What is LPG? What is AutoGas?

LPG (liquified petroleum gas) is the generic name for mixtures of hydrocarbons (mainly propane and butane). When these mixtures are lightly compressed (approx. 800 kPa or 120 psi), they change from a gaseous state to a liquid. LPG is colourless, odourless and heavier than air.

A chemical (Ethyl Mercaptain) is added to give it a smell like cabbage, so that even a very small leak can be easily detected. LPG burns readily in air and has an energy content similar to petrol, which makes it an excellent fuel for heating, cooking and for automotive use.

Autogas is the commonly used name for the automotive blend of LPG.

Is there a difference between LPG used in a car and LPG used in a barbecue cylinder?

Where does LPG come from?

Is AutoGas safe?

In terms of combustion, Autogas is similar to petrol. But because the fuel is stored under moderate pressure the vehicle tank is much stronger. An Autogas tank manufactured to ECR/BS standards will survive far greater impact than diesel or petrol tanks. And safety features of MultiValves include:

• An electronic solenoid valve which shuts off the supply when the ignition is switched off, or the engine stalls.
  
  
• Solenoid valves which shut off gas supply if a fuel pipe is damaged.
  
  
• An electrical-operated switch cuts off the fuel when the engine is not running. In case of a fire the tank is designed to withstand enormous pressure and very high temperatures.
  

Is Autogas available in India?

Is AutoGas environmentally friendly?

Combustion of AutoGas results in less, and in some cases, none, of the following harmful emissions.

	-	carbon monoxide
	-	methane
	-	sulphur dioxide
	-	low level ozone
	-	unburned hydrocarbons
	-	particulates
	-	air toxics (benzenes etc.)

Autogas also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

On average, using AutoGas instead of petrol gives a 15% reduction in carbon dioxide (the main greenhouse gas). Because it uses a sealed system, AutoGas also reduces evaporative emissions of hydrocarbons to virtually zero - not only from the vehicle's cylinder but also during refuelling, transport and handling of the fuel.

Should conversions be dual fuel or gas only?

The choice is ultimately yours. The latest engine management systems and unleaded petrol fuel injected engines lend themselves well to dual fuel operation giving similar engine performance whether driven in AutoGas mode or petrol mode.

Torque remains the same, or in some cases increases with AutoGas usage. There may be a slight drop in power (3% to 5% maximum) although this is not noticeable under normal driving conditions.

When a vehicle is converted is much of the manufacturer's equipment altered?

A vehicle converted to operate on AutoGas must conform to strict Australian Standards and Australian Design Rules. This means AutoGas components must be fitted to complement the original equipment fitted to the vehicle.

Manufacturers such as Ford, Holden and Mazda have available a range of vehicles factory fitted with dual fuel capabilities. Ford has also recently begun production of a dedicated LPG Ford Falcon. Other manufacturers have released vehicles designed to accommodate AutoGas for conversion at a later stage.

Can a reconditioned engine be converted satisfactorily?

Will converting to AutoGas alter my insurance or registration costs?

How much can I expect to save if I convert to AutoGas?