a high nitrogen oxide output that iscontained at a pressure between 3,000 to 3,600 pounds per square inch (PSI).
The following is a brief summary highlighting the main differences of these fuels. Much more comprehensive details of the fuel properties and compositions is available from other web sources and online databases.
Compressed Natural Gas or CNG is stored on the vehicle in high-pressure tanks - 20 to 25 MPa (200 to 250 bar, or 3,000 to 3,600 psi). Natural gas consists mostly of methane and is drawn from gas wells or in conjunction with crude oil production. As delivered through the pipeline system, it also contains hydrocarbons such as ethane and propane as well as other gases such as nitrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, sulphur compounds, and water vapour. A sulphur-based odourant is normally added to CNG to facilitate leak detection. Natural gas is lighter than air and thus will normally dissipate in the case of a leak, giving ita significant safety advantage over gasoline or LPG. Liquefied Natural Gas or LNG is natural gas stored as a super-cooled (cryogenic) liquid. The temperature required to condense natural gas depends on its precise composition, but it is typically between -120 and -170°C (-184 and –274°F). The advantage of LNG is that it offers an energy density comparable to petrol and diesel fuels, extending range and reducing refuelling frequency.
The disadvantage, however, is the high cost of cryogenic storage on vehicles and the major infrastructure requirement of LNG dispensing stations, production plants and transportation facilities. LNG has begun to find its place in heavy-duty applications in places like the US, Japan, the UK and some countries in Europe. For many developing nations, this is currently not a practical option.
Hydrocarbon Components Mole (%) Methane [CH4] 82.0 - 94.0 Ethane [C2H6] 3.0 - 6.0 Propane [C3H8] 0.1 - 2.0 Butane [C4H10] 0.1 - 0.7 Pentane [C5H12] 0.1 - 0.2 Hexane-plus [C6H14+] 0.0 - 0.2 Inert Nitrogen Gas [N2] < 15.0 Carbon Dioxide [CO2] <10.0 Oxygen [O2] Trace Hydrocarbon Liquids & Water Gas shall be free of any hydrocarbons and water in liquid phase at the delivery point Sulphur [S] < 10 parts permillion (ppm) of hydrogen sulphide [H2S] and not more than 15 ppm of total sulphur Gross Heating Value: Not less than (35.39 MJ/scm)
Yes, natural gas vehicles or NGVs, must meet the strictest of safety standards. The vehicles, fuel systems, conversion companies, and tank manufacturers must each meet separate government regulated guidelines and codes to sell in the market place.
Compared to gasoline
The fuel itself, is safer than traditional gasoline in many ways.1) Natural gas is lighter than air. This means, in the case of accident and gas is released, natural gas will disperse into the atmosphere, where gasoline will collect and spread on the ground.2) Natural gas has a higher ignition temperature than gasoline, which means it takes higher temperatures to start a flame. 3) Last the tanks must withstand extreme tests against dynamite, gunfire, bonfires and others that would destroy a normal gasolinetank.
More Safety
To learn more specifically about regulations and safety guides, visit Department of Transportation or check out our links pages for others sources.
Availability
Natural gas is drilled from wells or extracted from crude oil production. This fuel powers about one quarter of the United States energy usage, of that less than one percent goes toward transportation. America has also set up a vast natural gas distribution system that stretches coast to coast and boarder to boarder. This system delivers gas economically and quickly to almost all 48 states in the continental US. Sources have indicated that America owns roughly 2,074 Tcf (trillion cubic feet) of natural gas, which is more than a 100 year supply.
There are about 12,000 fueling stations across global roads, but only about 1,100 on U.S. roadways. However many initiatives are in place to expand infrastructure, such as the Texas Clean Transportation Triangle, Atlanta, Georgia’s CNG Infrastructure plan and the existing infrastructure established in the West, demonstrates that infrastructure is on the rise and so is demand.
American
Eighty to ninety percent of the natural gas used in the U.S. is found here in America. This helps promote America’s energy independence from the reliance on foreign fuels. Only 3 percent of US natural gas consumption comes from sources other than America, compared to oil imports. The US imports more than 50 percent of its oil from foreign oil, greatly hindering America’s energy independence.
Affordable
CNG is much cheaper than gasoline or diesel, in most cases half as much, in others as much as 80 percent less, depending on the station and state. Natural gas costs range from 20-40 percent less than crude oil on an energy-equivalent basis. Fleet owners will experience the greatest savings. A May 2012 Wall Street Journalarticle stated that Waste Management will convert trucks over thenext five years to natural gas at a cost of $30,000 per truck. These vehicles will save $27,000 each year in fuel costs comparedto diesel.
