Natural Gas Vehicle Institute (NGVi), based in Las Vegas NV, has received certification from the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) for the company’s training programs. NGVi says it is the first and only ASE-certified CASE provider that specializes in training for the natural gas vehicle industry. Read more »
French Gas Association Offers NGV Training for 2013
The Training Centre of Association Française du Gaz (AFG) has released a range of training on the specifics of natural gas vehicles, built from the needs and expectations of members of the French Association for Natural Gas Vehicles (AFGNV) identified through an extensive survey conducted in 2012. The training program — Spécificités du Gaz Naturel Véhicule — includes modules on CNG fueling stations, biomethane, pre-control technique, and insurance. A complementary practical one-day module can be provided on-site. Download the presentation sheet - CFAFG_Gaz_Naturel_Véhicule.pdf (French only)
CNGVA Issues Technical Guideline – Safe Facilities for NGV Fleets
The Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance (CNGVA) has released a technical guideline to help fleet owners transition to natural gas, an affordable and lower emission fuel for transportation. The new guideline gathers all of the required information in one place in order to simplify the process of making facilities safe for natural gas vehicle use. Fleets and vehicle dealers can take the guideline to their local technical expert to determine what modifications are needed for existing and proposed facilities in order to comply with existing regulations and to ensure the safe handling of natural gas vehicles.
Investigation of CNG Vehicle Accidents in Pakistan Reveal Actual Causes
CNG VEHICLE ACCIDENT IN FOCUS: ISSUES, CAUSES AND SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS - an article by Mr. Asim Riaz, Research Engineer/Visiting Lecturer MS Energy Engineering, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Over recent weeks 44 people have died in accidents involving public sector transport vehicles converted to compressed natural gas (CNG) in Pakistan, the country with the world’s largest population of natural gas vehicles.
Before discussing the technical aspects of the problem in hand, it is important to mention two things right at the outset which relate to inadequate awareness and incorrect perceptions about the CNG cylinders. It was surprising that electronic and print media persisted in erroneous reporting that the accidents occurred due to bursting/explosion of the CNG cylinders. Add to that, some of the Government departments were also relating these accidents to non-compliance of Hydrostatic testing of CNG cylinders. Both are absolutely wrong impressions. This incorrect reporting has continued to date which has developed serious apprehensions about CNG cylinders in general public.
Pakistan Government Acts Decisively to Address CNG Concerns
All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) delegation plays pivotal role
Following a long period of turmoil around natural gas supply for vehicle fuel and a string of incidents contentiously associated with compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel systems, a delegation of All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) has met with Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani about CNG load shedding, gas pricing and gas infrastructure development surcharge issues, reports Online. Discussion also covered a natural gas vehicle (NGV) safety check campaign.
Pakistan Implements Measures to Check CNG Conversion Compliance in PSVs
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) in Pakistan has temporarily suspended the installation of CNG cylinders and kits in public service vehicles (PSVs). The suspension has come about due to increased numbers of sub-standard components being installed by unauthorised roadside workshops, raising concerns for the operational safety of these vehicles, particularly for commuters
NGV Global Releases Position Paper on Verification at CNG Refuelling – Recommends RFID Systems
NGV Global is recommending RFID systems as a means of verifying CNG vehicles and cylinders at the point of refuelling. The recommendations follow more than 12 months of study on the subject and are outlined in a 66 page Position Paper released by the association this week. The paper arose as a result of discussions with NGV Global’s Technical Committee on means to reduce the incidence of illegal or accidental tampering of CNG cylinders and installations. Executive director, Brett Jarman, says the intent of the paper is to reduce preventable incidents and to stimulate discussion and action within the industry and regulators. ”Our observations of industry incidents causing harm or damage indicated that most were the result of human negligence or interference and could be prevented if sufficient controls were put in place at the point where high pressure CNG fuel is delivered to a vehicle,” said Mr Jarman. “This is the point where a non-compliant vehicle potentially becomes dangerous.”
Keeping Up the Good Safety Record of CNG Cylinders
Hydrostatic waterjacket testing of a large CNG bus cylinder in Sydney, Australia.
