LNG vs CNG vs RNG: Know the Differences

Apr 2, 2021 | Liquid Natural Gas, Natural Gas Facts

If you rely on natural gas, it’s essential to know the differences between LNG vs CNG vs RNG. They are acronyms for the three forms of natural gas: liquefied natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG), and renewable natural gas (RNG). We will explore the differences between the three gases and their applications in homes and industries.

Natural gas is the most widespread fuel used to power fleets and machines in the United States. It’s an excellent alternative to gasoline and diesel fuel due to its availability, low cost, and environmental benefits. Whether you’ve invested in alternative fuel or not, you always need to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

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Thankfully, these three forms of natural gas will improve productivity in your business.

LNG – Liquefied Natural Gas

LNG is the liquid form of natural gas. It’s produced by purifying natural gas and super-cooling it to a temperature of -260°F, making it easy to store and transport to various destinations. Import facilities can convert the liquid to gas for pipeline transportation.

Liquefied natural gas has the highest energy density, which makes it ideal for longer-range vehicles, such as Class 7 and 8 trucks. You can also use LNG for medium to heavy-duty applications. Because it’s super-cooled, LNG has unique fueling requirements.

CNG – Compressed Natural Gas

CNG is the compressed natural gas used mostly as an alternative fuel for locomotives and motor vehicles. This form of natural gas is stored in high-pressure cylinders in its gaseous state. Notably, CNG’s fueling options are similar to diesel or gasoline fueling.

Vehicles that rely on CNG use spark-ignited internal combustion engines, just like gasoline-powered vehicles. CNG does not pack much energy into its volume because of its gas. But it has a vast range of applications in light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles. 

RNG – Renewable Natural Gas

Renewable natural gas is clean, reliable fuel derived from organic waste, which breaks down to emit methane. Utilities can process and pipe it to consumers to power homes, businesses, and vehicles. RNG offers a reliable and cost-efficient energy solution.

RNG production helps control greenhouse gas emissions by capturing methane that would otherwise get released into the atmosphere. Not to mention, renewable natural gas has reduced dependency on fossil fuels, like conventional natural gas. 

Premier Off-Pipe Natural Gas Services

Now that you know the differences between LNG vs CNG vs RNG, consider investing in an option that suits your needs best. The three forms of natural gas offer clean, reliable energy across the United States. At Sapphire Gas Solutions, we provide high-quality compressed and liquefied natural gas services for mobile and off-pipe applications.

Contact us to learn more applications of CNG, RNG, and LNG.