Greener
Natural gas produces far less emissions than engines running on petroleum based fuels. NGVs emits 25 percent less CO2 than vehicles that run on traditional gasoline or diesel. Natural gas is also available in renewable forms such as methane from landfills, stranded gas wells, agricultural operations, and new emerging
methods that can be converted to clean natural gas. NGVs also make it much easier to meet stringent EPA standards.
Other benefits
Easy fill-up- Just as fast and easy as gasoline or diesel
Government support- Federal & state incentives
Extended vehicle life by up to 50,000 miles
Reduced maintenance
Where does CNG come from?Where does CNG come from?
Natural gas is a fossil fuel. Like oil and coal, this means thatit is, essentially, the remains of plants and animals and
microorganisms that lived millions and millions of years ago. Buthow do these once living organisms become an inanimate mixture of
gases?
There are many different theories as to the origins of fossilfuels. The most widely accepted theory says that fossil fuels are
formed when organic matter (such as the remains of a plant oranimal) is compressed under the earth, at very high pressure for
a very long time. This is referred to as thermogenic methane.Similar to the formation of oil, thermogenic methane is formed
from organic particles that are covered in mud and othersediment. Over time, more and more sediment and mud and other
debris are piled on top of the organic matter. This sediment anddebris puts a great deal of pressure on the organic matter, whichcompresses it. This compression, combined with high temperaturesfound deep underneath the earth, breaks down the carbon bonds in
the organic matter. As one gets deeper and deeper under theearth’s crust, the temperature gets higher and higher. At low
temperatures (shallower deposits), more oil is produced relativeto natural gas. At higher temperatures, however, more natural gasis created, as opposed to oil. That is why natural gas is usuallyassociated with oil in deposits that are 1 to 2 miles below theearth’s crust. Deeper deposits, very far underground, usuallycontain primarily natural gas, and in many cases, pure methane.
Natural gas can also be formed through the transformation oforganic matter by tiny microorganisms. This type of methane isreferred to as biogenic methane. Methanogens, tiny methane-
producing microorganisms, chemically break down organic matter toproduce methane. These microorganisms are commonly found in areas
near the surface of the earth that are void of oxygen. Thesemicroorganisms also live in the intestines of most animals,including humans. Formation of methane in this manner usuallytakes place close to the surface of the earth, and the methane
produced is usually lost into the atmosphere. In certaincircumstances, however, this methane can be trapped underground,recoverable as natural gas. An example of biogenic methane islandfill gas. Waste-containing landfills produce a relativelylarge amount of natural gas from the decomposition of the wastematerials that they contain. New technologies are allowing this
gas to be harvested and used to add to the supply of natural gas.
A third way in which methane (and natural gas) may be formed isthrough abiogenic processes. Extremely deep under the earth’scrust, there exist hydrogen-rich gases and carbon molecules. As
these gases gradually rise towards the surface of the earth, theymay interact with minerals that also exist underground, in the
absence of oxygen. This interaction may result in a reaction,forming elements and compounds that are found in the atmosphere(including nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, argon, and water).If these gases are under very high pressure as they move toward
the surface of the earth, they are likely to form methanedeposits, similar to thermogenic methane.
What are the 10 benefits of using CNG? Best Answer
Steven James H answered 5 years ago
The Advantages of Compressed Natural Gas The Environmentally Clean Advantage Compressed natural gas is thecleanest burning fuel operating today. This means less vehicle maintenance and longer engine life. CNG vehicles produce the fewest emissions of any motor fuel. Dedicated Natural Gas Vehicles (NGV) have little or no emissions during fueling. In gasoline vehicles, fueling emissions account for at least 50% of a vehicle's total hydrocarbon emissions. CNG produces significantly less pollutants than gasoline. Tailpipe emissions from gasoline operated cars release carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming. This is greatly reduced with natural gas. The Maintenance Advantage Some fleet operators have reduced maintenance costs by as much as 40% by converting their vehicles to CNG.
