Autogas is the term generally used for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), when it is used for the propulsion of road vehicles. LPG provides high quality energy for Civil, industrial, handicraft, agricultural and motor use.
It is obtained as a by-product of the distillation of oil from crude oil . Chemically it is a name given to a mixture of Propane and Butane . Physically, it is a gas at room temperature and compresses into a liquid at resonable temperatures and pressures and hence the name Liquefied Petroleum Gas. It is in this form that it is pumped into the car tank
It is produced in large quantities in India and the world over, a surplus of approximately 4 million tones per annum is currently available from the North Sea. This surplus is forecast to increase over the next 20 years.
Compared to petrol, Autogas has a higher octane content (according to the RON - research octane number, method)as listed below . The higher octane rating means that the combustion of LPG is smoother and knocking is eliminated.

Super Grade Petrol 98
Lead Free 95
LPG over 100 (111)

Physical & Chemical Properties of LPG

Advantages over other fuels

• The combustion of Autogas is smoother as a result of the higher octane content. Unlike other fuels, no additives are required to guarantee high quality.
• Autogas contains no lead and is therefore cleaner and leaves no residue.
• It is actually better than petrol because it reaches the engine in pure gas form with improved combustion resulting and fewer knocking.
• 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. One can safely state that engines on LPG last almost twice than that on Petrol/Gasoline.
• Less carbon means less fouling of spark plugs and points i.e less wear and tear.
• 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'll be driving in a more environment-friendly way.
• The environmental advantages of Autogas for automotive use are indisputable.

Current Users of Autogas.

Italy leads the field with over a million vehicles on the road, the Netherlands, North America and Mexico each have just under half a million. By far the biggest consumer of Autogas however is Japan, which uses over 1,8000,00 tones 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. Already 4 million cars worldwide are running on LPG/ Autogas and this figure is fast increasing everyday.

In Vienna, severe pollution problems started many years ago and to overcome these, the authorities started converting buses to Autogas some 30 years ago. This proved so successful in reducing pollution that the number of buses running on Autogas has been increased over the years to 400 today.

In India too, no. of vehicles running on LPG/Propane is increasing everyday by thousands. Virtually all types of cars (Carburetted/Fuel Injected),  are being run all over the country on CNG. The central government has recognised the use of LPG for automobiles and LPG dispensers would soon be set up across the country.

The Safety Record

Autogas has an excellent safety record throughout 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. Also the electronic solenoid valves trip in case of an impact not allowing fuel to go beyond the circuit to the engine.All tanks are fitted with relief valves that provides an escape for the gas should the tank come in contact with extreme heat. Tanks are not filled with more than 80% of total capacity. This ensures there is sufficient room for the liquid to expand when heated or the temperature being high.

Morever, in any eventuality of a leakage the gas escapes in the air and not remain in the engine like petrol to catch fire.

Infact the use of Autogas is safer than Petrol as cylinders/tanks are kept horizontally in a car and adapter allows the liquid to flow all the way to magnetic valves before converting to gas.

Odorant is added to LPG so leaks can be detected by the distinctive smell. Autogas is a non-poisonous, non-toxic gas, so inhaling the fumes will not do any harm . All hoses and fittings are specially approved for handling LPG, since it can act as a solvent.

Lesser Pollution.

Exhaust gases from cars on Autogas are cleaner than any other fuel in terms of HC, NOx, CO and CO2.by atleast one third, which makes Autogas/ LPG less harmful to the environment. LPG / Autogas is the winning choice in both Economy and Ecology. The emissions of CO( carbon monoxide) and NOx (Nitrogen Oxide), non burned hydrocarbons and particles are very limited. Autogas, produces lowest amount of greenhouse gases of all the fossil fuel options. Using autogas emits insignificant emission levels of sulphur, the main cause of acid rain.

AUTOGAS / LPG EMISSIONS (Comparision)

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