What is the difference between CNG and LNG?
2 Answers
The differences between CNG and LNG are as follows: 1. Definition: CNG, or Compressed Natural Gas, is natural gas that is pressurized and stored in containers in a gaseous state. LNG stands for Liquefied Natural Gas. 2. Storage form: CNG is stored in pressure vessels as a high-pressure gas, typically at 20MPa. LNG is stored in pressure vessels in a cryogenic state, usually at -160 degrees Celsius. 3. Usage method: Before being supplied to users, CNG requires decompression, pressure regulation, and metering and cannot be used directly. Similarly, LNG must undergo vaporization, pressure regulation, and metering before being supplied to users and cannot be used directly.
As a car enthusiast, I often research different fuel types. CNG is compressed natural gas, stored under high pressure at about 200 times atmospheric pressure, remaining in gaseous state at room temperature. It's suitable for urban buses or taxis due to abundant refueling stations and lower costs. LNG is liquefied natural gas, cooled to below -160°C to become liquid, significantly reducing volume. It's ideal for long-haul trucks or ships with higher energy density but requires special insulated tanks. The key difference lies in storage: CNG is gaseous, prone to leakage but convenient to refuel; LNG is liquid, more transport-efficient but with limited infrastructure. Additionally, CNG vehicles start quickly with less noise, while LNG is more economical for long-distance transport. For regular car owners, CNG is recommended; large fleets should consider LNG. Safety-wise, CNG tanks are lightweight, whereas LNG tanks are heavier but better sealed. In summary, choose based on usage scenarios.
