The Natural Gas
CNG Tube-trailer Facts:
What is portable pipeline natural gas? Portable pipeline natural gas is also referred to as mobile or virtual pipeline natural gas. All three terms are synonymous and refer to pipeline quality natural gas that is delivered via a tractor-trailer combination to a facility. Typically, it is a facility with no existing or future access to an underground natural gas pipeline. This facility would be operating on propane or some form of distillate fuel oil.
How is it produced? Portable pipeline natural gas is produced by compressing standard pipeline natural gas and pressurizing it to 3,600 pounds per square inch (psi). the increase in pressure allows for a large volume of natural gas to be transported in a relatively small volume (i.e. the trailer). At 3,600 the natural gas is now considered compressed natural gas or CNG.
How is it delivered to my facility? The tube trailer is filled at a large compression facility and driven to your location. The trailer is actually dropped off and connected to your facility by means of an off-loading panel. The purpose of the off-loading panel is to depressurize the CNG from 3,600 psi to the pressure required by your facility. This pressure could be in psi or as low as inches of water column (wc). Once the initial tube trailer is depleted, a second one arrives, and so on.
Is it safe? Yes, CNG is very safe. CNG has all the attributes of standard pipeline natural gas, i.e. it is lighter-than-air, non-toxic to breathe or touch, and cannot contaminate soil or groundwater. CNG remains odorized as well – alerting personnel to possible leaks.