Industry Dictionary
Industry Glossary
LPG
Liquefied Petroleum Gas, a mixture of propane and butane. A byproduct of the oil refining process. A fuel with lower particulate emissions compared to Petrol (Gasoline) and Diesel.
CNG
Compressed Natural Gas. Methane compressed to 200–250 bars. Methane is a fuel with very low particulate emissions.
LNG
Liquefied Natural Gas is methane in liquid form. The change of state occurs at extremely low temperatures, allowing for high energy density in a small space.
Technologies and Systems
Bi-Fuel
Petrol to Gas conversion system. A system allowing a petrol engine to run on gas and return to petrol operation after being switched off, when out of fuel, or in case of system failure.
Dual-Fuel
Diesel to Gas conversion system. A technology for the simultaneous combustion of two fuels – diesel and gas – to reduce costs and emissions.
Direct Injection
Often referred to as DI. Gas injection technology dedicated to engines where fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber rather than the intake manifold.
Sequential Injection
A system for injecting gas fuel into the intake manifold for MPI engines. It doses gas separately to each cylinder, synchronizing with the petrol injection.
Carburetor System
A vacuum-based LPG installation designed for older vehicles with carburetor engines. It operates mechanically: gas is drawn into the engine via a mixer.
Telemetry
Remote data management technology from remote devices to a central system. It enables remote control and data reading regardless of the system’s location.
Technical and Service Processes
Conversion
The process of modifying an internal combustion engine by installing an additional gas fuel system to adapt the engine to run on gas.
Calibration
The process of precisely setting the parameters of the gas controller (ECU) so that gas dosing is perfectly matched to the engine’s demand across all load ranges.
Mapping
Creating a digital gas injection “map” based on the engine’s operating parameters while running on petrol.
Computer Diagnostics
The process of connecting the gas installation controller to dedicated software to verify correct operation and check error history.
Leak Test
A safety procedure performed using electronic detectors or foaming liquids to rule out any gas leaks from the installation.
Consumption Reporting
The generation of detailed fuel usage reports enabled by the system’s integrated data acquisition and real-time monitoring features.
Procedures and Certification
Homologation
Type Approval. Official confirmation that a given component or system meets safety standards – R67-01 for LPG and R110 for CNG.
Tank Legalization
Periodic technical inspection of a gas tank authorizing it for further use .In Poland, tank recertification is required 10 years after the gas system installation, conducted in cooperation with the Transportation Technical Supervision.
ISO 9001
- An international standard for quality management in business processes.
Gas System Components
Kit
A complete set required to convert a petrol or diesel engine to gas, excluding the gas tank.
Controller
Electronic Controller Unit (ECU). The processor controls the operation of the gas installation. The installed software supervises the system, enabling diagnostics and calibration.
Reducer
Often referred as Vaporizer. A device that changes the state of the gas from liquid to vapor (for LPG) and reduces pressure (for CNG).
Injectors
The final element of the gas installation, precisely dosing the correct amount of gas into the engine.
Multivalve
An automatic valve mounted on the LPG tank that measures the gas level and ensures safety during refueling and in case of emergencies.
Solenoid Valve
Enables gas flow to when the engine is running on gas and immediately shut it off when the ignition is turned off or in emergency situations.
Cylinder Valve
A valve mounted on the CNG tank. Its main task is to control gas flow from the tank to the fuel system and protect against uncontrolled leaks.
Map-Sensor
A sensor measuring gas pressure and vacuum in the engine’s intake system.
Liquid Phase Filter
The first filter installed after the gas tank. It cleans LPG while it is still in liquid form.
Vapour Phase Filter
Cleans LPG when it is already in the gaseous state. It protects gas injectors from oily substances and particulates.
Thermoplastic Hose
Used to transport gas in the liquid phase – from the refueling valve to the tank, and from the tank to the reducer.
Diagnostic Interface
A communication device connecting the vehicle’s gas controller to the technician’s computer.
Toroidal LPG Tank
A donut-shaped tank for storing LPG. Usually installed in the spare wheel well. There are two types: internal and external.
Cylindrical LPG Tank
A cylinder-shaped tank for storing LPG, typically installed in the vehicle’s trunk.
CNG Cylinder
A tank for storing natural gas at a pressure of 200–250 bar. Made of steel or composite materials depending on the type.
CNG Tank Cascade
A natural gas storage system consisting of cylinders connected in series or sections.
Mother Station
A CNG refueling point directly connected to a gas pipeline. Due to its high capacity, it also serves as a transshipment hub.
Daughter Station
A compressed natural gas refueling point that does not have a direct connection to a pipeline, supplied by gas trailers.
Mobile Station
A self-sufficient gas refueling unit combining storage and distribution functions in one easy-to-transport module. Usually containerized.
Dispenser
A device used for direct gas refueling under high pressure (200–250 bar).
Compressor
A tool that draws gas from the network with low pressure and compresses it to an operating pressure of 200–250 bar to fill the gas tank.