<VV> VirtualVairs Digest, Vol 51, Issue 81 - Alt Fuels - CNG LPG

[Dale Allen]

Here in Australia LPG is widely distributed and used as an automotive  
fuel without problems. The only times we read of a fire or gas leak is  
when the system has been installed by a 'back-yarder'.

The usual requirement is for hardened valve seats, which provide no  
obstacle for a Corvair. As LPG is a very dry fuel some cars have  
problems with upper cylinder wear but this can be overcome by  
installing an upper cylinder lubrication system in the car. It may not  
be a problem with a Corvair.

All LPG, CNG, Propane systems need high pressure storage tanks which  
can be a bit bulky and usually encroach significantly into the trunk  
area.

CNG has more butane and methane than LPG which in turn has higher  
levels of propane but is not pure propane. The best energy return is  
from propane but LPG is fine and CNG is OK. The mileage will be less  
with the CNG because of the lower energy density.

Australian experience suggests that it is a very viable option - go  
for it.
Cheers.

Dale Allen
P.O. Box 402 Emerald Vic 3782
AUSTRALIA
Tel 61 3 5968 6137
Fax 61 3 5968 6599

Begin forwarded message:

Message: 9
Date: Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:57:45 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jeff Wilson <jwilson at unctv.org>
Subject: <VV> Alt Fuels (NO HYDROGEN), slight Corvair content....
To: virtualvairs at corvair.org
Message-ID: <27809476.2433671240441065039.JavaMail.root at zim>
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Okay all, just in time for Earth day!
I know I've seen at least one photo (on Corsa's webpages perhaps?) of
a late model Vair set up to run on 'natural gas' of some sort (this  
was done
back in the 70's or 80's I think).

Things I have sometimes wondered about but don't quite understand:
what is the difference between CNG (compressed natural gas) and LPG
(liquified petroleum gas) and 'Propane'?

I'd assume that CNG requires heavy storage tanks, but I believe it HAS  
been
tried as a motor fuel. Is LPG safe/ useful as fuel? I'm guessing that  
'propane'
is prohibitively expensive....

Any of you guys have knowledge/ experience in these types of things?

CJ Wilson
65 '500' series.