LPG is a new technology introduced in the Cypriot domestic market with the use of LPG as an alternative automobile fuel. LPG was introduced in 1940, and today it is used globally in over 14 million vehicles, with the drivers enjoying the many benefits arising from its use.
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
LPG is a mixture of propane (C3H8) and butane (C4H10), which is produced during the extraction and drying of natural gas and oil refining. The composition and characteristics of LPG make it a versatile alternative energy solution with countless applications from domestic use to industrial, and naturally as the most clean and friendly fuel for vehicles.
Advantages over other fuels
- Fuel cost
- Environmentally friendly
- Cleaner fuel
- Better Fuel Economy
- Autonomy(switching from fuel to gas)
Adaptation / Installation
The LPG is the most secure and friendly form of energy, which is confirmed today in the most powerful way since many vehicle manufacturers include dual fuel models in their range of vehicles, with the system included in the factory equipment. (Citroën, Fiat, Ford, Hyundai, Peugeot, Renault, Opel, Toyota, Volkswagen, etc.)
The LPG system can be installed on all gasoline vehicles with the use of a set of components and devices. The adaptation requires qualified technicians who specialize in the installation and maintenance of LPG systems.
This is, essentially, a second fuel supply system installed in the car without changing anything in the factory equipment. Simply by placing the LPG system enables the driver to operate the engine with LPG in addition to petrol. The driver can at any time choose whether he wants to move on petrol or LPG with the push of a button on the dashboard. If one of the fuels runs out, then there is an automatic switch from one fuel to another.
The LPG systems are designed to operate on petrol engines. Over the years, they have developed into various generations according to the technology used by each engine and the polluting requirements of each manufacturer. They are mainly divided into two types of systems, LIQUID and GAS spray.
GAS INJECTION (LPG sprayed from the injectors in gas form)
| GEN. | FUEL SYSTEM |
|---|---|
| 1st | Carburetor Systems |
| 2nd | Single point or multiple injection systems (analog control) |
| 3rd | Multi-injection system electronically controlled |
| 4th | Serial sequential injection system |
LIQUID INJECTION (LPG sprayed from the injectors in liquid form)
| GEN. | FUEL SYSTEM |
|---|---|
| 1st | Indirect liquid injection |
| 2nd | Direct liquid injection |
Choosing the right system for your vehicle requires a visit to the garage, where a specialist will first check the engine and the spray technologies used, and then present the driver with the advantages of each system, as well as the cost of installation.
Adapting the vehicle to run on LPG is a fairly simple and not very expensive procedure. The installation includes several individual components, depending of course on the system selection (storage cylinder, power lines, gas injectors, gas pump, safety valves, electronic control unit, fuel selection switch, filler hole, pressure regulator, etc.). The single components are discussed with the vehicle owner, who is given the option to choose their installation position. Common to all systems are the gas tank, the selection switch and the filling nozzle.
GAS TANK
Regardless of what engine technology the vehicle has, or which LPG system is used, the reservoir (tank) of the gas is the same. The installation site differs from car to car. Below are the installation positions:
1.The luggage compartment (trunk)
2.The place of the spare wheel
3. The underside of the vehicle if ride height allows. This application is usually feasible in certain agricultural and jeep type vehicles.
The shape and capacity of the tanks vary so as to adapt to all types of cars.
The capacities range from 35 liters and reach up to 110 liters. Filling the tank with gas does not exceed 80% of the capacity (eg: a reservoir of 80 liters is filled with 64 liters of fuel).
Gas tanks that are used in vehicles follow certain specifications and are accompanied by specific certifications. Made of special steel alloy, they undergo rigorous testing and pass through special endurance tests one by one to acquire a serial number. These tanks have a 10 year life span.
FUEL SELECTION SWITCH
- The fuel selector switch enables the driver to choose the fuel that will be used.
- The fuel selector switch is mounted on the dashboard and allows the driver fuel change at any time (whilst stationary or moving). It also works as a tank level indicator (tank) of gas, informing the driver with four lights descending as gas level decreases.
FILLING MOUTH
Following specific legislation, the installation of the filling spout is limited to the following ways:
- Installation on the bumper
- Hanging installation, fitting below the bumper
- Installation within the gas cap
In our garage we aim to make the installation within the gas cap in order not to cut the bumper and change the external appearance of the vehicle.
View photographic material in regards to some of our recent installations by clicking HERE.
