Sylvie Willis
Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is widely used for heating, cooking, and generating electricity. It is also an essential feedstock for many industrial processes. While natural gas is a clean-burning fuel that produces fewer emissions than other fossil fuels, such as coal or oil, it is still a non-renewable resource. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in converting natural gas into diesel fuel, which offers several advantages. This process involves using a conversion kit to retrofit diesel engines, allowing them to run on a combination of natural gas and diesel, known as a bi-fuel system. This conversion can lead to increased energy efficiency, extended runtimes, and reduced costs, as natural gas is often cheaper than diesel. Additionally, the use of natural gas can help reduce CO2 and NOX emissions, providing environmental benefits.
Characteristics and Values Table for Converting Natural Gas into Diesel Fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Conversion Process | Involves using a gas train, air gas mixer (AGM), and fuel control valve (FCV) to retrofit diesel engines to run on natural gas |
| Benefits | Reduced costs, extended runtimes, reduced CO2/NOX emissions, increased energy efficiency, and cost savings for various applications |
| Safety | Natural gas tanks must meet strict government safety standards and are considered safer than plastic or metal gasoline tanks |
| Installation Time | Most installations can be completed in 8 to 12 hours |
| Kit and Tank Durability | The kit and tank are designed to outlast the vehicle |
| Fuel Displacement | Bi-fuel systems can displace 50%-70% of diesel fuel with gaseous fuels |
| Engine Options | Dedicated natural gas engines or engines with compressed natural gas (CNG) blending capability |
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What You'll Learn
Conversion kits for vehicles
Conversion kits are available for vehicles to enable them to run on natural gas. Companies such as SkyCNG and Nash Fuel offer natural gas conversion kits for cars and trucks. These kits can provide a bi-fuel solution, allowing you to switch between gasoline and natural gas.
Natural gas vehicle conversions are performed by qualified service retrofitters (QSRs), who can convert light- and medium-duty vehicles for natural gas operation. Heavy-duty vehicles can also be converted, but this is a more expensive process. The conversion process typically takes between eight and twelve hours, and the cost of kits starts at $975, with heavy-duty kits starting at $1,875.
It is important to ensure that any conversion is performed by a certified installer, as vehicle conversions in the United States require EPA certification. Certified technicians are available to professionally install conversion kits, and companies such as Black Hills Energy can help identify qualified installers in your area.
Natural gas tanks are built to meet strict government safety standards and are considered safer than plastic or metal gasoline tanks. Additionally, you can install more than one tank to increase your vehicle's range, which is particularly useful for heavy-duty or long-distance vehicles.
Converting to natural gas can be a more affordable and lower-carbon solution than upgrading to electric vehicles, and it can help companies meet their carbon footprint reduction goals.
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Bi-fuel diesel generators
Bi-fuel generators offer several advantages. Firstly, they provide cost savings and reduce maintenance requirements since you only need a single unit for both fuel types. Secondly, they improve fuel reliability. For instance, the Generac BI-FUEL™ generator primarily runs on utility-supplied natural gas, which is generally unaffected by power outages. This means that, in the event of an outage, you won't have to worry about refuelling, as you would with a diesel-only generator. Additionally, since natural gas tends to be cheaper than diesel fuel, you can also benefit from reduced fuel costs over time.
The Generac BI-FUEL™ generator is designed with a metering system that feeds natural gas into the incoming air supply. The diesel injection system remains functional, injecting diesel fuel into the cylinder at the appropriate time. This combination of fuels, with the ignition of diesel fuel triggering the ignition of the natural gas charge, results in a highly economical power source. The ratio of natural gas to diesel fuel can be adjusted based on factors such as load and intake air temperature.
Bi-fuel generators also contribute to environmentally friendly practices. By requiring less diesel fuel to be stored on-site, these generators simplify permitting processes and help businesses meet their "green" initiatives. The lower emissions and reduced carbon footprint of BI-FUEL™ generators make them an attractive choice for those seeking more sustainable energy solutions.
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Reduced costs with bi-fuel
Natural gas is a cost-effective alternative to diesel fuel. Bi-fuel systems, which combine diesel fuel with natural gas, offer reduced costs for vehicle owners. Bi-fuel vehicles have multifuel engines capable of running on two fuels, typically gasoline and a volatile alternative fuel such as natural gas (CNG), LPG, or hydrogen.
Bi-fuel conversion kits allow diesel engines to use natural gas as a portion of their fuel supply, reducing diesel consumption by 50-70%. This leads to significant cost savings over time, as natural gas is cheaper than diesel. Additionally, bi-fuel systems reduce harmful emissions and extend engine life. The conversion process is safe and compatible with major brands such as Caterpillar®, Cummins®, and Mitsubishi®.
