6 Differences Between CNG And LNG | by Tolulope Ehuwa

You may be curious about Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, and Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG. Both of these fuels come from natural gas.

They are cleaner options compared to regular fossil fuels.However, they are different in how they are made, stored, and used.

Here are six differences between CNG and LNG:

1. Form and Storage: CNG gas is stored under high pressure, about 3,600 psi, in strong tanks and it stays in gas form. LNG on the other hand is cooled to very low temperatures, about -162°C (-260°F), to become a liquid. It is kept in special insulated tanks at lower pressure.

2. Energy Density: CNG has less energy packed into it compared to LNG, which means it takes up more space. LNG has more energy in a smaller volume because it is in liquid form, making it better for long-distance transport.

3. Uses: CNG gas is mostly used in city buses, taxis, and local cars. It is easy to store and refill while LNG is used for long trips, heavy trucks, and ships because it can carry more energy.

4. Refueling and Infrastructure: Refueling CNG is easier as there are more stations in cities, and these stations use compressors to fill vehicles quickly. On the other hand, refueling LNG is more complicated as it needs special equipment to handle the cold temperatures and requires more infrastructure.

5. Environmental and Safety Aspects: If CNG leaks, it spreads quickly and is less likely to cause ground contamination. But, if not handled carefully, the high pressure can cause explosions.

6. LNG is safer during transport because it turns into gas if it leaks. However, if it warms up too much, it can turn back into gas and create explosion risks in closed spaces.

Knowing these differences is important when choosing which fuel to use. Each type of fuel has its own benefits for different needs and uses.