Final answer:
Autogas is typically stored in a compressed state and is a form of gaseous fossil fuel, unlike traditional liquid gasoline. Natural gas is a clean-burning fossil fuel mainly consisting of methane, which can be converted into LNG for more practical storage and transport. The distribution of natural gas relies on pipeline infrastructure, and LNG helps overcome the challenge of natural gas transport due to its reduced volume.
Step-by-step explanation:
Unlike conventional gasoline or diesel fuels, which are liquid forms of fuel derived from petroleum, autogas is typically stored in a compressed state and, when used as a fuel, is released as a vapor upon combustion. Autogas generally refers to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) used as a vehicle fuel. This gaseous state of autogas makes it different from the liquid gasoline obtained from refining petroleum. Natural gas is a naturally occurring nonrenewable gaseous fossil fuel, consisting primarily of methane, that burns cleaner than other fossil fuels such as coal or oil. To make it more practical for storage and transport due to its gaseous nature, natural gas is often turned into liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is cooled to approximately -160°C and can be stored and transported in cryogenic vessels. LPG is similar but typically consists of a mix that can include butane, propane, and other light hydrocarbons and is often used in heating, cooking, and auto fuel.
Moreover, while natural gas flows freely due to being under high pressure and not viscous, and despite being less polluting, it is not as energy-dense as liquid fuels, posing challenges to its wide adoption. Its distribution heavily relies on pipeline infrastructure, which was a barrier to its widespread use until the development of more extensive pipeline systems in the 1970s. LPG and LNG are important for the storage and shipment of fossil fuels, with LNG taking up about 1/600 the volume of natural gas at ambient conditions, making it more economical for transport.