The conversion to a bi-fuel system involves installing a gas cylinder in the trunk and an LPG or CNG injection system. The gases utilize the spark-ignition of a gasoline engine. While diesel engines use compression ignition without spark plugs, a dual-fuel system can be employed, using diesel for ignition and natural gas as the main fuel. This system requires a portion of diesel to be injected at the end of the compression stroke, maintaining the original diesel operation principle.
Bi-fuel generators, such as those offered by Generac, provide flexible fueling options. They start on diesel fuel and gradually add natural gas as load is applied, eventually running primarily on natural gas. This ensures reliability during crises or extreme weather events, as the generator can switch to diesel if natural gas is unavailable.
Overall, bi-fuel systems offer a cost-effective solution for vehicle owners by reducing diesel consumption, lowering fuel costs, and extending engine life. The conversion process is safe and compatible with various engine brands, making it a viable option for those seeking to reduce expenses and environmental impact.
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Optiblend dual fuel retrofit systems
Natural gas is a viable alternative to diesel fuel, offering a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. One method to convert diesel engines to utilise natural gas involves retrofitting with a dual-fuel system, such as the Optiblend® solution.
Firstly, it significantly lowers fuel costs, providing instant savings by reducing diesel consumption. This is particularly beneficial for remote operations in the oil and gas industry, where maintaining a steady diesel supply can be challenging due to logistical constraints.
Secondly, the Optiblend system increases runtime, effectively doubling it, which is especially advantageous for disaster response and relief services that rely on diesel-powered equipment.
Additionally, the system improves emissions, resulting in reduced CO2, PM, and NOx emissions, contributing to a more environmentally friendly operation.
The Optiblend dual fuel retrofit system includes a control panel that allows for the setting of system run parameters, ensuring optimal performance and efficient fuel mixing and intake. The system also features a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) with two alarm levels to enhance safety. The first alarm level reduces gas fumigation to the engine, while the second disables the gas flow by de-energising the gas solenoid.
Overall, the Optiblend dual fuel retrofit system provides a cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally conscious solution for diesel engine operations, offering a seamless transition to utilising natural gas as a secondary fuel source.
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Natural gas engine safety
Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) have been hailed as a clean, safe, and reliable alternative to conventional gasoline-fuelled vehicles. They are powered by a spark-ignited engine, similar to traditional gasoline vehicles, but with a fuel system designed for natural gas. While natural gas engines are considered safe, there are several critical safety considerations to keep in mind.
Firstly, it is essential to ensure that the natural gas fuel system is leak-free. Natural gas tends to dissipate quickly in the event of a leak, making it safer than liquid fuels like diesel or gasoline, which can coat engine parts or form puddles and lead to fires. However, periodic inspections and maintenance are necessary to prevent leaks. Inspection intervals depend on the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and range from every 12 months to every 36 months or 36,000 miles.
Secondly, for vehicles with compressed natural gas (CNG) systems, the safety of the sturdy gas cylinders used to store fuel under high pressure is critical. These cylinders are designed to stringent standards and safety margins, typically rated to store gas at up to 3,600 psi. They are equipped with pressure relief valves that release gas to reduce pressure during abnormal conditions. Other crucial safety components include a pressure regulator and a shut-off valve, which isolates the fuel system from the engine.
Thirdly, while natural gas engines have similar architectures to diesel engines, modifications are often made to NGVs, including hardened exhaust valves and valve seats. These modifications do not alter the engine's appearance or maintenance requirements. Additionally, NGV owners should consult their vehicle's maintenance manual for proper oil change intervals, as natural gas tends to extend the life of lubricating oil due to lower carbon production during combustion.
Finally, it is worth noting that the adoption of NGVs faces challenges related to storage and refueling infrastructure, distribution networks, and technological unfamiliarity. However, companies like Black Hills Energy offer certified conversion kits and installation services, partnering with qualified installers to ensure safe transitions to natural gas power.
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Frequently asked questions
Natural gas cannot be converted into diesel fuel. However, diesel-only power generators can be converted into bi-fuel generators, allowing them to run on a combination of diesel and natural gas.
Converting a diesel generator to bi-fuel can result in increased energy efficiency, extended runtimes, and reduced costs since natural gas is cheaper than diesel.
The conversion process involves using multiple components, including a gas train, air gas mixer (AGM), and fuel control valve (FCV) to retrofit diesel engines to accommodate natural gas.
