Racor Filters for CNG Vehicles

Compressed Natural Gas, or CNG, is a leading alternative to traditional fuel for the automotive industry. CNG is used in passenger vehicles, pickup trucks, in transit and on school buses. It can be less expensive than gasoline, and is more environmentally friendly – it reduces the amount of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon vehicle exhaust emissions.

Natural gas is gathered from a pipeline and travels to a connecting compressor station. The gas is elevated to pressures ranging from 2000 psig up to 5000 psig and the resultant CNG is stored in large tanks. The CNG then makes its way to a gas dispenser where it is ready for use in CNG vehicles.

Contaminants can enter into the gas at any stage of this processing. Filters are critical at each stage to ensure clean gas as a final product. Contamination that collects during handling, water that condenses in tanks and compressors that leak oil into the fuel stream are all problems that could shorten the life of expensive equipment, create unnecessary downtime and increase maintenance costs. From pipeline to engine, Racor filters provide the critical filtration required for most alternative fuel systems.

How They Work

Protecting the fuel injectors and components of an alternative fuel system is vital to efficient vehicle operation. Racor CNG filters ensure removal of damaging aerosol contamination as small as 0.3 to 0.6 micron and exceed 95% efficiency, depending on the grade of element specified. The CNG coalescer elements are produced by a patented process of gathering microglass fibers and stabilizers into a tubular form with precisely controlled density gradients from the upstream to the downstream side. During operation, fuel is forced through the coalescing media from the inside of the cartridge through the tubular wall to the outside, where the large droplets fall to the bottom of the housing. Oily water emulsion accumulates until drained while the dirt particles remain trapped on the surface of the fibers.

How to Choose

-- On the part selector page, choose media type; grade 6 or grade 10. Grade 10 is used for pre-filtration on the high pressure side of a regulator.
-- Choose the housing material. Only the FFC-113 is stainless steel.
-- Choose working pressure range.
-- Select flow capacity. Consult brochure on the Product Support tab for more information
-- Select port connection. Only the FFC-112 has an SAE port type available.
-- Consult brochure on the Product Support tab for more information

FFC Series Overview:

FFC-110

Many CNG powered commuter vehicles, such as shuttle buses, taxis or vans, rely on FFC-110 filters to protect contaminants in the fuel tank from entering the engine.

Racor's FFC-110 is often used onboard CNG (compressed natural gas) powered vehicles to prevent contaminants in the fuel tank from getting into the engine, protecting critical engine components, like fuel injectors. Its small size allows for versatile installation and easy servicing. The housing is powder painted for long-term corrosion protection. These coalescers are ideal for operating pressures up to 800 psig. Coalescing efficiencies of 95% (grade 10) or 99.97% (grade 6) can be chosen to match the filter to the application. Flow capacity is influenced by media grade and available system pressure. Consult brochure for further details. Both the FFC-110 and FFC-110L have an 1/8" NPT drain port with a brass petcock manual drain.

FFC-112

Many CNG powered vehicles such as airport shuttles and taxis have FFC-112 filters installed. They protect critical engine components from contaminants present in CNG fuel.

CNG powered engine components such as fuel injectors and pressure reducing valves require contaminant free air. Submicron sized solid or lubricant aerosols may carry over during CNG compression. Contaminants can also be generated in the storage and distribution of the natural gas, and may eventually enter the vehicle's storage tank. Both 1/4" NPT and 9/16" SAE connections are available on this 3600 psig rated assembly. Flow capacity is influenced by media grade and available system pressure. Consult brochure for further details. The machined aluminum housing is anodized to enhance durability. It's robust yet small, lightweight size allows for versatile installation and easy servicing.

FFC-113

Many large CNG powered vehicles, such as buses used in city transit systems rely on FFC-113 filters, which are installed onboard the vehicle itself. They protect critical engine components from contaminants present in alternative fuel gas systems.

The FFC-113 is a popular filter choice onboard alternative fuel vehicles. Tiny solid and liquid contaminants can foul critical engine components, diminishing engine performance. These contaminants are typically generated during the compression, storage, and dispensing of alternative fuel gases like CNG. The FFC-113 removes sub-micron sized contaminants with removal efficiencies from 95% to 99.97% ensuring long service intervals for components like fuel injectors. Its robust 303 stainless steel construction and 3600 psig design pressure and relatively light weight combine to provide a unit that will withstand the harsh operating environments found on heavy duty vehicles like buses and trucks. It is supplied with 1/2" NPT connections and is designed for flows exceeding 1550 scfm at 3600 psig.