LPG

Liquefied Petroleum Gas

Details: Category: Asides; Last Updated on Monday, 03 October 2011 18:17; Hits: 668

Anybody with a petrol - powered car will surely have thought about running on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). But do you know what it is and what's involved?

What is LPG?

Liquefied petroleum gas is a clean and safe fuel that has a range of properties closest to those of petrol. Under slight pressure, LPG turns into liquid form and can then be stored in tanks. In an automotive LPG system, the LPG is converted back to gas before being burned in the engine. LPG is a convenient energy source used for many purposes including heating and cooking, as well as for vehicle fuel. Forty per cent of LPG comes from refining crude oil and 60% comes from field production.

The number of vehicles using LPG (also referred to as ‘autogas’) as an alternative to petroleum is growing rapidly. Recent estimates suggest there are more than eleven million vehicles using LPG worldwide, with four million of those located in Europe.

Of course you can’t simply use LPG in a vehicle that is accustomed to taking petroleum. Consequently, LPG conversion is seen as a straightforward and cost effective way of altering a petrol vehicle to run on LPG.

How do you get your car converted?

If you are interested in an LPG conversion you must be willing to find the cash for the conversion before you can start saving money. However, many LPG enthusiasts claim this money can be recouped within one to two years with the money you save at the pump. Larger or more heavily used vehicles will make savings much more quickly.

The process is relatively straightforward but ideally should be carried out by an LPGA approved installer. For those interested in installing their own systems, LPG installer Tinley Tech also run training courses to allow you to do this safely.

You will need to have significant space for the LPG tank – which is often fitted into the boot or underneath the vehicle, or sometimes in the spare wheel well. Some dashboards will be fitted with a device allowing you to switch between LPG and petroleum, while the refuelling point will be placed near to the existing petroleum refuelling point.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of LPG conversion?

LPG has significant environmental and financial benefits as outlined below:

Reduces carbon emissions – By converting to LPG you can automatically reduce your environmental impact as the amount of carbon dioxide your vehicle produces decreases. Compared to most petroleum vehicles, LPG vehicles produce 20% less CO2. since LPG reaches the engine in a pure gas form, resulting in improved combustion and eliminating the problem of engine oil dilution by unburned petrol. The oil stays cleaner for longer. Engines also run more smoothly and quietly than on petrol.
Other environmental benefits – Even though LPG vehicles have similar CO2 output to diesel vehicles, they do have other advantages. They are much quieter than diesel engines, LPG quickly evaporates if a spillage occurs and LPG produces fewer particulates and nitrogen oxides.
Reduces reliance on petrol and diesel – Currently the UK produces around six million tonnes of LPG every year of which around three million tonnes are exported. There is vast room for growth and there are already around 1,300 refuelling stations across the UK.
Price at the pump – The Government has shown significant support for LPG with low duty by comparison to petrol and diesel. As a result LPG is substantially cheaper at the pumps than petrol and diesel. It is estimated that a high mileage driver can save as much as 40% of their fuel costs with LPG compared to petrol, and 20% compared to diesel.
Congestion charges/road tax – Cars that run on LPG qualify for reduced taxation as they fit into lower tax bands. Many LPG vehicles are also exempt from congestion charges such as those in the city of London, Richmond and Westminster.

There are some disadvantages to consider too, before you decide if LPG conversion is right for you:

Initial installation cost.
Servicing/insurance costs – The LPG fuel system will need servicing at approximately 12,000 miles or typically once a year. Overall, these costs should be less than a typical diesel engine. You should also consider your insurance costs, as some insurance companies may charge an excess for an LPG approved conversion (others will not).
Mileage range/petrol stations – Not all petrol stations sell LPG, though the number is increasing. Typically you will not be able to travel as far on a full tank of LPG as you would on a full tank of petrol. However, with the petrol tank usually left in place during a conversion you can always switch to petrol as a back-up.
Warranties – Bear in mind that your manufacturer’s warranty (if you have one) could be affected by an LPG conversion.

LPG reaches the engine in a pure gas form, resulting in improved combustion and eliminating the problem of engine oil dilution by unburned petrol. The oil stays cleaner for longer. This helps to increase engine life and can extend service intervals. Engines also run more smoothly and quietly than on petrol.

Is it Safe?

The LPG is stored in the vehicle in liquid form and contained in a substantial cylinder. An automatic, safety valve prevents overfilling of the tank. A number of other safety features are built into the tanks including a pressure release valve and a solenoid valve to shut off the flow when the engine stops. Crash tests have shown that gas-powered vehicles are extremely safe, as LPG is more difficult to ignite than any other fuels. Due to these properties and safety features, gas-powered vehicles are safer than petrol-powered vehicles.

What are the savings?

LPG on the forecourt costs around half the price of petrol. A vehicle running on LPG will return slightly fewer miles per gallon than when running on petrol. This means the cost of running a vehicle on gas will be about 40% less than the cost of running it on petrol.

Where can I fill up?

The network of filling stations able to supply LPG is rapidly expanding. There are now over 1400 LPG filling sites in the UK with a government pledge to have at least one filling station in every town.

Can I still use petrol?

Equipment supplied allows the engine to run on petrol or LPG at the flick of a dashboard-mounted switch. This enables instant, on-the-move switching between fuels.

Will my vehicle loose performance?

With a properly installed LPG conversion and correct engine tuning there will be no noticeable loss of performance when running on gas.

Does the vehicle have to be new?

With a very small number of exceptions, any petrol engine in good condition can be converted successfully. The exceptions are direct injection engines and those with very soft valve seats.

Will it affect my insurance?

You should tell your insurance company that the car has been converted to enable it to use LPG. They may ask for details of the conversion.

For more information on LPG conversions, training courses and systems, visit the Tinley Tech website.