Are the gas tanks in the car safe?

Vehicles powered by natural gas (CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are virtually unknown in Spain. Skeptics think it is dangerous to carry a gas-laden deposit, and if it explodes by a blow? This fear is the product of misinformation. Let's see how the gas is stored in the cars adapted to it.

• • Compressed gas *: The gas is compressed at 200-250 bar pressure, has the disadvantage that the tank is heavier and larger. All elements are designed explosion-proof.
• • Liquefied gas *: A very low temperature (-160 ºC) is kept, so that it remains in a liquid state. The pressure of the tank is 14-24 bars, as an advantage is a higher storage capacity and more autonomy, but it is a problem when the tank is not used in a time due to loss of pressure. They have double walls, with an intermediate insulation.

The compressed gas mode is the most used today. The deposits have the problem of their greater weight and size than those of gasoline or diesel, whose security measures are more lax. When gas is used, strict regulations are met such as NCH 2109, NCH 2265 or NCH 2272.

In the European Union it is regulated how it should be the installation of the car, supply plants ... by Regulation 110. The gas is less flammable than liquid fuels, also, in case of leakage, * as it is lighter than air, it disappears from scene quickly *. The most important security measures are:

• Carry out an inspection of the cylindrical tanks every so often, checking the percentage of permanent expansion, loss of thickness in the walls, corrosion or friction, recovery capacity and material fatigue
• Check electrical connections for possible short circuits
• If it is necessary to repair and empty the tank, it is done so that no methane is released into the atmosphere
• When performing maintenance of the engine, it is contemplated to depressurize the entire storage and feeding system in a controlled manner

Not only are they not insecure, they should give us more confidence than gasoline or diesel tanks, which are metallic or special plastics, but less resistant than the aforementioned gas tanks. * To maintain those high pressures just for that they already have to be very robust. *

As long as regular maintenance of tanks, feed lines and mechanics is maintained, this technology should not give us any fear. It supposes a lower contamination, lower cost, decreases the mechanical noise ...

There are many advantages, but only the drawbacks are known: shortage of refueling points, modifications to the engine are required and a higher cost in the case of a new vehicle. * The danger of deposits is not one of the drawbacks of gas in automotive *.

PERSONAL NOTE:

Vehicular natural gas (NGV) is a fuel that can be used for any type of vehicle that operates with an internal combustion engine, including, in some cases, some equipment that runs on diesel and can be modified.

Although a car loses between 5% and 10% of its power when going from gas to gas, depending on the condition of the engine, its use also helps to save a high percentage of fuel and money. In addition, NGV helps take care of the environment, since it emits less harmful substances for it than gasoline.

Likewise, the gas contributes to a longer life of the engine oil, since having the vehicle with this system prevents gasoline from reaching the lubricant tank.

On the other hand, the state of the gas (gaseous) helps you to generate a better combustion with the air, by achieving an easier mixture. In addition, it has a higher octane than current gasoline and, for that reason, is more suitable for engines with higher compression rates. Engine noise is also decreased when using NGV.

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