Intervals between tune-ups for natural gas vehicles are extended 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Intervals between oil changes for natural gas vehicles are dramatically extended--anywhere from 10,000 to 25,000 additional miles depending on how the vehicle is used. Natural gas does not react to metals the way gasoline does, so pipes and mufflers last much longer. The Performance Advantage Natural gas gives the same mileage as gasoline in a converted vehicle. Dedicated CNG engines are superior in performance to gasoline engines. CNG has an octane rating of 130 and has a slight efficiency advantage over gasoline. Because CNG is already in a gaseous state, NGVs have superior starting and driveability, even under severe hot and cold weatherconditions. NGVs experience less knocking and no vapor locking. The CNG Cost Advantage Natural gas is cheaper per equivalent gallon than gasoline (an average of 15% to 50% less than gasoline). The Safety Advantage Surveys indicate that NGVs are as safe or safer than those powered by other fuels. A 1992 AGA survey of more than 8,000 vehicles found that with more than 278 million miles traveled, NGV injury rates per vehicle mile traveled were 34% lower than the rate for gasoline vehicles. There were no fatalities reported--even though these vehicles were involved in over 1,800 collisions. The Financial Incentive Advantage Some States offers a 50% investment tax credit for each vehicle converted to natural gas. This 50% credit on state income tax features a three-year, carry-forward option. A federal tax deduction is also available for the cost of conversion. CNG Conversions Converting a gasoline-powered car to CNG requires only minor engine modifications. To learn more about converting your car, please contact a certified CNG conversion technician.
Fueling Availability
To find the stations nearest you, please view this CNG fuel station map.
AnotherOther Answers (2)
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Nata T answered 5 years ago
The Advantages of Compressed Natural Gas and disadvantages The Environmentally Clean Advantage Compressed natural gas is the cleanest burning fuel operating today. This means less vehicle maintenance and longer engine life. CNG cars must be highly maintained and adjusted to be cleaner.
CNG vehicles produce the fewest emissions of any motor fuel.
Dedicated Natural Gas Vehicles (NGV) have little or no emissions during fueling. In gasoline vehicles, fueling emissions account for at least 50% of a vehicle's total hydrocarbon emissions. CNG is methane which is 22 times greater GHG than CO2.
CNG produces significantly less pollutants than gasoline. Tailpipe emissions from gasoline operated cars release carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming. This isgreatly reduced with natural gas. BUT a CNG can produce justas many CO, NOx and formaldehyde as a gasoline engine, especially if not tuned correctly.
The Maintenance Advantage Some fleet operators have reduced
maintenance costs by as much as 40% by converting their vehicles to CNG. Oil life and spark plug life is longer, butthe special fittings and tune ups also add cost.
Intervals between tune-ups for natural gas vehicles are extended 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Not true. If you talk aboutjust spark plugs and such, but O2 sensors become issues.
Intervals between oil changes for natural gas vehicles are dramatically extended--anywhere from 10,000 to 25,000 additional miles depending on how the vehicle is used. Not true. Modern cars can do 6000 miles between oil changes, CNGrequires 10,000 miles at a max.
Natural gas does not react to metals the way gasoline does, so pipes and mufflers last much longer. Not true. The stuff that reacts is the NOx and CO2 combining with the water. As stated NOx is higher befor the Cat Converter in a CNG car.
The Performance Advantage Natural gas gives the same mileageas gasoline in a converted vehicle. Not true. Cars use BTU'snot gallons. All hydrocarbons contain about 20,000 BTU's perpound mass (CNG has 21,000 and gasoline 19800). on a per gallon basis, 1 gallon CNG has (assume its a liquified gallon) has 50,000 BTU's and a gallon of gasoline has 120,000 BTU's.
Dedicated CNG engines are superior in performance to gasoline engines. Define superior? To make 1600HP, the engine would need to be a Waukesha 7044 engine with 7,040 cubic inch displacement, a 500 cubic inch displacement gasoline engine can make over 1300 HP.
CNG has an octane rating of 130 and has a slight efficiency advantage over gasoline. But the engine has no need for 130 octane so nothing is gained by that number.
Because CNG is already in a gaseous state, NGVs have superior starting and driveability, even under severe hot
and cold weather conditions. But because there is no heat removal from the engine due the vaporization of the CNG likethere is with gasoline, the engine runs hotter and makes forhigher emmissions.
NGVs experience less knocking and no vapor locking.
The CNG Cost Advantage Natural gas is cheaper per equivalentgallon than gasoline (an average of 15% to 50% less than gasoline). Not true, today natural gas prices are depressed because of the economy and CNG is running $1 to $2.5 per gallon and untaxed gasoline is $1.5 to $2.0 per gallon.
