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.

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. CNG also has a narrow inflammability range of 5% to 15%, making it much safer than other fuels.

All 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.

Yes, after conversion to CNG the vehicle can run on petrol whenever desired simply by flicking a switch on the dashboard.

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), and has a length of 835 mm and a diameter of 316 mm. The 50 litre capacity cylinder is the one most regularly used in CNG kits but cylinders with 45 litre, 55 litre, 60 litre and 65 litre capacity are used as well.

A cylinder with a 50 litre water-carrying capacity is capable of carrying approximately 9 kg of CNG. This is equivalent to 12.5 litres of petrol and will allow a run of about 150-160 kms. for a medium sized 1300 CC car. An electronic fuel gauge fitted on the dashboard which is part of the conversion kit indicates the quantity of CNG left in the cylinder.

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. 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 (CCoE). 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 extremely high pressure and temperature.

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.

On an average, vehicle owners lose about one third of their boot space when a car is converted to CNG. The boot space also depends upon the size of vehicle and cylinder make. However people who wish to convert to CNG can still install carriers on their vehicles to compensate for the lost boot space.

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. As CNG enters the engine in the form of a gas (and not as a spray or mist like other fuels), no carbon is generated during the combustion of CNG reducing the chances of wear and tear.

Yes, it is. As CNG mainly consists of methane which is the simplest hydrocarbon, it is a much cleaner and efficient fuel. The use of CNG significantly reduces harmful exhaust gas emissions like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide which causes harmful diseases like cancer, asthma etc. CNG also helps in reducing the effects of global warming.

Cylinders used for storing gas are designed with very high safety factor in accordance with global standards. These cylinders are tested and certified for usage by statutory authorities and each cylinder is defined with an expiry date of usage after which they are to be tested again for safe use. These cylinders have been designed to take impact of collision in case of accidents. However, as per Gas Cylinder Rules, 1981, the cylinder should undergo hydro-stretch testing every 3 years to check pressure tolerance.

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 3 years to check pressure tolerance.

Factory fitted CNG vehicles have the same payload that of a diesel vehicle, however in case of retro fitment payload of the vehicle is reduced to the tune of cylinders weight only.