With the gradual promotion of low-carbon emissions, countries around the world are also seeking better energy sources to replace gasoline in the transportation sector. The main component of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is methane, which is the natural gas we use in our daily lives. It is essentially a gas. Under normal pressure, in order to facilitate transportation and storage, natural gas is cooled to minus 162 degrees Celsius, transforming from a gaseous state to a liquid state. At this point, the volume of liquid natural gas is approximately 1/625 of the volume of gaseous natural gas of the same mass. So, what is an LNG filling station? This news will explore the operating principle, filling characteristics, and the important role it plays in the current energy transformation wave.
What is a LNG refueling station?
This is a special equipment designed for storing and refueling LNG. It mainly provides LNG fuel for long-distance freight trucks, buses, heavy trucks or ships. Different from conventional gasoline and diesel stations, these stations liquefy the extremely cold (-162℃) natural gas into a liquid state, making it easier to store and transport.
Storage: LNG is transported through cryogenic tanks and stored in vacuum tanks within LNG filling stations to maintain its low-temperature and liquid state physical properties.
Refueling: When necessary, use the LNG pump to transfer LNG from the storage tank to the refueling machine. The refueling personnel connect the nozzle of the refueling machine to the LNG storage tank of the vehicle. The flow meter inside the refueling machine begins to measure, and LNG starts to be refueled under the pressure.
What are the main components of an LNG refueling station?
Low-temperature vacuum storage tank: A double-layer insulated vacuum storage tank, which can reduce heat transfer and maintain the storage temperature of LNG.
Vaporizer: A device that converts liquid LNG into gaseous CNG (re-gasification). It is mainly used to meet the pressure requirements at the site or to regulate the pressure of the storage tanks.
Dispenser: Equipped with an intelligent user interface, it is internally equipped with hoses, filling nozzles, flow meters and other components specially designed for low-temperature LNG.
Control system: It will be equipped with an intelligent, safe and integrated management system for monitoring the pressure, temperature of various equipment at the site, as well as the status of LNG inventory.
What are the differences between LNG (liquefied natural gas) refueling stations and CNG (compressed natural gas) refueling stations?
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): It is stored in a liquid form at a temperature of minus 162 degrees Celsius. Due to its liquid state, it occupies less space and can be filled into the tanks of heavy trucks and freight trucks, allowing for longer distances of travel. Such characteristics make it the preferred choice for long-distance buses and heavy trucks.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG): Stored in a high-pressure gas form. As it is a gas, it occupies a larger volume and usually requires larger on-board gas cylinders or more frequent refilling, making it suitable for short-distance vehicles such as city buses, private cars, etc.
What are the advantages of using liquefied natural gas (LNG)?
From an environmental perspective, LNG is more environmentally friendly than gasoline. Although LNG vehicles have a high initial purchase cost, requiring expensive cryogenic storage tanks and specialized engines, their fuel costs are relatively low. In contrast, gasoline vehicles, although affordable, have higher fuel costs and are affected by fluctuations in international oil prices. From an economic standpoint, LNG has greater potential for development.
Is the liquefied natural gas refueling station safe?
Certainly. Each country has corresponding design standards for liquefied natural gas refueling stations, and the relevant construction units must follow strict standards for construction and operation. LNG itself will not explode. Even if there is an LNG leakage, it will quickly dissipate into the atmosphere and will not accumulate on the ground and cause an explosion. At the same time, the refueling station will also adopt multiple safety facilities, which can systematically detect whether there is a leakage or equipment failure.
Post time: Sep-22-2025
