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Difference Between CNG and LPG, Check Difference with its Sources, Uses, Components

In the modern energy-driven world, CNG and LPG have become household names. Both these entities are natural gases that is used as fuels. The CNG stands for “Compressed Natural Gas” whereas LPG stands for “Liquified Petroleum Gas”. But do you know the difference between CNG and LPG? Despite both being energy sources and gaseous in nature, CNG and LPG differ from each other on various parameters.

Difference Between CNG and LPG

The difference between CNG and LPG energy sources are often a favorite topic for examiners in school as well as competitive exams. That is why, it is important for students to have a basic understanding of these two energy gases so that you can answer questions on them in your board or competitive exams. So, in tis article, we are going to provide you with a detailed explanation about the CNG and LPG along with the difference between the two.

Difference Between LPG and CNG

One of the primary difference between CNG and LP lies in the particles that make up these fuels. LPG is primarily composed of Propane while CNG consists of Methane. Natural gas production occur over hundreds of years, deep within the Earth’s interior. The extraction is then done at the surface via the pumping process. Following its extraction, it undergoes the cleaning and refining process to eliminate the unwanted particles.

Numerous byproducts result from natural gas processing, including ethane, propane, butane, pentane, and other heavier hydrocarbons. These gases are utilized in our daily lives in various forms such as CNG, LPG, etc. The information about CNG, LPG, along with the distinctions between CNG and LPG, is quite intriguing to understand.

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Difference Between CNG and LPG in Tabular Form

The major difference between CNG and LPG on different parameters has been shared below.

Sr No.
Parameter
CNG
LPG
1.
Component
The main component in CNG is methane.
The main components in LPG are propane and butane.
2.
Usages
Its main application is as a fuel substitute for cars.
It can be used for cooking and heating in homes, among other things. They are also used in a wide range of other fields, including agriculture and industry.
3.
Cost
It is cheaper than LPG.
It is costlier than CNG.
4.
Calorific Value
The calorific value is very less in comparison to LPG.
LPG burns at a far higher rate than other fuels because it has a substantially higher calorific value.
5.
Greenhouse effect
Its greenhouse effect is quite low.
Although it emits carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, it is far less harmful than gasoline.
6.
Safety Measure
Its quick airborne dispersion makes it extremely safe for usage in automobiles.
Because it weighs a lot more than air, it is extremely combustible. It works considerably better for cooking than for cars.
7.
Sources
The primary sources of CNG include coal, oil, and methane wells as well as natural gas wells.
The process of extracting natural gas from the reservoir is its primary source.

Difference Between CNG and LPG: What is CNG

In actuality, CNG is just compressed methane gas. It is helpful for producing clean fuel that doesn’t pollute the environment and is nearly clean for the atmosphere. Consequently, CNG is also well-liked as “clean fuel.” Less than 1% of the volume is compressed here at typical atmospheric pressure. It is being distributed and stored in rigid containers. Typically, these containers have spherical or cylindrical forms.

Advantages of  CNG

  • Green Fuel: It is frequently referred to as “green fuel” due to its lack of sulfur and lead.
  • Safe Fuel: Due to its features and attributes, CNG is a safe fuel.
  • High auto-ignition temperature: CNG is less prone to auto-ignite on hot surfaces because to its high auto-ignition temperature.
  • Low operating cost: Vehicles powered by CNG are less expensive to operate than those powered by other fuels.
  • Dual fuel capability: CNG cars can run on both gasoline and CNG.
  • Extended oil life: Because CNG doesn’t foul or dilute crankcase oil, it also extends the life of lubricating base oil, which is another useful advantage.

Difference Between CNG and LPG: What is LPG

Liquefied petroleum gas is referred to as LPG. Propane, butane, and a few more light petroleum products are among the mixture of light gaseous hydrocarbons. With the use of extremely high pressure, it is further transformed into a liquid. It is produced in large quantities as the oil is being refined. High-pressure cylinders are filled with this gas. After that, it is simple and secure to carry and store. In order to detect any leaks from the pressurized cylinders, a little amount of mercaptans is added. The reason behind this is that it smells bad.

Advantages of  LPG

  • The cleanest fossil fuel that burns is LPG.
  • LPG is less dangerous and doesn’t corrode.
  • LPG may be transported via pipes with ease.
  • LPG is inexpensive and widely available.
  • Transporting and storing LPG is easy.

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Difference Between CNG and LPG in Points

The key points in difference between the CNG and LPG fuels has been listed below.

Availability: There is a vast distribution network for both LPG and CNG. However, compared to CNG, retail users have more access to LPG.

Cost-effectiveness: Compared to LPG, CNG is less expensive. However, compared to natural gas, propane generates nearly twice as much energy. As a result, LPG is perhaps more affordable than natural gas.

Applications for LPG and CNG: The automotive and locomotive industries use CNG as fuel. LPG is used as fuel for cars, refrigerators, cooking, and heating oil substitutes.

Safety and Environmental Impact: Compared to other fuels like gasoline or LPG, compressed natural gas (CNG) is more environmentally benign even though it releases greenhouse gases during combustion. Likewise, because CNG is lighter than air and disperses rapidly upon discharge, it is also safer.

By going through the above article on the difference between CNG and LPG, we talked about CNG, LPG, the differences between CNG and LPG, and other relevant subjects. Compressed natural gas, or CNG for short, is actually squeezed pure methane gas (CH4). It is used to produce a clean fuel that is almost more environmentally friendly and non-polluting. Liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG for short, is a mixture of light gaseous hydrocarbons like butane, propane, and other light petrochemical products that have been compressed to a liquid state.

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FAQs

lpg vs cng which is better for car

When it comes to environmental effect and cost, CNG is better than LPG for Cars and other automobiles. In terms of ignition power, LPG is better than CNG.

Which is better CNG or LPG?

As a fossil fuel, CNG is cleaner than LPG. It is even a more eco-friendly option than gasoline, diesel, and LPG.

Can we use LPG in a CNG car?

No, a car that runs on CNG won't run on LPG since the two fuels aren't the same, have different calorific values, and require different air-fuel ratios to burn. The same cylinder cannot be used for both LPG and CNG since CNG must be stored at a comparatively higher pressure.

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