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Natural Gas: Vehicles & Refueling

Swagelok delivers fluid system solutions for LNG and CNG transportation applications and supports those exploring the next frontier of alternative fuel and clean energy technologies.

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Natural Gas: Vehicles & Refueling

Dependable, Safe Performance for Natural Gas

lng/cng iconLiquified natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) are two of the most widely accessible means of reducing emissions associated with traditional gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles. Both alternative fuel technologies are experiencing widespread utilization on a global scale as clean energy innovation soars to new heights.

  • Safe handling of LNG and CNG requires high-quality compression, transfer, and refueling systems from the source to the vehicle as storage pressures can exceed 275 bar (4000 psi)
  • Any leak can result in significant hazards, so OEMs need local inventory and a supplier that understands their safety requirements
  • Elastomeric components play an important role in improving LNG and CNG system reliability and must be considered in materials selection

It is our mission to deliver solutions for any LNG and CNG application. Our long-standing experience in alternative fuel industries, backed by our comprehensive service and support, can help overcome your toughest fluid system-related operational challenges.

LNG/CNG Applications

We support LNG/CNG vehicle and refueling applications with fluid system solutions for:

  • Virtual pipelines
  • Refueling stations (infrastructure)
  • Commercial and fleet vehicles

Swagelok supports LNG/CNG vehicle and refueling applications

Contact a fluid system specialist

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Solutions for Natural Gas Distribution

Maintaining a Reliable Virtual Pipeline

Dependable distribution of LNG and CNG from the production facility to points of use is essential to operational success.

Across the virtual pipeline—where gas is compressed at high densities in tanks and transported to where it is needed—all components must be designed for maximum reliability.

  • Leak-tight performance is essential for reliable containment to eliminate fugitive emissions and protect the atmosphere
  • High-pressure performance is critical for any fluid system in the virtual pipeline where natural gas is compressed to achieve maximum energy density
  • Preassembled system solutions can allow infrastructure to develop more quickly with pretested, proven designs

All of our high-integrity components are backed by our deep experience and expertise in fluid systems. That means we are exceptionally qualified to help you develop critical new natural gas distribution infrastructure.

 
 

Solutions for Natural Gas Compression and Refueling

Achieving Safe and Reliable Refueling

The proliferation of natural gas vehicles requires widespread, reliable refueling infrastructure to realize its full business potential. LNG and CNG stations must contend with several challenges while achieving the highest levels of safety and reliability to protect end users and their vehicles.

  • Safe dispenser technology that accommodates significant pressure and temperature ranges is needed to transfer LNG and CNG from storage to on-vehicle tanks
  • Maximized capacity for refueling stations is critical, with the ability to store large quantities of highly pressurized gases onsite for consumer distribution
  • Reliable, consistent assembly of complex systems is required to quickly scale the building of refueling infrastructure.

We can help meet these needs with a range of solutions and services—everything from individual components to preassembled systems to onsite engineering assistance.  

 

Solutions for Natural Gas Mobility

Dependable Performance for Heavy-Duty Vehicles

According to NGV Global, more than 30 million natural gas vehicles may already be operating worldwide. To support this industry's growth and volume, LNG and CNG fuel systems must provide uncompromising reliability and safety. This requires overcoming some unique operational challenges:

  • Fittings and connections must reliably withstand vibrations associated with a moving vehicle
  • All parts of the system must be able to withstand temperature changes. As natural gas expands from high-pressure storage to lower pressure when fed to the engine, gas temperature drops significantly

On-vehicle solutions from Swagelok deliver on these needs and more. They are certified to the ECE R110 and NGV 3.1 standards and are included in the International Material Data System (IMDS).

 

 

proper materials for LNG/CNG mobility applications  
 

Get the Right Materials

Don’t Risk Your Reputation with the Wrong Alloys

Our products are made of alloys with at least two (often up to ten) different elements in optimized formulas to deliver superior corrosion resistance.

LNG/CNG mobility and transportation applications have unique operational demands. We’ll help you specify the proper materials for fuel systems, tube trailers, infrastructure panels, dispensing systems, and more. 

  • Lesser-quality stainless steels with low nickel and chromium content are more susceptible to on-road corrosion issues
  • Swagelok® 316 stainless steel is specifically formulated for enhanced strength and corrosion resistance
  • Elastomeric components must also be considered during selection for chemical compatibility and durability

With a deep understanding of the factors that contribute to corrosion, we simplify the materials selection process.

Resource Center

Swagelok cng lng fittings

Blog: Specifying High-Performance LNG/CNG Fittings

LNG/CNG transportation applications require high-performance tube fittings that meet a number of important criteria. Learn what makes for an ideal LNG fitting or CNG fitting.

Swagelok CNG vehicle fuel systems

Blog: Sourcing High-Quality CNG Fuel System Components

Find out what to consider when selecting and sourcing critical alternative fuel system components for CNG vehicles, equipment, and infrastructure.

Swagelok compressed natural gas refueling

Blog: Building Reliable Compressed Natural Gas Stations

CNG vehicles are increasingly common and require reliable refueling infrastructure. Learn three ways to build safer, more reliable CNG refueling stations.

Swagelok valve selection

Blog: Valves 101: Basic Functions and Types

Fluid system design can be complex, requiring many considerations. It may not always be readily apparent which valve is right for your application. Do you need to stop and start flow? Or control the flow direction or flow level? Our experts answer some of the most common questions.

Graphic image comparing pitting corrosion and crevice corrosion in stainless steel

Blog: Minimizing Material Corrosion

There are steps companies can take to prevent rust that first require an understanding of the different types of corrosion and their causes. Knowing where to look—and what corrosion looks like—can help you fight back against material failures and costly repairs.

how to bend tubing with a Swagelok tube bender

Blog: How to Bend Tubing and When to Do It

The following best practices can help technicians avoid common defects that can compromise the integrity of even the simplest tube bends. It is important to identify where tube bends are most applicable in your systems. Doing this can save your business time, labor, and money.

Valve Flow Coefficient Calculator

Toolbox: Cv Calculator for Valve Sizing

This calculator can be used to help select a valve with enough flow capacity for a given application. The valve flow coefficient (Cv) is a convenient way to represent the flow capacity of a valve. Calculate Cv or flow based on fluid, inlet and outlet pressure, and fluid temperature.

Scania CNG Bus Refueling Station Technology

Video: Scania Is at the Forefront of CNG Bus, Refueling Station Technology

The streets of Madrid, Spain, are becoming quieter and cleaner—partially thanks to Scania, a major vehicle OEM that provides city buses powered by CNG to the country’s biggest transportation operator. See why Scania relies on technical expertise from Swagelok.

Video: Swagelok Tube Fitting Installation

Video: Swagelok® Tube Fitting Installation

Learn the three steps to installing tube fittings from Swagelok, as well as two mistakes you should always avoid. In just a little time, you can learn practical skills that contribute to years of leak-tight performance from your fluid systems.