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"CNG" redirects here. For other uses, see CNG (disambiguation).
Blue diamond symbol used on CNG-powered vehicles in North America
Green bordered white diamond symbol used on CNG-powered vehicles in China
A CNG powered high-floor Neoplan AN440A, operated by ABQ RIDE in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
CNG (Compressed natural gas) (Methane stored at high pressure) can be used in place of gasoline (petrol), Diesel fuel and propane/LPG. CNG combustion produces fewer undesirable gases than the fuels mentioned above. It is safer than other fuels in the event of a spill, because natural gas is lighter than air and disperses quickly when released. CNG may be found above oil deposits, or may be collected from landfills or wastewater treatment plants where it is known as biogas.
CNG is made by compressing natural gas (which is mainly composed of methane, CH4), to less than 1 percent of the volume it occupies at standard atmospheric pressure. It is stored and distributed in hard containers at a pressure of 200–248 bar (2,900–3,600 psi), usually in cylindrical or spherical shapes.
CNG is used in traditional gasoline/internal combustion engine automobiles that have been modified or in vehicles which were manufactured for CNG use, either alone ('dedicated'), with a segregated gasoline system to extend range (dual fuel) or in conjunction with another fuel such as diesel (bi-fuel). Natural gas vehicles are increasingly used in Iran, the Asia-Pacific region (especially Pakistan[1] and the Indian capital of Delhi), and other large cities like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai—as well as cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur, etc. Its use is also increasing in Latin America, Europe and North America because of rising gasoline prices.[2] In response to high fuel prices and environmental concerns, CNG is starting to be used also in tuk-tuks and pickup trucks, transit and school buses, and trains.
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