EXPOSED: What is CNG? The green fuel of the future?

You must have heard or read articles about environmental activists protesting for governments to support and develop alternative energies in the recent years. The majority of us are anxious with the price of oil always creeping up and talks about Oil supply going low. While everyone is concerned few know what the alternative options are. Although the CNG technology has been used around the world, domestically and industrially for years it is poorly advertised and not promoted to its true potential. In our machine driven era fuel is absolutely critical to operate and created most everything around us. Is natural gas a viable option?

First of all CNG is about 50% cheaper than regular gasoline at the pump. In addition to cost savings, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the use of CNG reduces particulate matter emissions by 86 percent and carbon monoxide emissions by 80 percent. Still not convinced? Let's break down the advantages in going CNG:

:1. Due to the absence of any lead or benzene content in CNG, the lead fouling of spark plugs is eliminated.
2. CNG-powered vehicles have lower maintenance costs when compared with other fuel-powered vehicles.
3. CNG fuel systems are sealed, which prevents any spill or evaporation losses.
4. Increased life of lubricating oils, as CNG does not contaminate and dilute the crankcase oil.
5. CNG mixes easily and evenly in air being a gaseous fuel.
6. CNG is less likely to auto-ignite on hot surfaces, since it has a high auto-ignition temperature (540 °C) and a narrow range (5%-15%) of flammability.
7. Less pollution and more efficiency: As stated above, CNG emits significantly less pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2), unburned hydrocarbons (UHC), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM), compared to petrol. Due to lower carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions, switching to CNG can help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

You may still be skeptical about safety? "Won't my vehicle become a hazard carrying a tank full of natural gas"? CNG is as safe, if not safer, than liquid gasoline! Although CNG is a flammable gas, it has a narrow flammability range. If released in an accident, CNG disperses rapidly, making it less likely to ignite than gasoline. CNG is also non-toxic. Finally, CNG is lighter than air, dispersing upwards making it a far safer fuel than LPG during leaks!
The prospect of a flammable gas leaking into your garage when you are filling up, and causing an explosion or flash fire is certainly disconcerting. But according to U.S. Department of Energy studies, the annual probability of an explosion or other deflagration when the filling equipment is used properly is 1 in 7 million. An individual is 10 times more likely to be struck by lightning. Even if the system is intentionally misused, an individual is still more than twice as likely to be struck by lightning than for the home refueling station to cause a deflagration.

Conversion kits for gasoline or diesel to CNG are available in many countries, along with the labor to install them. However, the range of prices and quality of conversion vary enormously. Kits in Thailand for gasoline to LPG can be done with relatively good quality for as little as $1,500 these days, whereas in the USA CNG conversions can run up to $16,000 for a family car. In the early years (2003-2006) Thailand had issues with conversion kit quality as mechanics made many mistakes, however with familiarization quality has greatly improved.

Until LNG (liquid natural gas) is tamed, CNG will remain the most reliable clean energy. The fuel of the future!

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