Difference Between CNG and LPG

Introduction

Both CNG, as well as LPG, are forms of fuel. CNG stands for compressed natural gas, whereas LPG stands for liquefied petroleum gas. They can be used as gasoline substitutes. CNG is squeezed significantly more tightly than LPG. Since it compresses more energy into such a small area, it is a superior automobile fuel. LPG was originally adopted as a handy fuel source in 1860, as its supply or even usage for domestic and industrial applications has grown dramatically since that day. CNG burning releases less harmful gases than that of alternative fuels. Natural gas is less likely to explode in the case of leakage than some other fluids even though it is lighter than air as well as spreads immediately when exposed. CNG fuel has now become increasingly popular for use in commercial and non-commercial transportation.

What is CNG?

CNG stands for compressed natural gas. It is essentially natural gas and happens at extremely high pressures while remaining in a gaseous form. Because methane is the primary element of CNG. One such fuel could be used in place of gasoline, diesel, as well as LPG. Furthermore, as contrasted to gasoline, diesel, as well as LPG, that fuel emits fewer hazardous pollutants during burning. Such fuel is typically kept at 20 to 25 MPa pressure within cylindrical and spherical cylinders. Because the pressure is so intense, the vessels we used have been constructed of durable material.

What is LPG?

LPG stands for liquefied petroleum gas. It's indeed liquid as well as may be used as a fuel. Its primary constituents are propane as well as butane derived from petroleum products. This combustible combination of gases is extremely helpful in cookware, such as gas cookers. This is often useful in automobiles. In contrast to propane or butane, propylene, as well as butylene, can be found in trace amounts in this fuel. Additionally, this fuel is synthesised through the purification of petroleum oil. As a result, LPG is derived from naturally available fossil fuels.

Difference Between CNG and LPG

CNG	LPG
It has been used as a fuel substitute in vehicles as well as automobiles.	It has a variety of uses in the home, including cooking as well as heating. It is also useful in the industry.
It is primarily composed of methane.	It is composed of hydrocarbons such as butane as well as propane.
It emits fewer greenhouse gases.	It produces more greenhouse gases, such as CO2.
It is more reliable to use.	Even with its substantial weight, it is combustible.
It is often extracted from oil and coal wells.	It is obtained from underground reservoirs by retrieving natural gas.

Environmental Safety

Since CNG emits greenhouse gases (CO₂ as well as CO) when used, this is a more ecologically friendly choice than conventional fossil fuels such as gasoline and even LPG. As in case of leakage, CNG is however safer than some other fuels as natural gas is lighter than air, and spreads fast. The World LPG Association, the official organisation of the worldwide LPG industry, encourages the usage of LPG to develop a cleaner, healthier, as well as more sustainable world.

Calorific Values of LPG and CNG

The calorific value of LPG exceeds that of CNG. LPG does have a calorific value of around 35,000 kJ/kg, whereas CNG would have a calorific value of around 28,000 kJ/kg.

Cost of CNG vs LPG

The cost of CNG, as well as LPG, vary, depending on where you live. CNG, on the other hand, is often less expensive than LPG.

Advantages of Both CNG and LPG

CNG vehicles are both cheaper and safer. This is the least expensive, cleanest, and thus has the least environmental effect. CNG and LPG both are clean-burning fuels having minimal residue. As a consequence, the proportion of residue depositing on the machine as well as vehicle gear reduces, and the regular service of such machines, as well as vehicles, nearly diminishes.

LPG had substituted chlorofluorocarbons in freezers, therefore relieving the environment from one of the greenhouse gases. And is utilised cost-effectively to brighten homes, water heating, cooking, and so on, particularly in areas wherein electricity has not been accessible. In rural areas, decentralised electricity may be produced from LPG by integrating heat as well as power technology. LPG has even been widely implemented as an aerosol propellant and rocket fuel. Because they are both gases, they cause very little threat to the Earth's surface as well as its environment.

Disadvantages of Both CNG and LPG

Since methane gas ignites easily in the air and seems to have a low combustion temp, both face the danger of bursting into flames if such a cylinder's nozzle had been left open or if there is any form of leakage. In CNG and LPG, the storage area necessary for the cylinders that have been preserved in segregation for their security is greater than that needed for petroleum products.

Usage of both gases is higher than that of liquid fuels such as gasoline as well as diesel. Furthermore, additional vehicle modifications are necessary for the setup of CNG cylinders. Until the introduction of CNG, LPG was regarded to be the very first clean fuel.

CNG has even been approved as a clean energy source. It has not been utilised as a stove fuel because of its ignition temp, 540 degrees Celsius and a limited band of combustibility of 5-15%. LPG is still a one-of-a-kind gas used for lighting houses. As a result, CNG, as well as LPG, are quite highly useful fuels, despite a few inherent limitations.

Conclusion

The fundamental difference between CNG and LPG is seen in fuel components. CNG is mostly made up of methane, whereas LPG is mostly made up of propane. CNG is indeed a fuel that may replace diesel, gasoline, as well as LPG in a range of applications. Liquefied petroleum gas has been a form of compressed natural gas that is a liquid combination of explosive compounds like propene, butene, as well as butane. LPG is more costly than CNG. CNG is largely produced from some of the most frequent sources, which are oil wells, subsurface methane wells, coal wells, and often natural gas wells. LPG is typically obtained by the extraction of natural gas through underlying sources.

FAQs

1. Which is more fuel-efficient, CNG or LPG?

In terms of calorific value, LPG does have a greater value than CNG. As a result, LPG is much more effective than CNG. Moreover, because CNG is less expensive, the situation reverses. LPG gets 1.5 times the mileage of a kilogram of petrol.

2. Is it possible to convert LPG to CNG?

It is not possible to transform an LPG vehicle into a CNG vehicle. The entire kit, which included the cylinder, would be replaced. CNG gas does have very high pressure (around 3200 psi). While the pressure of LPG is just about 35 psi.

3. How is CNG analysed?

Whenever natural gas is delivered to a petrol pump, CNG is now evaluated using a volumetric approach, and when the gas is put into the vehicles, it is analysed using a mass technique.

4. Why is LPG not being used in automobiles?

Using residential LPG cylinders to power automobiles is risky - this is not just illegal, however, it may also be extremely dangerous. Simultaneously, there is certainly no significant safety concern while driving a fully armed car. However, the most important consideration while utilising LPG is leakage.

5. What is LPG's future?

According to a recent analysis, the LPG sector is likely to flourish amid concerns about Brexit as well as COVID-19. According to the research by trade organisation Liquid Gas UK, which includes a review of experts in the field, the clear majority (86 percent) predict revenue to increase within the next year.