Bi-Fuel Conversion System Of Cars

L.P.G The Future Fuel
The Safety Record
L.P.G Carburation Systems
Importance Of Pre-conversion Checks
An Alternative Automative Fuel

L.P.G The Future Fuel

LIQUIFIED PETROLEUM GAS[L.P.G] as an alternative fuel for cars is widely used all over the world, particulary Europe for the low emission and fuel economy. In Europe, L .P.G is used as an alternative fuel since 5 decades. In 1950, Europeans have gone through the phase of tra nsition from petrol to L .P.G as it is happening now in India. Over the years the Bi-Fuel Con version Systems have been proved, trusted and tested for Reliability, Safety and Economy. L .P.G is used in more than 65 countries as an alternate fuel for car.
L .P.G is obtained as a bi-product during distillation of oil [petrol] from crude oil. It is a mixture of propane and butane. It has a high Octane rating of 112RON. The combustion of LPG is smoother as a result of the higher Octane. Unlike other fuels, no additives are required to guarantee high quality. LPG contains no Lead and is therefore cleaner. It is actually better than petrol because it reaches the engine in pure gas form, which ensures improved combu stion. The life of the engine is exteded as a result of the absence of acids and carbon deposits.

The Engine oil does not become diluted as in petrol, hence reduction in servicing costs. Using L .P.G in place of petrol does not effect engine life, power or pick-up.Unlike diesel, cold starting is not a problem. Engine performance is almost exactly the same as with petrol. There is no spillage when refueling or no possibility of theft or pilfering. Engine noise is low and you play a part in reducing environment pollution.
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THE SAFETY RECORD

LPG has an excellent safety record throughout the world, both in terms of its storage, transportation and use. Extensive safety tests have been un-dertaken with respect to its uses and the conclusion reached is that it is safer than petrol. In India, LPG is stored in the vehicle in liquid form in a cylinder. Many people have a wrong notion that a LPG cylinder may explode .The cylinder is constructed and fabricated from thick guage steel. Every cylinder manufactured undergoes stringent tests and x-rayed for any leakages and approved by Ministry of Petroleum and natural gas, the explosives departments in India. Hence, LPG stored in the cylinder is 100% safe. A LPG cylinder can only possible if heated from outside on a very high temperature. LPG cannot ignite by itself, until and unless it is exposed to oxygen.

If gas leaks, the cylinder pressure reduces and hence it cannot burst. Since pressure is higher inside the cylinder, oxygen cannot enter cylinder and explode. The possibility of a fire hazard is there only if LPG leaks and mixes with air in a closed compartment, (say, inside the kitchen) and ignited. Naturally prior precautions have to be taken to detect leakage through smell / gas leakage detectors an switch off the cylinder adapter. All that is required to do is to take the same safety precautions that we take in our kitchen.
Another wrong notion is that the cylinder should be kept vertical always. A cylinder, whether it is kept verticle or horizontal does not create any pressure difference inside the cylinder.

L.P.G Carburation Systems

LPG, when stored and bottled, is fully contained and is consequently as safe as gasoline. This is the simplest system comprising a storage tank, level gauge, in the rear of vehicles. Under the bonnet are an electro-mechanical shutoff valve, an evaporator or pressure reducer, known as gas metering system. An electro-mechanical solenoid is also there on petrol line, which is shut during LPG operation and open while running on petrol. Liquid LPG is pushed through a pipe from the tank into the converter by tank pressure where the liquid turns to vapour. This converter has engine reeling water passing through it so as to prevent the freezing of gas with in the converter . A large temperature drop occurs as the LPG turns from liquid to vapour. The LPG vapour then moves to the air filter / carburetor where it is mixed with atmospheric air and enters to the Engine. The amount of LPG being consumed is controlled by a combination of converter adjustments. This is the simplest form of conversion. General feeling in people is that the safety and performance of vehicle converted on L.P.G deteriorates, but the simple fact is that any kit installed by trained technicians with adequate safety procedure and education to the customer about the gas system usage, then the perfo rmance of vehicle on LPG is better than petrol under all conditions.

The lack of awareness among the car owners about the overall knowledge about the gas sy stem, kits, procedure to operate, is leading to some traders to confuse the customer to have more slice of the pie. It takes little while before things come to some standard.

