I have been googling the small scale liquid natural gas (LNG). The components are skid size (think inter-modal container size). They can process "stranded gas" by removing carbon dioxide (CO2 and sulfur dioxide) from gas at flare sites before cooling to a liquid. In the short term the LNG should not be much different than propane but propane is passive so you can let it sit or lay there in the event of a vehicular crash.Is it just me or have you seen an increase in the word "skid" being used ever since the Bakken?
By contrast, LNG is active, meaning that if it is not kept cool it will boil (unlike propane). This difference comes into play with the population density of areas. Out in the boondocks this is low so a big flare or an "air bomb" poses less of a threat.
On a BTU basis: benchmark natural gas can cost one quarter or less the cost of propane or heating oil. The system is expensive but the flare gas is almost free so it could be made to work in rural areas. Keeping a propane backup is easy. A LNG truck can carry a lot of fuel.
This is an area that is exciting to pursue. See more at http://fourfiftygas.com.
What I hear is that people off the natural gas pipeline are getting clobbered by propane and fuel oil (mobile) fuel costs.
Everything is now being "skid-sized" -- Starbucks now has "short," "tall," grande," "vendi," and "skid-sized."
"Short" is not on the menu; one has to ask for it, and it is available only for hot drinks.
"Skid-Sized" is not on the menu either; it is available only in the Bakken, not including Dickinson.
