CNG and refill sources.

[Lee Scott]

I've got the original Saf-Gas CNG setup on both my Catalina 27 and my Hunter Legend, and both CNG tanks need to be refilled. I've found a public access CNG refilling station here in Birmingham, but it's set up for refilling motor vehicles. The hose-to-tank adapter they use for vehicles is not the same as the reverse-threaded connection on my tanks.

Anybody know of an adapter that will let me refill my tanks? If not, what are my options? I hate the thought of having to convert to LPG both from the expense standpoint and the greater risk of explosion. I don't think you can ship filled CNG tanks legally, so if I can't get them filled here, I'm stuck with cooking on the little propane grill.

 

[Honeyman]

Dude, I feel your pain, trying to do the same thing here in Texas. I'm going to forward you some links I have found Google-ing around, hope they help you. One is off this forum and another is from a Morgan 38 owners group. Two good descriptions with parts lists and one good picture. The problem is getting the one from the Morgan site to print in full. I opened a "wordprocessing" document and copied it line by line to get it to fit. Was able to "save" the picture and print it "landscape". See 1st couple posts by Dick Grimshaw on Morgan link and Don Hines in the sbo forum had the most information. Last site shows CNG stations around the country, Alabama has 3 supposedly.

http://morgan38.org/discus/messages/1/13490.html?1116597305

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/archive/index.php/t-31667.html

http://www.cngprices.com/index.php

ANYONE ELSE with any other information out there...post please!!!

 

[Benny]

Bill Rossa posted an adpter he made not long ago, check the Archives for "CNG adapter"

 

[Lee Scott]

Well, I found out some more info that's not so good: The public CNG filling stations for cars are set up for either 3000 psi or 3600 psi, while the CNG tanks we use are rated for 2250 PSI. Filling one without a regulator to lower the pressure will rupture the pressure relief valve. :-(

CNG is evidently a lot more trouble to mess with commercially than LPG is, so that's one big factor in why it's so hard to find.

 

[Bill Roosa]

Do some more research

CNG bottles (20 hour)(off white color) are rated to 4800 psi min burst pressure That is the law. There working pressure is 3000 psi and their filling pressure (they get hot when you fill them) is 4k psi.
Don't know where you got your info but you are wrong or you do not have "official" CNG tanks.

 

[Bill Roosa]

almost forgot

I have a "car type" quick connector to CNG bottle gadgit and fill my own tanks at the car "pump" I've taken them to 4k psi and am still here.

 

[Bill Roosa]

The adapter

I don't remember the name of the car side fitting but it is a "T-xx" with xx being two numbers 31, 71 something like that. found it with google.

 

[Bill Roosa]

CNG parts to build the adapter

Here is a link to CNG parts to build the adapter. You would want the NGV 3000 psi model.

http://www.thecngstore.com/index.php?cPath=2

some of the parts are fairly expensive but when you consider that a bottle refill can cost $30 and to do it your self cost $1.98 (no kidding $1.98 to fill a tank) you quickly recoup your investment.

Anybody around harrington harbor MD need a refill?

 

[Bill Roosa]

CNG in Washington DC

Used to get it out side Annapolus along the interstate but that place went out of business.
There is a gas station outside the Pentagon that has CNG that is open to the public. It looks like a military only but the CNG pump is public access. Just don't expect to get a cup of coffee. gota have a CAC ID for that.

 

[Bill Jones]

Bardi Sea

Bill,

This is Bill Jones, prior owner of the Bardi Sea. Not sure how to contact members but thought I would give this a try.

Used to get it out side Annapolus along the interstate but that place went out of business.
There is a gas station outside the Pentagon that has CNG that is open to the public. It looks like a military only but the CNG pump is public access. Just don't expect to get a cup of coffee. gota have a CAC ID for that.

 

[Bill Roosa]

Bardi ?Sea

Hi Bill
What can I do for you?

 

[Lee Scott]

Here is a link to CNG parts to build the adapter. You would want the NGV 3000 psi model.

http://www.thecngstore.com/index.php?cPath=2

some of the parts are fairly expensive but when you consider that a bottle refill can cost $30 and to do it your self cost $1.98 (no kidding $1.98 to fill a tank) you quickly recoup your investment.

Anybody around harrington harbor MD need a refill?

Thanks for the link. I've already ordered the nozzle. I think I can scavenge the regulator off my Catalina 27 to get the gauge and the left-hand-thread tank connector, so all I'll need to complete it I can get at a local hydraulic shop.

This will certainly postpone the need to convert to LPG, and when I do, I'll see if anyone here needs the adapter.

 

[Bill Roosa]

You don't need a regulator Iscott

The adapter has a bottle fitting, 4000+ psi gage, a car type quick connect and a pressure relief ball valve. the two adapters are on each end with the gage T-ed off the middle. the pressure relief is behind the gage.

 

[Steve Dion]

I do not think that it is difficult to find CNG, it is difficult to find pre-filled bottles.

Many municipalities are running busses & vehicles on CNG. Using Bill's adapter should make refilling our own bottles a breeze. You can also check out your local airports they may also have refilling stations.