TO BEAT THE EVER RISING PETROL COST IT IS RECOMMENDED TO USE PRIVATE L.P.G CYLINDERS
SI.No.	Name of the Vehicle	Distance in K.M.	Average Cost (Rs./Km.)
1.	Maruti Car / Zen	400	0.85
2.	Maruti Van	350	0.97
3.	Maruti 1000 / Gypsy	310	1.10
4.	Fiat 300	300	1.15
5.	118NE	275	1.25
6.	Ambassador / Contessa	230	1.50
7.	Maruti Esteem	275	1.23
8.	Cello, Opel	250	1.36
9.	Matiz, Santro, Indica	310	1.10

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Importance Of Pre-conversion Checks :

Before conversion to L.P.G, the vehicle must undergo a pre-conversion check. This is to ensure that the engine is mechanically sound and properly tuned to the manufacturers spe cifications. The check should include audit of the electrical system, ignition, valve clear ances, cylinder compressions, exhaust cons umption, power output and vehicle perfor mance on starting, idling and fuel emission must be tested be fore and after conversion both on L .P.G as well as on petrol separately. Sometimes there can be additional expenses initially for replacing batteries, ignition circuits etc. This is because the ignition temperature for L.P.G is much higher than for petrol and a much stronger spark is needed to ignite L.P.G, even though the earlier spark strength may have been acceptable for petrol running.

Training
As we have a corporate training programme for technical persons to train them in all aspects of bi-fuel technology. After your initial purchases of kits, we can organize a training programme for your persons for two, three and four wheelers with accommodation for the staff. Or if your initial purchase order is more than 15 kits we will send our engineer along with the kits to your place and your technical persons can get trained.

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L.P.G(Liquefied Petroleum Gas)

As an Alternative Automotive Fuel

Motor vehicles have become as integral part of modern life. As a result, the number of vehicles on the roads has increased so rapidly in India and all over the World, that we now have to face the fact that motor transport posses serious potential problems in terms of our environmental well being.

As countries try to clean up the atmosphere and pump less pollutants into the air, we breath. They need to look at and control the exhaust emissions of vehicles, especially in all major cities.

If vehicle users are not prepared to revert to walking, cycling and public transport, it would appear that the only option is in some way to change vehicle manufacturing technology to reduce emissions as per international Euro II Norms.

There are various alternative fuels that can be used and all have advantages and disadvantages when compared with petrol and diesel that we are all used to for so many years. Many sing the praises of Electric vehicles especially for its use in cities. The Electric car itself gives zero emissions.

Auto Gas is the term generally used for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), when it is used for the propulsion of Road vehicles. It is obtained as a by product of the distillation of oil from crude oil. When it is pressurized, it becomes a Liquid compared to petrol. Auto Gas has a higher octane content (according to the RON Method).

* Super Grade Petrol has 98 octane.
* Lead free petrol has 95 octane.
* L.P.G has over 100 octane.

The petrol available in India other than aviation fuel is off below International quality.

Auto Gas is very much cleaner when compared with diesel. With respect to Nitrogen dioxide, the emissions from Auto Gas are only 8% of the emisions from a diesel engine vehicles. In global terms, the Auto Gas vehicles concept is well established.

Advantages over other fuels:

The combustion of Auto Gas is smoother as a result of the higher octane contents. Unlike other fuels, no additives are required to guarantee high quality. Auto Gas contains no lead and is therefore cleaner. It is actually better than petrol because it reaches the engine in pure gas form with improved combustion.

With modern technology, there is hardly any discharge of carbon monoxide and compared to petrol and diesel, the exhaust fumes contain less harmful substances.

The life of the engine is extended as a result of the absence of acids and carbon deposits. The Engine oil does not become diluted with a consequential reduction in servicing costs.

Unlike diesel, you do not have to adjust your driving style. Cold starting is no problem, engine performance is almost exactly the same as with petrol. There is no spilling when filling your tank and no possibility of theft or pilfering. Engine noise is low and you will be driving in a more environment friendly way.

The environmental advantage of Autogas for Automotive use are in disputable.

Current users of Auto Gas:
ITALY leads the field with over one million vehicles on the road. Usage of Auto gas was started way back in 1958. The concept has gained its usage all over the world such as Netherlands, North America, Mexico, Japan, Australia, South Africa, South Korea, Nepal, England and European countries.

The Netherlands, North America and Mexico each country have just under half a million vehicles on the road. By far the biggest consumer of Auto Gas however is Japan, which uses over 1,80,000 tonnes a year.
This is hardly surprising, given the countries population density and the pollution problems of its major cities such as Tokyo and Yokohama. Over 90% of all taxis in Japan are powered by Autogas.

In Vienna, severe pollution problems started some 30 years ago and to over come these, the authorities converted all the fuses to AutoGas and has been increased over the years to 400 buses to day.

It is used in more than 65 countries as a fuel for motor vehicles.

Usage of Auto Gas in India:
As Auto Gas is in use since 1958 and has spread all over the world for clean and better green environment. Since Indian Goverment had opted out its advantage of use only after the persuel of two committees represented by the public sector oil companies, private L.P.G marketers, the Automobile manufacturers Association, the controller of explosives, the Bureou of Indian standards and the ministry of surface transport.

