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Refuelling with LNG: Here's how to do it safely.

LNG refuelling may take a little longer than with a diesel vehicle, but LNG offers many advantages for heavy-duty transport: As a fuel, liquefied natural gas is more efficient, it produces fewer CO2 emissions and reduces noise emissions from the engine. So it is worth considering LNG as the fuel of the future and diesel alternative for your trucks.

What are the risks of LNG refuelling?

If done correctly, refuelling with LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) is not dangerous. However, in order for the alternative fuel to remain liquid, the temperature must be kept at approx. -162 °C even when refuelling. So safety is paramount: if skin contact occurs, cold burns can result. And if the liquefied natural gas is spilled, it forms a highly flammable vapour-air mixture when it evaporates.

It is all the more important to comply with the Ex regulations (explosion protection rules), which also apply to regular petrol stations: Smoking, open fire or a running engine are prohibited. To this end, the refuelling process follows defined steps, for which initial instruction is mandatory. Then drivers can fill up with the environmentally friendly and efficient LNG fuel just as quickly as with diesel. Numerous LNG filling stations are available throughout Germany: Among others, at the Westfalen LNG locations in Münster, Herford, Herne and Cologne.

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What to look out for when refuelling with LNG

Wear protective equipment:

To avoid cold burns, cover the skin as much as possible with the right protective clothing.

Check pressure:

Always check the pressure in the vehicle tank – if it is above 10 bar, it is imperative that you lower it before refuelling with LNG.

Keep connections clean:

Check all valves and tank connections for dirt particles and clean them with the compressed air provided.

Proceed with caution:

Do not use excessive force or tools when connecting the connectors - this could cause damage to the fuel tank and result in gas leaking.

Check everything carefully:

Before connecting the filling hose, you should always check the pressurised gas container for defects or a possibly expired inspection period.

The refuelling process of an LNG truck.

In this video, we show and explain how the refuelling of a truck with LNG propulsion works and what to look out for.

Watch the video to see how LNG refuelling works and what to look out for. Or read our LNG refueling guide below, where we explain all the steps in detail.

Personal protective equipment for refuelling LNG.

Caution is advised when refuelling cryogenic LNG: If skin contact occurs, cold burns are usually unavoidable. That is why special protective equipment must be worn. It protects against contact with the extremely cold parts and consists of:

Protective gloves.

Full face protection.

Long clothes.

Safety shoes.

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We will be happy to forward your enquiry to our service provider who will contact you shortly to discuss your needs.

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Step by step guide to LNG refuelling:

If you want to fill up with LNG, you need to be aware of a few special features. We reveal what these are and how you can refuel the environmentally friendly fuel as quickly, easily and safely as diesel.

1. Wear protective equipment.

After the truck is safely parked and the key is removed, put on your personal protective equipment. Cover your skin as much as possible when doing so.

2. Attach the earthing clamp.

Connect the protective conductor of the fuel dispenser to the fuel tank. To do this, attach the clamp to the grounding point provided for this purpose or to an unpainted metal part of the tank suspension.

3. Clean connections.

Now clean the LNG filling coupling as well as the tank nozzle and, if necessary, also the vapour recovery connection with the compressed air gun provided.

4. Check tank pressure.

If the pressure is above 10 bar, you must reduce it. On trucks with passive tanks (Iveco and Scania), connect the vapour recovery system to the tank and open the grey valve. At a pressure of approx. 7 bar, close the vapour recovery valve and remove the vapour recovery. With an active tank (Volvo), you must first connect the LNG nozzle to the fuelling coupling and authorise yourself at the fuel terminal to regulate the pressure.

5. Authorise and start the refuelling process.

Now unlock the fuel dispenser on the display and connect the LNG nozzle. Only press the START button when the truck symbol is shown in the display and the arrows no longer rotate. Keep the dead man's button pressed until the vehicle tank is full.

6. Complete the LNG refuelling process.

When refuelling is complete, this is indicated on the display with END. Now remove the nozzle and earth clamp and stow both in the dispenser.

FAQ: Your questions, our answers!

How do you refuel LNG?

Similar to conventional fuels. However, since natural gas is cooled down to -162 °C and liquefied, you have to wear special protective equipment and follow certain steps after a briefing.

How does an LNG tank work?

An LNG tank usually consists of two 5 mm thick stainless steel walls with a vacuum between them to insulate the temperature. To reduce the risks of LNG refuelling as much as possible, each tank is equipped with a pressure gauge and numerous safety devices.

When does natural gas become liquid and thus LNG?

To liquefy natural gas, it is cooled to about -162 °C under atmospheric pressure. In the process, the gas changes its state of aggregation, the volume shrinks by a factor of 600. It then takes up much less space and can be stored in larger quantities in the tank, resulting in a greater truck range.