Implementation of Regulations for the Installation and Use of a Private Compressed Natural Gas Filling Station

Natural gas is a fossil fuel and is a product of the decomposition of organic matter. Its deposits are located beneath the Earth's surface and are usually associated with oil deposits. Progress and technological development have contributed to the development of private filling stations, the installation of which was also carried out at Plinarna Maribor, where he is employed. As part of the applied section of the research thesis, he described the procedure and necessary activities for the construction and installation of a filling station.

Problem

Natural gas is a fossil fuel and is a product of the decomposition of organic matter. Its deposits are located beneath the Earth's surface and are usually associated with oil deposits. It consists of a mixture of hydrocarbons, of which methane CH4 is the most abundant.

Smaller quantities of ethane, propane, butane, carbon dioxide and nitrogen are also present. It is non-toxic and lighter than air, colourless and odourless. For safety reasons, an odorising agent is added during distribution.

The transport of natural gas takes place through the natural gas distribution network via regional and local gas pipeline networks from the gas transfer point on the transmission system to gas users. In Slovenia, the distribution gas pipeline network operates in 85 municipalities, which are managed by local operators of the natural gas distribution system. Due to increasing concern for a healthy and clean environment, the use of natural gas in transport is significantly increasing.

Today, apart from hydrogen, natural gas is the cleanest alternative fuel for propulsion and heating. Carbon dioxide CO2 emissions from transport account for almost a quarter of all global emissions. By using compressed natural gas in transport, we contribute to much lower emissions and a significantly smaller proportion of particulate matter in exhaust gases.

Compressed natural gas is technologically processed, compressed to 200 bar, which means it takes up little space. The range of alternative fuel vehicles on the market is increasing. This includes vehicles powered by compressed natural gas.

For filling the tanks of passenger and commercial vehicles with compressed natural gas, there are five public filling stations in Slovenia. Filling is convenient and fast, and comparable to filling a vehicle at a petrol station.

Results

Progress and technological development have contributed to the development of private filling stations, the installation of which was also carried out at Plinarna Maribor, where he is employed. As part of the applied section of the research thesis, he described the procedure and necessary activities for the construction and installation of a filling station. At the same time, he examined and implemented legislative requirements for appropriate spatial placement, technically compliant installation and operation, and compliant maintenance of the filling station.

By implementing the relevant regulations, he ensured the compliance of the project for the installation, use and maintenance of a private compressed natural gas filling station.