A Better Fuel Alternative for Testing?

[larry cottrill]

I think this is only available right now in the US and Canada, but anyway, how does this sound?

Cylinders store large quantities of natural gas at 275 psi.
There is no limit on withdrawal rates and cylinders can be used in any position.
No icing problems at high withdrawal rates! (The gas is not stored in liquified form.)
You can refill your own cylinders with a special refueler anytime - no need for special license or certification to refuel.
Available in 130 cu.ft, 45 cu.ft and 14 cu.ft sizes.
These cylinders are approved by the United States Department of Transportation and Transport Canada.
Simple cylinder inspection every 10 yrs (US) or 5 yrs (Canada) - hydrostatic testing NOT required.

More information: http://www.gas-tec.com/products_5.html

L Cottrill

[Zippiot]

I wonder how long a cylinder would last in __ application. I have a little gas forge I run off the natural gas line headed to my BBQ, doesnt work as well as it did on propane though had to repipe the whole thing.

[Mike Everman]

Interesting. The small one, 14cft is 6" dia by 24" long. i wonder how much the chargers are?

[Mark]

I was thinking there may be some unique/fun use for natural gas in pulsejets or jam jars, all fuels have some interesting qualities, it's just finding the right presentation. It certainly doesn't stink or hang around like gasoline on your hand. It doesn't sink to the floor like propane, and so you can make those bubble monsters.
I wonder how hard it would be to construct a "small" methane balloon having a tiny jam jar or pulsejet for propulsion, using the balloon as a dual use fuel tank/partial lifter? Maybe one could make a putt-putt boat shaped balloon gondola. Or perhaps incorporate a second balloon chamber filled with the heat of the exhaust of the jam jar or micro pulsejet, trading lift as you go?

"However, there are several disadvantages to using natural gas as well. Natural gas occupies about four times the space of an energy equivalent of gasoline resulting in added weight and space of fuel storage tanks. New fuel tanks and some fuel system modifications are required on retrofits. At the present time, there is limited availability of refueling stations and natural gas vehicles experience a shorter driving range between fill-ups."
http://www.ethanol-gec.org/clean/cf10.htm

"I have been a bubble sculpter for about 20 years." ha
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh-1wOSTiP0

"Methane gas is roughly half the weight of air and provides anemic, but useful lift."
http://www.chem.hawaii.edu/uham/lift.html

[Mark]

Wrong post for this topic