Dependable and Safe Natural Gas Vehicle and Refueling Solutions
Natural gas has experienced widespread utilization on a global scale. Adopting CNG and LNG are two of the most accessible means of reducing emissions associated with traditional gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles. Renewable natural gas (RNG), a processed biogas or bio-methane, is another alternative fuel technology driving us toward a cleaner future.
Using reliable, high-quality fluid system components for natural gas handling is imperative to building infrastructure that enables safe delivery and transfer of natural gas to vehicles.
- Safe handling of CNG, RNG, and LNG requires high-quality compression, transfer, and refueling systems to prevent leaks and maintain operational efficiency from the source to the vehicle at storage pressures of more than 250 bar (~3600 psi)
- Any leak can result in significant hazards such as explosions, fire, and environmental impact. CNG is flammable and explosive over a wide range of temperatures and concentrations in air. OEMs need suppliers that understand their safety requirements and stock the local inventory to solve problems quickly
- Elastomeric components play an important role in improving CNG and LNG system reliability and must be considered in materials selection
As a technology leader that plays a role across all stages of the clean energy industry, including exploration, production, transportation, storage, and distribution, it is our mission to deliver trusted fluid system solutions for CNG, RNG, or LNG applications. Our extensive experience in supporting alternative fuel industries, along with our global service and support, can help you tackle your toughest challenges.
LNG/CNG Applications
We support LNG/CNG vehicle and refueling applications with fluid system solutions for:
- Virtual pipelines (tank trailers)
- Refueling stations (infrastructure)
- Light-duty and passenger vehicles
- Commercial and fleet vehicles
Contact a Local Solutions Specialist
Natural Gas Distribution: Maintaining a Reliable Virtual Pipeline
A virtual pipeline is a method of transporting gases to locations that do not have access to traditional fixed pipelines. Instead of using permanent infrastructure, virtual pipelines rely on specialized trucks, trailers, or containers to move the gas in its compressed or liquefied form from the production site to the end-user.
- Leak-tight performance is essential for reliable containment, keeping operators safe and protecting the environment from fugitive emissions
- 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 natural gas infrastructure to develop more quickly with pretested, proven designs that are easy to install and maintain
Natural Gas Compression and Refueling Station Efficiency
Whether you are building new or converting existing infrastructure, natural gas vehicle dependability is needed to reach widespread utilization. We address these challenges, allowing CNG and LNG stations to achieve the highest level of trustworthiness while protecting end users and their vehicles.
- Safe dispenser technology: Our advanced dispenser technology is designed to handle
significant pressure and temperature ranges, ensuring safe and efficient transfer from storage to on-vehicle tanks. - Maximized capacity for refueling stations: We provide solutions that enable refueling stations to store large quantities of highly pressurized gases on-site, facilitating consumer distribution, and maximizing capacity.
- Quick scaling of complex systems: Swagelok's expertise in pre-assembling complex systems for dependable infrastructure ensures for quick scaling of refueling stations to meet the needs of end users more quickly.
From individual components to preassembled systems and panels, Swagelok is equipped to support you. Additionally, we offer onsite engineering assistance to ensure optimal performance and integration.
Solutions for Natural Gas Mobility: Dependable Performance for Heavy-Duty Vehicles
According to NGV Global, more than 30 million heavy-duty natural gas vehicles, from city buses to delivery vehicles to forklifts, may already be operating worldwide. To support this industry's growth and volume, CNG and LNG fuel systems must provide uncompromising reliability and safety. Swagelok offers solutions to overcome these unique operational challenges:
- Trustworthy fittings and connections: Swagelok's high-quality fittings are designed to withstand the continuous vibrations associated with moving vehicles. This ensures that connections remain secure, and materials do not fatigue or fail under these conditions.
- Temperature resilience: Our system components are engineered to handle the significant temperature changes caused by the Joule-Thomson effect, where natural gas expands from high-pressure storage to lower pressure when fed to the engine. This resilience ensures optimal performance and integrity of the system.
Swagelok's on-vehicle solutions are certified to the ECE R110 and NGV 3.1 standards and are included in the International Material Data System (IMDS), delivering steadfastness and safety to support the industry's growth.
Get the Right Materials for Natural Gas Applications
Swagelok products are specifically designed to meet the unique operational demands of CNG and LNG mobility applications, including fuel systems, tube trailers, infrastructure panels, dispensing systems, and more. Our products are alloyed with elements that offer superior corrosion resistance. We apply a deep understanding of the factors that contribute to corrosion and other system wear to simplify the materials
- Enhanced materials: We offer products built with materials like 316 stainless steel, which is formulated for enhanced strength and corrosion resistance. This material is less susceptible to on-road corrosion issues seen in stainless steel with lower nickel and chromium content.
- Chemical compatibility and durability: Swagelok helps you consider factors like chemical compatibility and durability needs, ensuring you find the right elastomeric components for your natural gas systems.
Discover Swagelok components and solutions for natural gas distribution, on-vehicle, compression and refueling:
| Product | Application |
| Tube Fittings | Distribution, compression and refueling, on-vehicle |
| Assembly-by-Torque (AbT) Fittings | On-vehicle |
| Ball Valves | Distribution, compression and refueling, on-vehicle |
| Needle Valves | Distribution |
| Check Valves | Distribution, on-vehicle |
| Dispenser Ball Valves | Compression and refueling |
| Alternative Fuel Ball Valves | Compression and refueling |
| Relief Valves | Compression and refueling |
| Bleed Valves | Compression and refueling |
| Instrument Manifold Valves | Compression and refueling |
| Purge Valves | On-vehicle |
| Bleed Valves | On-vehicle |
| Quick Connects | Distribution |
| Tubing | Distribution, compression and refueling |
| Tubing Supports | Distribution, compression and refueling |
| Hoses | Distribution, on-vehicle |
| Natural Gas Hoses | Compression and refueling |
| All-Metal Flexible Hose | Compression and refueling |
| Regulators | Distribution, compression and refueling |
| Pre-Swaged Fuel Line Assemblies | On-vehicle |
| Manifolds | Distribution, compression and refueling |
| Tube Benders | On-vehicle |
| Gauges | On-vehicle |
| Measurement Devices | Distribution, compression and refueling |