Natural Gas Fueling Infrastructure 101

Photo by Zackin Publications Inc.

Compressed Natural Gas Vs. Liquefied Natural Gas

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) are ways of making natural gas available, but the stations are different and you want to learn more about each before visiting them.

CNG Stations

CNG stations come in two presentations: time-fill and fast-fill.

CNG Station

LNG Stations

Liquefied Natural Gas stations are structurally similar to diesel and gasoline stations because they both dispense a liquid fuel. LNG dispensers use 30 to 120 psi to supply fuel. Also, protective clothing, gloves, and face shield are a must when refueling a vehicle because it is stocked and dispensed as liquefied and severely cooled  gas.

There are three options for LNG fueling: containerized, mobile, and customized large stations. A containerized station has the metering, dispensing equipment, a storage tank, and required containment. In mobile fueling, LNG is carried by a tanker truck that has onboard metering and dispensing equipment. Custom stations have greater storage capacity and are tailored to meet fleets’ needs.

 

LNG Station
Image by AFDC.

Cost of Installation

Costs of installing natural gas infrastructure vary based on capacity, size, and the type of natural gas (CNG, LNG, or both) it delivers. It also differs in the way the natural gas is administered (fast-fill or time-fill). The costs for installing a Liquefied Natural Gas fueling station can range up to $1.8 million depending on the application and size. Smaller fueling units average $10,000, and $1 to $4 million is the average for an LNG fueling site.

Your local utility can help in figuring out gas pressure at a specific location, moisture content and gas quality are adequate, and whether your gas service can support the gas flow your locality will need. Extra investment may be necessary to address these requirements.

Safety

The NFPA 52 Code of the National Fire Prevention Association dictates the safety guidelines to be taken into consideration when developing infrastructure. These guidelines apply to the installing and designing of CNG refueling facilities. Your local Clean Cities coalition or local fire marshal will help with this.

Check out our post about fueling a vehicle with compressed natural gas. If you are looking for alternative fueled buses in Denver, Colorado West Equipment is your number one choice for your transportation needs.

One comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Cirrusline, 2024 © All Rights Reserved