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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Category: Safety & Standards
CSA Standards CNG Fuel System Inspector Program Accredited by ANSI
August 21, 2009 – 11:52 pm
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CGA Publishes Revised Cylinder Valve Standard
April 19, 2009 – 2:00 pm
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
March 6, 2009 – 6:47 am
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.
Alternative Fuels Viable Option for Reducing Container Ports Pollution – Study
February 24, 2009 – 2:00 pm
USA, Colorado
Natural Gas the Leading Alternative Fuel for Goods Movement in USA
The switch to clean alternative fuels is gaining momentum at U.S. and international container shipping ports according to a new research study, “Container Ports and Air Pollution,” published by Energy Futures, Inc.
Reliance on diesel fuel for goods movement has contributed to a reputation for container ports being among the world’s biggest sources of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Now, progress is being made toward reducing harmful emissions. The study found that natural gas is currently the leading alternative fuel for goods movement at U.S. container ports, while hybrid electric vehicles are gaining popularity in Asia.
Lessons from Philadelphia Gas Works CNG Cylinder Rupture
February 6, 2009 – 2:00 pm
USA, Philadelphia
On June 9, 2008, a Type 2 Lucas Aerospace CNG tank ruptured on a Ford E350 natural gas powered truck at a Philadelphia Gas Works facility in the Port Richmond area of Philadelphia. Type 2 CNG cylinders are designed so that the liner alone will withstand at least 1.25 times the system service pressure. The cylinder composite overwrap adds to the overall cylinder strength of at least 2.5 times service pressure. In this case both the overwrap and the liner failed. The fiberglass overwrap failure was the result of stress corrosion cracking, probably from an unidentified corrosive agent. The liner appears to have failed from being over-pressurized during fueling.
Amongst the lessons summarised last month to NGVAmerica members are:
Study Guide Now Available for CNG Fuel System Inspector Certification Test
January 29, 2009 – 2:00 pm
USA
A new study guide is now available at no cost for candidates preparing for the CSA CNG Fuel System Inspector Certification test. The guide was prepared with funding from the Department of Energy as part of the Clean Vehicle Energy Foundation (CVEF) Natural Gas Vehicle Cylinder Safety, Training and Inspection Project.
CNG Metering Standard Published
December 29, 2008 – 6:36 am
Yet another piece in the jigsaw of NGV standards had just been published. “Compressed gaseous fuel measuring systems for vehicles” OIML R 139 has been published by the International Organization for Legal Metrology. This standard can be downloaded at no cost from www.oiml.org/publications/ document 139-e. The history of this standard starts in 1999 with the first committee draft of the standard being completed in 2000.
CNG Engines Added to Transit Bus Certification Series
December 14, 2008 – 2:00 pm
USA, Iowa City
The US National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has announced two new additions to the Transit Bus Certification Test Series: Compressed Natural Gas Engines (H1) and Preventive Maintenance and Inspection (H8). “These new additions to our Transit Bus Series complete the requirements for a Master Technician Status,†says Tim Zilke, ASE president & CEO.
The Compressed Natural Gas Engines (H1) test content will cover the following areas:
Vehicle CNG Metrology Recommendation Published
December 11, 2008 – 12:19 am
OIML R 139 – Edition 2007 (E)
International Recommendation: Compressed Gaseous Fuel Measuring Systems for Vehicles
OIML met in Sydney in late October 2008. At the Sydney meeting of the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) the CNG metering standard, first commenced in 1999, was approved and published. It can be downloaded at no cost from www.oiml.org/publications/ – document 139-e. The OIML is a worldwide, intergovernmental organization whose primary aim is to harmonize the regulations and metrological controls applied by the national metrological services, or related organizations, of its Member States.
Which Fuel Gets World’s First Ecolabel? Methane, Naturally!
December 10, 2008 – 4:28 pm
Sweden
Methane from the Swedish company FordonsGas Sverige AB has received the accolade of ‘world’s first ecolabelled fuel’, having fulfilled the stringent criteria of the Nordic Ecolabel. The Ecolabel concept is intended to stimulate interest within the automotive industry for alternative fuels, thereby contributing to sustainable consumerism. It looks at the entire product lifecycle from the raw materials to the finished product, in this case the fuel that is available to consumers at petrol stations.
Draft LNG Tank Standard
December 3, 2008 – 5:31 am
IANGV has received a copy of the draft standard ISO/CD 12991 Liquefied natural gas — Fuel tanks for vehicles. IANGV members who wish to review and to comment on this draft may request it from admin@iangv.org. The work on this draft standard is as a result of a “New Work Item Proposal†submitted by IANGV to ISO following the Roundtable on Regulations Codes and Standards held at ISO in Geneva in January 2007.
DIY Conversions – Saving Money But Costing Lives
November 19, 2008 – 5:41 am
The real cost of do-it-yourself compressed natural gas (CNG) conversions has hit home this month with two serious incidents costing one life and narrowly avoiding killing several more. One man died in Melaka, Malaysia earlier this month while refuelling a van which had been reportedly fitted with an LPG cooking cylinder instead of properly certified high-pressure CNG cylinders. Three others were seriously injured in the incident. Meanwhile in Salt Lake City, USA, 4 children were hospitalized after natural gas fumes leaked into their vehicle during refuelling, due to leaks in the high pressure piping and fittings, reportedly the result of a home conversion to CNG.
Standards for Dual Fuel Conversions
October 14, 2008 – 2:00 pm
The use of CNG in heavy-duty engines using a small amount of diesel as a pilot is increasing. Some companies have been developing this technology for more than 20 years.
At the Roundtable for Harmonization of Regulations Codes and Standards held in Geneva in January 2007, one of the recommendations was that there is a need for standards for dual fuel vehicles. This recommendation was acted on by ISO (International Standardization Organization) whose Technical Management Board referred the matter to one of its subcommittees, TC22/SC25, which is concerned with vehicle equipment. After consideration, that subcommittee decided that it would take no further action unless somebody submitted a request for a dual fuel related standard to be written.
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ANGVA CNG Cylinder Safety Workshops – Malaysia and Bangladesh
September 24, 2008 – 4:26 am
Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia – 27th November 2008 (Tractors Engineering Complex, Puchong, Kuala Lumpur)
Bangladesh – 23rd November (Details TBC)
The Asia-Pacific Natural Gas Vehicles Association (ANGVA) is commencing a series of one day workshop on compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinder safety. The workshops are presented by Bernand James, from TransEnerTech, Canada, who was recently awarded an IANGV Champion award for his services to the industry. Modules to be presented include an overview of cylinder safety, ‘cylinders 101′, cylinder handling and installation and cylinder inspection. The workshops are available for ANGVA members and non-members. Interested parties can register for the Malaysian event on this registration form. The Bangladesh registration form is due to be released soon.
ISO 15500 Review – Industry Comment Required
September 16, 2008 – 2:00 pm
The NGV industry will be aware that ISO 15500 standard relating to NGV equipment is currently being reviewed. The convenor of the working group is seeking guidance on one important issue which is being discussed at a meeting on 24 Sept:
One matter under discussion is the ISO 15500 philosophy of testing at very high pressures “new†components (components not subjected to previous aging tests like corrosion resistance or continuous operation).  ECE and Argentine Standards on the other hand use the opposite position of testing to lower pressures but on “aged†components. If any IANGV experts have a position on this matter please let the chair of the working group Diego Goldin know as soon as possible before 24 Sept via email diegogoldin@arnet.com.ar.
