What is the difference between CNG And LPG?

One of the ways to differentiate between CNG or Compressed Natural Gas and LPG or Liquefied Petroleum Gas is by comparing the composition of the two gases. While LPG consists of butane, propane, and other gases, CNG has methane as its main constituent. The behavior of the two gases at high temperature and the normal temperature is another differentiating feature of the two gases.

Liquefied petroleum gas exists as a gas at normal temperature and pressure, whereas CNG does not only exist as a gas at normal temperature and pressure, it also has the ability to change to liquid under high pressure.

While LPG is gotten as one of the by-products during the refinement of crude oil, CNG needs to be filtered and pressurized even after it has been extracted. Another difference between CNG and LPG is that the former is lighter than air, while the latter is heavier than air, making LPG be a very volatile gas.

CNG and LPG are two types of gasses. CNG stands for Compressed Natural Gas. It is composed of methane. No matter how high the pressure of the gas is, it will not turn into liquid. CNG is very light, so much so that it is lighter than air. LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas. Compared to CNG, it does become liquid at high pressure.

However, it will stay a gas when the temperature and press is normal. Another difference between the two is in regards to weight, where LPG is much heavier than CNG is. LPG is also more dangerous than CNG.

The full meaning of CNG, which is majorly composed of methane, is Compressed Natural Gas. On the other hand, LPG composes of butane, propane, and some other gasses, and it simply stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas. In addition to the differences, LPG is found out to be in liquid form under a very high pressure, but retains it gaseous form at normal temperature and pressure.

On the contrary, CNG still takes its gaseous form even at high pressure; it does not turn to liquid. It takes a temperature that is less than -164 degrees to liquefy it. You should also understand that CNG is lighter than air.

So if there is a leakage, the gas simply goes up into the atmosphere which is actually safe. On the other hand, LPG is two times heavier than air. Hence, in case of any leakages, it would not disperse into the air, which really makes it more dangerous.