At the beginning of 2016, the big change in Cyprus with the fuel is implemented. The organized, legal import of LPG as a fuel for cars.
LPG as a fuel for cars began to be used in some countries 30 years ago and its use is constantly expanding. It was introduced in Greece 16 years ago. In Cyprus, the political decision to end full dependence on liquid fuels was taken in 2012, with provision for implementation from 2013, because it required a complex preparation framework. Finally, after three years, almost everything is ready, after intense preparation at the state, legislative, business and technical level. The general opinion that prevails, among all those who have been intensely involved in the preparation so far, is that we have a very good system , high requirements of security, professionalism and infrastructure and mainly, setting the tax at 7 cents per liter for the next 7 years. This will ensure a very strong interest from vehicle owners, so all investments are justified, for marketing of LPG systems, for the establishment of installation centers, training schools, for staff training, for LPG stations or additions to existing gas stations, for maintenance etc.
At the same time, a competitive pressure on liquid fuel prices will begin to emerge, as they will have a significant competitor. The cost of LPG, depending on how much each vehicle burns and how many kilometers it travels, is estimated to be profitable, as it will save 40% - 50 % for the driver or the owner of the vehicle, in relation to the use of petrol. The more kilometers a vehicle travels each year and the more energy-efficient the engine, the greater the savings and in real numbers, the faster the amortization of the investment required to install a LPG system. It is estimated - the real market and the competition will show - that this cost will start at around 1.000 euros and will go up, depending on the complexity of the car injection system, depending on whether it has more than four cylinders, etc. The economics are the main advantage of using LPG with the conversion of a vehicle into a dual fuel vehicle - petrol and LPG. But there are many more. LPG is a cleaner fuel than gasoline, so no residues are created in the engine, which usually wears it down, reducing the expectation of its good operation, thus avoiding damage to the engine and the catalytic converter. LPG does not dissolve in lubricants, oil and filter changes are less frequent. Thus, the car engine that uses LPG, needs less maintenance, because the deposition of carbon particles in the cylinders is avoided, the lubricants are not polluted, and the sparks remain cleaner. Of course, the installation of a gas device does not eliminate the possibility of using gasoline, therefore The driver chooses the fuel he wants to use each time, offering twice the autonomy of his vehicle. Of course, it is significantly less harmful to the environment fuel, since in total, according to real studies and measurements, they are reduced by 80% compared to diesel , and 40% in relation to gasoline. CO pollutants, for example, are reduced by 90% compared to diesel, and 60% relative to gasoline. In nitrous oxide, pollutants are reduced by 60% in relation to diesel and gasoline and in CO2 they are reduced by 5% in relation to diesel and 10% in relation to gasoline.Easy to convert vehicles with gasoline
Any car that burns gasoline can become virtually liquefied. Depending on the power supply system that will be used and the appropriate set, e.g. carburetor, single injection point, multiple injection, etc. For the time being, the technology does not allow LPG in diesel vehicles, but soon there will be this possibility as the manufacturers are close to the commercial availability of such systems, with diesel enrichment technology and not as a stand-alone fuel. Another "myth" says that with LPG, the engine loses efficiency. This was probably the case until a decade ago, with vehicles either on high climbs or towing heavy weights. With the latest generation conversion systems, the engine maintains exactly the same horsepower and torque. It should be noted, in relation to the installation of the system, that the tanks are produced in two options in terms of shape, ie cylindrical and in the form of a reserve for installation outside the vehicle, in the exact position of the reserve. There are commercially available tanks from 40 to 100 liters. The possibility of changing the fuel from gasoline to LPG and vice versa, is given through a switch - the voltage is for touch switches - which is placed near the steering wheel for easy access even on the move. Even if the LPG runs out on the go, the system will alert us - in time - with an audible signal and when it runs out it will automatically switch to petrol without shutting down the engine, even at high speeds. Also, in the fuel change switch, there is the LPG level indicator connected to the corresponding indicator on the tank. To install a gas system, the car needs to stay in the garage for an average of one day - a maximum of two. Practically, nothing is changed in the car and nothing is removed, but some components are added to be able to supply the gas. The petrol system remains independent. The two fuel systems, however, are controlled by different units. The gasoline system remains as it is - from its "mother". In the LPG system, the LPG leaves the tank in liquid form, at a pressure of about 3.5 bar, and goes to the reducer where it is converted to gas by means of a pressure drop and through of the dispenser is sent to the injectors which are controlled by the system control unit, which works like the factory for gasoline in relation to the fuel, at which time it sends the corresponding mixture.LPG is safer fuel than gasoline
The position in remarkable studies is strong, that with proper use, LPG in cars as fuel, not only is not dangerous, but is also safer than gasoline. Based on the legal framework, which also applies in Cyprus with strict criteria, Installed appliances and LPG tanks must have passed all the required European Union safety tests, even in the event of an accident or crash. It should be noted that LPG tanks are required by law to be replaced after a period of one decade from the date of their construction, and their re-use is prohibited. In addition, vehicles that have undergone conversions for LPG must replace their components after five years. LPG fuel transfer circuits from the tanks to the combustion engine are tight and do not pass through the passenger compartment, for safety reasons. . Of course, it is taken for granted that drivers wishing to convert their vehicles to LPG vehicles should contact authorized and approved garages, as well as certify the European certification of safety standards that accompany the components so that they are assured of safety. The law stipulates that components and devices for the conversion to LPG are installed by approved LPG crews and car mechanics with special training and license to practice in the field of LPG systems. A study by the Research Institute of Denmark based on her study to conclude that LPG is safer as fuel than gasoline. First, LPG diffuses directly into the air and needs twice the temperature to ignite. Second, it has the lowest flammability range of any other alternative fuel. Also, there is no risk of "hidden" leaks, leaks are very easily detected due to the very characteristic smell of LPG resulting from a special additive as a safety measure. Also, LPG is a non-toxic, non-toxic gas for humans. Finally, it is indicated that the LPG tanks we choose and install in cars are made of special carbon and steel alloys and are 20 times more durable than gasoline tanks. They are tested at high pressures, are ISO certified and comply with strict European quality standards. In the event of a collision, they do not break or open, keeping the LPG safely stored. Note that there is no risk of explosion, as special valves and safety systems take care of it. Source: FILELEFTHEROS