The Safety Advantage Surveys indicate that NGVs are as safe or safer than those powered by other fuels. A 1992 AGA survey of more than 8,000 vehicles found that with more than278 million miles traveled, NGV injury rates per vehicle mile traveled were 34% lower than the rate for gasoline vehicles. There were no fatalities reported--even though these vehicles were involved in over 1,800 collisions. Another case of mis matched data. Since most cars on CNG arecompany fleet cars that are well maintaianed and the used ofdrugs or alcohol is nearly absent. and most fleet vehicles are used in slow traffic, the data becomes skewed.
The Financial Incentive Advantage Some States offers a 50% investment tax credit for each vehicle converted to natural gas. This 50% credit on state income tax features a three-year, carry-forward option. IF installed by a certified company. the cost to retrofit a vehicle to CNG is over $10,000, the car would have to be driven 250,000 miles to justify this cost. CNG cars typically get 80 miles per fill up and therfore run on gasoline almost as much as they do onCNG.
A federal tax deduction is also available for the cost of conversion. CNG Conversions see total cost, it isn't pretty.
Converting a gasoline-powered car to CNG requires only minorengine modifications. To learn more about converting your car, please contact a certified CNG conversion technician. WRONGEST. The modification must meet all state and federal air rules
Frequently Asked Questions aboutCompressed Natural Gas (CNG) ConversionsClick on the links below to jump to a topic:
What is compressed natural gas (CNG)? Will compressed natural gas (CNG) harm my engine? Can the compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinder explode in an
accident? Can a compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion be installed
on a diesel engine? Where can I fill my vehicle with CNG? Can I use the natural gas at my commercial or residential
location? How much compressed natural gas (CNG) will my vehicle use? Will I be able to receive tax credits? Are CNG-ONE compressed natural gas (CNG) conversions EPA
approved? Does a compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion violate the
Clean Air Act? Will I be able to pass my state inspections? How long will my compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion
last? Once I have my vehicle converted to compressed natural gas
(CNG) can it be removed?
Can I sell my vehicle as a compressed natural gas (CNG) converted vehicle?
What is compressed natural gas (CNG)?
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is natural gas stored at high pressure. Natural gas primarily consists of methane, but commonlyincludes varying amounts of alkanes, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and hydrogen sulfide. CNG is made by simply compressing natural gas. Natural gas is often used in our homes for heating and cooking but it can also be used in place of petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel fuel. Natural gas has an octane rating of about 130, which means it has an efficiency advantage over gasoline. Natural gas is also the cleanest burning fossil fuel because the main byproducts of combustion are carbon dioxideand water vapor, the same compounds we exhale when we breathe.
Will compressed natural gas (CNG) harm my engine?
No. Compressed natural gas (CNG) is actually better for your engine because it burns cleaner. CNG does not contain lead, so spark plug life is extended because there is no fouling. Plus, CNG does not dilute or contaminate crankcase oil. This reduces maintenance costs and the overall life of the engine.
Can the compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinder explode in an accident?
A CNG cylinder is a very strong and thick storage tank and is just as safe as, or safer than, a thin plastic or metal gasoline tank. Worldwide, millions of trucks, busses, and cars have been safely driving on CNG for many years including federal, state, and local government vehicles.
Can a compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion be installed on a diesel engine?
Yes. A diesel engine requires a dual-fuel system with the proper diesel/CNG mix to operate safely at peak performance. The
conversion will be a mixture of the two fuels simultaneously withimpressive added power and fuel economy.
Where can I fill my vehicle with CNG?
Hundreds of compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations are available across the United States. New stations are opening daily. For the most comprehensive, up-to-date list, please visit the interactive Alternative Fueling Station Locator.
Can I use the natural gas at my commercial or residentiallocation?
Yes. Many compressors are available for both residential and fleet applications large and small. Our consulting team will workwith you to design the appropriate fueling station for your application.
How much compressed natural gas (CNG) will my vehicle use?
The amount of CNG used depends on the vehicle size and engine. There may only be minor variations in the actual fuel mileage between petroleum and CNG. To calculate annual savings, please refer to our Compressed Natural Gas Savings Calculator.
Will I be able to receive tax credits?
We closely monitor the latest tax credits, incentives, and funding opportunities. We will help you determine if there is a tax credit available and if your CNG conversion qualifies.
Are CNG-ONE compressed natural gas (CNG) conversions EPA approved?
CNG-ONE diligently monitors and complies with all local, state and federal guidelines and will assist you in selecting the system that best satisfies your particular requirements. All CNG-ONE vehicle conversions are installed and inspected by a certified Gaseous Fuel Technician (GFT).
