CNG Dispenser Technology R&D Gains Government Grant

By Chris Damiani, P.Eng. MBA

A major safety concern in the CNG fuel dispensing industry is the prospect of vehicles equipped with unauthorised CNG fuel tanks. Due to the high gas pressures involved in CNG refuelling, incorrect installation or uncertified tanks mounted on a vehicle can have catastrophic results. Currently there is no reliable way for a dispenser operator to know if a CNG tank has been installed properly, or, if it is a certified fuel tank. Customers of Kraus Global have suggested that an RFID verification system that would disable a dispenser should an unauthorized tank be detected would be a valuable feature in the Kraus product line.

Kraus has recently received $175,000 in funding through the Government of Canada to develop this verification system. With this funding Kraus will develop both an RFID reader system suitable for use with CNG dispensers, and, a practical and secure RFID tag that can be easily installed on existing and new CNG vehicle retrofits. This system will communicate over an industrial-wireless connection and will be suitable for a Zone 1 hazardous location.

Kraus greatly appreciates the support of the Canadian government in funding critical R&D. We expect to have a working prototype by the end of 2009 and test-sites overseas early in the new year.