Globally, CNG has risen to the top as an abundant, clean, and safe alternative fuel. Fleet operators and vehicle maintenance professionals, however, are realizing that not all CNG systems are created equal, and the cleanest CNG technologies can save them money by minimizing oil contamination.
Since 1984, IMW has distinguished itself as a pioneer
in CNG technology by using advanced materials and techniques to produce the world’s cleanest, most effective non-lubricated CNG compressors and fuelling systems. IMW CNG systems – and the vehicles they
fuel – gain the advantages of reduced operating and maintenance costs as well as minimal environmental impact from oil contamination.
Many gas compressors are lubricated by oil injection into the cylinders, resulting in 100 parts per million (ppm) oil contamination in the CNG, or higher. This vaporized oil largely passes through even the finest filters and fully separates from the CNG when it has cooled, which happens in the storage vessels of the station or the vehicle. This results in reduced storage capacity and potential damage to the vehicle’s most sensitive components. In the compressor itself, oil contamination reduces the effectiveness of heat exchangers, increasing operating temperatures and reducing component life.
By contrast, IMW specializes in non-lubricated compressors that use PTFE and PEEK materials for piston rings and pressure seals. These advanced composite materials self-lubricate and require no oil, resulting in CNG with negligible contamination. The benefits of IMW’s clean CNG include reduced costs for lubricating oil, filtration, waste oil disposal, equipment maintenance and vehicle repairs. These benefits lead to increased customer retention and satisfaction amongst CNG fuel station operators.
To build reliable, non-lubricated compressors, IMW
uses longer piston strokes, lower rotational speeds,
and lower compression ratios. Close attention is paid
to tolerances, surface finishes, and special processes
in the making of compressor cylinders, resulting in ring life of 6,000 ~ 8,000 hours or more. Read about the advantages of non-lubricated compressor technology.
IMW’s non-lubricated compressors have proven themselves with station operators, fleet managers, and industrial CNG users as the global standard for clean and reliable CNG. Minimizing oil contamination has allowed IMW’s customers to be more profitable while maximizing the environmental benefits of CNG.
