₦airaland Forum

Kewtt:
Read to show thyself approved

A CNG-powered vehicle explosion at the NIPCO filling station in Aduwawa, Benin, Edo State, on Wednesday left three people severely injured, including a motorist who suffered eye injuries.
An attendant at the station, who requested anonymity, told The PUNCH on Thursday that two others—a woman whose stomach was ripped open and another person whose foot was amputated due to the blast—are also receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Ugbowo.

I asked a question because if I was the manager in charge of quality control in the conversion outlet, I will resign. And if the conversion team was under my department, heads will roll.

Kewtt:
Can you afford the kits used by Dangote

I expected this from u.

Kewtt:
Abstract The use natural gas in transportation is well established globally with over 18 million natural gas vehicles (NGVs) distributed through more than 90 countries of the world. This paper discusses several safety issues involved
with using natural gas as a transportation fuel.

After introducing the NGVs safety aspects and reviewing various standards for compressed natural gas (CNG) system, the paper discusses the 55 CNG-related accidents in Pakistan (which conduced to over 250 casualties) and analyzes the causes for these accidents and extracts “lessons to be learned” for CNG. The analysis reveals that due to low-quality CNG system material, e.g., CNG cylinder, CNG design and installation, maintenance system, etc., lack of strict government CNG vehicle safety regulations and driver negligence every
year several CNG vehicles’ accidents took place in Pakistan which showed a major threat to life in Pakistan.

EXPLAINER: ABOUT CNG VEHICLES AND EXPLOSION : FACTS & MYTHS

CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) vehicles are a type of alternative fuel vehicle that use compressed natural gas instead of traditional petrol or diesel. CNG is primarily composed of methane and is stored in a compressed state in the vehicle. These vehicles are part of a broader shift toward cleaner and more sustainable transportation solutions due to their environmental and economic benefits.

1. How CNG Vehicles Work

CNG vehicles run on natural gas that is compressed to less than 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure. This allows the gas to be stored in high-pressure tanks in the vehicle.The CNG is stored in tanks, usually mounted in the trunk or under the vehicle, and is fed into the engine where it combusts similarly to gasoline.

2. Advantages of CNG Vehicles

a. Environmental Benefits: Lower Emissions: CNG vehicles produce fewer harmful emissions compared to gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles emitting 25-30% less carbon dioxide (CO2) and significantly lower levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to smog and air pollution.

b. Economic Benefits: Cheaper Fuel: CNG is often cheaper than gasoline and diesel. In many countries, the price per gallon equivalent of CNG is lower than traditional fuels. Fuel Stability: Natural gas prices tend to be more stable compared to the fluctuating prices of oil and gasoline.

c. Reduced Maintenance Costs: Less Wear and Tear: Since CNG combustion is cleaner, there is less residue buildup on the engine and vehicle components. This results in lower maintenance costs and longer intervals between oil changes.

d. Abundant Fuel Supply: Domestic Resource: CNG is derived from natural gas, which is abundant in many parts of the world. Countries with large natural gas reserves can reduce dependence on imported oil, enhancing energy security.

3. Challenges and Disadvantages of CNG Vehicles

a. Limited Refueling Infrastructure: Refueling Stations: The availability of CNG refueling stations is limited compared to petrol or diesel stations. This can make it difficult for CNG vehicle owners to refuel in certain regions.

b. Lower Energy Density : Range Limitations: CNG has a lower energy density compared to gasoline or diesel, which means vehicles running on CNG typically have a shorter driving range. However, this can be mitigated by bi-fuel systems.

c. Tank Size and Space : Storage Space: CNG is stored in high-pressure tanks that take up more space compared to a traditional fuel tank. This often reduces trunk or cargo space in passenger vehicles.

d. Higher Upfront Costs: Vehicle Conversion: Converting a gasoline or diesel vehicle to run on CNG can be expensive, and dedicated CNG vehicles typically have a higher initial cost due to the specialized components and tanks.

Misconceptions about Explosions

There is a common misconception that CNG tanks are prone to explosions, but in reality, CNG vehicles are designed to prevent such scenarios:

Increased Safety Measures: In a typical gasoline vehicle, a ruptured fuel tank can result in a large spill of flammable liquid, which may ignite. In contrast, CNG quickly dissipates into the air, significantly lowering the chances of fire or explosion.
Controlled Release of Gas: CNG systems are engineered with built-in safety features to handle leaks and pressure surges safely, reducing the risk of explosions to a minimum.
How Safe Are CNG Vehicles?

CNG vehicles are generally very safe and, in some respects, safer than traditional petrol or diesel vehicles due to:

High ignition temperature
Lighter-than-air gas that dissipates quickly
Strong, crash-tested fuel tanks
Comprehensive safety features like leak detection and pressure relief systems
Regular inspections and proper maintenance are crucial to ensure that CNG vehicles remain safe over time. With strict regulatory standards and safety protocols in place, CNG vehicles offer a viable and safe alternative to conventional fuel vehicles for both individual drivers and fleet operators.

CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) vehicles have been recognized for their environmental and economic benefits, but like any fuel system, there are safety concerns that need to be addressed. Here's an overview of the primary safety concerns related to CNG vehicles and how they are managed:

1. High-Pressure Storage

CNG is stored at very high pressures (up to 3,600 psi or 248 bar), which raises concerns about potential tank ruptures or leaks. However, while I do not know the requirements in Nigeria, CNG vehicles (in many other countries) are designed with stringent safety standards to mitigate these risks.

Tank Strength: CNG tanks (in many other countries) are made of tough materials, often high-strength steel or carbon fiber, designed to withstand extreme pressures.
Pressure Relief Devices (PRDs): (in many other countries) These devices are installed to safely release gas if the pressure inside the tank becomes too high due to heat or other factors, preventing explosions.
2. Gas Leaks

One of the concerns with CNG is the risk of gas leaks. Natural gas is lighter than air, so it dissipates quickly, reducing the risk of accumulation in enclosed spaces (which could lead to fire or explosion). However, gas leaks still pose a hazard.

Methane Detectors: CNG vehicles (in many other countries) are equipped with methane detectors that sense leaks and trigger alarms if gas levels exceed safety limits.
Odorization: Although natural gas is odorless, an odorant (usually mercaptan) is added to CNG, making leaks easier to detect.
3. Fire Risks

In the event of a fire, the high-pressure storage of CNG poses an additional risk. However, CNG tanks (in many other countries) are designed to withstand extreme heat, and the release of gas from pressure relief devices typically prevents explosions.

Fire-Resistant Tanks: CNG tanks (in many other countries) are subjected to fire resistance tests to ensure they can withstand flames for a significant period.
Built-In Safety Measures: If a CNG vehicle is involved in an accident, the system shuts down the flow of gas to prevent it from fueling a fire.
4. Tank Damage or Rupture

Damage to the CNG tank, either through impact or wear and tear, can lead to ruptures. However, CNG tanks are designed and tested to withstand significant impacts, and they undergo regular inspections.

Regular Inspections: CNG tanks must be inspected periodically to check for wear, damage, or corrosion.
Impact Resistance: CNG tanks (in many other countries) are built to withstand high-impact forces, reducing the risk of rupture in the event of a collision.
5. Proper Maintenance and Handling

Proper maintenance (in many other countries) is critical to ensuring the safety of CNG vehicles. Inadequate inspections, improper filling procedures, or substandard installations can lead to safety issues.

Certified Installations: (in many other countries) CNG systems should only be installed by certified professionals to ensure safety.
Regular Maintenance: (in many other countries) CNG vehicles require regular maintenance and inspections, especially the tank, valves, and lines.
6. Safety Standards

CNG vehicles are subject to stringent safety standards worldwide, with protocols for design, testing, and operation. Some common safety standards include:

NGV2: A standard for CNG vehicle fuel systems in the U.S.
ECE R110: A European regulation governing the components used in CNG vehicles.
Nigeria: I don’t know what the standard is.
Conclusion

While CNG vehicles have specific safety concerns related to high-pressure storage and potential gas leaks, they are designed with robust safety features to mitigate these risks. Regular inspections, the use of advanced materials, pressure relief devices, and proper maintenance all contribute to making CNG vehicles a safe option for drivers and passengers.

Please note, throughout this post , I interspersed it with the conditional phrase (in many other countries). E get why. The problem is, in Nigeria, the regulatory agencies could be bribed to look the other way, or someone with connections but no knowledge could be appointed to head the regulatory agency . And Nigerians are prone to cutting corners. Already The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), in a statement issued today titled, “Safety Incident at NIPCO Benin City”, said the explosion was caused by AN ILLEGALLY MODIFIED AND WELDED CYLINDER WHICH IS NOT APPROVED AND FIT FOR CNG USE.”

mrsqueen:
The President and all his ministers must first convert their cars to CNG first before we can follow him..!

They didn't convert their petrol/diesel cars to using CNG.

But CNG vehicle have been banned in most of the developed nations not only because of risk of explosion but also because of the toxic waste gases that emits from the exhaust. So CNG vehicles basically poisons the air that we all inhale.
Tinubu does not mean well for this country.
T-Pain on the beat !!

Ahmback:
With the despicable state of roads in Nigeria I'd say we're not prepared for CNG. Rough terrains and roads could cause technical and mechanical failures resulting in explosions and deaths.
God save us

obua:
EXPLAINER: ABOUT CNG VEHICLES AND EXPLOSION : FACTS & MYTHS
CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) vehicles are a type of alternative fuel vehicle that use compressed natural gas instead of traditional petrol or diesel. CNG is primarily composed of methane and is stored in a compressed state in the vehicle. These vehicles are part of a broader shift toward cleaner and more sustainable transportation solutions due to their environmental and economic benefits.
.....

CNG vehicles(small mostly) are being considered for a ban in China and the EU.

