10 things that can make CNG vehicles’ cylinders explode

By Adam Mosadioluwa 

Following President Bola Tinubu’s official announcement of the removal of the fuel subsidy on his Inauguration Day on May 29th, 2023, the price of petrol has been increasing steadily.

When the Tinubu-led administration took office, a litre of petrol was sold around N198. However, the price has since skyrocketed, reaching a peak of N1,030 per liter.

The rise in petrol prices has affected virtually everything, from the cost of food to transportation, among others. Despite the commencement of operations at the Dangote Refinery, the price of petrol shows no signs of decreasing soon.

Some Nigerians, especially vehicle owners, have started converting their vehicles from petrol-powered to CNG-powered to avoid the high cost of petrol.

CNG, an abbreviation for Compressed Natural Gas, is a fuel created by compressing natural gas, primarily methane, to less than 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure. It serves as an alternative to petrol, diesel, and propane in vehicles, offering a more environmentally friendly option due to its lower emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants.

To facilitate the conversion, the Federal Government 

launched new payment plans for Nigerians willing to convert their vehicles from using petrol to CNG in order to make the switching more accessible and affordable.

However, many Nigerians are concerned about the safety of the conversion. While some believe CNG is more environmentally friendly than petrol, others have raised concerns about its safety, fearing it might have a higher risk of explosion.

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at 10 things that can make CNG-converted vehicles explode. 

1. Faulty Installation

Converting a petrol vehicle to CNG requires a specialised installation kit. If this installation is not properly carried out by trained technicians, it may result in gas leaks or system failures. Poor connections between the cylinder, valves, and pipes can create dangerous situations, significantly increasing the risk of an explosion.

2. Accidents

Accidents pose a high-risk danger to CNG-powered vehicles. If the CNG cylinder is damaged in an accident, it can cause gas leaks or even rupture. The risk of explosion is particularly high in severe accidents where the cylinder is impacted or exposed to fire.

3. Poor Maintenance

Regular servicing is necessary to keep the CNG system in good condition. If routine checks are neglected, wear and tear on parts such as valves and pressure regulators may go unnoticed. A malfunction in these components can lead to gas leaks or pressure build-up, which are common causes of explosions.

4. High Temperatures

CNG is stored under high pressure, and extreme heat can worsen the situation. If the engine overheats or the CNG cylinder is exposed to a heat source, such as fire, it can expand and potentially explode. High temperatures can also damage the cylinder over time. 

5. Gas Leaks

Gas leaks can occur due to poor installation, damaged pipes, or general wear and tear. When gas accumulates in an enclosed space, such as inside a car, it creates a highly flammable environment. Even a small spark from the ignition or static electricity can ignite the gas, leading to an explosion.

6. Unapproved CNG Kits

Not all CNG kits available are safe. Using unapproved or counterfeit kits increases the likelihood of malfunction. These inferior kits may not handle high pressure effectively or could lack essential safety features, such as pressure-release valves, making the vehicle more prone to explosions.

7. Cylinder Corrosion

Although CNG cylinders are designed to withstand high pressure, they can rust if exposed to moisture or harsh conditions. Rust or damage can compromise their structural integrity, potentially leading to a rupture under pressure, which could result in an explosion.

8. Overfilling the Cylinder

CNG cylinders have a specific capacity limit. Overfilling beyond the manufacturer’s recommended pressure can place excessive stress on the material, increasing the likelihood of a burst. If the pressure-release valves fail, the consequences could result in an explosion.

9. Improper Cylinder Storage

If the CNG cylinder is not stored correctly and is exposed to physical damage such as impacts from road debris or mishandling during installation its structure can weaken. A damaged cylinder is more likely to fail under pressure, increasing the risk of an explosion.

10. Ignition Source

Even with the best safety systems, an accidental gas leak near an ignition source, such as a lit cigarette, engine spark, or static electricity, can lead to disaster. This is particularly dangerous if the leak occurs inside the vehicle, where gas can build up without the driver’s knowledge.

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