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.

The recent incidents, believed to be the first of their type in Sweden, one involving a truck and the other a car, resulted in two persons being injured at each, with one person losing a leg and another a finger. The incidents occurred despite clear labelling on the dispensers in Sweden stating that such practices are illegal and dangerous. New signage has since been developed to make the message clearer.

Previous incidents in other parts of the world have resulted in major injuries, and on a number of occasions, death of the motorist involved. As well as being unsuitable for LPG vehicle systems, the use of LPG cooking bottles to store CNG has also met with catastrophic results.

(Este artículo también está disponible en Espanol)