CNG stands for Compressed Natural Gas. It is one of the most viable alternatives to traditional fuel energy resources for the automotive industry. CNG is low in pollutants, high in calorific value and heat yield, economical and available in abundance globally.
1. Economic benefit: The cost of CNG is almost a third of the cost of Petrol in terms of calorific value resulting in substantial saving in fuel cost, and investment on the CNG kit is paid back in a short period
2. Environment friendly: The use of CNG as a fuel reduces vehicular exhaust emissions significantly. Carbon Monoxide emissions are reduced by 70 to 90% and Hydrocarbon emissions by 40 to 60% as compared to vehicles that use the conventional fuel - Petrol. Carbon Dioxide emissions, a cause for global warming, are also reduced significantly by 10%
3. 100% Income Tax Depreciation: Corporate Organisations, firms, etc. can claim 100% depreciation on a CNG Conversion Kit as this is a pollution controlling equipment. Organisations that buy CNG Conversion Kits should consult their Income Tax Consultants and avail of the depreciation benefits
4. Flexibility and ease of use: The basic engine characteristics of a vehicle are retained while converting it to run on CNG. The vehicle therefore is capable of running either on Petrol or CNG at the flick of a switch on its dashboard.
When used as an automobile fuel, compressed natural gas (CNG) is stored onboard vehicles in tanks that meet stringent safety requirements.
Natural gas fuel systems are "sealed," which prevents spills or evaporative losses. Even if a leak were to occur in a fuel system, the natural gas would dissipate up into the atmosphere – unlike gasoline, which in the event of a leak or accident, pools on the ground, creating a fire hazard.
Natural gas has a high ignition temperature, about 1,200° Fahrenheit, compared with about 600° Fahrenheit for gasoline.
Natural gas is not toxic or corrosive and will not contaminate ground water.
1. The Cylinder
-The cylinder is used to store CNG at a working pressure of 200 bar. It is fitted with a shut-off valve and a safety burst disc. The cylinders are type approved by the Chief Controller of Explosives, Government of India.
2. The Vapour Bag
-Fitted onto the cylinder, the Vapour Bag is used to enclose the cylinder valve and the pipes connecting it and is vented out of the car.
3. The High Pressure Pipe
-This High Pressure Pipe connects the refuelling valve to the CNG Cylinder and Pressure Regulator.
4. The Refuelling Valve
-The Refuelling Valve is used to refuel the CNG cylinder.
5. The Pressure Regulator
-The Pressure Regulator has a Solenoid Valve to shut-off gas supply to the engine. The CNG stored at a high pressure in the cylinder is reduced to just below atmospheric pressure by this unit. This negative pressure is also a safety feature that will not allow gas to pass through when the engine is not running.
6. The Gas-Air Mixer
-The Gas-Air Mixer is a unique component, specially designed to suit each engine model. It precisely meters gas fed into the engine.
7. The Petrol-Solenoid Valve
-The Petrol-Solenoid Valve is used to cut off petrol supply to the engine when it is run on CNG.
8. The Selector Switch
-The Selector Switch is fitted at the dashboard, enabling the driver to choose either the CNG mode or the petrol mode of operation. The electronics built into this unit also ensures safety by switching off the gas solenoid whenever the engine is switched off. It also serves as a fuel indicator for the quantity of CNG available in the cylinder.
Ensure that the workshop is authorised and observes Safety Standards and Code of Practices in kit installation and commissioning.
The kit, including the cylinder must be of the type approved for the make of the car. Do not buy components from different sources and install the kit yourself.
Ensure that the car undergoes the required pre-conversion checks thoroughly. After the connections are made, ensure a complete and thorough leak test of the gas system.
Installer's certificate must be collected from the workshop.
Any modification or improvisation should only be done at an authorised workshop.
Acquaint yourself with the mechanism of CNG and the precautions essential for a CNG vehicle. Follow them strictly.
In case of an accident, get the vehicle thoroughly checked by an authorised workshop and obtain re-certification.
Do not install an LPG, Propane or any other cylinder in place of a CNG cylinder. It is illegal and unsafe.
Additional premium is charged by the insurance company for CNG run cars. One should run the vehicle only after the risks of the additional CNG kit system are covered by the insurance company.
The only major disadvantage is the loss of luggage space. CNG cylinders take up a lot of storage space and generally have to be placed in the boot of the car. Cylinder’s mounting too have to be made of good grade steel capable of handling the roughs and toughs of travelling. The cost of conversion too is another major determining factor. The conversion kit can cost from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 40,000. But experts claim that this cost can be recovered from the fuel savings. Finally, based on its characteristics, CNG may slightly hamper vehicle performance.
Running your car on CNG reduces your running cost on petrol by almost 60%.
CNG retofitment gives you the advantage to run your car on dual fuel at your convenience. On pressing the touch switch located on the dashboard, the mode of fuel can be changed to CNG or Petrol.
Definitely yes. As the engine of your car is basically designed to run on petrol & you are running the car on alternate fuel we recommend to run 10% of your total running in a day on petrol mode. This enhances the performance of the engine & also the vehicle performance is optimum on Dual fuels.
The cylinder used in storing CNG is fitted with a shut-off valve and a safety burst disc. The cylinders are type approved by the Chief Controller of Explosives, Government of India. The CNG cylinder is a very strong and thick storage tank. Millions of cars have been safely driving on CNG for many years.
This still remains a debatable matter, but almost all the leading car manufacturers are coming up with CNG variants with economical benefits & with the introduction of advanced software technology in CNG Kits, the answer is No*.
Maruti Suzuki is planning to introduce CNG variants of its existing models in the Indian market. The company is expected to introduce CNG variants of Maruti Alto, Wagon R and SX4 this year that will be priced at 15-20 percent premium than the fossil fuel models. Maruti Suzuki remains committed to introduce more eco-friendly cars and looking at the growing market for alternative fuel models such variants will enable it to retain its 50 percent market share.
“It’s our answer to green technology that will also be most fuel-efficient auto fuel in India, blending the benefits of gasoline engine power at the cost of the CNG,” said I.V. Rao, managing executive officer (engineering) at Maruti Suzuki.
The new variants of MSIL models will feature factory fitted computer-controlled gas distribution kits that will be mated with petrol engines. The models will use i-GPI or intelligent gas port injection technology that has been developed in-house. It provides the driver an option to choose to switch between petrol or CNG option.
With negligible loss in power, the running cost is very much reduced resulting in an increase in your savings by almost 60%.
After every periodic service as prescribed by the manufacturer, the engine requires to be tuned on CNG mode. The CNG tuning charges are free for a period of One year from date of installation (if CNG retrofitment done at APRA CNG) or 20000 K.M whichever is earlier.
‘The CNG tuning can be done at APRA CNG outlets at a nominal price of rs.300/-*’
Diesel cars can be converted to CNG, but it involves major changes in the Engine assy. resulting in initial investment viability. “Alternate fuels are basically preferred for economical advantages”.
The air filter plays a vital role in fuel efficiency. Driving the car in dusty conditions reduces the life of Air filter; we recommend regular cleaning of air filter element & suggest replacement at every 10000 K.M.
The car can run on petrol or CNG by just pressing the change over switch located on the dash board.
Yes.CNG can be retrofitted in new car with 0 K.M. reading. For cars which have done 50000 K.M. & above, we recommend a thorough check up of engine prior to CNG kit installation.