CNG conversion

CNG Conversion 

CNG Conversion means converting an existing gasoline-powered vehicle to a vehicle than runs on both compressed natural gas (CNG) and gasoline.  CNG conversion is a central part of T Boone Pickens "Pickens Plan" for American energy independence.

Why should I convert my car to CNG?

Converting a vehicle to compressed natural gas helps save on gas costs and helps the environment. Natural gas burns cleaner than gas, so less harmful emissions are produced. Most CNG vehicles can be refueled at home or at special filling stations.

How is a vehicle converted to natural gas?

Existing gasoline-powered vehicles have CNG components added at a conversion center. Natural gas then becomes the primary fuel used. Storage cylinders are placed underneath vehicles like vans or pickup trucks, or in the trunk of vehicles like cabs and cars. Stainless steel lines carry the fuel to a regulator (which reduces the pressure) in the engine compartment, then through a fuel-air mixer, and into the intake manifold to be introduced for combustion. There is a fuel selection switch (usually dash-mounted) that allows the driver to manually select CNG or gasoline. A recent development has some conversion systems using fuel injection to supply the fuel directly into the combustion chamber.

What’s the first step in converting to CNG?

Analyze your car to decide whether it really is worth converting to alternative fuel. You can expect the cost of converting a single gasoline car to natural gas to be high. Because you’re shelling out so much money, you want the car to last awhile. You may actually save money by purchasing a new car that already runs on natural gas.

How much will it cost to convert to CNG?

Consult a gas conversion specialist to convert your existing vehicle to natural gas. She should be able to tell you whether your car can be converted properly. The cost of a CNG conversion kit or retrofit can vary from vehicle to vehicle. Some vehicles recover cost converted or retrofitted in less than 3 - 6 months. Conversion costs can start at around $8,000 and run up to $50,000. It depends on the vehicle.

How is CNG fuel stored?

CNG is stored on board vehicles in high-pressure (3,000 - 6,000 pounds per square inch) tube-shaped cylinders that are attached to the rear, top or undercarriage of the vehicle. The cylinders meet very rigorous safety standards. They are made of high-strength materials designed to withstand impact and puncture. In case of fire, their pressure relief devices (PRD’s) provide a controlled venting of the gas rather than letting the pressure build up in the tank.

How is the original manufacturer’s warranty affected?

Follow all EPA standards when converting your car. Make sure your model of vehicle has been approved for conversion with a certificate of conformity. The Clean Air Act approves EPA certified conversions for vehicles converted on a clean fuel, which means your warranty cannot be voided.

Tags:  CNG conversion(s), CNG conversion kit(s), gasoline to cng conversion, cng car conversion