Autogas

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is mostly propane when used for automotive purposes. It is produced as a by-product of natural gas processing or oil refining, and is often used as a bottled gas for cooking and heating. LPG is mainly used in cars and light vans. This means they have separate tanks for the LPG and petrol, and can operate on either fuel simply by flicking a switch. Running solely on LPG will however provide the greatest environmental and financial benefits although a small amount of petrol will be needed as most LPG vehicles start up on petrol and then switch over to LPG after a few seconds.  In India the supply is as per BIS : 14861 .

Properties

Physical & Chemical Properties of  AUTO LPG

Physically, it is a gas at room temperature and compresses into a liquid at reasonable temperatures and pressures and hence the name Liquefied Petroleum Gas. It is in this form that it is pumped into the car tank   It is produced in large quantities in India and the world over, a surplus of approximately 4 million tones per annum is currently available from the North Sea. This surplus is forecast to increase over the next 20 years.

Advantages

Physical advantages  

Compared to petrol, Autogas has a higher octane content (according to the RON - research octane number, method ) as listed below . The higher octane rating means that the combustion of LPG is smoother and knocking is liminated.

Super Grade Petrol :  98 [ SPEED  etc ]
Lead Free:   95
LPG :  over 100 (111)

Why Autogas?

Why not when the cost  benefit is more than 35 % the cost of Petrol  with the added bonus of improved performance and enhanced engine life?

PETROL	Rs. 47.16 /- Litre
DIESEL	Rs. 35.56/-  Litre
AUTOGAS	Rs. 32.02/-  Litre

You can buy  new vehicles that run on Autogas as well as petrol or convert your existing petrol vehicle to dual fuel.  Nowadays  Maruti , Bajaj  , Piaggio and other  vehicle manufacturers are contemplating company fitted LPG  vehicles but are hesitating  due to lack of AUTO LPG Filling stations . 

Advantages over other fuels

The combustion of Autogas is smoother as a result of the higher octane content. Unlike other fuels, no additives are required to guarantee high quality.

• Autogas contains no lead and is therefore cleaner and leaves no residue.

• It is actually better than petrol because it reaches the engine in pure gas form with improved combustion resulting and fewer knocking.
• With modern technology, there is hardly any discharge of carbon monoxide, and compared to petrol and diesel, the exhaust fumes contain less harmful substances.
• The life of the engine is extended as a result of the absence of acids and carbon deposits. One can safely state that engines on LPG last almost twice than that on Petrol/Gasoline.

• Less carbon means less fouling of spark plugs and points i.e less wear and tear.

• The engine oil does not become diluted with a consequential reduction in servicing costs.

• Unlike diesel, you do not have to adjust your driving style. Cold starting is no problem, engine performance is almost exactly the same as with petrol. There is no spilling when filling your tank and no possibility of theft or pilfering. Engine noise is low and you'll be driving in a more environment-friendly way.

• The environmental advantages of Autogas for automotive use are indisputable.

Autogas Safety:  Facts

·     Autogas vehicle tanks are constructed from carbon steel and are 20 times more puncture resistant than a typical gasoline, methanol or ethanol tank.

·     New autogas cylinders are manufactured with a device that shuts off the filling process when the tank reaches 80 percent of its liquid capacity, allowing for temperature related changes in fuel volume without any release of gas from the tank.

·    Autogas engine fuel systems are fitted with safety devices and shut-off valves that function automatically if the fuel line ruptures.

·     Autogas has the lowest flammability range of any alternative fuel.

·     Autogas leaks are easily detected because an odorant is added as a safety measure.

·     Autogas is a nontoxic, nonpoisonous fuel that doesn't contaminate aquifers or soil.

·     Autogas with air won't ignite unless the source of ignition reaches at least 940 degrees Fahrenheit. In contrast, gasoline's source of ignition must reach only 430 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit before igniting.

·      If Autogas leaks, it doesn't puddle; it readily dissipates into the air.

FAQ:

1. Where does the extra tank go? 

Ans. Most Modern LPG systems use what is known as a Doughnut tank. This  replaces the spare wheel.  You can, of course, keep the spare wheel in the boot but this does take up some space.   

2.  What vehicles can be converted? 

Ans.  Most petrol engined (non turbo) vehicles can be converted to run on LPG - a list of vehicles which have been checked and approved as suitable and safe to run on LPG can be checked with out customer service department .  

3.  Where can I get LPG? 

Ans.  Currently there are over 11 LPG refuelling points across the state of Gujarat . That number is set to go to 50  within the next year 2007 . You shall be able to get the locations from map which shall be posted on our website   at  www.gujaratautogas.com  and updated regularly .

4. How much does it cost to convert to LPG?

Ans. Conversion costs between Rs.12,000 and Rs.18,000/- depending on the age and type of the vehicle and takes about three hours .

 5. What if I run out of LPG and there is no refuelling point nearby?

Ans.Your car will be converted to run as a dual-fuel (LPG/petrol) vehicle. In other words, at the flick of a switch on your dashboard, you can change from the LPG tank to the petrol tank - which should keep you going until you find an LPG refuelling point.          

6.How would a conversion affect the overall performance of my vehicle?

Ans. A conversion generally will not have an effect on the performance of your vehicle. However some manufacturers state a drop of 2-3 horsepower over 5000rpm - which in everyday driving would never really be noticeable.             

7.How can I fund a conversion?

Ans. For fleet and corporate business a credit account can be opened. For individual one off installations, we accept the usual methods of payment such as credit / debit card, cash or cheque.             

8.What about a warranty?

Ans. Included in the conversion cost is a 1 year warranty covering any parts defect occurring due to material failure. Please consult the warranty booklet for full details.

Note: With regard to LPG conversions people generally have many different questions and obviously it is impossible to answer them all in this section. We are only too happy to discuss individual queries - please get in touch for a friendy chat.

                                         info@gujaratautogas.com

 Kit Fitting and retrofitment  centre :

All the Auto Lpg Dispensing Station [ALDS]  shall have minimum facilities for the retrofittment of LPG GAS CONVERSION KIT for all types of vehicles as approved by the Govt. of India and the conversions shall be done with the endorsement of the regional RTO office confirming that the components and kit used are conforming to the standards  set by the Government of India’s rules and regulations .