CNG - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What is CNG?
CNG stands for Compressed Natural Gas. It is a gaseous fuel and is a mixture of
hydrocarbons, mainly methane, in the range of 89% to 90%. Due to its low density, it is
compressed to a pressure of 200-250 Kg/cm² (g) to enhance the vehicle on-board storage
capacity.

Is CNG safe?
Yes, it is safe. The properties of CNG make it a safe fuel. It is lighter than air, and hence in
case of leakage it disperses into the atmosphere rapidly. Its high auto-ignition temperature of
540 degrees centigrade as against petrol’s 360 degrees centigrade makes it even more safe
fuel. Limited combustibility i.e. CNG’s concentration in the air is less than 5% or more than
15%, the gas will not burn even in the presence of a spark adds further to its safety.

What is involved in converting a vehicle to a CNG-friendly one?

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.

Can a car, fitted with CNG conversion kit, run on petrol after its CNG gets over?
Yes, even after conversion to CNG, the vehicle continues to be fitted with the petrol. The
vehicle can therefore run on dual fuel, either on CNG or petrol, whenever desired, simply by
flicking a switch on the dashboard.

What is the cost of converting a vehicle to a CNG-friendly one?

The cost of converting a vehicle to CNG depends on its type and make. As on, it roughly
ranges between Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 (approximately).

What are the dimensions and weight of a CNG cylinder?

CNG cylinders are manufactured from a special steel alloy and are seamless in construction.
Their compact size allows them to easily fit into a small car. An empty CNG cylinder with a
50 litre-water-carrying capacity weighs 48 kg (approximately), 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.

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?
A cylinder with a 50 liter water-carrying capacity is capable of carrying approximately 9 kg
of CNG. This is equivalent to 12.5 liters of petrol and will allow a run of about 180-200 kms
to a medium sized 1100 CC car. An electronic fuel gauge fitted on the dashboard as part of
the conversion kit indicates the quantity of CNG left in the cylinder.

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 CNG - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What is the pressure of CNG in a cylinder? Is refueling of a cylinder safe, given the
pressure?
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 are duly approved by the Chief Controller of Explosives. Moreover, they are
provided with a pressure relief device (PRD) that consists of a fusible plug and a burst disc
that ruptures in case of inadvertent high pressure and temperature.

How much will be the saving after conversion to CNG?

The fuel bill on the basis of average running of vehicle is reduced up to 60 percent
approximately. The cost of installation of the kit is recovered within a year, given average
distances covered in driving.

Does CNG kit require servicing?

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 undergo hydro-stretch testing every 5 years to check pressure tolerance.

Does CNG have any harmful effect on the engine?

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.

I have a Diesel engine - can it be converted, too?

Converting Diesel cars is not as easy as converting Petrol cars. There is a simple reason for
that. The mechanism of Diesel cars is based on the principle of "self ignition". The
combustion in Diesel engines is reached by mixing the Diesel fuel with hot air under a high
pressure. Then, the fuel ignites automatically; an ignition spark is not required. (This is also
the reason why a Diesel car should never be filled with ordinary Petrol). CNG, however, has
a high ignition temperature (about 0°C). Diesel cars do not have sparks to initiate the
combustion process. And the heat generated in a Diesel engine is not sufficient to ignite the
air-gas mixture. Hence, if a Diesel engine should be converted to a CNG engine, holes have
to be drilled into the engine block, and an additional spark plug system needs to be installed.
This is very costly and requires much time.

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 CNG - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Can a CNG vehicle be driven outside Kanpur?

CNG converted petrol car may be driven outside Kanpur as it is dual fuel car with the option
of petrol. However, CNG powered LCV/HCVs may not be driven outside Kanpur, as it is
monofuel vehicle. However CNG is also available in Bareilly, Lucknow, Agra, Mathura,
Moradabad and NCR region.

Is CNG environmentally friendlier than any other fuel?

Yes, it is. As CNG mainly consists of methane, the exhaust fumes of CNG basically consist
of water vapors, Carbon Dioxide and some fractions of Carbon Monoxide. There are no other
carbons or toxic particles in the exhaust fumes. It is therefore much environmentally
friendlier than other fuels.