What is the Difference Between CNG and LPG?

CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) are both alternative fuels used for various applications, including automotive fuel and heating. The primary difference between CNG and LPG lies in their components:

• CNG: Mainly composed of methane, it is primarily used as an alternative fuel for automobiles and is cheaper than LPG. CNG is compressed at a pressure of 200 to 248 bars.
• LPG: A mixture of propane and butane, LPG is derived from petroleum refining and is used for various applications, such as heating and cooking in homes, industrial uses, and agricultural uses. LPG is liquefied at 15 °C and a pressure of 1.7 to 7.5 bar.

Some other differences between CNG and LPG include:

• Calorific Value: LPG has a higher calorific value compared to CNG, meaning it releases more energy per unit of volume.
• Environmental Impact: CNG produces relatively lower quantities of greenhouse gases compared to LPG, which releases more carbon dioxide.
• Safety: CNG is considered safer than LPG because it disperses rapidly into the air, while LPG is heavier than air and more flammable.
• Source: CNG is obtained from oil wells, bed methane wells, coal wells, and natural gas wells, while LPG is mainly obtained from the process of extracting natural gas from reservoirs.
• Energy Density: LPG has a lower energy density than gasoline or diesel, resulting in higher fuel consumption for LPG-fueled vehicles.
• Vehicle Modifications: LPG requires less modification to a vehicle's engine compared to CNG, and it provides less upper cylinder valve lubrication, which may lead to valve wear if the engine is not properly modified.

Comparative Table: CNG vs LPG

The main differences between Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) are the components that make up these fuels and their primary uses. Here is a table comparing the two:

CNG is primarily made up of methane and is used as an alternative fuel for automobiles. It is relatively cheaper and cleaner than LPG, but it has a lower calorific value. On the other hand, LPG is primarily made up of propane and butane and is used for various purposes, including heating, cooking, and industrial applications. It has a higher calorific value but produces more greenhouse gases than CNG. CNG is considered safer due to its rapid dispersion in the air in case of a spill, while LPG poses a higher risk due to its heavier nature.