10 Difference Between Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Compressed Natural Gas

What is the difference between liquefied petroleum gas and compressed natural gas?

Compressed natural gas is abbreviated as CNG and liquefied petroleum gas as LPG. These gases have a wider range of applications like in industries, automobiles, and cooking purposes.

The main difference between LPG and CNG is that the former is known as cooking gas whereas the latter for automobile usage.

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Difference Between Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Compressed Natural Gas

Comparison Table (Liquefied Petroleum Gas vs Compressed Natural Gas)

Basic Terms	Liquefied Petroleum Gas	Compressed Natural Gas
Description	It is a kind of natural gas that is flammable and extracted from reservoirs of gas fields.	It is a natural gas that experiences less ignition and extracted from oil wells or coal mines
Sources	The reservoir of gas fields	Methane wells, Oil wells, and Coal beds.
Properties	Heavier than air and highly flammable	Lighter than air and disperse quickly
Constituents	Propane and Butane	Methane
Calorific Values	90 to 95 MJ/m³	35 to 40 MJ/m³
Impact on Environment	Releases carbon dioxide which causes the greenhouse effect	Release low quantities of greenhouse gases
Risk of Using	Highly flammable and accumulate quickly	Less ignition and dispersible
Application	Cooking gas	Automobile fuel and industrial refrigerants
Cost	Expensive	Cheaper

What Is a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)?

LPG is a liquefied gas and a byproduct obtained during the extraction of crude petroleum. The gas is colorless, odorless, and heavier than air.

Natural gas is highly flammable. It is also a mixture of propane with butane and traces of propylene and butylene.

The most exciting thing about LPG is that it emits less hydrocarbon, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. It also has high octane rating and increases the longevity of the engine.

The main constituent is methane and traces of ethane, propane, and nitrogen. It is also non-toxic and non-corrosive. It is suitable for cooking gas.

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Advantages of Using LPG

Comparatively affordable than gasoline
Vehicles experience low maintenance cost
Exhibit lower emissions to the atmosphere
Tend to be non-toxic and non-corrosive
Require little storage space than CNG

Disadvantages of Using LPG

Lower energy density than gasoline
Provide less upper cylinder lubrication
Readily flammable and do not disperse easily

What Is a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)?

CNG is a natural gas also known as a clean fuel. It comprises compressed methane gas and cheaper than LPG. It is also non-pollutant which implies that it is eco-friendly.

CNG is extracted from coal beds, methane wells, oil wells, and natural gas wells. It is stored in a hard container to maintain the gas state.

It is relatively cheaper when compared to petrol and diesel. Hence, suitable for four-wheel-drive and other heavy-duty engines. It releases little greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Advantages of Using CNG

No fouling of spark plugs
The vehicle has lower maintenance costs
Do not exhibit spillages and evaporation
Do not contaminate the crankcase oil
Little emission of greenhouse gases
Not flammable and dispersible

Disadvantages of Using CNG

Require large storage space than gasoline
Limited to specific automobiles

Main Differences between Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Compressed Natural Gas?

LPG is expensive whereas CNG is affordable
LPG is obtained from crude petroleum whereas CNG is extracted from coal beds and oil wells.
LPG is heavier than air whereas CNG is lighter
LPG is highly flammable while CNG experience less ignition
LPG contains propane and methane while CNG contain methane only

Similarities between Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Compressed Natural Gas

Both are natural gases
Both are stored in hard containers
Both emit little greenhouse gases
Both can be transported
Both can be used domestically and industrially

In Conclusion

LPG was initially known as clean fuel until the arrival of CNG. But CNG is regarded as clean fuel nowadays due to its volatility. CNG is replacing petrol and diesel automobiles.

However, LPG is still being used as cooking gas and its usefulness keeps increasing with time. CNG is only applicable in the automobile industry and other industrial functions.

It would be best to read more on the pros and cons of LPG and CNG. The information will help you make an informed decision before choosing the best option.

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