CNG Pump in Tamil Nadu

Compressed Natural Gas or CNG is being used extensively over the last couple of years in vehicles which has been benefiting fleets across the globe. When compared with other vehicles which depend on conventional forms of fuel like diesel, petrol, gasoline, and natural gas vehicles, the usage of CNG-fitted vehicles has reduced emissions considerably to a great extent apart from bringing down the maintenance cost of a vehicle by as much as 50 per cent. 

What is the shelf life of CNG cylinders? 

Way back in the 1990s, the natural gas vehicle (NGV) industry created the CNG cylinder certification standards. The cylinders were manufactured to meet the original version of the standard version. But over the last 15 years natural gas vehicles were labelled with the requirements set with a note “not to be used after” a specific date. The 1998 revisions have extended the CNG cylinder’s life certification to 20 years.  

Many countries across the world have already adopted similar standards for CNG cylinders. These tanks cannot be recertified after they reach their expiry date which is set at the time of manufacturing and must be taken out of service upon reaching their expiry date. Following the set standard will leave the owner of the CNG cylinder to take two options either to replace the cylinder or retire the same.