PGN Trials The Use Of CNG As Motorcycle Gas Fuel

Photo: Doc. PGN

JAKARTA - Pertamina Gas Subholding, PT PGN Tbk together with PT Gagas Energi Indonesia as a subsidiary, carried out a trial use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as gas fuel (BBG) on motorcycles.

PGN conducted trials on three automatic motorcycles. Each motorcycle uses 2.5 liters of fuel equivalent to premium (LSP).

"This trial or test drive aims to find out the maximum distance that can be reached by motorbikes using 2.5 LSP BBG. In addition, the travel distance test will show the cost efficiency figures that can be obtained by users," said PGN Corporate Secretary, Rachmat Hutama in Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Friday, March 31.

From the results of the trial, the furthest distance was achieved by one of the Vespa motorbikes as far as 104 km with the use of 2.5 LSP so that per LSP it is calculated that it can cover a distance of about 41.6 km.

Then on an automatic motorbike, it covers a distance of 93.7 km (2.5 LSP) or about 37.5 km per LSP. Meanwhile, one other Vespa motorbike covers a distance of 91 km per 2.5 LSP or 37 km per LSP.

"Of these three vehicles, the average distance that can be achieved is 38.7 km/LSP," said Rachmat Hutama.

He continued, the BBG on motorbikes will save cost of buying fuel up to 2 times. The price of BBG itself is only IDR 4,500 per LSP and the price is the same wherever the filling place is.

The price of gas fuel is regulated and determined by the government and the conversion of gas fuel is one of the programs of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, so that the price increase will not be as frequent and fluctuating as fuel prices.

Motorcycles that have been converted to BBG will have a dual fuel system, namely a combination of fuel fuel and BBG. Therefore, BBG will increase the amount of fuel so that what is being taken can be further. This combination of fuel also makes users more flexible in choosing fuel.

"From this successful CNG motorcycle trial, it has become a trigger to realize the piloting project at 300 motorcycles in the near future. The conversion of CNG motorbikes is a breakthrough as well as PGN Group's support for the provision of environmentally friendly and efficient energy for the community," said Rachmat.

According to PT Gagas Energi Indonesia President Director Muhammad Hardiansyah, the distance per LSP can be more than 35 kilometers so that it provides more benefits for users. Users can still use fuel and can save money using gas fuel.

Currently available 20 SPBGs in DKI Jakarta, Bekasi, and Depok. Filling is also easy and practical, without the need to unload the tank pairs. Filling in the BBG itself only takes 1 2 minute.

Hardiansyah explained that for the conversion of BBG on motorbikes, it is necessary to install a converter kit, CNG tube, switch to activate/disable the use of BBG, and other devices. The installation is carried out by a certified workshop such as at the Indonesian Gas Auto Workshop BSD, South Tangerang and Bengkel Raja Rafa Samudra, Pondok Gede, Bekasi.

In connection with certification, it is of course a major concern. We prioritize the safety aspects of this conversion of motorcycle BBG. The CNG tube used has passed the pressure test and international standard ISO 11439 regarding the strength and specifications of the tube for CNG, so it is very unlikely to explode in everyday use, "explained Hardiansyah.

The BBG tube is also safe, because the gas cylinder is made from a seamless steel pipe made with a special process without connection that makes this tube light but very strong.

The tube used is according to the ISO 11439 standard safety, where testing has been carried out 1.5 times from operational pressure and is much greater than the pressure at the time of the collision due to the accident. Cylinder valve is also in accordance with ECE R 110 standard with the auto cut off mode for the express flow, meaning if there is a break-off or direct cut off of the gas from the cylinder.