Cummins Westport Inc. - Alternative Fuels

Alternative Fuels - Compressed Natural Gas

What is Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)?

A typical Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) storage tank.

CNG is natural gas that has been compressed into a high-pressure container for transportation. Since the 1960s, CNG has become a vehicle fuel alternative to oil-based gasoline and diesel fuel. The International Association for Natural Gas Vehicles of Auckland, New Zealand estimates that 4,450 CNG refuelling outlets are available worldwide, with significant variations in availability depending on the jurisdiction. More than one million vehicles worldwide operate on CNG

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.

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?

World Energy Consumption. Natural gas provides almost one-fourth of the world's energy needs. (source: BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2007, BP p.l.c.)

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 molecule of carbon and four molecules 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.

For more information on alternative fuels, visit our Alternative Fuels Links page.

ALTERNATIVE FUELS

Compressed Natural Gas
Liquefied Natural Gas
Liquid Propane Gas
Hydrogen-Enriched CNG
Biomethane
Fuel Specifications
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