CNG

CNG Conversion Class Overview

Course Goal: To introduce high school, vocational, college, and technical school students about the design and construction of CNG flex fuel vehicles.  The course involves modifying an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle to run on its natural fuel and CNG.  Instructor Training is available for this curriculum.  The course works with gasoline and diesel fueled vehicles.

This course follows the strict guidelines of CSA & NFPA 52 regulation.  Graduates earn the highest level of certification available and gain the confidence needed to safely install and maintain compressed natural gas systems. Once completed, the course work qualifies students to apply become a CNG Preferred Installer.

Students will learn:

Essential #1: High Pressure Tank and Line Installation
This element of the coursework stresses Safety & Hazard Mitigation.  Students learn inspection of high pressure cylinders.  This includes knowledge of cylinder parts, methods of construction, valves, and PRDs.  Cylinder de-fueling techniques are described in specific detail, along with hazard mitigation and storage procedures.

Essential #2: Under-the-Hood Component Installation
Student will see and compare different manufacturer’s conversion systems. They will understand basic components and wiring in aspirated and sequential port injection system types.  They will learn specific step-by-step installation sequences for the kit included with the course and understand the tools used in conversion.

Essential #3: Vehicle & Computer Calibration
Students learn the skills required for adjusting and fine tuning for optimal CNG performance.  They will use laptop calibration software to calibrate for these factors: outside temperature, altitude, load, barometric pressure and cylinder type.

Essential #4. Diagnostics
Students learn Problem Solving & System Troubleshooting.  This section of the coursework focuses on system troubleshooting.  Student are given a series of hidden problems and learn to diagnose via system checklists.  These real time skills prepare them for diagnostics they will use in actual service situations.

Materials included in the curriculum:

  • CNG Fuel Conversion Kit
  • Step-by-Step Vehicle Assembly Guide
  • 26 Educational Units in 10 Modules with Lesson Plans and Tests
  • Instructional DVDs with 50 video segments
  • Certification Application
  • Training Evaluation Form

Module 1Introduction to CNG Transportation
Unit 1: CNG Vehicles in History
Unit 2: The Evolution of Manufacturers, CNG Facts & Ratios
Unit 3: Advantages of the CNG Drivetrain (download a sample of Unit 3)

Module 2: Politics and Planning for the Future of Alternative Transportation
Unit 4: Energy and the Environment
Unit 5: Fuel, Maintenance and Development Costs
Unit 6: The Potential of Today’s Technology

Module 3: The Basics of Physics and Power
Unit 7: Force, Power, Torque and Energy

Module 4Conversion Components
Unit 8: CNG Conversion Systems (download a sample of Unit 8)
8.1 Petroleum Fuel
8.2 Diesel Fuel
8.3 Aspirated / Fumigated

Unit 9: CNG Components (download a sample of Unit 9)
9.1 Control System
9.2 Software
9.3 Tanks
9.4 PRD
9.5 Gas/ Air Mixer
9.6 NGV Filling Valve
9.7 High Pressure Lines
9.8 Manometer
9.9 Electro Valve
9.10 Heating Sytem
9.11 Emulator

Unit 10: Component Documentation

Module 5: Tank Design, Fabrication & Testing
Unit 11: Tank Design & Fabrication
Unit 12: Tank Testing

Module 6: Valves & PRD’s
Unit 13: Valve Ratings & Classifications
Unit 14: Pressure Release Devices (PRD’s)

Module 7: CNG System Inspection
Unit 15: Evaluating System Components

Module 8: CNG Safety Practices
Unit 16: CNG Safety

Module 9: CNG Codes & Standards
Unit 17: Codes & Standards

Module 10: CNG Kit Assembly Sequences
Unit 18: Step by Step Assembly of the CNG Kit Into Vehicle

Appendix: Forms & References
FAQs
Course Instructor Guide
Course Vocabulary
Course Exams
CNG Course Completion Certificate
CSA Inspector Application Form