CNG Gas pipeline Project at Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur

 Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur to get CNG gas pipe line

Three major cities falling in Hamirpur Parliamentary segment, namely Una, Hamirpur and Bilaspur, have been included in the list of 65 cities of the country where the Union government will lay the gas distribution network under Piped Natural Gas distribution programme. Prime Minister Narendra Modi would give green flag to the scheme on November 22, simultaneously at all 65 centres through video conferencing.

The gas pipeline has already reached Nangal fom Rupnagar and work to extend it till Una was under way. Natural gas is 15 per cent cheaper than LPG and it will be always available to the users through the piped network.

Once the natural gas pipeline reached Una, owners will have the option to fit their vehicles with compressed natural gas kits since the fuel will be made available at the gas stations in the district. CNG is 40 per cent cheaper fuel than petrol.

Compressed natural gas

Compressed natural gas (CNG) (methane stored at high pressure) is a fuel which can be used in place of gasoline, diesel fuel and propane/LPG. CNG combustion produces fewer undesirable gases than the fuels mentioned above. It is safer than other fuels in the event of a spill, because natural gas is lighter than air and disperses quickly when released. Biomethane – cleaned-up biogas from anaerobic digestion or landfills – can be used.

CNG is made by compressing natural gas, (which is mainly composed of methane, CH4), to less than 1 percent of the volume it occupies at standard atmospheric pressure. It is stored and distributed in hard containers at a pressure of 20–25 MPa (2,900–3,600 psi), usually in cylindrical or spherical shapes.

Advantages :

Reduced Fuel Cost :

Natural Gas (CNG) represents almost a 50% savings over petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel fuel. Over the last decade, the average cost per gallon of gasoline in the United States has risen approximately 140%. In 2004, the average price per gallon of gasoline was $1.50, today the average price is around $3.60, and the costs are expected to continue to rise. In a very competitive economy, there is no better time to look for alternative ways to fuel vehicles.

Environmentally Friendly :

Compressed natural gas (CNG) is the cleanest burning transportation fuel on the market today. CNG burns cleaner than petroleum based products because of its lower carbon content. CNG produces the fewest emissions of all other fuels and contains significantly less pollutants than gasoline. CNG produces 20-30% fewer greenhouse gas emissions and 95% fewer tailpipe emissions than petroleum products. And because CNG fuel systems are completely sealed, CNG vehicles produce no evaporative emissions.

Reduced Maintenance Cost :

CNG does not contain lead, so spark plug life is extended because there is no fouling. CNG does not dilute or contaminate crankcase oil, so intervals between oil changes and tune-ups are extended. Pipes and mufflers last longer because CNG does not react to the metals. All of this reduces maintenance costs while extending the overall life of the engine.

Performance Advantages :

CNG is superior to petroleum-based products because natural gas has an octane rating of about 130. CNG vehicles experience less knocking, no vapor locking, and since natural gas is already in a gaseous state, CNG vehicles have superior starting even under severe cold or hot weather conditions.

Safety Advantage :

Compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel storage tanks are stronger and safer than gasoline or diesel tanks reducing the likelihood of accidental release. If released, CNG disperses quickly into the air instead of on the ground, reducing the risk of fire and ground contamination. Plus, CNG gives off little to no emissions during refueling.

In hill state the vehicles with CNG fuel are very beneficial in State where environment and nature is very important.These vehicles emit less polluted gases and also economically are cheaper than other fuels.It will also help to maintain balance between tourist inflow and nature.

By: Pooja Sharda