What is CNG? – A Short Guide
CNG, also known as compressed natural gas, is an eco-friendly alternative to gasoline or diesel fuel. CNG fuel is safer than gasoline and diesel because it’s non-toxic, reduces harmful emissions, and does not contaminate ground water. Made by compressing natural gas (methane) down to less than 1% of its volume, this natural gas is the same gas that you use daily to heat your home and water, cook on the stove and even to dry your clothes in a dryer. The use of CNG fuel is becoming more popular with both commercial and non-commercial vehicles.
How Does CNG Fuel Work?
1. Vehicles like this garbage truck are specially built to run on CNG fuel.
2. Compression devices are installed and connect to existing natural gas pipes.
3. Natural gas is compressed and ready to be used as CNG fuel.
4. Trucks hook up to hoses, fuel up, and are ready to go each morning.
Natural Gas reduces carbon monoxide emissions 90 to 97 percent compared to gasoline.
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is natural gas fuel that has been compressed to less than 1% of its volume.
Natural gas is non-toxic and does not contaminate groundwater.
Natural gas vehicles can reduce noise by as much as 50% compared to diesel vehicles.
98% of natural gas comes from North America.
Every 1% increase in natural gas production can create 35,000 jobs.
Homewood Disposal Uses CNG in Two Ways:
1. Many of our garbage trucks run on CNG
2. We sell CNG fuel at two public stations
How Does it Get to the Station?
The natural gas arrives at the station at a low pressure from a local gas (utility) line. It’s the same gas that heats your home or runs your dryer. An underground compressor then takes that fuel and compresses it to a higher pressure. After the compression of the natural gas, the CNG is then transferred to storage vessels so that the fuel is readily available.
Is CNG use and CNG Fueling Good for the Environment?
The use of CNG is good for the environment because of it’s reduced emissions compared to using gasoline or diesel powered vehicles. CNG is one of the cleanest burning fuels available. The use of CNG reduces carbon monoxide emissions 90 to 97 percent. In fact, in terms of pollution reduction, converting one truck from diesel to natural gas is the equivalent of taking as many as 325 cars off the road. Using natural gas instead of diesel or gasoline helps reduce tiny soot particles that can aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions. EPA Article Ozinga Energy Article
Does CNG Cost More Than Gasoline or Diesel?
No, CNG does not necessarily cost more than gasoline or diesel. The cost of CNG can be up to half the price per gallon equivalent compared to a gallon of gasoline or diesel. Because 98% of natural gas comes from North America, it lowers our dependence on international markets for oil, helping keep CNG prices stable.
Can I use CNG in My Car?
Yes and no, compressed natural gas can be used in commuter applications. To use CNG in your car, you either need to have a dedicated CNG vehicle or a bi-fuel vehicle. A dedicated CNG vehicle is a vehicle that runs strictly on CNG. A bi-fuel vehicle is a vehicle that can run on either gasoline or CNG. If you do not have either of these types of vehicles, you would need to hire a certified CNG installer to install a conversion kit for your car if you would like to use CNG fuel rather than gasoline or diesel.
What are Some Other Benefits of CNG Fuel?
There are many benefits to using CNG. Natural gas vehicles can reduce noise by as much as 50% compared to diesel vehicles, making it quieter when trucks go down the street. Not only does it make vehicles quieter, it can also lead to more jobs being created. For every 1% increase in natural gas production, roughly 35,000 jobs can be created.
What is LNG? Is LNG the Same as CNG Fuel?
LNG, also known as liquefied natural gas, is natural gas (methane) cooled down to liquid form. The reason for liquefying natural gas is for shipping and storage purposes. By liquefying the natural gas, it reduces its volume by 600 times in comparison to its gaseous state., therefore making it easier to transport out of the country or to remote areas where the use of a pipeline is not possible. Once LNG arrives at a terminal, it can be restored to its gaseous state.
How Many Companies, Locally and Nationally, use CNG for Their Fleet?
There are roughly 25 National companies that are partnered with Clean Cities, to encourage the usage of CNG fueling. Some of these companies include: FedEx, Coca-Cola, Amazon, UPS, AT&T, Verizon and Staples. On the local Chicago and Northwest Indiana scale, there are many companies that currently use CNG fuel for their fleets or are in the process of converting to CNG vehicles. Some local Chicagoland companies that proudly promote the use of CNG for their fleets include: Ozinga, Lansing Cleaners, Moran Transportation and PeaPod.
How Does Homewood Disposal Use CNG for Their Fleet?
Trucks in Our Fleet Run on CNG
Homewod Disposal began transitioning to trucks that run on compressed natural gas in 2012 and since then have introduced dozens of CNG trucks into our local residential and commercial routes. A good portion of the new trucks we purchase each year are now CNG-powered. You may have noticed them, or maybe not, because they’re quieter than diesel trucks. If you do notice them, many of our CNG-powered trucks feature a picture of a nature scene on the side to remind us of the beautiful landscapes we are helping preserve.
Public CNG Stations Provide CNG to other Companies
Our first CNG fueling station was installed in Park Forest, Illinois specifically for our trucks to refill on compressed natural gas to prepare for the morning pick ups. We also opened two public fueling stations in Homewood, Illinois and Gary, Indiana. These public CNG stations enable any vehicle that runs on CNG to fill up at just like a regular gas station. These public CNG stations and our trucks that run on CNG are part of our ongoing commitment to cleaner neighborhoods and a healthier environment for our community.
Facts have been compiled from the following sources. For more information about CNG fueling, check out these links:
U.S. Energy Information Administration
Union of Concerned
Scientists
CNG Now