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 95%. Due to its low density, it is compressed to a pressure of 200 bar to enhance the vehicle on-board storage capacity.
Which type of vehicles can be converted into CNG?
All petrol cars and spark-ignited engines can be converted to CNG, for which a specially designed conversion kit is required for the conversion process. The kit consists of a cylinder to be fixed in the boot of the car and other equipment’s to allow gas flow into the engine.
I have a petrol car, can I install a CNG kit? Will my car continue running on petrol too?
Yes, 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. After conversion to CNG, the vehicle can also run on petrol, whenever desired simply by flicking a switch on the dashboard.
Does CNG reduce engine life?
No, CNG will not reduce the engine life. CNG is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to gasoline or diesel. It burns more completely, leading to lower carbon deposits in the engine. This can result in reduced wear and tear on the engine components, such as spark plugs and valves. As a result, some studies suggest that using CNG can actually lead to a longer engine life compared to traditional fuels.
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 60-litre water-carrying capacity is capable of carrying approximately 8Kg to 9 kg of CNG. The mileage under city road conditions and may vary from vehicle to vehicle and driving habits. In LOVATO CNG Kits, an electronic fuel management system is installed as part of the CNG conversion kit in your vehicle on the dashboard. This system will show you the CNG levels in your vehicle.
What is the pressure of CNG in a cylinder?
CNG cylinders are designed and built in such a way so as to withstand high pressure of 350 bar. The maximum pressure in a CNG cylinder is up to 200 bar.
Where is the tank placed in car?
CNG tanks, which are cylindrical and come in different diameters and lengths, are usually installed in the car boot. It is fastened with a metal strap so that it does not move while the car is running.
Is a CNG system difficult to use?
Everything is automatic with Lovato Gas modern injection systems. All the driver needs to do is fill up with gas, push the fuel-switch and… start saving!
Will my fuel expenses reduce after conversion to CNG?
Yes, the fuel bill on the basis of average running of vehicle reduces substantially when compared to other conventional fuels. Price of CNG is lesser than other fuels and also it enhances the mileage of your vehicle, making it the most economical fuel.
What is the cost of conversion from petrol to CNG?
The conversion cost depends upon the type and make of the automobile and the conversion kit. Roughly the cost varies between Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 65,000.
How much will be the saving after conversion to CNG?
The fuel bill on the basis of average running of vehicle is reduced by 50-60 percent approximately.
Is CNG safe?
Absolutely. There are over 3 million vehicles running on CNG which proves the fact. CNG is lighter than air which makes it further safe to use. In case of a leak it rises up and disperses into the atmosphere. High auto-ignition temperature of 540 degrees centigrade as against petrol’s 360 degrees centigrade makes it a safe fuel. CNG has narrow Flammability range, 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.
Is it too expensive to convert a vehicle to CNG-friendly?
It is not very expensive. Moreover the cost of CNG is comparatively much less than Petrol. CNG is generally more affordable than traditional fuels, and the cost per unit of energy is lower. Over time, the savings on fuel costs can offset the initial investment. The cost of converting a vehicle to CNG depends on its type and make. The fuel bill on the basis of average running of vehicle is reduced by 60 percent approximately after conversion of CNG at the present price of CNG & Petrol.
Are cylinder used for filling CNG safe?
CNG tanks are made from extremely resistant full steel or steel and fiber composites to hold the final weight of the cylinder. They have extremely high mechanical resistance, tested to 300 bars, 1.4 times the normal working pressure, and are therefore extremely safe, approved and tested according to extremely stringent standards. Cylinders used for storing gas are designed with very high safety factor in accordance with global standards. CNG cylinders are specially designed and manufactured. All cylinders are required to pass the specific requirements and are vigorously tested before use, in accordance with international specifications and standards, and they are duly approved by Chief Controller of Explosives. 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 bar. Moreover, these cylinders are 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 is released. 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 psi (g).
