precautions while using cng

Compressed natural gas CNG Methane stored at high pressure can be used in place of gasoline petrol, Diesel fuel and propane LPG. CNG combustion produces fewer undesirable gases than the fuels mentioned above. It is safer than other fuels in the event of a spill, because natural gas is lighter than air and disperses quickly when released. CNG may be found above oil deposits, or may be collected from landfills or wastewater treatment plants where it is known as biogas.

It comes as a surprise to many to hear that natural gas is one of the safest transport fuels available. Natural gas is a naturally occurring product, consisting mainly of methane approx. 90Percent.
In its natural state, natural gas is odourless. As a safety measure, the gas is odorised prior to distribution to provide a ready means of leak detection. An average person can easily detect the smell of gas at a concentration as low as 0.3Percent by volume in air. That concentration is about 16 times lower than the level which will support combustion.
Natural gas requires a concentration of between 5Percent and 15Percent in air for combustion to occur, meaning in most cases the smell of gas would be detected well before combustion conditions are met. These are the upper and lower flammability limits of the fuel. Natural gas also has a high ignition temperature, about 600 degrees Celsius, compared with about 315o C for gasoline 1110o F.
Natural gas has no known toxic or chronic physiological effects i.e. it is not poisonous. Exposure to a moderate concentration may result in a headache or similar symptoms due to oxygen deprivation but it is likely that the smell would be detected well in advance of concentrations being high enough for this to occur.

As CNG is stored at high pressure, it is often perceived that the high pressure of the product makes it more hazardous than other fuels. While a high pressure gas leak tends to make a lot of noise while the gas is escaping, the high pressure forces the gas to escape very rapidly causing high concentrations of gas to build up in the immediate vicinity of the leak. The resulting high concentrations of gas and its tendency to dissipate upwards make it less likely for the gas in the immediate vicinity of the leak to ignite. Naturally, the high pressure does cause the gas to escape with some force so obvious precautions are necessary.

Automobile experts have ruled out the possibility of CNG causing fire in the Maruti Esteem car that collided with an auto on DND flyway on Thursday night. On the contrary, they feel that the fire could have been more devastating had the car been running on petrol.

As for all automotive vehicles, NGVs require regular maintenance to limit preventable accidents. For CNG powered NGVs regular inspection of the high pressure fuel storage vessels and fuel system components is best supported by a system that monitors compliance to national or regional regulations.

Natural gas has been distributed safely for years. In most circumstances, it is delivered via underground pipeline networks, the same networks that deliver natural gas to our homes and businesses. This method not only eliminates the need for road tankers to deliver fuel from the refinery, but also the need for ocean going oil tankers to deliver crude oil to the refinery. Hazards associated with each of these delivery methods are unfortunately well known and even in the event of a harmless spill i.e. without any resulting fire the issues associated with cleaning up present additional safety and environmental problems.

All replacement parts must adhere to the accepted standards and ratings as specified by Agility Fuel Systems. The usage of any part that is not approved by Agility Fuel Systems is not recommended and may compromise the integrity and safety of the system.Do not remove components from original packaging until absolutely necessary. Any components that are to be reinstalled must be thoroughly cleaned, inspected, and stored in a satisfactory manner until reinstallation.

If the vehicle has been in an accident or fire, cylinders and system must be examined by a qualified inspector.

CNG systems should be maintained and nspected exclusively by trained personnel. As with all pressure vessels, CNG storage and fuel delivery systems are dangerous.

1. CNG safety signage should be visible at all applicable locations as stipulated by federal, state and municipal law.
2. Natural gas rated fire extinguishers should be accessible and visible throughout all servicing and fueling areas. Be sure that fire extinguishers are charged and up to date.
3. In case of emergency, self contained breathing apparatus should be on site in an easily accessible area.
4. Areas designated for CNG fueling systems must have adequate lighting that complies with NFPA and other applicable codes.
5. Protective footwear and eyewear should be worn by all personnel in close proximity to a CNG system.
6. Search for leaks using only certified leak detecting solutions and equipment such as Swagelok Snoop?. Any other product or solutions are unacceptable.
7. Use tools that are in good working order with proper calibration.
8. Wear appropriate attire while servicing or maintaining any CNG system.