In order for your CNG vehicle to run properly, regular maintenance is a must. This not only includes CNG tank inspections, but it also includes regular maintenance of your coalescing filter. The filter is a very important piece that ensures your vehicle operates properly, and when your filter receives the right service and treatment, you can avoid serious and costly problems. Learn more about coalescing filters and what they mean for your CNG vehicle.
Coalescing Filter Overview
In order to better understand the purpose of a coalescing filter, it’s important to understand how the CNG process works. The compressed natural gas in your vehicle must travel from the vessel through a stream in order to provide power to your vehicle. When the CNG is traveling, solids can start to collect and interrupt this process. For example, oils can carry over into the stream or water can condense in the tank.
The main function of a coalescing filter is to catch and remove contaminants like oil and water from the compressed gas stream in your vehicle. When these contaminants are removed, the CNG can move freely throughout your vehicle and generate the right amount of power without any hiccups or costly issues.
Filter Draining and Replacement
Since the purpose of the filter is to collect contaminants before they harm your system, the filter will eventually fill up with these items. If the filter becomes clogged, it will no longer be able to perform its duty, and this can cause serious issues for your vehicle.
To ensure your filter is working properly, you need to have it serviced. The filter should be checked and drained every 3,000-5,000 miles. One way to remember doing this is to have your filter drained every time you receive an oil change.
While filters can continue working properly after being drained, they will eventually need to be replaced. As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to replace your coalescing filter every 50,000-60,000 miles.
Vehicle Maintenance
If you don’t drain and replace your filter regularly, you will find yourself facing serious and costly repairs. If your filter doesn’t work properly, contaminants will make their way into the delivery system and cause fuel system failure, compressor fouling and sensor problems, among others. All of these problems are more costly to repair than what it costs to drain or replace your filter, so make the economical choice.
Ozinga’s energy technicians can drain or replace your CNG coalescing filter and keep your CNG vehicle running properly. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
