If you are considering natural gas as an alternative truck fuel, you may already know that it exists in two forms: compressed and liquefied natural gas, also known as LNG. As many individuals who are in need of gas live far away from natural gas sources, cooling it into a liquid is an effective way of transporting and storing gas where it needs to be.
What is Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)?
As natural gas that has undergone a cooling process to become a liquid form, LNG provides ease of storage and transportation. The volume of 1 unit of LNG is comparable to 600 units of natural gas in its original form. As a colorless, odorless, non-toxic and non-corrosive gas, LNG contains a range of hydrocarbon products. Although it is a more expensive option than CNG, it is typically used by vehicles for longer-distance applications. With a greater density than CNG, a larger amount of LNG can be stored onboard a vehicle.
Applications of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
LNG is used in Class 7 and 8 tracks traveling longer distances. It is typically stored in a tank at the side of the vehicle, and remains in storage until it’s needed by the engine. When needed, fuel is injected into the combustion chamber and combined with air to ignite a spark.
Other industrial applications of LNG include power generation and as fuel for ships and in the mining industry. It is also used in furnaces, boilers and rotary kilns besides being processed for use in plastics and petrochemical products. Residential applications of LNG include cooking, heating and electrical production.
How to Obtain Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for Your Needs
LNG was first produced in the United States in 1941, and today, it has seen a huge revival of interest. Produced domestically, other major exporters of LNG include Russia, Qatar and Australia. You can refuel your LNG truck at any petrol station that stocks the fuel, and it works in much the same way as a gasoline-fueled truck.
It is necessary to wear long sleeves and pants as well as eye protection gear and gloves when refueling a vehicle with LNG. This is to protect your skin from cold burns as the pipes can get very cold. A small cloud of vapor will be produced when LNG comes into contact with the air; this is completely normal and not to be confused for a leak.
Turn to Mickey Trucking Bodies for All Your Alternative Fuel Needs
If you are looking to purchase a LNG-powered truck or simply to refuel your existing truck(s), Mickey Trucking Bodies is your reliable one-stop shop. We pride ourselves on being a leading brand in the trucking industry, which we have served for over the past 100 years. Truck drivers and owners who are looking for LNG to power their trucks with can turn to our knowledgeable customer service team with full confidence. Feel free to drop by one of our Mickey-owned or -authorized service centers for everything you need.