BPCL

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

 

Who isn’t familiar with CNG? Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is an environment-friendly alternative automotive fuel. The cleaner fuel plays an important role in reducing vehicular greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution significantly. As its name suggests, CNG is natural gas compressed under pressure so that more of it occupies lesser volume in your fuel tank. CNG is compressed to a pressure of 200 to 250 kg/cm2. In this compressed form, it occupies less than 1 per cent of its volume at atmospheric pressure. CNG differs from Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in its constituents. CNG is gaseous, consisting of about 80 to 90 per cent methane, whereas LPG is a liquid, consisting of a compressed mixture of propane and butane in liquid form.
 

Advantages of CNG

Green Fuel

Commonly referred to as the green fuel because of its lead and sulphur free character, CNG reduces harmful emissions. Being non-corrosive, it enhances the longevity of spark plugs. Due to the absence of any lead or benzene content in CNG, the lead fouling of spark plugs, and lead or benzene pollution are eliminated. 

Safe Fuel

The properties of CNG make it a safe fuel. It is stored in high gauge seamless cylinders which are certified so negligible chance of leakage. It is lighter than air, so in case of leak it just rises up and disperses into the atmosphere and mixes in the air easily and evenly. 

High auto ignition temperature

CNG is less likely to auto-ignite on hot surfaces, since it has a high auto-ignition temperature (540 degrees centigrade) and a narrow range (5%-15%) of in flammability. It means that if CNG concentration in the air is below 5% or above 15%, it will not burn. This high ignition temperature and limited flammability range makes accidental ignition or combustion very unlikely. 

Low operational cost

The operational cost of vehicles running on CNG, as compared to those running on other fuels, is comparatively low. 

Dual facility

CNG Vehicle can run both on CNG and Petrol. 

Increased life of oils

Another practical advantage observed is the increased life of lubricating oils, as CNG does not contaminate and dilute the crankcase oil.