Compressed natural gas comes with its own terminology. If you’re new to CNG, it may take some time to fully become familiar with all the words, abbreviations and acronyms associated with the fuel. Thankfully, we’ve compiled a CNG glossary for you to use as a reference when discussing compressed natural gas.
AFV
AFV stands for alternative fuel vehicle.
Alternative Fuel Vehicle
An alternative fuel vehicle refers to any vehicle that uses a fuel source in addition to or in lieu of traditional gasoline or diesel.
Btu
Btu stands for British thermal unit.
British Thermal Unit
A British thermal unit is a unit of work that refers to the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1° F.
CNG
CNG stands for compressed natural gas.
Compressed Natural Gas
Compressed natural gas is a fuel alternative comprised mostly of methane and compressed to less than 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure.
DGE
DGE refers to diesel gallon equivalent.
Diesel Gallon Equivalent
Diesel gallon equivalent is a unit of measure that compares the amount of CNG needed to equal one gallon of diesel.
GGE
GGE stands for gasoline gallon equivalent.
Gasoline Gallon Equivalent
Gasoline gallon equivalent is a unit of measure that compares the amount of CNG needed to equal one gallon of gasoline.
Inlet Pressure
Inlet pressure refers to the gas pressure of the incoming pipeline that supplies a CNG station.
LNG
LNG stands for liquefied natural gas.
Liquefied Natural Gas
Liquefied natural gas is a natural gas that has been cooled and then condensed into an odorless, colorless, non-toxic liquid.
Methane
Methane is a natural, colorless gas that burns efficiently.
MMBtu
MMBtu stands for one million Btu.
NGV
NGV stands for natural gas vehicle.
Natural Gas Vehicle
A natural gas vehicle is a vehicle that uses compressed natural gas as a fuel source.
PSI
PSI stands for pounds per square inch.
Pounds per Square Inch
Pounds per square inch is a unit of pressure that results from a one-pound force to a one-square-inch area.
SCF
SCF stands for standard cubic foot.
Standard Cubic Foot
Standard cubic foot refers to the volumetric flow rate of gas in standardized conditions. One SCF contains approximately 1,000 Btu.
SCFM
SCFM stands for standard cubic feet per minute.
Standard Cubic Feet per Minute
Standard cubic feet per minute refers to the standard measurement for the flow rate of gas.
Therm
Therm is a unit of heat equivalent to 100,000 Btu.
If you’re interested in CNG, contact an Ozinga energy specialist today.