Kukutenla:
Is anyone reading the causes?
Gas leakage
Poor cylinder quality
Piping problems

if this can happen is pakistan although pakistan is a third world country but with the current state of Nigeria right now using this CNG will be a catastrophic idea make Tinubu and his kingsman finish converting their vehicles first

ayindejimmy:
Contrary to what a lot of people believe, CNG retrofitted vehicles are safe and can run on petrol as well as CNG switching as the case may be.

When we say gas in Nigeria, we assume cooking gas, LPG is different from CNG, the intricacies are different: minimum thickness of 12.7mm, compared to 4mm for LPG cylinders. The boiling point of CNG is around 550 degrees Celsius, while boiling water is only 100 degrees Celsius for comparison. The highest temperature in a kitchen oven is about 250 degrees. That gives you an idea.

The CNG-powered vehicle is supposed to be safe; the cylinders are designed with safety valves and burst discs, for an extra protective layer in addition to the thickness of the cylinder.

The system also has leak detectors and the gas can be stopped from source automatically. The cylinders are bullet-proofed, puncture-tested and have delivered on the highest safety standards.

I just pray the adherence all the safety rules in Nigeria when covertion is done

Yes, a CNG powered car is safe and green. It should be a pride to be in one.

when you convert you own vehicle then take a selfie with your CNG converted Vehicle I will start taking you serious but for now you're bluffing

Some one woke this morning, only to lose his leg. May God keep danger far from us in this horrible times

Lavor234:
Some one woke this morning, only to lose his leg. May God keep danger far from us in this horrible times

And someone got the stomach torn open too... imagine that...pause imagine again.


Good night.

Lavor234:
Some one woke this morning, only to lose his leg. May God keep danger far from us in this horrible times

Amen.

Kewtt:
Thursday 17/10/2024 A Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicle exploded on Thursday at the Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company (NIPCO) filling station while its cylinder was being filled.

The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the vehicle, one of many in the city that had recently adopted CNG as an alternative fuel, had a locally fabricated cylinder attached to it.

One of the workers at the NIPCO filling station on the Aduwawa end of Benin metropolis, where the explosion occurred, confirmed that the incident was caused by a fake CNG cylinder fabricated by a welder for the vehicle owner.


It was further gathered that the cylinder exploded while being filled, leaving many people seriously injured. One of the victims lost a leg entirely, while others sustained various degrees of injuries.


Following the incident, workers at the filling station began screening all heavy trucks and commercial vehicles in line for refueling to ensure compliance with the necessary safety regulations.

The scene of the explosion was barricaded with red tape, and bloodstains were visible at the site of the blast.

The news should be a wake up call for all.
We need strict safety regulations for the CNG cars.

Can you list the number of petrol car accidents this year only?

Does that mean cars using petrol are a death trap?

If you choose to bypass safety protocols, is that a fault of the system?

erad:
Can you list the number of petrol car accidents this year only? Does that mean cars using petrol are a death trap? If you choose to bypass safety protocols, is that a fault of the system?

Where is your own CNG mod-ed car make we see am?

Orinechi:
I don't know why Police have not arrested the OP for questioning cos he is on a mission to disuade people from using CNG. If it were two adults exchanging banters, police would have arrested and paraded one person for people to see that they are working. Dangote trucks that have been using it, how many times have they recorded explosion ?

Dangote truck is using no cng. The cylinders you at thr back of the trucks are for breaking system. Quit misinforming the timid an uninformed Nigerians.

presido11:
Dangote truck is using no cng. The cylinders you at thr back of the trucks are for breaking system. Quit misinforming the timid an uninformed Nigerians.

Some of them are using CNG. The cylinders are covered at the back of the trucks..... Perforated housings...they refuel at obajana. Note that they don't bring out black smoke unlike others

ogaemma:
The news should be a wake up call for all.
We need strict safety regulations for the CNG cars.

In Nigeria where they build multi billion naira buildings using substandard materials?... Despite the plethora of regulatory bodies and government agencies overseeing their activities...

LadyExcellency:
We were told that safety measures and checks were satisfied and approved before any conversion. So? Who is in charge of the Quality Control of the conversion firms?

Rubbish reporting. What has "local fabrication" got to do with the accident? The problem may not even be from the cylinder but the fittings starting from the valve down overfilling.

local fabrication of a lpg cylinder sef is madness, much less a CNG cylinder.

A CNG cylinder is made from very very thick metal cos CNG is very high pressure gas, and the shape (it is shaped like a capsule) is different from a lpg cylinder. The pressure in a CNG tank is 200 bar, compared to 7.5 bar for LPG. What this means is if you use a CNG cylinder that is not up to code, it certainly will explode cos it can't handle the gas pressure.

Kobojunkie:
Where is your own CNG mod-ed car make we see am?

What sort of daft rebuttal is this?
Are you a toddler?

JerryGent1983:
when you convert you own vehicle then take a selfie with your CNG converted Vehicle I will start taking you serious but for now you're bluffing

Ok, you got me there .