What is SNG?: All You Need to Know

SNG is a manufactured gas that mimics the properties of natural gas, primarily methane. While natural gas is extracted from underground reservoirs, SNG gas meaning per se, implies that it is created from various components through specific chemical processes. These are feedstocks like coal, biomass, or even renewable sources like hydrogen and carbon dioxide using gasification and methanation.

However, the most common and practical SNG production method recently gaining pace for being quick, efficient, and cost-wise is blending Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) with a diluent such as nitrogen, biogas, landfill gas, or compressed air. The latter is the most popular diluent option. A 60/40 LPG-to-air mixture is the closest to natural gas.

Mimicking the chemical composition and energy characteristics of natural gas, SNG serves as a perfect alternative to this fossil fuel. It can seamlessly integrate into existing natural gas pipelines, storage facilities, appliances, and industrial systems. This adaptability eliminates the need for costly infrastructure overhauls, making it easier for businesses and households to adopt more sustainable practices.

While residential users can switch to SNG for heating and powering gas household appliances, industries reliant on natural gas for heating, processing, or electricity generation can transition to SNG without disrupting operations. Besides, in compressed or liquefied forms, SNG can fuel vehicles, providing an alternative to gasoline and diesel.

As an apt substitute for natural gas, SNG stands for a stable and reliable energy source in various situations.

• Valuable energy for regions with no access to natural gas: By producing SNG locally using easy-to-transport containerized LPG and SNG gas blenders, remote and off-grid areas can gain access to a reliable and efficient energy solution without extensive investments in additional equipment or building any distribution systems from scratch.

• Backup energy supply during emergencies: SNG-fueled generators will keep hospitals, data centers, water treatment plants, and other critical facilities operational during prolonged power outages due to natural calamities or maintenance.

• Energy security: Globally, nations can reduce their dependence on imported natural gas and improve energy security. Localized SNG production can also buffer against energy market volatility, offering a more predictable energy supply.

Now that you know, “What is synthetic natural gas?” let’s take a closer look at how the system for producing this gas works.

• LPG delivery: An LPG supplier delivers the liquefied gas to the site in a special truck for further use in the production process.

• LPG storage: These tanks store liquefied propane, butane, or a combination of both under high pressure. They should be equipped with safety valves to prevent overpressure and placed in a location that is properly ventilated and compliant with corresponding safety regulations.

• LPG vaporizer: Why use an LPG vaporizer? This machine uses heat to transform liquid LPG into gas. The process ensures a consistent supply of vaporized LPG, especially in systems requiring high flow rates.

• Air compressor: The unit provides a steady flow of air for blending with LPG at the required pressure, ensuring a uniform and consistent gas-air mixture.

• SNG mixer: SNG mixers combine LPG and air in precise proportions (60/40) to achieve the desired calorific value and composition. Common types include venturi mixers and dynamic mixing systems.

The resulting SNG gas can be easily used directly in the existing natural gas infrastructure, giving users an opportunity to effortlessly switch between the two energy sources depending on the situation.

The Wobbe Index is a measure of the energy content of a gas relative to its density, providing a standardized way to compare the energy delivery characteristics of different gases, including SNG and natural gas.

• Lower Heating Value (LHV): The total amount of energy released when a gas combusts.

• Specific Gravity: The density of the gas compared to air.

The higher the index, the higher the energy output is. For optimal substitution, the Wobbe Index of SNG must closely match that of natural gas. If the index is too high, appliances may produce excessive heat, leading to overheating or damage. A too low index results in improper combustion, causing soot formation or inefficiency.

Gas burners, boilers, and other appliances are designed to operate within a specific Wobbe Index range. Ensuring that SNG falls within this range guarantees consistent energy output per gas unit, maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing equipment breakdowns and fuel costs.

With global efforts to combat climate change, SNG offers a pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Depending on the initial feedstock, SNG could be a low-carbon or even a carbon-free gas. When produced using renewable energy sources or through carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies, SNG can achieve a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to conventional natural gas. As such, it’s a critical component of decarbonization strategies in industries and energy sectors.

Industrial businesses can greatly benefit from installing SNG facilities right on the site. Whether you’re looking to cut costs, boost performance, or reduce your environmental footprint, I-Maximum comes up with industrial-grade SNG systems, providing a tailored solution for your business.

We have a wide model range and offer customized projects for different sectors. Our systems leverage cutting-edge gas-air mixing technology to create precise and consistent fuel mixtures based on LPG, biomethane, hydrogen, CO2, and nitrogen to ensure optimal combustion efficiency and compatibility with your equipment and help you diversify your energy supply options.

Ready to bring your energy strategy to the next level? Contact I-Maximum today to learn how our advanced SNG systems can fuel your success.

What is SNG gas? Today, it’s more than just a natural gas substitute. It’s a gateway to a sustainable, efficient, and reliable energy future. As industries strive to balance performance with environmental responsibility, SNG stands out as a transformative solution, driving innovation and resilience in a rapidly changing energy landscape.