FAQ-CNG
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 89% to 90%. Due to its low density, it is compressed to a pressure of 200-250 Kg/cm² (g) to enhance the
vehicle on-board storage capacity.
Is CNG safe?
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. Limited combustibility i.e. CNG’s concentration in the
air is less than 5% or more than 15%, the gas will not burn even in the presence of a spark adds further to its safety.
What is involved in converting a vehicle to a CNG-friendly one?
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.
Can a car, fitted with CNG conversion kit, run on petrol after its CNG gets over?
Yes, even after conversion to CNG, the vehicle continues to be fitted with the petrol. The vehicle can therefore run on
dual fuel, either on CNG or petrol, whenever desired, simply by flicking a switch on the dashboard.
What is the cost of converting a vehicle to a CNG-friendly one?
The cost of converting a vehicle to CNG depends on its type and make. As on, it roughly ranges between Rs 25,000
to Rs 40,000 (approximately).
What are the dimensions and weight of a CNG cylinder?
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), with a length of 835 mm and a diameter of 316 mm. The 50 litre capacity cylinder is the one most
regularly used; cylinders with 45 litre, 55 litre, 60 litre and 65 litre capacity are used as well.
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 50 liter water-carrying capacity is capable of carrying approximately 9 kg of CNG. This is equivalent
to 12.5 liters of petrol and will allow a run of about 180-200 kms to a medium sized 1100 CC car. An electronic fuel
gauge fitted on the dashboard as part of the conversion kit indicates the quantity of CNG left in the cylinder.
What is the pressure of CNG in a cylinder? Is refueling of a cylinder safe, given the pressure?
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 pounds per square inch (gauge) or psi[g] ). 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. 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 inadvertent high pressure
and temperature.
How much will be the saving after conversion to CNG?
The fuel bill on the basis of average running of vehicle is reduced up to 60 percent approximately. The cost of
installation of the kit is recovered within a year, given average distances covered in driving.
Does CNG kit require servicing?
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 5 years to check pressure tolerance.
Does CNG have any harmful effect on the engine?
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. One
of the important benefits of CNG is that upon entering the engine in the form of a gas (and not as a spray or mist like
other fuels), it doesn't disturb the presence of lubricating oil in the engine, and reduces chances of wear and tear.
I have a Diesel engine - can it be converted, too?
Converting Diesel cars is not as easy as converting Petrol cars. There is a simple reason for that. The mechanism of
Diesel cars is based on the principle of "self ignition". The combustion in Diesel engines is reached by mixing the
Diesel fuel with hot air under a high pressure. Then, the fuel ignites automatically; an ignition spark is not required.
(This is also the reason why a Diesel car should never be filled with ordinary Petrol). CNG, however, has a high
ignition temperature (about 0°C). Diesel cars do not have sparks to initiate the combustion process. And the heat
generated in a Diesel engine is not sufficient to ignite the air-gas mixture. Hence, if a Diesel engine should be
converted to a CNG engine, holes have to be drilled into the engine block, and an additional spark plug system needs
to be installed. This is very costly and requires much time.
Can a CNG vehicle be driven outside Kanpur?
CNG converted petrol car may be driven outside Kanpur as it is dual fuel car with the option of petrol. However, CNG
powered LCV/HCVs may not be driven outside Kanpur, as it is monofuel vehicle.
Is CNG environmentally friendlier than any other fuel?
Yes, it is. As CNG mainly consists of methane, the exhaust fumes of CNG basically consist of water vapors, Carbon
Dioxide and some fractions of Carbon Monoxide. There are no other carbons or toxic particles in the exhaust fumes.
It is therefore much environmentally friendlier than other fuels.
Registration Eligibility:
1. Only owners are eligible for PNG cooking gas connection.
2. Tenant can avail the PNG gas connection but NOC will be required from owner.
Document required:
1. Self attested address proof.
2. Self attested Identity proof.
Registration amount (Total Rs.5000.00 per registration):
1) Rs. 500.00 with duly filled registration form and required document.
2) Rs. 2000.00 at the time of starting of project activity in society.
3) Rs. 2500.00 before PNG gas connection in kitchen.
Billing process:
1. Bills shall be generated as per the actual meter reading.
2. Bills shall be generated on bi monthly basis.
3. Domestic Gas unit cost is Rs. 18.30/SCM.
Safety measures:
1. CUGL is providing cooking gas through safe pipe line & triple safety measures.
2. One shut off valve shall be provided for stop the gas supply of entire building.
3. One isolation valve shall be provided in every kitchen.
4. One appliance valve shall be provided before each gas burner.
5. Emergency line is available for 24 hours.
Others:
1. You can use PNG for your geysers also.
2. T-connection & Pipe line charges for geyser shall be extra.
3. Due to the spread of house, if requirement of GI & Copper pipe line exceeds more than 10 mtrs &
5 mtrs respectively.
Benefits:
1. PNG is 10% economical then LPG.
2. PNG is available 24X7 in your kitchen so no tension of booking of cylinders.
3. It is lighter than air, so it is safer than LPG.
4. It is most eco-friendly cooking gas in the world.
Required Permission:
1. Society/Individual’s permission to make trench for laying the pipe line.
2. After pipe laying work, restoration would be done by PCC and by CUGL only.
3. Permission for construction of a Valve Chamber of 1Meter X 1Meter X 1Meter for societies only.