What is Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)?
 CNG
is natural gas that has been compressed into a high-pressure container for transportation or storage. Since the 1960s, CNG has
become a vehicle fuel alternative to oil-based gasoline and diesel fuel. Information about the more than 1,200 CNG refuelling
stations in the U.S. is available at the
U.S. DOE Alternative Fuels Data
Center. The total includes public service stations and private depot-based refuelling stations intended to serve
fleets. Several companies provide CNG/LNG refuelling infrastructure to fleets on a component or turn key basis. For more
information visit the NGV America website or visit
our links page.
For CNG prices in Canada, the United States and Europe, visit
www.cngprices.com.
In most cases, a CNG station is created by connecting a fuel compressor to the nearest underground natural gas pipeline
distribution system.
Cummins Westport engines can accept a wide range of natural gas fuel compositions. Use our
Fuel Performance Specification Calculator to ensure compatibility.
What is Natural Gas?
 Natural
gas was formed from the buried remains of tiny plants and sea animals that died more than 200 million years ago. Under the pressure and heat of
built-up sand and silt—sometimes thousands of feet thick—these energy-rich materials slowly decayed, then changed form until all that
was left were concentrations of natural gas in layers of rock.
Natural gas is removed from the earth by drilling wells into the rock, then using pipes to bring the gas to the surface. In most wells, the
pressure of the natural gas is enough to force it to the surface and into the gathering lines that run to central collection points.
Natural gas has a simple chemical make-up: one atom of carbon and four atoms of hydrogen (CH4). That's what makes
it burn so cleanly. Oil and coal, the other fossil fuels, are more chemically complex. They contain higher proportions of carbon, sulphur and
nitrogen.
Currently, natural gas supplies one-fourth of the energy needed to efficiently run the world's homes, businesses, vehicles, industries and
power plants. Over the next 20 years, consumption of natural gas is expected to grow by 50 percent.
According to the Gas Vehicle Report,
there are more than 10 million natural gas vehicles on the road around the world today and over 15,000 refueling stations.
Natural Gas—A Safer Fuel
- Lighter than air
- Rises and doesn't accumulate in low places
- Rich mixture burns off slowly
- Ignites at temperatures of approx. 600 °C
- Non-toxic
- Odorless: a detection fragrance is added
- Evaporates quickly
For more information on alternative fuels, visit our Alternative Fuels Links page.
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