SAFETY MEASURES ASSOCIATED WITH THE OPERATION OF ENGINES ON VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE FUELS

This paper reviews the safety of the operation of conventional engines on various alternative fuels. It is shown that methane in the form of compressed natural gas (CNG) is a safer engine fuel than common gasoline or other alternative fuels such as propane or hydrogen. The paper also describes the safety procedures adopted in the design and operation of a conventional laboratory engine on rich mixtures of methane and oxygen enriched air for hydrogen and synthesis gas (i.e. CO + H2) production.