Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-06-09 Origin: Site
When evaluating a CNG refueling station project, the question of whether the capacity is sufficient is often the sticking point that stalls decisions. The product parameter sheet for a tube skid may list figures like 4,640 Nm³, 5,568 Nm³, 9,260 Nm³... These numbers are straightforward, but no one directly tells you how many vehicles or how many trips they translate into. This article uses the product specifications from Huayan’s official website to work out the answer for you.
1. First, Look at the Product Specification Table
Huayan’s official website currently offers the following CNG tube skid models, all with a working pressure of 250 bar (25 MPa):
Model | Number of Tubes | Water Volume | Gas Storage (Nm³) | Frame Size |
10-Tube Model | 10 | — | 4,640 | 20FT / 40FT |
12-Tube Model A | 12 | — | 5,200 | 20FT / 40FT |
12-Tube Model B | 12 | 29.4 m³ | 5,568 | 20FT / 40FT |
16-Tube Model A | 16 | — | 7,718 | 40FT |
16-Tube Model B | 16 | — | 9,260 | 40FT |
Certification Standards: ISO 11120 / ASME / ISO international certifications
Applicable Media: CNG (compressed natural gas) / H₂ (compressed hydrogen) / N₂ (nitrogen) / He (helium)
2. How Many Vehicles Can One Skid Refuel?
There is no fixed answer to this question because the single refueling volume varies greatly between different vehicle types. However, a reference range can be provided based on the product data:
Vehicle Type Reference | Single Refueling Volume (Nm³) | Vehicles Serviced by 10-Tube | Vehicles Serviced by 12-Tube B | Vehicles Serviced by 16-Tube B |
Bus (Standard) | Approx. 50–70 | 66–92 vehicles | 79–111 vehicles | 132–185 vehicles |
Heavy Truck / Mining Vehicle | Approx. 80–120 | 38–58 vehicles | 46–69 vehicles | 77–115 vehicles |
Light Box Van | Approx. 30–50 | 92–154 vehicles | 111–185 vehicles | 185–308 vehicles |
Note: The above table provides theoretical estimates based on the tube skid’s gas storage volume and the typical single refueling volume of each vehicle type. The actual gas supply capacity is affected by factors such as residual pressure in the tube skid, offloading efficiency at the satellite station, and temperature. Typically, the usable rate is about 80%–90% of the nominal storage volume. It is recommended to use an effective utilization rate of 85% for project planning.
3. How to Estimate How Many Skids My Project Needs
A practical estimation method in three steps:
Step 1: Calculate the average daily total gas demand
Daily refueling vehicles × Gas volume per vehicle = Daily total gas demand (Nm³)
Example: 50 buses × 60 Nm³ = 3,000 Nm³/day
Step 2: Add a buffer factor
For actual configuration, it is recommended to include a 1.3–1.5 times buffer to cope with peak hours and replenishment intervals:
3,000 Nm³ × 1.4 (buffer factor) = 4,200 Nm³ storage requirement
Step 3: Select model and determine quantity
4,200 Nm³ requirement → Choose 12-Tube Model B (5,568 Nm³) → A single unit can cover the demand
If continuous supply needs to be guaranteed (one skid in use, one waiting to be replenished), it is recommended to configure at least 2 units for rotation.
Reference configuration for typical project scales:
Project Scale | Daily Gas Demand | Recommended Model | Recommended Quantity |
Small bus station (within 30 vehicles) | ≤ 2,000 Nm³ | 10-Tube (4,640 Nm³) | 1–2 units |
Medium bus/freight station (50–80 vehicles) | 2,000–5,000 Nm³ | 12-Tube B (5,568 Nm³) | 2 units |
Large mining/industrial park fleet | Over 5,000 Nm³ | 16-Tube B (9,260 Nm³) | 2 or more units |
4. Satellite Station Mode: Why Usually 2 or More Skids Are Needed
The standard operational logic of tube skids in a satellite station system is "one in use, one on standby" or "three-stage cascade":
In use: The active tube skid continuously supplies gas to the station, with its pressure gradually decreasing.
On standby: Another fully loaded tube skid is on standby and ready to take over immediately when the pressure drops to the threshold.
Being replenished: The emptied tube skid returns to the mother station for refilling.
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This rotation mechanism ensures that the station’s gas supply is not interrupted when a single tube skid is emptied. Configuring two or more units is the basic requirement for maintaining continuous operation. Large stations typically configure 3–4 units to guarantee supply capacity during peak periods.
5. Product Configuration Highlights
Standard 20FT / 40FT container frame, suitable for export by container ship / bulk carrier / RO-RO vessel, with standardized customs clearance processes.
Seamless steel cylinder technology, 250 bar working pressure, hydrostatic test pressure 375 bar (1.5 times working pressure).
Equipped with multiple safety devices, including safety valves, rupture discs, emergency shut-off valves, and pressure gauges.
Applicable media cover CNG, H₂, N₂, He; simply specify the medium when ordering for pre-adaptation.
Passed ISO 11120 / ASME / ISO international certifications, with a complete compliance documentation package available.
6. Pre-Purchase Recommendations
When submitting an inquiry, it is advisable to provide the following information so the manufacturer can deliver a precise selection proposal:
Average daily number of vehicles to refuel and vehicle type (bus/truck/passenger car)
Whether the station is a mobile satellite station or a fixed station, and the reserved parking space for tube skids
The target market country, to confirm the applicable certification standards
The gas medium (CNG, H₂, or other)
Huayan International Trade Company can provide specific model combination recommendations based on the above parameters. The delivery time for standard models is 10–15 days, and for customized models, 15–20 days.
