What is the difference between LNG and CNG?
2 Answers
LNG and CNG differ in the following ways: 1. LNG: LNG stands for Liquefied Natural Gas. 2. CNG: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is natural gas pressurized to over 3,600 pounds per square inch and stored in containers in a gaseous state. It has the same composition as pipeline natural gas. CNG can be used as vehicle fuel. 3. The relationship between LNG and CNG: LNG can be used to produce CNG. Vehicles powered by CNG are called NGVs (Natural Gas Vehicles). Compared to traditional methods of producing CNG, this process requires less expensive precision equipment and only about 15% of the operating and maintenance costs.
LNG stands for liquefied natural gas, simply put, it's natural gas cooled to over minus 160 degrees Celsius to turn it into a liquid. CNG, on the other hand, is compressed natural gas, which uses high pressure to squeeze the gas together for storage. The biggest difference lies in the storage method. LNG requires special vacuum-insulated tanks to maintain ultra-low temperatures and is commonly used in vehicles like trucks or ships because its smaller volume allows for more storage and longer distances. CNG can be stored in ordinary metal gas tanks with higher pressure and is commonly seen in vehicles, especially buses and taxis. The conversion process for LNG requires large-scale treatment at liquefaction plants with high energy consumption, while CNG is processed directly at pipeline compression stations, making it more convenient for daily refueling at gas stations. In terms of usage, LNG is more economical for long-distance travel but requires more maintenance and precautions against frostbite. CNG is simpler, more affordable, and safer, though leaks can spread quickly. Overall, both are cleaner and reduce emissions more than gasoline. Choosing which one depends on what kind of vehicle you drive and its purpose. From my observation, trucks on the road mostly use LNG, while smaller vehicles use CNG, which highlights the difference.
