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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Experimental investigation of natural gas moisture content and NGV regulator performance. Topical report, October 1993-April 1996

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:426730
High moisture levels in natural gas can result in operational problems on-board natural gas vehicle (NGVs) or at fueling stations. Since some NGV stations have experienced higher than recommended moisture levels, NGV equipment must be able to tolerate a reasonable level of moisture. At the pressure regulator on-board the vehicle, gas is expanded from the storage pressure (up to 3600 psig) to the pressure of the fuel delivery system (typically 100 psig). This gas expansion produces significant temperature decreases ranging 100 deg F to 150 deg F. At these low temperatures, water in the gas may drop out and form water droplets, frost or hydrates, which can obstruct on-board components. Experimental testing was conducted at IGT to evaluate the performance of four commercially available NGV regulators (MECO, ITT Conoflow, MESA, and GFI) at extreme temperatures and gas moisture levels. Specific objectives of this project were to identify moisture levels which interfere with operation of these components and to identify component features or designs which are most resistant to high moisture levels.
Research Organization:
Institute of Gas Technology, Des Plaines, IL (United States)
OSTI ID:
426730
Report Number(s):
PB--96-195359/XAB; CNN: Contract GRI-5093-493-2682
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English