National Certification Training

Are Compressed Natural Gas Fuel Systems and Cylinders safe? And is training is necessary? What qualifies a system as “Certified”

Many state and government departments are actively addressing public safety concerns due to the enormous interest in Natural Gas Vehicles. The year 2008 exposed knowledge of an alternative fuel that is cleaner, cheaper, and more plentiful than oil, thanks to high oil and gas prices. There have been many erroneous attempts by private interest groups to give false information about the safety and installation of aftermarket and Certified Natural Gas Systems. The term “illegal conversions” has been loosely used by many private interest groups which has attracted media attention and is causing safety concerns around the United States and explicitly in The State of Utah. There are an estimated 4000 aftermarket conversions in Utah alone and 80% of these retrofits were performed in 2008. Many Alternative Fuel advocates would agree there is discouragement in getting vehicles affordably retrofitted to run on CNG. As with any new Industry there comes with it false information, racketeering and malicious slander and deformation of business. CNG Interstate is educating to the public the options, the Laws and the safety pertaining to Natural Gas Conversions.

What are the differences between an EPA Certified kit and a Non EPA Certified Kit.

The largest piece of propaganda promoted by private interest groups and Political action Committees that needs to be addressed is that EPA kits are safe and Non EPA Kits are dangerous and propose a public safety threat. The Bottom line is that Installed kits of either kind are only as safe as the qualifications and care of the technician installing the natural gas kit. Kits should not be sold to the general public only to trained and certified installers that understand procedures outlined by the National Fire Protection Agency and the Compressed Gas Association, not even related to the EPA

EPA Certified kits meet international standards as well as US safety standards. EPA Kits undergo testing and programming to conform to emission standards, and to be tracked with documentation for Federal tax incentive programs. This testing is expensive as it also meets the Automotive Manufactures specifications as to not void factory warrantee.

Non Certified Kits meet international standards as well as US standards. Aftermarket kits do not undergo testing however the programming is done on a car by car basis which allows many more makes and models to become candidates for conversions, not qualified for federal tax incentives but some individual states offer tax incentives. Non-certified kits or aftermarket kits do not register with the original automotive manufacture. Factory warrantees may become void if any damage occurs to the engine or related systems. Without the expensive testing these kits can be universally used and cost far less money than certified systems.

Myth#2

There is not a uniform training program developed to insure proper retrofitting of a CNG Conversion system if an individual does not purchase a EPA Certified system. CNG Interstate is extremely proud to be leading the industry in educating individuals on the proper procedures of installation and inspection of Compressed Natural gas Fuel Systems and Cylinder storage devises. We have a highly qualified trainers including a government OSHA trainer and inspector that has over 15 years of experience in safety Laws and Guidelines. CNG Interstate has trained more individuals with the highest passing rate for the only national recognized certification program for NGV compliance than any other organization to date. In Fact we have found EPA Certified installer shops not certified with the Authorized Compressed Natural Gas Fuel and Cylinder safety certification. We have become the authority and enforcement team to protect this new industry. We can train government agencies local municipalities, businesses, fleet managers, and private individuals to get the National Recognized Certification as a Certified installer and Compressed Natural Gas Fuel System and Cylinder inspector.

Inspections performed by service stations or state agencies may not include a detailed CNG cylinder visual inspection developed by natural gas vehicle industry engineers. Following this standard, a qualified inspector will note cuts, cracks, gouges, abrasions, discoloration, broken fibers, loose brackets, damaged gaskets or isolators, heat damage or other problems and recommend proper action to assure fuel system safety.??A qualified inspector must have:

• knowledge of the types of containers used in CNG vehicle systems, and damage allowances for each type, and
• understanding of inspection requirements, tests, procedures, and
• the container manufacturer�s current inspection guidelines readily available.

A qualified CNG cylinder inspector also must:
• have a minimum of 2 years experience conducting container inspections, or
• be supervised by someone with 2 years experience, or
• be approved by the container manufacturer, or
• be certified as an inspector by an organization with NGV training centers, an �authority having jurisdiction� or a nationally recognized certification testing organization.

As gasoline and diesel prices continue to rise, many people are considering converting their car or light truck to run on compressed natural gas (CNG).

CNG is a clean, inexpensive (currently selling for less than half the cost of gasoline) domestic fuel. Best of all, it uses zero imported (or domestic) petroleum. And government rebates are available to help with the cost of conversion and to further lower the cost of CNG fuel.

CNG conversions SHOULD NOT be performed by unqualified technicians! Properly installed CNG systems are safe and economical, with the vehicle operating almost exactly like a gasoline vehicle. However CNG systems rely on high-pressure compressed natural gas for fuel, and high-pressure gases require specialized components and technical skills for installation. Conversions should be done according to the National Fire Protection Association�s Vehicular Fuel Systems Code (NFPA 52).

CNG converters and vehicle owners are reminded that CNG cylinders, often the most expensive component of the fuel system, must carry labels showing they meet the applicable Department of Transportation standard (FMVSS 304) by the symbol �DOT� on the label. The label will show an expiration date, after which the cylinder may not be safely used. Cylinders should also be inspected for safety every three years or 36,000 Converters and vehicle owners should have documentation that this safety inspection has been done.

Want to become a CNG Interstate Authorized Dealer and Installer?

Upon successful completion of this exciting certification training, you will have taken the first step in becoming a leader in this dynamic industry. After passing a final exam you will receive your CSA Fuel System Inspectors certification. It is from this very impressive list of certified graduates that CNG Interstate will consider, *when placing exclusive distributorship and territory.

Contact CNG Interstate.com to learn more about the benefits & privileges of Distributorship in your area!

*Certification does not guarantee distributorship or territorial rights*