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FAQs
Retail Gas : FAQs
PNG
Q1. What is natural gas?
A: Natural Gas is mainly methane - CH4 with a small percentage of other higher hydrocarbons. The ratio of carbon to hydrogen is least in methane and hence it burns almost completely making it the cleanest fuel. It is procured from the oil / gas wells and transported through a network of pipelines across the country.
Q2. Where is NG stored?
A: NG is not stored at one place but is continuously supplied through pipelines mainly GAIL’s Hazira-Vijapur-Jagdishpur pipeline.
Q3. Is Piped Natural Gas, as a domestic fuel, better than LPG?
A: Yes, refer benefits.
Q4. Is the supply of PNG regular?
A: Yes, the supply is absolutely regular. The pipeline distribution network is based on an on-line supply system that consists of safety valves and regulators that control and monitor the gas supply and pressure, and assist in identifying system leaks. Thus an un-interrupted supply at a constant pressure is assured.
Q5. Is it required to change the LPG appliance for switch over to PNG?
A: PNG works on a cooking appliance just like LPG does. It is not required to change the appliance, with minor modifications LPG appliance can be easily converted to PNG.
Q6. What becomes of the LPG cylinders after the cooking appliance gets converted?
A: The LPG connection can be surrendered to the respective oil company and security deposit refund obtained.
Q7. What is a domestic PNG connection?
A: A domestic PNG connection includes laying of pipeline network up to appliance along with necessary fittings, pressure regulator, meter and conversion of LPG appliance to PNG.
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CNG
Q1. What is CNG?
A: 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.
Q2. Is CNG safe?
A: The properties of CNG make it a safe fuel. It is lighter than air, so in case of a leak it just rises up and disperses into the atmosphere. Besides, a high auto-ignition temperature of 540 degrees centigrade as against petrol's 360 degrees centigrade makes it a safe fuel. Also, in case of a leak, if Cog'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.
Q3. What is involved in converting a vehicle to a CNG-friendly one?
A: 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.
Q4. Can a car fitted with CNG conversion kit run on petrol after its CNG gets over?
A: Yes, even after conversion to CNG, the vehicle continues to be fitted with the petrol carburettor and fuel tank. The vehicle can therefore run on dual fuel, either on CNG or petrol, whenever desired, simply by flicking a switch on the dashboard.
Q5. What is the cost of converting a vehicle to a CNG-friendly one?
A: The cost of converting a vehicle to CNG depends on its type and make. Broadly, it varies between Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 (approximately).
Q6. What are the dimensions and weight of a CNG cylinder?
A: CNG cylinders are manufactured from a special steel alloy and are seamless in construction. Their compact size allows them to easily fit even in 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.
Q7. 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: 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 km to a medium-sized 1300 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.
Q8. What is the pressure of CNG in a cylinder? Is refuelling of a cylinder safe, given the pressure?
A: 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.
Q9. How much will be the saving after conversion to CNG?
A: The fuel bill on the basis of average running of vehicle is reduced by 50 percent approximately. The cost of installation of the kit is recovered within a year, given average distances covered in driving.
Q10. Does CNG kit require servicing?
A: CNG kit 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.
Q11. Does CNG have any harmful effect on the engine?
A: 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.
Q12. How does the performance of a CNG-converted vehicle compare with that of a petrol-run vehicle?
A: CNG provides easy starting, reliable idling and smooth acceleration. The acceleration of a CNG vehicle is a bit slower, which is due to a power loss of 5-15%. This can be minimised by proper tuning on CNG (e.g. advancing the spark timing) to take advantage of the high octane rating of the fuel.
Q13. Can diesel vehicles be converted to CNG?
A:Yes, a diesel vehicle can be converted to run on CNG, but the conversion cost is higher than the conversion of petrol vehicles.
Q14. Why are exhaust fumes so small in CNG-run vehicles?
A: CNG is an environment-friendly fuel. The natural gas is mainly composed of methane and its exhaust emissions consist of water vapour and a negligible fraction of carbon monoxide. The absence of carbon and other particulates result in negligible amount of harmful elements in exhaust fumes.
Q15. How does large-scale CNG usage benefit the country?
A: CNG emits less carbon dioxide and other pollutants as compared to liquid fuels. Thus, CNG contributes in lowering air pollution, also helps in improving the Balance of Payments by acting as a substitute for imported liquid fuels, provides more business and job opportunities with the opening up of a new sector, and being competitively priced, it appeases motorists.
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