On-board compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders are a central component of a CNG vehicle’s gas system in terms of their function, space, weight, cost and very importantly, safety. Fortunately, the safety record of CNG vehicles is very good relative to other fuel types, with the majority of incidents attributed to causes other than CNG component failure. Of the few that are, the majority could have been prevented by effective enforcement of safety protocols. Read more »
Bolivia Commences CNG Cylinder Reclassification Program
Bolivia’s Executing Agency for Conversion to Vehicular Natural Gas (CEE-VNG) has kicked off a national reclassification program for compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders and kits, starting in Cochabamba, where testing began two weeks ago, said Executive General Director, Carlos Asport. Read more »
CPGNV to Inaugurate Cylinder Testing Centre in Peru
The Peruvian Chamber of Natural Gas Vehicles (CPGNV) will inaugurate a Center for Periodic Retesting of Cylinders (CRPC), where vehicles converted to natural gas and whose cylinders have reached or are about to complete five years of manufacture can undertake the five-year mandatory inspection and certification, according to an Andina report. The Center will become operational as soon as authorisation is received from the General Directorate of Road Traffic, Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC). Read more »
ABS Provides Guidance For Gas Fuelled Ships
DSME shipyard
“It is a matter of when, not if, LNG will be a commonly-selected fuel source” – Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS CEO
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has released its Guide for Propulsion and Auxiliary Systems for Gas Fuelled Ships. The new ABS Guide has been issued in response to the industry’s need for technical guidance for new construction and existing vessel conversion. Considered to be the most comprehensive available to the industry, it provides criteria for the arrangements, construction, installation and operation of machinery components and systems for vessels fueled by natural gas. The objective of the guidance is to minimize operating risks and promote the protection of the vessel, its crew and the environment. Read more »
Closing the Safety Loop Secures NGV Fleet Investment
Bangladesh trainees visit an authorised gas cylinder test station in Sydney, Australia.
For many fleet operators, the introduction of natural gas vehicles brings with it new safety considerations. Dr Hien Ly, an independent consultant in the natural gas vehicle arena, outlines some of these considerations, and the value of using qualified experts to fill important knowledge gaps.
“The sooner the safety program starts the more assured fleet safety will be.”
For some time now, the international natural gas vehicle industry has had in place active programs aimed at maintaining and improving CNG vehicle safety. Safety implementation is a necessary adjunct to vehicle acquisition and asset management policies for every fleet manager. It includes projects to produce technical standards and codes of practice, formal training courses for technical personnel, safety workshops at conferences and CNG cylinder safety workshops. Read more »
Peruvian Chamber GNV Recommends Safe Practices
The Peruvian Chamber for Natural Gas Vehicles (CPGNV) has issued recommendations for the purchase and maintenance of compressed natural gas (CNG) compressors and dispensers for filling stations. Included is advice that according to current regulations and for safety reasons used equipment should not be purchased. Steps are listed to ensure all aspects of the purchase, installation and post-installation support and maintenance are properly considered. The recommendations are available on the CPGNV website.
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NGVA Europe Commences Training Courses
NGVA Europe has commenced a new international training initiative this year by offering training on demand. Participants can undertake in-depth learning about international regulations and rules at ECE and ISO level, on subjects such as CNG/LNG vehicles and its components, CNG & L-CNG filling stations, safety issues, biomethane (production, upgrading, conditioning), national laws & policies, amongst others, and how to handle this in practical application. Read more »
EVOL LNG Wins 2010 Transport industry Award for Innovation
EVOL LNG has won the Department of Mines & Petroleum Resources Safety – Dangerous Goods Innovation Company of the Year Award at the Transport Forum WA (Western Australia) 2010 Industry Awards. The award recognises excellence in implementing a creative solution to a dangerous goods transport safety issue. EVOL LNG won the award for its innovative approach to the transport and handling of LNG on Heavy Duty Vehicles (HDV) to remote mine sites and HDV refuellers, and for the use of LNG as a fuel for HDVs. Read more »
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