Frequently Asked Question about CNG
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Q.1) What is CNG? |
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| Ans. |
CNG
stands for compressed natural gas. It is gaseous fuel and is a mixture of
hydrocarbons mainly Methane. For use in Automobiles as fuel, it is compressed
to a pressure of 200-250 Kg/cm2 to enhance the vehicle on-board storage
capacity. |
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| Q.2. Is CNG safe? |
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| Ans. |
Yes, it is safe. The properties
of CNG make it a safe fuel. It is lighter than air, so in case of a leak
it just rises up and disperses into the atmosphere. Besides, a high auto-ignition
temperature of 540 degrees centigrade as against petrol’s 360 degrees
centigrade, makes it a safe fuel. Also, in case of a leak, if CNG’s
concentration in the air is less than 5% and more than 15%, the gas will
not burn even in the presence of a spark. |
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| Q.
3. What is involved in converting a vehicle to a CNG-friendly one? |
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| Ans. |
All
spark-ignited engines can be converted to CNG, but a specially designed
conversion kit is required for the purpose. The kit consists of a cylinder
to be fixed in the boot of the car and other equipment to allow gas flow
into the engine. |
| |
| Q.
4. Can a car, fitted with CNG conversion kit, run on Petrol after its CNG
gets |
| over? |
|
| Ans. |
Yes,
after conversion to CNG the vehicle can run on petrol whenever desired simply
by flicking a switch on the dashboard. |
| |
| Q.
5. What is the cost of converting a vehicle to a CNG-friendly one? |
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| Ans. |
The
cost of converting a vehicle to CNG depends on its type and make. For further
details Click Here |
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| Q.
6. What are the dimensions and weight of a CNG cylinder? |
|
| Ans. |
CNG
cylinders are manufactured from a special steel alloy and are seamless in
construction. Their compact size allows them to easily fit even in a small
car. An empty CNG cylinder with a 50 litre-water-carrying capacity weighs
48 kg, with a length of 835 mm and a diameter of 316 mm. The 50 litre capacity
cylinder is the one most regularly used; cylinders with 45 litre, 55 litre,
60 litre and 65 litre capacity are used as well. |
| |
| Q.
7. What is the capacity of a cylinder, and mileage from one fill? How does
one |
| get to know the quantity of CNG left in the cylinder? |
|
| Ans. |
Under
city road conditions and may vary from vehicle to vehicle and driving habits. |

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| Q.
8. What is the pressure of CNG in a cylinder? Is refuelling of a cylinder
safe, |
| given the pressure? |
|
| Ans. |
CNG
cylinders are designed and built in such a way so as to withstand high pressure.
The maximum pressure in a CNG cylinder is up to 200 kg/cm2 (g) (about 2840
pounds per square inch (gauge) or psi[g]). CNG cylinders are safe as they
are manufactured as per specific requirements and tested before use, in
accordance with international specifications and standards and they are
duly approved by Chief Controller of Explosives. Moreover, these have been
provided with a 'safety burst disc' such that in case of inadvertent high-pressure/high
temperature at the time of filling or at any other time, this disc is ruptured
and pressure released. |
| |
| Q.
9. How much will be the saving after conversion to CNG? |
|
| Ans. |
The
fuel bill on the basis of average running of vehicle is reduced by 50 percent
approximately after conversion of CNG at the present price of CNG &
Petrol in Delhi. |
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| Q.
10. Does CNG kit require servicing? |
|
| Ans. |
CNG
kit is safe and simple. It gives years of trouble free operation. It doesn’t
require frequent servicing. Just as for all other fuels, it is advised to
have routine services. An authorized person should be consulted for service.
As per Gas Cylinder Rules, 1981, the cylinder should under go hydro-stretch
testing every 5 years to check pressure tolerance. |
| |
| Q.
11. Does CNG have any harmful effect on the engine? |
|
| Ans. |
Owing to CNG's distinct features,
it does not contaminate or dilute crankcase oil, giving a new lease of
life to the engine. The absence of any lead content in CNG helps avoid
lead fouling of plugs, thereby enhancing plug life. One of the important
benefits of CNG is that upon entering the engine in the form of a gas
(and not as a spray or mist like other fuels), it doesn't disturb the
presence of lubricating oil in the engine, and reduces chances of wear
and tear. |
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| Q.12
Can a diesel vehicle be converted to CNG? |
|
| Ans. |
Yes,
a diesel vehicle can be converted to run on CNG, but the conversion cost
is higher than the conversion of petrol vehicles and under the current
technology it can not run on duel fuel mode. |
| |
| Q
13. Why are exhaust fumes so small in CNG-run vehicles? |
|
| Ans. |
CNG
is an environment friendly fuel. The natural gas is mainly composed of
methane and its exhaust emissions consist of water vapours and a small
fraction of carbon monoxide. The absence of carbon and other particulates
result in negligible amount of harmful elements in exhaust fumes. |
| |
| Q.
14. How does large-scale CNG usage benefit the country? |
|
| Ans. |
CNG
emits less carbon dioxide and other pollutants as compared to liquid fuels.
Thus, CNG contributes in lowering air pollution, also helps in improving
the Balance of Payments by acting as a substitute for imported liquid
fuels, provides more business and job opportunities with the opening up
of a new sector, and being competitively priced, it appeases motorists. |
| |
| Q.
15. In which countries are natural gas vehicles popular? |
|
| Ans. |
Natural
gas as a vehicle fuel has a long and established record in Europe, Canada,
India, New Zealand, Australia and in USA. Other countries such as Japan,
Mexico, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh are recognizing the benefits of
CNG and plan to expand its use. |
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