A new standard from the International Organization for Standardization is expected to increase the market for natural gas-powered vehicles by making on-board storage of the fuel safer.

ISO 19078:2006, “Gas cylinders—Inspection of the cylinder installation, and requalification of high-pressure cylinders for the on-board storage of natural gas as a fuel for automotive vehicles,” applies to the more than 5.5 million natural-gas-powered vehicles in the world. Because explosive natural gas is stored on board vehicles in high-pressure cylinders, it’s important to consider carefully how the gas is stored.

The new standard provides information and procedures for the periodic visual examination and inspection of natural gas fuel cylinders. It specifies inspection requirements and defines damage criteria, as well as issues relating to manufacturing, maintenance, disposal of damaged cylinders, inspection equipment and inspector qualification.

For more information, visit www.iso.org/iso/en/commcentre/pressreleases/2007/Ref1043.html.

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