Confidence Group Shows Light, Efficient ‘Type 4’ Cylinders for LPG, CNG

Confidence Group, which operates multiple CNG and LPG cylinder manufacturing facilities as well as a nationwide distribution network, has announced that it will soon begin offering Type-4 cylinders, which are created out of composite polymer and wrapped with carbon fibre. Type-4 cylinders are significantly lighter than the current Type-1 steel cylinders that are widely used in India. According to the company, the reduced weight will allow for vastly increased capacity when such cylinders are fitted into vehicles or used for transporting gas via truck.

Although Type-4 cylinders will be more expensive upfront than current-gen metal ones, operating expenditure for vehicle owners and the distribution network can be lower overall, according to Confidence Group Chairman and Managing Director Nitin Khara. Manufacturing in India should also lower costs compared to currently available imported units. 

Such cylinders are made out of a single piece of blow-moulded composite material, with no joints or welds. As per company officials, they are not susceptible to degradation or corrosion due to moisture and impurities in their contents, as the inner liner made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is inert. They are also resistant to impact, punctures, heat, and fire. They undergo 22 tests including drop and burst tests. 

At up to 70 percent lower weight than an equivalent steel cylinder, Type-4 cylinders can allow vehicles to hold three times as much gas, resulting in more efficient transportation and longer-range vehicles. For example, a 60 water-litre cylinder currently used for WagonR vehicles weighs around 75kg, but a Type-4 cylinder would weigh around 25kg. As for bulk cylinders, the current maximum capacity is 4,500 water-litres or 600kg of gas on a 20-foot truck, but that would more than double to 9000+ water-litres or 1,400+ kg of gas with a Type-4 cylinder. Where allowed by authorities, multiple such cylinders could be installed in a vehicle to increase range and reduce time wasted waiting for refills.  

The company will begin offering Type-4 cylinders by August 15, 2024, through its subsidiary Silversky Exim Pvt Ltd. Initial capacity will be 1,00,000 units per annum, though the company plans to scale up to 3,00,000 units in India per annum using imported German manufacturing technology. Models and variants designed for different pressure levels will be available, ranging from 20 bars to 700 bars, to suit different gases including LPG, CNG, HCNG, Bio CNG, and Hydrogen. 

Type-4 cylinders have been used in Europe, South Asia and the Middle East for many years. The carbon fibre and liner are both said to be completely recyclable. In India, the Petroleum and Safety Organization (PESO) already allows the use of Type-4 cylinders in automobiles as well as for storage and transportation cascades. The company does not expect metal cylinders to be phased out in India in the near future. 

As per Khara, there is likely to be demand from all major petroleum manufacturers and vehicle OEMs in India as well as export demand from various parts of the world. The company currently works with Tata Motors, Piaggio, and TVS among other automotive manufacturers and is engaging with them to encourage the adoption of Type-4 cylinders in CNG and Auto LPG vehicles.