Currently, air pollution due to emissions is not only a big problem in each country but also a common urgent problem worldwide. This forces all people around the world to find sustainable solutions to protect the environment. In particular, there is growing interest in and development of the idea of using cleaner fuel sources such as compressed natural gas (CNG) to replace traditional fuels such as coal, gasoline, and oil. Let's find out what CNG is and other relevant information on this topic.
1. What is CNG?
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is the natural gas extracted from natural gas fields or associated gas during the oil exploitation process, which is compressed to a pressure of 200–250 barg into specialized tanks to be transported to the end users.
1.1. CNG Composition
The main component of CNG is CH4 - methane, accounting for 85%–95% with the remaining made up of ethane, propane, and others.
1.2. CNG Characteristics
Besides the main component of CNG, CNG characteristics are also interesting. Because CNG is colorless, odorless, and lighter than air, it may be released from its compressed state immediately. Another technical characteristic of CNG: density is 0,75 - 0,83 kg/Sm3, heat value is 50-56 MJ/kg and self-ignition temperature is 540ºC.
2. Some common questions about compressed natural gas
Let's go through some frequently asked questions about compressed natural gas to better understand this environment-friendly fuel.
2.1. Why is CNG good for the environment?
Using CNG as fuel helps to reduce up to 20% CO2, 30% NOx, and 70% SOx compared to oil-based fuels. Engines using CNG also reduce hydrocarbon emissions by up to 50% when compared to gasoline engines. Natural gas-powered vehicles can reduce noise by up to 50% when compared to diesel-powered vehicles, helping to reduce noise pollution.
In addition, CNG is also safe if there is leakage accident. The possibility of fire and explosion is also lower than other power such as gasoline, oil, or gas (LPG) due to higher auto-ignition temperature and lighter than air, and disperses easily when released.
2.2. Some CNG benefits
CNG has high heat value, high combustion efficiency, stable and competitive price compared to gasoline, FO oil, DO, and LPG.
The cost for vehicles using compressed natural gas (CNG) is approximately 30-40% lower compared to the vehicles running on gasoline or diesel. The combustion process of CNG occurs completely, which means it does not produce deposits in the combustion equipment and the air-fuel mixture system of the vehicle. This helps to enhance efficiency, extend maintenance cycles, and prolong the lifespan of the engine and equipment. Due to these advantages, CNG is widely used worldwide as an alternative engine fuel to replace gasoline and diesel.
3. The role of CNG in life
Thanks to the advantages, CNG is widely used in Vietnam as a fuel for public transportation vehicles, such as buses, and in various industrial sectors such as iron and steel, construction materials, electronics, and food production, etc.
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is environmentally friendly and efficient, making it increasingly popular as a replacement for traditional fuels like coal and oil. Currently, Gas South operates and supplies CNG to around 45 industrial customer stations and 3 CNG refueling stations for transport vehicles, with an annual average production volume exceeding 100 million Sm3 per year. Gas South's customers come from diverse industries and sectors in Vietnam. They are the reputable companies such as Pomina Steel, Nam Kim Steel, VinaOne, SeAH, and TVP in the steel and sheet metal industry; King Minh, Granite Dong Nai, Gach Ngoi Dong Nai, and Y My in the construction materials industry; Samsung in the electronics sector; Bellinturf, Deltech, Net washing powder, and Ojitex in the consumer goods sector; Long Giang Industrial Park, Long Duc - Sojitz Industrial Park in industrial parks; SaigonBus and Cooperative Alliance in the transportation sector.