CNG-Powered Vehicles (Advantages, Disadvantages, 10 Things that Can Make them Explode)

CNG-powered vehicle

Nigerians are currently battling with economic hardship due to the increase in the price of petrol. President Bola Tinubu has said that Nigerians now have the option of buying premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, at ₦1,000 per litre or compressed natural gas (CNG) at ₦200 per standard cubic meter.

“Nigerian motorists can buy petrol at ₦1,000 per litre or the gas equivalent per Standard Cubic Meter at ₦200. We have also introduced incentives for commercial motorists to convert from petrol to gas, free of cost.”

CNG Powered Vehicle refuelling

Some Nigerians, especially vehicle owners, have started converting their vehicles from petrol-powered to CNG-powered to avoid the high cost of petrol.

CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) powered vehicles are automobiles that use compressed natural gas, which is mainly composed of methane (CH4), as their fuel source instead of gasoline or diesel. CNG, like gasoline, produces engine power when mixed with air and fed into a vehicle’s combustion chamber.

CNG is considered a cleaner and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels due to its lower emissions and reduced environmental impact.

While CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) powered vehicles have several benefits, they also come with certain disadvantages. These disadvantages include potential risks that could lead to a dangerous situation, such as an explosion if proper safety precautions are not followed.

In this post, we will discuss the benefits, disadvantages and 10 things that can make CNG-converted vehicles explode. 

Benefits of CNG-Powered Vehicles:

Here are key features and benefits of CNG-powered vehicles:

  • Reduced Emissions: CNG vehicles are eco-friendly fuel and emit significantly lower levels of harmful pollutants, such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, compared to diesel and gasoline vehicles.
  • Cheaper Option: In many regions, CNG is less expensive than gasoline or diesel, leading to lower fuel costs for vehicle owners.
  • Lower Maintenance: CNG burns cleaner, resulting in less wear and tear on engine components. This can lead to reduced maintenance costs over time.
  • Due to its higher octane rating, it causes less noise pollution than petrol or diesel cars.

Disadvantages of CNG-Powered Vehicles:

CNG Powered Vehicles

Here are the key drawbacks associated with CNG-powered vehicles:

  • Limited Facilities: In many regions, there are fewer CNG refuelling stations compared to gasoline or diesel. This limited infrastructure can be inconvenient, especially for long-distance travel or in rural areas where stations may be scarce.
CNG
  • Shorter Driving Range: CNG has a lower energy density compared to gasoline or diesel, which means a vehicle needs more CNG to cover the same distance. As a result, CNG vehicles often have a shorter driving range, requiring more frequent refuelling stops.
  • Lower Power Output: Compressed natural gas (CNG) has a lower energy density than gasoline. As such, cars powered by CNG may have less horsepower.
  • Conversion Costs: Converting a gasoline or diesel vehicle to run on CNG can be expensive. Even though the long-term savings on fuel may offset this, the initial cost can be a significant barrier for many drivers.
  • Cost of CNG Vehicles: CNG-powered vehicles can be more expensive than their gasoline or diesel counterparts due to the specialized engine components and fuel systems required.
  • Limited Lifespan of Cylinders: CNG storage cylinders have a limited lifespan and must be periodically inspected and replaced after a certain number of years or pressure cycles. This adds to the long-term maintenance costs of the vehicle.
  • Routine Maintenance: CNG operates at high pressure, as such, some parts may experience increased wear and tear, calling for routine maintenance and inspections by qualified specialists.
  • High-Pressure Fuel Storage: CNG is stored at very high pressures, which raises safety concerns in the event of an accident or mishandling of the fuel system. Although CNG vehicles are designed with strict safety measures, the high-pressure tanks require extra caution and regular inspection.

10 Things that Can Make CNG Vehicles’ Cylinders Explode:

It was recently reported, by news outlets across Nigeria, that a Compressed Natural Gas, CNG-powered vehicle exploded at the NIPCO filling station on Aduwawa along the Benin-Auchi Expressway.

cng

This has left many Nigerians concerned about the safety of the conversion. While some believe CNG is more environmentally friendly than petrol, others have raised concerns about its safety, fearing it might have a higher risk of explosion.

It was later reported that the cylinder in question in Benin City was welded and modified, and not approved for use for CNG.

CNG car owners must take proper CNG car precautions to ensure a long and risk-free CNG car life.

Here are 10 things that can make CNG-converted vehicles explode:

1. Faulty Conversion:

Poor installation of CNG systems by unqualified technicians can lead to leaks in the fuel lines, pressure regulators, or connections. A gas leak in an enclosed space, combined with a spark or heat source, can cause an explosion.

2. Substandard Equipment:

Using low-quality or non-certified CNG components during conversion (such as valves, hoses, or cylinders) can increase the risk of failure under high pressure. Ensure CNG systems are installed by certified professionals and use approved equipment.

3. Accidental Impact or Collision:

In the event of a severe collision, the CNG tank could be damaged. While CNG tanks are usually reinforced to withstand impacts, a direct and forceful impact can potentially lead to a rupture. The risk of explosion is particularly high in severe accidents where the cylinder is impacted or exposed to fire.

4. Poor Maintenance:

Regular servicing is necessary to keep the CNG system in good condition. If routine checks are neglected, wear and tear on parts such as valves and pressure regulators may go unnoticed. Skipping these inspections can allow unnoticed damage, wear, or leaks to go unchecked, increasing the risk of an explosion. Never modify or disable safety features, and only allow qualified technicians to repair the system.

5. Expired Cylinders:

CNG cylinders have a limited lifespan, typically between 10-20 years. If a cylinder is used beyond its expiration date, it may fail under pressure and potentially explode. Ensure CNG cylinders are protected from impact, corrosion, and high temperatures, and are replaced when they reach the end of their service life.

6. Exposure to High Heat:

CNG is stored under high pressure, and exposure to extreme temperatures (e.g., in a vehicle fire) can cause the gas inside the cylinder to expand, increasing internal pressure. If the cylinder’s safety relief valve fails or is missing, it could rupture and explode. High temperatures can also damage the cylinder over time.

7. Gas Leak:

Gas leaks can occur due to poor installation, damaged pipes, or general wear and tear. If a CNG vehicle is parked in an enclosed space (like a garage) and there is a gas leak, the accumulation of gas in the air can create a highly flammable mixture. If ignited, this could result in an explosion. Regularly check for gas leaks using specialized equipment and never ignore the smell of gas.

8. Static Electricity:

During refuelling or if gas escapes from the system, a small static spark, which can be generated by clothing, refuelling nozzles, or other sources, could ignite the leaked gas, causing an explosion.

9. Unapproved CNG Kits:

Not all CNG kits available are authentic and safe. Using unapproved or counterfeit kits increases the chances of malfunction. These inferior kits could lack essential safety features, such as pressure-release valves, or may not handle high pressure effectively, making the vehicle more prone to explosions.

10. Overfilling the Cylinder:

When CNG cylinders are overfilled beyond the capacity limit set by the manufacturer it can place excessive stress on the material, increasing the likelihood of an explosion.

Conclusion: CNG-powered vehicles offer environmental and cost benefits, but the disadvantages include limited infrastructure, limited power output and saftey concerns due to high risk of explosions. Nigerians converting their vehicles to CNG-powered can minimize the risks of explosions by following proper installation, regular maintenance, and safety protocols.

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