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Compressed Natural Gas, or CNG, is one of the best known and most widely used alternative fuel options currently available. As CNG and CNG-powered technology escalates, filtration is necessary to ensure optimal fuel quality and operational efficiency.

In this post, we will explore:

  • The projected growth of CNG
  • Examples of CNG applications
  • The unique considerations of CNG filtration
  • The products that Schroeder Industries has engineered for excellence in the realm of CNG filtration

CNG Surge: Compressed Natural Gas Market Projected to Grow

According to a June 2023 report from The Business Research Company, Compressed Natural Gas Global Market Report 2023, the global CNG market was valued at 147.16 billion USD in 2022. By 2027, the market is expected to grow 83.5%, for a total estimated value of 269 billion USD.

CNG is one of the major players in alternative fuels for several reasons, including:

1. Improved sustainability compared to traditional fuels.

CNG burns cleaner than traditional gasoline and diesel fuel. CNG engines reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20% and cut toxic emissions overall, including up to 97% reduction in carbon monoxide versus gasoline.

2. Abundance and power of natural gas.

Natural gas is one of the most widely abundant and relatively cheap alternative fuels, making it cost effective to produce and utilize.

It also delivers comparable torque and power to traditional diesel engines, making it viable for intensive work such as construction and mining.

3. Relative ease of integration into current systems.

CNG can largely utilize existing technology such as vehicle designs and transportation infrastructure, making transitions and retrofits more straightforward compared to other alternative fuel sources, such as electric power.

Part of this growth in the compressed natural gas market is being driven by CNG fueling and other related applications, including power generation and fueling CNG-powered vehicles for commercial fleets. Delivery vehicles, refuse collection trucks, and other commercial vehicles are seeing increased adoption of CNG. Compressed gas dispensing stations and virtual pipelines are expanding to satisfy the growing need for CNG fuel.

In order to ensure optimal performance of both CNG dispensing units and the vehicles that utilize it, CNG must be filtered to remove damaging contamination such as water vapor, residual oils, and solid particulates.

CNG Filtration 101

Despite being a compressed gas, CNG is also susceptible to contamination and requires filtration just like diesel and conventional liquid fuel to maintain its quality.
  • Water Vapor: Water vapor is found in all compressed gases and air. When under pressure, the water vapor becomes more concentrated.
  • Oil: Oil can leach into the compressed gas via lubrication in the compressor system. Hydrocarbon contamination is also present even in gas drawn through oil-free compressors.
  • Solid Particulates: Compressed gas systems can also ingest particles of rust, dirt, and other solid contaminants, just like a liquid fuel application.
Just like conventional fuel contamination, contaminated CNG can negatively impact equipment and its performance:
  • Reduced Desiccant/Dehydrator Absorption: Compressed gas systems include dehydrating components, but high contamination levels can more quickly overwhelm these dehydrators.
  • System Component Wear: Sensitive system components, fuel injectors, and seals can be abraded and damaged overtime by contaminants, leading to costly repairs and replacements.
  • Reduced Efficiency Overall: Worn components reduce operational efficiency and increase maintenance-related downtime for CNG-powered equipment.
  • And More!
However, filtering compressed gas requires extra consideration compared to conventional liquid fuel. Adequate gas filtration must, among other things:
  • Account For Different Gas Types. Filter housings size selection must consider not only the system flow but also the type of gas as well as the operating pressure and temperature of the system.  
  • Account For Smaller Gas Molecules. Gas molecules are much smaller than liquid fuel molecules, so material selection and porosity are a major consideration in filter construction. A gas filter must be exceptionally well-sealed and utilize low porosity materials. Ductile iron and aluminum are common material choices for CNG filters.
  • Tackle Ultra-Fine Particulates. Contamination in compressed air is often under 1 micron in size, which is substantially smaller than typical contamination in liquid fuels. Gas filters must be capable of trapping tiny particulates without compromising the differential pressure in the compressor system.

CNG Filtration Solutions from Schroeder Industries: Engineered for Excellence

Ask The Experts!
Schroeder Industries offers comprehensive solutions for CNG filtration and filling stations, from generation to dispensing.

Generation

Transportation

Storage

Dispensing

Learn more about our CGF Series for CNG filtration, as well as our premium replacement elements!

Compressed Gas Filters

Schroeder’s premier filtration series for compressed air and compressed gases like CNG

  • CGF filter series provides cost-effective, robust filtration solutions for a broad range of applications.
  • Unlike other compressed gas filters, the CGF series utilizes pleated microglass media construction for more reliable performance and greater capacity.
CGF50CGF8CGF1.5
up to
5,000 psi		up to
800 psi 		up to
150 psi

Compressed Gas Filter Panel

The CGFP50 provides twice the filtration power for your bulk filtration needs!

  • High Pressure Compressed Gas Polishing Panel for dispensing & transfer filtration
  • Uses two stages of the Schroeder CGF50 Compressed Gas Filters to remove particles and aerosols of oil and water.
  • Stainless Steel valves, connections, and tubing with flareless crimp connections are used for longevity and durability.

Replacement Elements

Premium replacement filter elements for the CGF series and more!

  • Replacement element kits designed for competitor housings in common sizes and media grade equivalents.
  • Currently available in 4C, 10C, and WS media grade equivalents, using pleated microglass media for extended service life with exceptional performance.
  • The element kits include the replacement bowl seals, designed to fit the competitor housings in the full range of sizes.

CGF Series: Beyond CNG

The versatile CGF Series also offers exceptional performance in other compressed gas applications besides just CNG!

  • Air Dryer Pre-Filtration
  • Paint Sprayer Booths
  • Air Cylinder / Air Valve Protection
  • And More!

The filtration experts at Schroeder Industries can help find the perfect filtration fit for your CNG or compressed gas application! Let us know how we can help:

Contact-Blog-CNG Filtration + CGF Series

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