WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CNG, LNG AND LPG?

Currently, environmental protection has been significantly interested , traditional fuels such as coal, gasoline, and diesel are gradually being replaced with cleaner, more environmentally friendly, commonly known as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), . So, what are the differences between CNG, LNG, and LPG? The following information will help you understand and distinguish between CNG, LNG, and LPG.

liquified natural gas vs natural gas

LNG’s trailer at My Xuan Station​

1. About definition
1.1. What is CNG?
CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is natural gas extracted from natural gas fields or associated gas produced during oil extraction. It is transported through pipelines to gas processing plants to remove impurities and then sent to compression stations, where it is compressed to high pressures (200-250 barg) and stored in specialized tanks. The main component of CNG is CH4 - methane, which makes up around 85-95% of its composition, remaining are ethane, propane, and other substances. CNG is colorless and odorless.

Operator is preparing to load CNG into the bus
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1.2. What is LNG?

LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) is natural gas that has been liquefied through deep cooling to approximately -162oC (-260oF) after being processed to remove impurities. The main component of LNG is methane (CH4), which accounts for about 95% of its composition, remaining are ethane, propane, and other substances. LNG is colorless and odorless. The volume of natural gas in its liquid state is about 600 times smaller than its volume in its gaseous state, making it very convenient for long-distance storage and transportation to the point of consumption.

LPG’s storage tanks at Go Dau Storage​

1.3. What is LPG?
LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is a liquefied mixture of light hydrocarbons, with propane and butane as its main components. It is liquefied for convenient storage and transportation. LPG is produced from natural gas streams extracted from oil wells or through crude oil refining processes. LPG is colorless and odorless.

LNG is liquefied at a temperature of -162 oC and atmospheric pressure, reducing its volume by 600 times compared to its gaseous state at Standard temperature and pressure (STP)

CNG is compressed to a pressure of 200-250 bar, resulting in a volume reduction of approximately 200-250 times compared to its ambient temperature and pressure state.

.LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is liquefied at low pressure, depending on the propane/butane ratio and temperature. At 38oC, LPG liquefies at a vapor pressure of approximately 12 barg. The volume of LPG in its liquid state decreases by around 250-270 times compared to its gaseous state.

The benefits of using CNG, LNG, and LPG over conventional fuels include that they are cleaner and more effective, which makes them suited for industrial use. Due to ease of storage and long-distance transportation, LNG and LPG are two of them that are often traded. CNG and LNG are safer and more environmentally friendly than LPG.

With the capability to simultaneously supply LNG, CNG, and LPG fuels using an open fueling method, Gas South believes it can ensure a flexible gas supply, stable quantity, competitive pricing, and optimally meet the needs of customers. Customers have the flexibility to choose from various options, including investing in equipment, transportation, and operations.