As a fleet manager, it is your responsibility to keep your vehicles fueled and maintained. While gasoline and/or diesel are the usual go-tos for fueling, you may be looking for alternatives that are more affordable as well as more environmentally friendly. Natural gas presents options for you to reduce costs and improve efficiency. It is available in two forms, compressed or liquefied. Here are some things to know about natural gas as a fuel option.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
Compressed natural gas or CNG is formed by compressing gas to below 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure. It is stored in a gaseous form in a vehicle. You get a similar fuel economy with CNG as you do with gasoline. CNG is usually available in either a fast-fill station configuration where users can fill up vehicles quickly, or a time-fill station setup that is more conducive to slower, overnight refueling. Consult an expert on CNG fueling station construction to explore options for your operations.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) makes use of gas in a liquid form achieved through purification and cooling to -260 degrees Fahrenheit. LNG has to be stored in cryogenic tanks to maintain its supercooled properties. As a liquid, it has a higher density and can store more energy by volume than traditional gasoline. LNG distribution requires the use of trained staff wearing protective gear due to the low temperature.
CNG vs LNG
Choosing CNG vs LNG will be dependent on several factors, the most important being the type of vehicles that are available for your specific operations. CNG may be a great choice for transit vehicles, haulers and pickup trucks that cover shorter distances between fill-ups. LNG may be a better choice for 18-wheeler trucks and marine vessels with longer distances.
If you’re looking to make changes to improve your fleet operations, switching to natural gas is a good move. Whether you go with CNG or LNG, you can expect lower emissions, reliable performance and cost savings. Do your homework to see which will provide the better benefits overall.