The ministry of petroleum and Natural gas has approved and fundamentally (the motor vehicles Act 54 of 1994 sec 15 with effect from 14.11.94) starting modifying the engine to use battery, CNG, solar power etc is considered an alteration which would require the permission of the registering authority.The only Exception is L.P.G modifying the engine to use L.P.G is not considered as an alteration requiring such permission. L.P.G may be allowed by the motor vehicles Act, but use of domestic L.P.G for running Automobiles may be prohibited by other acts such as "Essential commodities Act".

Since the amendment of motor vehicles Act from 14.11.94, Goverment of India has given permission to use C.N.G
on vehicles for private taxis on Delhi, Madras, Calcutta, Bombay. These cities have C.N.G refilling stations at different points.

As use of L.P.G on Auto mobiles has taken a slow pace in India due to its awareness and safety. Cities like Delhi, Ahmedabed, Madras, Coimbature, Cochin, Trivandrum, Bangalore have taken the major steps to convert the vehicles to L.P.G.

The safety Record:
The safety record is to be measured of its use in Automobiles to the human race is considered to be the most.

Auto Gas has an excellant safety record through out the World, both in terms of its storage, transportation and use. Extensive safety tests have been undertaken with respect to its use and the conclusions reached are that it is substantially safer than petrol due to its more robust fuel tank being more resistant to impact damage.

Loyal Rolls-Royce phantom V converts to LPG:
The Royal mews at Buckingham palace have taken the initative to convert a number of Royal motor cars including her mejesty. The Queen of England .to run L.P.G, as part of an effort to play their part in reducing harmful emissions in london.

Is Auto Gas Safe:
How safe are vehicles run on liquefied petroleum Gas (LPG) is one big question that users would like to know.

The Gas is stored in the vehicle in liquid form and contained in a cylinder.The cylinder is constructed and fabriated from thick Gauge steel.Every cylinder manufactured by the company authorised and licence carries stringer tests and X-rayed for any leakages and later approved by the legal explosives departments in India.

Thus the safety of Gas stored in the cylinder in Liquid form is 100%.If the Auto Gas systems and tanks were not inisters in England have changed their vehicles to run on Auto Gas? Also, we all have been using the same L.P.G cylinders for years in our living rooms and kitchens.

The statement confirmed by the Indian oil corporation (A Government of India ) officials stating to the Times of India News paper dated 30 th April 1999, that cars running on L.P.G are 100% safe .They say even if Gas leaks it will not ignite unless some one strikes a maten.

Once the car is converted to Gas the petrol pipe is by passed and there is no chance of the petrol and L.P.G running through the same pipe,In case this happens, the engine will get rich and stall.There is no danger if the L.P.G switch is left on through the night.Once the car ignition is off, the liquid will Automatically stop flowing.

If qualified personnel do the installation and the system is well maintained it gives more confidence.All that is required to do is to take the same safety precautions that we take in our kitchen.

Will Auto Gas usage save money?
As soon as a person drives away with the converted vehicle toAuto Gas, he will be saving between 60% to 70% on fuel expentiture.The milage will vary according to engine condition,city drive,on heavy traffic and Air conditioned vehicle.

Auto gas rivals petrol for performance Auto gas enters the engine as a gas;therefore it is said to turn more evently resulting in quiter and smoother performance than petrol.

Unlike petrol, there is no washing away of lubricants in the upper cylinder area the enriched atarting and warm up period .All these add up to increased engine life plus reduced running cost.

Availablity of L.P.G:
It is obtained as a by product of distillation of oil from crude oil.When it is pressurized it becomes liquid.As L.P.G is available in plenty in India and also imported from the areas like North sea.Its big advantage is that it can be easily and conveniently stored as aliquid.This liquid expands to about 250 times when it becomes a gas so that a large quantity of fuel can be stored in a relatively small space.

Does Auto Gas Hurt the Engine:
Auto Gas does not hurt the engine and that on the contrary that we get far less wear on the engine.Since the fuel at the time of entering the carburator is in gaseous stock Which mixes better than petrol oil and apark plugs are also expected to last longer. But in our own interest it is advisable to keep checking the oil condition periodically.

How does Auto Gas system Work?
The main components of Auto Gas fuel conversion systems are :-(carburated engines)
a) L.P.G reducer or vaporizer
b) Petrol solonoid valve
c) Gas solonoid valve
d) Electronic switch
e) Heating pad
f) Gas fitter
g) Hoses h) Pressure Gauge
i) Pressure Regulator
j) High pressure Gas Hose Pipes
k) High Pressure copper seamless annealed insulated tubes.
l) Fastners, like feroul, Brass Nut Bolts etc.
m) Fuel injected engine Automation switches n) L.P.G Multivalves
o) Mixer for Multipoint electronic Injection cars.
p) Mixer for single point electronic injection
q) Corollary mixer with filter protecting device
s) Idling stafitizers.

