Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is an alternative fuel that delivers cleaner emissions than gasoline. The combustion of natural gas reduces carbon monoxide emissions by 90%. With stricter environmental regulations to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality being put in place, manufacturers are developing many different kinds of alternative fuel vehicles. CNG is one of those fuels.
The operating characteristics, servicing and maintenance of CNG fuel systems are covered in the latest ACDelco Web-Based Training (WBT) course, Compressed Natural Gas Fuel Systems (S-EP08-23.01WBT). (Fig. 12)
Fig 12
The course presents the latest information about new CNG fuel systems now available on the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans. It covers:
Laws, regulations, characteristics and safety procedures for CNG fuel sytems
• CNG system components and operation
• CNG vehicles, engines and diagnostic procedures
• CNG inspection and maintenance procedures
Fuel Characteristics
A full CNG fuel tank holds the fuel at approximately 3,000-3,600 pound-force per square inch gauge (207-248 bar). The course reviews the safety procedures that must be followed to safely handle the fuel, including detecting a fuel leak, breathing natural gas, and fuel shut off procedures.
The components of a CNG system also are highlighted in the course. These include a high pressure regulator, from where fuel flows at a reduced pressure of approximately 90-110 pound force per square inch gauge (6-9 bar) to the fuel injector rails and injectors, and the steel CNG fuel tanks, which are located in different locations on a vehicle. The high pressure system also is equipped with a manually-operated isolation valve that is used for some service procedures.
Check It Out
In addition to the online Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Fuel Systems course, ACDelco offers a variety of instructor-led, hands-on courses. To review all the latest training courses available, log in to the ACDelco Learning Management System (LMS) by clicking the Training tab at www.acdelcotechconnect.com.
– Thanks to Greg St. Aubin