| |
What is LPG ?
Liquified Petroleum Gas is composed predominantly of propane and
butane. When compressed at normal temperature it becomes a liquid
and then when this liquid is withdrawn from a cylinder the pressure
drops and the liquid reverts to gas (vaporizes).
Why LPG compared to Petrol ?
LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) is proven to give you high performance,
clean, efficient and economical alternative to petrol. Those that
have made the change to LPG rarely go back to petrol.
Why ?
Because LPG not only substantially reduces fuel costs, it reduces
engine wear and thus maintenance costs, it improves engine
smoothness and reliability, and it has virtually the same power
output as petrol or more because it’s high octane and 100%
elimination of theft.
What are the benefits of LPG ?
Advantages - General
LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) is an alternative fuel well suited to
cars and other vehicles
of similar size and usage. LPG is the most widely used alternative
fuel domestically
Because:
- Lower fuel costs
- It reduces running costs
- No engine modifications required
- Extends engine life due to less oil contamination and carbon build
up
- Smoother acceleration
- Less engine noise and vibration
- It produces low emissions and so helps combat air pollution
- It is easy to liquefy, and therefore easy to transport and store
- Compressor and refueling stations can be installed on your site
- Cheap alternative fuel
- 100% elimination of theft
Cost advantages
Once your vehicle is converted to LPG you'll regain your
installation costs from fuel savings in a relatively short time.
It will be followed by years of lower fuel costs, when you come to
sell, your vehicle's value will be generally higher because it uses
LPG with less carbon deposits in your engine.
Dual fuel benefits
The conversion to dual fuel system offers a quick return from wise
investment.
You have the flexibility of being able to use two types of fuel, and
you can select which fuel you use by flicking a switch on your
dashboard.
Reliable supply
Autogas Namibia is able to supply Autogas throughout the country,
currently two refilling facilty in Windhoek at Total Windhoek North
and NABTA Autogas Station at Eros. By the end of November 2005,
Shell Otjiwarongo, Shell Ondagwa, Shell Ongwediva, Shell Swakopmund,
Autogas Service Station Gobabis, Caltex Rehoboth etc will be
equipped with the refilling facilities.
The company has it’s own bulk tankers that are able to deliver the
gas constantly and reliably. It has teamed up with one of the
largest gas producer in the world, therefore the Autogas industry
will be well catered for.
Is LPG safe ?
- LPG is non-toxic and non-corrosive
- Crush tests have proven the strength and integrity of the fuel
tank
- Tanks has been designed to withstand collisions
- Tanks cannot be overfilled
- LPG installations and pump facilities are designed to meet the
world standards
- No increasing of the insurance premium by any insurance company
- No vehicle warranty has been known to be affected
- Use of LPG should be strictly controlled by government regulations
- Only qualified companies should participate in the conversions of
LPG
LPG Gas emissions compared to petrol
The impacts of urban pollution
Smog (volatile organic compounds and oxides of nitrogen)
- Increases the incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular disease.
- Negative impact on the ecosystem and visual implications.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Increases the incidence of cardiovascular disease.
Air Toxics (benzene, aromatics)
- Have carcinogenic (cancer causing) properties.
Sulphur Oxides (SO2)
- Increases the incidence of respiratory disease.
- Negative impact on the ecosystem and has visual implications.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
- Impacts on global warming (climate change).
The environmental benefits of Autogas
SMOG 30-40% reduction in tailpipe emissions
Air Toxics (Benzene) Potential Zero Emissions
SO2 Potential Zero Emissions
75% less Carbon Monoxide 85% less Hydrocarbons 40% less Oxides of
Nitrogen and Carbon Monoxide 87% less Ozone *Based on tests
undertaken at Millbrook 1997/1998, London
LPG offers an immediate reduction in emissions out put compared to
diesel and petrol-powered vehicles.
The market growth of autogas is vital to ensure Namibia enjoy its
environmental and economic benefits - as an alternative fuel for the
future.
Which countries use gas as a fuel ?
FRANCE
Tax exemptions
Exemption from the rules which restrict drivers of other vehicles to
alternate day use times of peak pollution.
BRITAIN ( UK)
Britain power shift scheme
Over 400 000 vehicles on gas, 40 000 public transport, 1000 filling
stations
JAPAN
90% of all taxis run on LPG – Autogas. Nissan and Toyota turn out
factory – made vehicles, 45 000 of them each year to replace
existing taxis. Most of the heavy machineries are converted to LPG
to assist in reducing greenhouse gases
GREECE
The government offered tax cut on Autogas. 36 filling stations
fitted with Autogas.
AUSTRIA
A full fleet of 400 LPG powered buses is already the reality in
Vienna, Austria LPG has been in use for over 30 years. Private
vehicles using large amount of LPG due to government incentives and
tax cut on LPG. The Viennese have found that LPG buses are quieter
and less smelly than their diesel counterparts and when the
temperature falls, diesel can wax but LPG goes on reliably powering
the bus.
DENMARK
The government has converted about 200 buses, public is urged by
government through the introduction of incentive to use taxis and
buses and private motorist receive tax cut when converting their
vehicles to Autogas.
AUSTRALIA Over 500 000 vehicles run on Autogas. Laws were passed for
taxis to run on LPG, public transport buses are also converted. The
government also introduced a no levy on LPG. Ford and Holden deliver
cars on dual fuel system. Australia has approximately 3 500 services
stations.
HOLLAND
Over 550 000 vehicles on Autogas, of which public transport is 20%.
Levy on Autogas has been reduced and converters receives incentive
from the government. The cut in tax + levy + incentive is to promote
clean fuel and a better environment. Almost every petrol filling
station is equipped with a gas filling point.
INDIA
India was the most polluted country not to forget Japan and Hong
Kong. Today the Indian sky is looking blue than ever, the
contribution from the government of imposing restrictions on public
and private vehicles and scooters has led to a much-improved
environment. Over 525 000 vehicles run on LPG Autogas, since the
Kyoto Protocol was introduced.
ITALY
Over 2,4 millions vehicles run on LPG. The government has introduced
tax cut and rebate system on the cost of new cars that run on dual
fuel. The rebate is about 30% of the car price, to assist in
cleaning up the environment and cut down on emissions from cars.
Over 600 000 Autogas public transport vehicles are converted. Italy
has 1,750 Autogas filling stations.
USA
Over 450 000 vehicles are on LPG despite the fact that the USA –
pulled out of the Kyoto protocol. The public still convert their
vehicles to LPG due to its benefits.
Other countries such as Bangeladesh, Yeman, Turkey, Iran, Borgaria,
Romania, Indonesia, Russia, Georgia, Israel, Brazil, Portugal, Peru,
Spain, Ghana, Gambia, Senegal, South Africa etc., LPG is utilized as
an alternative fuel. |