Does a compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion violate the Clean Air Act?
No. None of our CNG conversions alter the engine control unit (ECU) and no emission systems are modified.
Will I be able to pass my state inspections?
Yes. You should not have any trouble passing your inspections. Our installation includes, where available, EPA emissions testingbefore and after installation. Typically, emissions are much lower with compressed natural gas (CNG).
How long will my compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion last?
CNG-ONE designs and installs high quality CNG conversions that will last for many years and will most likely outlast the life ofthe vehicle.
Once I have my vehicle converted to compressed natural gas (CNG) can it be removed?
Yes. CNG conversions can be removed from your vehicle. You can even install your CNG conversion in another vehicle, however you may need a few different parts.
Can I sell my vehicle as a compressed natural gas (CNG) converted vehicle?
Yes. You can sell your vehicle as-is without removing the CNG conversion. CNG vehicles typically sell for a much higher price.
http://www.cng-one.com/info/FAQs.asp
benefits:Compressed natural gas (CNG) is the smart and affordable choice for fleet vehicles, transit buses, school buses, waste disposal trucks,
delivery vehicles, and more. With CNG, we will save money on fuel, reduce emission levels, and extend the life of our vehicle.
1. Reduced Fuel CostNatural Gas (CNG) represents almost a 50% savings over petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel fuel. Over the last decade, the average cost per gallon of gasoline in the United States has risen approximately 140%. In 2004, the average price per gallon of gasoline was $1.50, today the average price is around $3.60, and the costs are expected to continue to rise. In a very competitive economy, there is no better time to look for alternative ways to fuel our vehicles
2. Environmentally FriendlyCompressed natural gas (CNG) is the cleanest burning transportation fuel on the market today. CNG burns cleaner than petroleum based products because of its lower carbon content. CNGproduces the fewest emissions of all other fuels and contains significantly less pollutants than gasoline. CNG produces 20-30% fewer greenhouse gas emissions and 95% fewer tailpipe emissions than petroleum products. And because CNG fuel systems are completely sealed, CNG vehicles produce no evaporative emissions.
3. Reduced Maintenance CostCNG does not contain lead, so spark plug life is extended becausethere is no fouling. CNG does not dilute or contaminate crankcaseoil, so intervals between oil changes and tune-ups are extended. Pipes and mufflers last longer because CNG does not react to the metals. All of this reduces maintenance costs while extending theoverall life of the engine.
4. Safety AdvantageCompressed natural gas (CNG) fuel storage tanks are stronger and safer than gasoline or diesel tanks reducing the likelihood of
accidental release. If released, CNG disperses quickly into the air instead of on the ground, reducing the risk of fire and ground contamination. Plus, CNG gives off little to no emissions during refueling.
http://www.cng-one.com/info/benefits.asp
Advantages of CNG:
Natural gas is significantly less expensive than gasoline. The cost of natural gas can go as low as $0.64 a GGE or Gasoline Gallon Equivalent. In some areas, natural gas costsas low as a third of the cost of gasoline, on average.
CNG is more eco-friendly than gasoline. Natural gas producesfar fewer harmful emissions and hydrocarbons than gasoline.
Using CNG makes the engine cleaner and more efficient. Unlike gasoline, CNG does not produce harmful carbon deposits when combusted. This results to a cleaner and more efficient engine as well as longer lasting spark plugs and catalytic converters. Oil changes are also minimized becauseof carbon deposits that contaminate the oil is eliminated.
CNG is abundant in the US. The country has extensive naturalgas resources and a well-established network of pipelines. Switching to CNG can help ease the country’s dependence to foreign oil whose price continue to fluctuate.
CNG makes the engine run quieter. Because of the higher octane levels of natural gas, the engine runs quieter resulting to minimized engine nose.
Disadvantages of CNG:
CNG tanks require storage space. If you convert to CNG, you may need to sacrifice some of the space in the trunk (for cars), truck bed (for pickup trucks) or behind the back seat(for SUVs). The CNG cylinder is also heavy but the added weight of the tank is offset by the reduced weight of a gasoline fuel tank that is near empty.
CNG Filling stations have limited availability. Some areas in the US still have few filling stations and some places have none at all. CNG conversion is most practical and
convenient for people living in areas with easy access to CNG filling stations.
