What is CNG?
CNG = Compressed Natural Gas
CNG is a natural gas consisting essentially of methane and used as a fuel source. CNG is already in wide use as a fuel source for homes, industries and factories and though widely used in other nations, is just now reaching widespread approval and use in the United States.
Why CNG?
A Natural Gas Vehicle or NGV is a alternative fuel vehicle that uses Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a clean, safe and economical alternative to other automobile fuels. Worldwide, there are roughly 5 million NGV’s as of 2006, with the largest number of NGV’s in Argentina, Brazil, Iran, Pakistan and Thailand. They are Also popular in
Germany
and
Italy
.
CNG History
CNG is an old and well-proven fuel alternative to fossil fuels such as coal and oil. Natural gas has already been widely used and accepted as the cleanest fuel source for heating buildings. A lot of research, development and innovations have taken place for a number of years using CNG as a fuel source for vehicles. CNG equipment manufacturers have invested in research and development to improve this technology and make it convenient and available for consumers globally. In most developed countries CNG is being promoted for environmental reasons as well as economic reasons. In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, the oil embargo and the resultant energy crisis in the U.S. spurred new interest in alternative fuels that could reduce our dependence on foreign imports. New methods have been developed which would allow natural gas to be compressed and stored in containers that could be fitted to an automobile. Compressor stations were built which delivered Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) at pressures up to 3600 psi. Engine upfit systems were designed and installed, and the modern Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) was born. There are now over 300,000 NGV’s on U.S. highways, both dedicated and bi-fuel versions, with more on the way. Most recently, the lower emission’s benefit of natural gas has been a strong influence in its use. With reductions in hydrocarbons (HC), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and lower amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) natural gas is leading the way as an alternative fuel.
Advantages of using CNG
• Saves 25-75% on fuel expenses each year.
• Cleaner fuel source reducing overall emissions by over 70% when driving a vehicle.
• The life of your vehicle engine an actually be increased using CNG instead of conventional gasoline. CNG does not contaminate and dilute crank case oil. CNG contains no lead so lead fouling of plugs is eliminated and plug life greatly extended. CNG is in gas form which enhances the lubrication abilities of the engine.
• Reduced maintenance costs and needs. By extending the life of certain parts of the engine, CNG assists in reducing the frequency of maintenance on your car—reducing the overall cost of keeping your vehicle in running condition.
• Octane of CNG is around 130, compared to 85, 89, and 91 of regular gasoline improving combustion efficiency.
Safety factors using CNG
Find out more about the safety on the CNG cylinder, watch this video: http://www.cngchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1614
• CNG is less flammable than gasoline because leaks dissipate into the air rather than pool around the vehicle.
• CNG cylinders are made of special materials to withstand high pressure with no joints preventing leaks.
• CNG storage cylinders are fire and bulletproof.
• CNG has a self ignition temperature of 700° C. Gasoline is 415° C.
• CNG is lighter than air (specific gravity of 0.587).
Although both natural gas and diesel fuels are flammable and require special precautions and fire protection equipment, natural gas lacks some of the risks of diesel or gasoline. It has been reported that natural gas fuel tanks are much stronger and safer than either diesel or gasoline fuel tanks.8 Diesel and gasoline tanks can leak and contaminate groundwater, which is not a risk with natural gas.
All of our kits are certified under the ISO 9001/2000 standards.