Why are exhaust fumes so small in CNG-run vehicles?
CNG is an environment friendly fuel. The natural gas is mainly composed of methane and its exhaust emissions consist of water vapors and a small fraction of carbon monoxide. The absence of carbon and other particulates result in negligible amount of harmful elements in exhaust fumes.
Is CNG popular worldwide?
Yes. CNG has many benefits and it is good for the environment. CNG or Natural gas as a vehicle fuel has a long and established record in Europe, Canada, India, New Zealand, and Australia and in USA. Other countries such as Japan, Mexico, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are recognizing the benefits of CNG and plan to expand its use.
I have a LPG kit installed in my car, can I use CNG?
No, an LPG-fueled vehicle will not run on CNG as the two fuels are different from each other, have differing calorific values and need different air-fuel ratios for combustion. CNG has to be stored at relatively higher pressure as compared to LPG, so the same cylinder cannot be used for both gases. A vehicle will need specific CNG conversion for CNG operation.
How does a CNG kit work?
A CNG cylinder is an additional assembly which is fitted in the boot of your car. Fuel lines that run from the cylinder to the combustion chamber transfer the high-pressure gas. A pressure gauge is fitted to regulate the pressure which is compatible with the car’s fuel injection system. The transferred CNG moves to the combustion chamber wherein the spark plug ignites the engine and powers the vehicle.
What maintenance does a CNG system need?
To guarantee correct long-term working, the system is checked periodically (e.g. filter replacement) according to a programmed maintenance plan, every 50000 km. This maintenance is therefore usually carried out by a mechanic during the vehicle’s normal services.
What assistance is available in India for Lovato CNG systems if any break down?
Assistance is available from Lovato Gas authorized dealers and mechanical service network available throughout India. Lovato Gas in fact has its own dealers throughout India.
Why are CNG cars more ecological?
Using methane as a fuel reduces the emission of the greenhouse gas CO2 by over 20%. Emissions of CO and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) are also significantly lower. HC emissions are also almost totally made up of pure, non-toxic methane. Gas cars do not produce particulate, in particular the PM10 that are critical for urban pollution.
Can CNG cars be parked in underground car parks?
CNG vehicles are not subject to any kind of limits and can be parked anywhere.
Why does a CNG conversion kit cost more than an LPG one?
The difference in price between the two kinds of system is due mainly to the difference in price of a CNG cylinder and an LPG tank. A CNG cylinder must resist testing pressures of 300 bars and therefore calls for the use of much more expensive materials and construction techniques than an LPG tank, which must resist pressures around 10 times lower.
Which is the Best CNG Kit?
The majority of car gas kits are manufactured in Italy. Car Gas kits were first introduced by Lovato in 1958 in Italy. Since Italian CNG Kits manufacturers are following European standards, Italian CNG kits are considered the best CNG Kit in the world. Lovato was the first gas conversion kit imported from Italy to India in 1995 and has built a strong service network throughout the country. In India, in recent days some brands have been using only Italian ECU’s and other parts as substandard components. Some CNG Kit brands are selling CNG kits with Chinese ECUs which gives poor performance compared to Lovato. This could lead to engine problems and prevent you from achieving maximum fuel cost savings. Lovato is the sole manufacturer of all parts and accessories for CNG Kits. They guarantee a 60% fuel cost savings and have a nationwide service network in India. Lovato is the only completely imported kit, making it the leader among all CNG kits. As a result, almost all gas mechanics in India are trained with the Lovato CNG kit. The availability of spares and troubleshooting software, along with training provided to gas technicians, makes servicing the Lovato CNG Kit simple.
ADVANTAGES in LOVATO CNG Kits
- Complete Kit Made in Italy.
- PAN India Service Network.
- Easy Spares Availability
- Trouble Free Performance
- ICAT / ARAI Approved CNG Kits
- Better mileage compare to other CNG Kits
- Durable and Economical Kits
- Maintenance Free (Fit and Forget)