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.”
Category: Safety & Standards
NGV Global Releases Position Paper on Verification at CNG Refuelling – Recommends RFID Systems
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Japan to Develop LNG Marine Safety Standards
Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism had indicated its intention to develop safety standards for vessels powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) which it expects will largely supersede oil-fueled marine transportation, reports LNews. JPY 647 million (USD 8.3 million) has been set aside in the 2012 budget for the creation of comprehensive safety measures pertaining to marine renewable energy. Japan is apparently planning to establish an environment for the promotion of natural gas fueled vessels as it addresses environmental issues.
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US Administration Finalizes MD-HD Fuel Efficiency and GHG Standards
On Tuesday, the U.S. EPA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finalized fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. NGVAmerica, the Natural Gas Vehicles for America association, has provided a summary of the outcomes for the US natural gas vehicle industry, noting this is the first time that such rules have been imposed on this class of vehicles and engines. The regulations start to take effect in 2014 and will be fully phased-in by 2018. The fuel efficiency regulations actually lag the GHG rules by two years, not taking effect until 2016.
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.
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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.
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U.S. DOE to Introduce NGV Roadmap to Kazakhstan
200 new compressed natural gas (CNG) fueled buses for deployment in 2011
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is hosting a Clean Cities Transportation Workshop for Almaty, to be held 30-31st March 2011 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The event is a first step in introducing an implementation ‘roadmap’ to support a newly developing Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) strategy for Almaty City and Kazakhstan. It also will be used to introduce a wide range of information about NGVs, including global NGV development, vehicles and fueling segments, and standards and regulations.
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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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Italian Cooperation Agreement Brings Certification to CNG Installation and Repair Workshops
The Italian Ministry of Economic Development has signed a cooperation agreement with major CNG gas (CNG) and LPG groups with the aim of ensuring that owners of cars powered by gas (CNG or LPG ) receive a high level of service consistent with the observance of vehicle related safety requirements.
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CNG is NOT for LPG Systems – Safety Bulletin
Death Trap - an illegal CNG to LPG adapter
Recent incidents in Sweden have prompted the IANGV to issue a reminder to motorists that compressed natural gas (CNG) is not suitable for cars fitted with LPG (liquefied petroleum gas or propane) systems. As LPG systems are not designed to cope with the pressure of CNG systems, components and cylinders have been known to burst with drastic consequences. Despite strict standards being enforced worldwide for CNG dispensing systems, motorists have circumvented the system using dangerous, illegally manufactured adaptors. Motivated to save a few dollars on fuel, many motorists have paid a higher price through injury and even death.
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ISO Approves Natural Gas Fuelling Station Standards Project
Efforts to develop international standards for natural gas fuelling stations have moved one step closer with the International Standards Organisation (ISO) Technical Management Board (TMB) deciding earlier this month to establish a new Project Committee. The decision follows recommendations arising from last month’s preliminary meeting of stakeholders held in Zurich, Switzerland, which agreed with the need for separate standards on compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) stations for fuelling vehicles. ISO numbers have yet to be assigned to the standards but drafting is already under way and a first meeting of the Project Committee is planned for the Netherlands on 22nd and 23rd June of 2010.
ISO Fuelling Station Standards Progressing
The NGV industry wasted no time at the beginning of this year, getting down to business in the first week in Zurich, Switzerland for a preliminary meeting on the establishment of ISO standards for natural gas fuelling stations for vehicles (including CNG and LNG). The meeting was the continuation of a process initiated by the IANGV, which submitted a New Work Item Proposal (NWIP) to ISO in 2008. After a successful ISO ballot of member nations last year, the ISO Technical Management Board (TMB) approved the Preliminary Meeting, a precursor to final approval of a full project, which is expected at the next TMB meeting this March. Hosted by the Swiss Gas and Water Industry Association, SVGW, the meeting was attended by representatives from as far afield as Argentina, Thailand and Australia.
CSA Standards CNG Fuel System Inspector Program Accredited by ANSI
CSA Standards, a standards developer for gas-fired product and alternative energy standards based in Cleveland, Ohio has had its CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) Fuels System Inspector Program accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Based on the international standard ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 General requirements for bodies operating certification schemes for persons, it is reportedly the only accredited certification program available in North America for CNG fuel system inspectors.
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CGA Publishes Revised Cylinder Valve Standard
The Compressed Gas Association (CGA – USA & Canada)) has announced the release of a revised publication for valve standards, entitled ‘CGA V-9, Compressed Gas Association Standard for Compressed Gas Cylinder Valves’. The scope of the document clearly states those valves which are covered and defines how valves are designed, qualified and tested. “This standard is vital for manufacturers and users of compressed gas cylinders,†stated Roger Smith, Technical Director for the CGA. “Many significant changes occurred to ensure the safety of our industry moving forward and it’s an important addition to the library of valve manufacturers and gas manufacturers and users alike.â€
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ISO 15500-15501 Draft Amendments Available for Review
The Secretariat responsible for ISO Standard 15500-15501 series (ISO TC22/SC25) has issued draft amendments to members of the working group for comment ahead of their next meeting in Prague (Czech Republic) this May. The IANGV has consultative status with respect to this standard, thus is seeking input from members and stakeholders on the proposed amendments. As well as technical considerations in the amendments, terminology clarifying natural gas vehicle types (bi-fuel, dual-fuel, etc) has also been introduced to the standard in an effort to harmonize references in all standards. Work has also gone in to harmonizing the proposed amendments with North American PRD1 and NGV 3.1 standards, with common modifications already agreed to. Comments are due for submission to the Secretariat no later than April 15. Members and stakeholders wishing to review the working drafts and submit comments may apply for copies of the working drafts by email to standards@iangv.org.
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.
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