CNG Conversion Kits
Abstract:The use of CNG in Bangladesh is increasing day by day due to theenvironmental benefits as well as economic benefits. In the last decade;the importance of environment conservation has assumed greatsignificance. Even in Bangladesh the last couple of years have witnesseda greater devotion and awakening towards the protection of theenvironment. Pollution due to petroleum products used in transportationis an ever-increasing problem for Bangladesh like other country. Soalternative solution of energy source is trying to use, thus pressure onCompressed Natural Gas (CNG) has been increased. Though, theenvironmental problem is solved but the stock of gas issimultaneously decreasing. The purpose of the study is to makecoordination between the environmental awareness concept and theuse of the natural gas should be connected in such a manner to achievethe success of Bangladesh.
OrCompressed Natural Gas (CNG) is an important vehicular fuel inBangladesh because the country has a significant natural gasresources and the natural gas transmission and distributionnetwork is well developed. The use of CNG in Bangladesh isincreasing day by day due to the environmental benefits as wellas economic benefits. The air quality has improved for the majorcities and the air pollution has reduced in Dhaka city thecapital of Bangladesh due to the use of CNG. In 1999-2000 thegovernment of Bangladesh has decided to use CNG as a vehicularfuel and was controlled by the state and limited to a few numberof cars with inadequate facilities but the CNG activities inBangladesh has increased and it is very popular to the people.Now 582 CNG filling stations, 167 CNG conversions workshops areestablished and 193,702 vehicles are using CNG as a vehicularfuel and lots of manpower is involved in this sector. It gives anew employment opportunity to Bangladeshi people. This paperdescribes the suitability of CNG as vehicular fuel, environmentaland economic benefits and also the commercialization of CNG aswell as the growth pattern of CNG filling stations, CNGconversion workshops in Bangladesh.Introduction:Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is an important vehicular fuel inBangladesh because the country has a significant natural gasresources and the natural gas transmission and distributionnetwork is well developed. Technical experts have suggested theuse of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel forautomobiles because of it is less hazardous, environment friendly and isquite cost effective. CNG consists mostly of methane and is drawnfrom gas wells or in conjunction with crude oil production. CNGvehicles store natural gas in high-pressure fuel cylinders at 3,000 to3,600 pounds per square inch. An odorant is normally added to CNGfor safety reasons. The emission levels of two pollutants- leadand SO are directly related to fuel composition. Eliminating lead
from gasoline, which is not naturally found in gasoline but added toenhance octane will eliminate lead emissions associated with fuelcombustion from all gasoline-powered vehicles. CNG (130 octane)is energy efficient fuel than petrol (93 octane). This higheroctane rating allows higher compression ratios and improved thermalefficiency, thus reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Compared topetrol or diesel, CNG vehicles emit 40% less of nitrous oxide,90% less of hydrocarbons, 80% less of carbon monoxide and25% lessof carbon dioxide. Moreover, noise level of CNG engine is much lowerthan that of diesel. But scientific studies have established thatCNG takes up more space for each gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE)compared to other gasoline power vehicle. After having thisdrawback, CNG has a high growth in Bangladesh due to low fuel cost.A significant change in transport section has been pointed afterintroducing CNG at Bangladesh market. So, the high consumption of CNGmakes the government, the policy makers, the investors and therelated personnel of this sector are concerned and willing to overcomethe high consumption rate of CNG.1. IntroductionBangladesh is blessed with natural gas resources and at presentnatural gas is the main source of power sector. For themaximizing the use of natural gas to reduce the air pollution anddecrease the import of liquid fuel, the Government of Bangladeshhas undertaken the business of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) intransport sector. CNG was first familiarized through a projectunder Bangladesh gas, oil and mineral corporation (Petro Bangla)with the financial assistance of World Bank in early eighties.Rupantarita Prakitik Gas Company Limited (RPGCL), an enterpriseof Petrobangla, is entrusted to convert the petrol vehicles torun by CNG and to install of CNG refueling Station. Governmenthas given permission to the private sector entrepreneur toinstall CNG refueling station and to establish of CNG conversionworkshop and Government has also provided land to some private
entrepreneurs for establishment of CNG conversion workshop andCNG refueling station.Natural gas, its major component is methane and methane hasphysical and thermodynamic properties that make it suitable fuelfor vehicles. Due to its low energy density, natural gas iscompressed inside a cylinder mounted at 3000 Psi. Methane has avery high knock resistance. In the conventional octane scalenatural gas has an equivalent octane number greater than 120.[2]. Wobbe Index, which indicates heat input to the engine, isanother important property of gaseous fuels. A change of Wobbeindex may affect the power output and performance of the engine.A Wobbe Index of 48.5 to 52.59 MJ/m3 is recommended for vehiclefuel and 44.7 to 46.6 MJ/m3 has been accepted for use in highaltitude area. The Webbe Index of Natural gas of Bangladeshranges from 50.60MJ/m3 to 51.3 MJ/m3. The motor octane number ofNG is 134. The calorific Values of natural gas of differentfields in Bangladesh are in the range of 930 to 960 BTU/SCFT.[3-4]. This paper describes the suitability of CNG as vehicularfuel, environmental and economic benefits and also thecommercialization of CNG as well as the growth pattern of CNGfilling stations, CNG conversion workshops in Bangladesh..
