Lng Truck

The battery provides electricity to start the engine and power vehicle electronics/accessories.

The ECM controls the fuel mixture, ignition timing, and emissions system; monitors the operation of the vehicle; safeguards the engine from abuse; and detects and troubleshoots problems.

The exhaust system channels the exhaust gases from the engine out through the tailpipe. A three-way catalyst is designed to reduce engine-out emissions within the exhaust system.

A nozzle from a fuel dispenser attaches to the receptacle on the vehicle to fill the tank.

Fuel injection system introduces fuel into the engine's combustion chambers for ignition.

A metal tube or flexible hose (or a combination of these) transfers fuel from the tank to the engine's fuel injection system.

Fuel tank (liquefied natural gas) stores liquefied natural gas on board the vehicle until it's needed by the engine.

Internal combustion engine (spark-ignited),i n this configuration, fuel is injected into either the intake manifold or the combustion chamber, where it is combined with air, and the air/fuel mixture is ignited by the spark from a spark plug.

The transmission transfers mechanical power from the engine and/or electric traction motor to drive the wheels.

Is it simply the name that gives Lng truck this unwanted status? Or is it that Lng truck is a relatively new and untried fuel source? Our instinct is to be afraid, but the fact is that Lng truck is completely non-toxic. Of course all fuels present safety hazards that must be managed. However Lng truck is substantially less dangerous than gasoline, diesel and other liquid fuels.

So what is Lng truck and which characteristics may make it safer than other fuel alternatives? It is a cryogenically cooled natural gas (cryogenics refers to materials at extremely low temperatures). The gas is liquefied to reduce volume for shipping and storage. It consists of methane, but can contain up to 10 per cent ethane and propane. Methane vapors are lighter than air and dissipate quickly, leaving zero residue. They are also non-explosive in open air and completely non-toxic. If spilled in water, Lng truck does not pollute or harm aquatic life. This is in stark contrast to other highly toxic, more flammable liquid fuels.

There is widely held belief that Lng truck is prone to catching fire but how flammable is it really and in which circumstances is it liable to catch fire? It’ s highly unlikely you’ ve ever tried, but Lng truck is difficult to ignite. In fact, between 5 and 15% air-to-fuel Lng truck must be heated to 580 degrees Celsius in order to burn. And even then it will be a slow burn rather than an explosion. The main risk of human contact with Lng truck actually comes from it being so cold, in gas form it can be as cold as minus 162 Celsius. Those coming into contact with it must wear protective clothing, goggles and gloves.

There is inevitably much focus on the safety of Lng truck in transit. Tanks used to transport Lng truck on trucks are double-walled and extra thick to keep the Lng truck cold which also means that they are stronger and more robust than tanks used for other fuels and chemicals. In fact, during a collision between two trucks in a couple of years ago, the Lng truck tank remained intact despite a collision and severe fire resulting from a ripped open diesel tank and diesel catching fire.

All this is not to say that Lng truck is entirely safe in transit. Breathing in methane vapors in an enclosed space is to be avoided. Also, if Lng truck is spilled inside a contained area where the vapors cannot dissipate then there is a greater chance of ignition.

The future of Lng truck as a sustainable fuel alternative is dependent on availability and potential for production. As it can be readily produced from bio-methane, this natural gas can be classed as a renewable fuel. It is progressively taking a larger share of the global gas trade, and the enviable safety record will surely not harm this trend.