The most popular conversion systems available in India and World wide:

Italy is the world leader in manufacturing the best L.P.G and C.N.G AutoGas conversion kits.There are other countries like America, Korea, Japan, Australia and India.

People in India are unaware of the brands available and their quality and safety.With nuemorons brands and unhealthy displacement we are misguide by the dealers and Auto gas convertors of the quality and safety gas kits being fitted in India.Few leading L.P.G Auto Gas kit manufacturers are their while they have taken care the international standards of manufacturing the components per the need of individuel vehicle engine capacity and performance, were almost precaution is take for fittment with trained technical personals.

In India we can not comapre the fiat engine fitted with gas with maruthi cars or fuel injected cars, there is vast difference between engine capacity, fulling power, Engine R.P.M and other vehicle aspects which differ from different car manufacturers in India and as well as all over the world .The people will have to choose and know the actual usage of LPG Gas conversion kits for different vehicles.

What car should a car owner take while getting an Autogas conversion?
Auto Gas conversion is picking up at a rapid rate and leading car makers are stated to be offering duel systems for conversion to CNG. Where as CNG fitted vehicles are only being used in four major cities in India i.e) Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Madras.

Where as CNG is been partly successful in Delhi and Bombay that for taxis.Where as availability of CNG in India is very little which could catter the growing available in India and also can be imported from saudi Arabia and North sea.

Government of India has amended the basic law for enforcement of L.P.G to Vehicles wide motor vehicle Act But indivigual state motor vehicle act local R.T.O gave not opted for the use of L.P.G in vehicles. Since havingfuther of safety and missuse of Domestic subsidised L.P.G cylinders.

The Government of India should consider at the top priority for reducing the subisidise rates on L.P.G for general public with per at commercial L.P.G private manufacturers. So the missuse of grow L.P.G cylinders will take care the general feeling with all the thousands of petrol car owners who are planning to get Auto gas conversions are:-
(a) Whether L.P.G is safe in cars.
(b) Whether Govt of India shall continue to petrol the moter vehicle Act being Amended under section15 (15)dated 14.11.94.
(c) Whether the genuinety of gas kits available in India are upto the standards.
(d) Whether the private gas convertors who are in the market are technically quality for the auto gas conversions.
(e) Whether their is any regulatory body by the Government to check the quality of Auto gas kits available in the market.
(f)Whether the government would take a stand for the safety of vehicles converted to Auto Gas and save the Green Environment.

The above questions are by itself a question mark for the people of India.To avoid all these ifs and buffs, the best advise would be for all the petrol car owners to get Auto Gas conversion is to check the following points considering the perceived implications:-

a. Consult your friends who are already using Auto gas.
b. Find out how much it cost them and what their experience has been
c. Go window shopping
d. find out the back ground of Auto gas consultants.It is best to select a qualified professional.
e. Find out the Auto gas kit brands and its originality.
f. carefully select a qualified, professional Auto gas consultant.
g. Never buy a system from one agency and get it fitted by another agency.Each one will flame the other for any performance and related problems.
h. Ask for the original equipment manufacturer test certificate ,which is sent along with the vaporizer.
Ensure that the test certified pertains to the vaporizer.

i. See the accessories and convince your .. about the quality and genuinty.
j. Ask your Autogas consultant whether he can sopply original speres of vaporizers, ask him to show it to you.This will give the buyer some additional confidence.
k. Do not fit the Auto gas kit in your vehicle until you are confident by yourself 100%.
l. Confirm from Autogas consultants that he offers a minimum of one year free after sales a minimum of one year after sales service and free replacement of defective parts.
m. Get your car serviced and tuned by your mechanic after changing the dry air filter if it is old.
n. Ask your Auto gas consultant how he proposes to supply gas to the carfuretor and advise him to not to use excess length of pipes and hoses.
o. See that you are not being fooled by Duplicate Auto gas kits which are freely available in market.
p. Do not go on Rumers get yourself satisfied and install the Autogas kit.
q. If installed by qualified professionals and original Auto gas kits with one year Guarantee. The Auto gas conversions for petrol vehicles are 100 % safe.
r. Indian kits like Lovato, Shree, Navnil are simple vaporizer and have starting, pick up, speed and millage drop problems.
s. There have been advertisements offering "original Lovato kits" which gives doubt of duplicate kits, and are freely available in the market. A close examination of the vaporizer and solonoids will reveal the identity and authenticity of its original.
t. Lovato navnil, shree, these kits are available between Rs. 5500 to 7000.
u. B.R.C, Landi Ranzo, Tartarini are available between Rs 11,000 to 13,000 plus fuel injection vehicle it costs more between Rs 18,000 to 21,000. Multipoint booster fuel injection vehicle would cost to in between Rs 55,000 to 60,000.

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