CNG Technology
Two important components of CNG technology system are the refueling station and vehicle technology. ACNG refueling station is complicated than a conventional refueling station. Both the refueling station andthe CNG vehicles have high-pressure components. A slow fill station is the least complex of the CNGstation systems designed to fuel vehicles. This type of station is especially suitable for a fleet of vehiclesparked overnight at glace since it requires a few hours to fill the vehicles. But the fast fill system, withmodern equipment, refueling rates equivalent to 50 liters of liquid fuel/min can be achieved.Natural gas is an excellent fuel for the internal combustion engines. Retrofittingis the conversion or
modification of an existing petrol or diesel engine so that the vehicle can use CNG as an alternate fuel.Both spark engine and diesel engines ca be converted to CNG. One particular advantage of the retrofittingis that the user can switch between the CNG and the original fuel as needed. A petrol engine converted toCNG can run either on petrol or CNG (dual fuel operation). The fuel mixes with airin the carburetor beforeit enters the cylinders and it compressed by the pistons. An electric spark ignites the compressed air-fuelmixture [4, 5]. A Technical review of CNG as an alternative fuel for internal combustion engine wasstudied by Semin [6]. He studied that CNG is attractive for five reasons and CNG are highlighted to keepthe output power, torque and emissions of natural gas engines compared to their gasoline and dieselcounterparts.Commercialization Effort OF CNG IN BangladeshThe RPGCL a company under the petroleum corporation of Bangladesh was tasked with developing costeffective ways to commercialize the use CNG in the Transport sector. The figure 1 and 2 shows the growthpattern of CNG filling stations and CNG converted vehicles. In the period of 2003-2004 the CNG fillingstation and natural gas vehicle (NGV) is quite high due to Government policy and from that time the CNGsector was increasing rapidly. Figure.3 and 4 shows the CNG filling Stations and the NGV vehicles in sixDivisions of Bangladesh and Due to unavailability 0f natural gas there is no CNG station and NGV is in theKhulna and Barisal Division [7 ].0100200300400500600No.of CNGStation1983-19971999-20002001-20022003-20042005-20062007-2008
2009-2010YearFig.1: Growth of CNG filling stations in Bangladesh.223020000400006000080000100000120000140000160000180000200000No.of NGV1983-19971999-20002001-20022003-20042005-20062007-20082009-2010YearFig.2: Growth of Natural Gas Vehicles (NGV) in Bangladesh.Fig. 3: No. of CNG filling stations in Six Divisions in Bangladesh.DhakaChittagongSylhetRajshahiKhulnaBarisal224DhakaChittagongSylhetRajshahiKhulnaBarisalFig.4: No. of converted CNG Vehicles in Six Divisions in Bangladesh.Car/Jip/Microbus,150890Autorikshaw,25773
Texicab, 12000Bus, 5039Fig.5: Different types of CNG converted vehicles in BangladeshFigure 5 shows the converted CNG driven Vehicles and it shows that people are in interested in convertingtheir car/jip/microbus into CNG. After 2004 the growth of CNG sector in becoming popular and lot of225employment opportunities were increased. Many people are involved in this sector, such as technicalexperts, labors as well as business man.4. Environmental BenefitsThe main causes of air pollutions are exhaust gases from vehicles and industrial exhaust gases. Vehicleemissions contain a number of gases which contribute to one or more types of air pollution, of which themost important are acid rain, smog formation, lead pollution and the greenhouse effect. Vehicles are themajor sources of CO, NOX, HC and also particulates matter. Use of CNG can reduce the harmfulemissions and produces less amount of CO and organic methane component. The UnitedStatesEnvironmental Protection Agency has predicted that future advanced technology CNG vehicle will reduce90% CO.