The Role of Pressured Reducing System (PRS) in CNG Process

PRS, stands for Pressure Reducing System, is a vital system that ensure the safety of CNG production in the adjusting pressure process. The primary function of PRS is to reduce the high-pressure gas to lower, consistent, and safe pressure in the CNG storage or transportation vessel. Why this component is really important? Because it is necessary to lower the pressure to reach the appropriate level which is around 3000 until 3600 psi in order to prevent hazardous such as gas leaks, explosions, and so on. The appropriate level of CNG can increase its energy density to make CNG more efficient since it can combust cleaner and produce lower emision, so that the machine can operate for longer period. PRS systems contain several parts such as pressure regulators, safety devices, and distribution and control. Read the further explanation to understand how it works.

The main part is called the pressure regulator. It is the central component that has three responsibility which is inlet pressure control, pressure reduction, and pressure monitoring. First, there will be monitoring from the inlet pressure control. It monitors the incoming pressure from high-pressure storage tanks. CNG requires significantly lower pressures before applying to industrial processes or vehicle fuels. In order to decrease the pressure of CNG to the required level, pressure reduction will be the second process. It will involve the valves or regulators to handle the high pressure and adjust the flow of the gas. Last but not least, together with the pressure reduction, there will be pressure monitoring to ensure that the pressure remains within the desired range and detect potential leaks. 

The supporting part that is also important is the safety device. The responsibility of the safety device is preventing over-pressurization, detecting leaks, and ensuring the system operates within safe parameters. Inside the safety device, there is a feature that protects against potential hazards or malfunctions. Pressure Relief Valves (PRV) are usually incorporated to release excess pressure in case of system malfunctions or emergencies. So, when the pressure exceed the parameter level, the PRV will opens to make the gas escape and prevent over pressurization. In addition, these safety devices also help to maintain the integrity of the system and prevent accidents.

Distribution and control will be the final stage. Once the pressure has been reduced by following the monitoring step, the PRS directly brings the lower-pressure CNG to the distribution lines. After that, the CNG will be transported to the customer such as refueling stations that utilize CNG as a vehicle fuel, and industries that utilize CNG as their energy source.

Pressure Reducing System (PRS) plays in important role to reduce the CNG pressure into a lower pressure so that the CNG is able to use for vehicles fuels or industrial processes. Furthermore, pressure regulators, safety devices, and distribution and control parts will always be implemented to ensure the CNG is safe and efficient to use. PRS together with MRS and Gas piping will operate to control the flow of CNG into the customer.