[5].Natural gas is a less carbon intensive fuel compared to petrol or diesel so CO2 emission fromCNG vehicle is lower than the conventional vehicles. Diesel contains Sulfur component and produces SO2which cause acid rain, but the processed natural gas in Bangladesh is Sulfur free.Table-1 and Table-2 show that an emission from CNG vehicles are significantly lower than those ofgasoline and diesel vehicle and reduces the particulate matter, CO and NOX emission which is a majorhealth concern.Table 1: Emission data reported by Gas Association of New Zealand [8].Pollutant Gasoline (g/km) Diesel (g/km) CNG (g/km)CO 6.34 1.06 0.22HC 0.85 0.21 0.06NOX 0.78 1.08 0.26PM 0.011 0.125 0.003CO2 220 210 163SOX 0.08 0.21 0.0015Table 2: Emission benefits replacing conventional diesel buses with CNG buses [9].Fuel CO (g/km) NOX (g/km) PM (g/km)Diesel 2.4 21 0.38CNG 0.4 8.9 0.012% reduction 84 58 97Improvements are in air quality in Dhaka through the increased use of CNG operatedvehicles. The
Department of Environment has measured decreases in the amount of particulate matter (PM10) followingthe implementation of the CNG project. Research had shown that CNG operated cars for instance emitaround 10-20% less carbon di oxide up to 25% less nitrous oxide and 80% or less Carbon mono oxide, nonmethanehydrocarbons and other smog forming emissions in comparison gasoline car used in Bangladesh.5. Economic BenefitsBangladesh imports liquids fuel but for the maximizing the use of natural gas to decrease the import ofliquid fuel, the Government of Bangladesh has undertaken the business of CNG in transport sector. InBangladesh cost of CNG is much more cheaper compared to petrol octane. The comparison can be seenfrom the following calculations.Cost comparison between CNG and Octane1 liter of Octane=0.81 m3 of CNGPrice of 1 liter of Octane= Tk.77.00226Price of 1m3 of CNG=Tk. 16.75Price of 1 liter Octane equivalent of CNG=16.75*0.81=Tk.13.56Hence savings of per liter of Octane is (Tk.77-Tk. 13.56)=Tk.63.45Monthly Savings for the using of CNG is Tk. 968.45 Crore in Bangladesh. [7]Cost of CNGCost of OctaneFig.6: Comparative cost of CNG and Octane6. ConclusionsBangladesh has significant natural gas reserve and out of 1800 mmscfd of being marketed over the country,approximately 72 mmscfd is being used in the CNG sector. The projected demand of gas in CNG sector inthe next 5 years will be around 130-150 mmscfd. The creation of new job opportunities as a result of thelarge number of CNG conversion stations because a large number of vehicles are using CNG as a transportfuel. For the using of CNG a positive impact on the country’s balance on payment with a substantialreduction of the annual import bills of liquid petroleum as well as reducing the environmental pollution.REFERENCES1. Islam M.S., 2008,“ CNG as an Alternative Fuel- Bangladesh Scenario” Presented in the 2ndInternational Conference on Chemical Engineering 2008 (ICChE 2008) organized by theDepartment of Chemical Engineering , BUET, Dhaka, Bangladesh.2. ISO Central Secretariat Report, Natural Gas Composition foresee as a CompressedVehicle Fuel”,Report No. ISO/TC193/WG2/N101, published by ISO Central Secretariat, pp 5-24.
3. Ahmed, M. 1999,“ Use of Compressed Natural gas for Vehicles in Bangladesh” M.Sc. ThesisPMRE Department, BUET, Dhaka.1999.4. Navesey, F., 1994, Gas Quality For Natural Gas Vehicle Use, IANGV, Toronto, pp1-7.5. Stephenson. J.,1991, “ Learning from Experiences With Compressed Natural gas asa Vehicle fuel,CADDET Analysis Series No. 5, pp. 1-64.6. Abubakar, R. Semin, 2008, “A Technical Review of CNG as an alternative fuel forInternalCombustion Engine” American Journal of Engineering and Applied Science 1(4), pp-302-311,ISSN 1941-7020.7. Monthly Summary Report on CNG activities- RPGCL Bangladesh-June 2010.8. Verma, N.K. and De, A.K., 2001 “Introduction of CNG in the Automotive Sector ofNationalCapital Terrritory, Delhi” a paper presented at the first International Seminar onGas Technology,Calcutta, December7-8, 2001.9. World Bank, 2001, “International Experience with CNG vehicles” South Asian Urban Air QualityManagement briefing note no.2 Washington D.C.227
