When sourcing 12 kg CNG cylinders for a fleet conversion or fuel storage project, the 12 kg cng cylinder dimensions define everything—shipping container utilization and vehicle mounting bracket design. The industry-standard 12 kg CNG cylinder typically features an outer diameter of 267 mm to 325 mm and a length ranging from 800 mm to 1200 mm, depending on whether it is a Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3 vessel. This guide provides authoritative specifications, compliance certificates (DOT, ISO 11439, ECE R110), and procurement details directly from an established manufacturer with over a decade of expertise in high-pressure gas containment.
1. Why Precision in 12 kg CNG Cylinder Dimensions Matters for B2B Buyers
For Import Managers, Brand Owners, Wholesalers, and Sourcing Agents, an exact understanding of cylinder dimensions directly impacts three critical business metrics:
- Logistics Optimization: Standard 12 kg CNG cylinders with a consistent 267 mm diameter and 950 mm height significantly reduce shipping volume per CBM compared to non-standard sizes. Over a 40-foot container, this can mean a difference of 20-30 units.
- Vehicle Integration: Fleet conversions in the USA (buses, light trucks) require strict adherence to available under-chassis or roof-mount space. A 12 kg cng cylinder that deviates by even 10 mm can cause costly re-engineering.
- Regulatory Compliance: In the USA, DOT (FMVSS 304) and in Europe, ECE R110, mandate precise labeling of dimensions, tare weight, and water capacity. Our cylinders match these requirements directly from the factory.
The following sections provide a deep-dive technical specification of the standard 12 kg CNG cylinder, comparing material types and providing actionable data for your next procurement cycle.
2. Standard 12 kg CNG Cylinder Specifications (Technical Parameters)
Below is the reference data for the most common 12 kg CNG cylinder. This data applies to our best-selling Type 1 (all-steel) and Type 3 (composite liner) models. Data is for reference; please confirm during order placement.
2.1 Primary Dimensional Data
| Parameter | Metric (Standard) | Imperial (USA Reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Capacity | 12 kg (Natural Gas) | ~5.5 GGE |
| Outer Diameter (Type 1) | 267 mm | 10.5 inches |
| Outer Diameter (Type 3) | 325 mm | 12.8 inches |
| Overall Height / Length | 880 – 1150 mm | 34.6 – 45.2 inches |
| Water Volume (Capacity) | 50 L | 13.2 US Gallons |
| Empty Weight (Type 1) | ~45 kg | ~99 lbs |
| Empty Weight (Type 3) | ~22 kg | ~48 lbs |
20 kg cng cylinder size 12 kg cng cylinder price 11 kg gas cylinder dimensions
2.2 Performance & Compliance Data
| Parameter | Specification | Certification Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Working Pressure (WP) | 20 MPa (200 bar / 3000 psi) | ISO 11439, DOT |
| Test Pressure (TP) | 30 MPa (300 bar / 4350 psi) | ISO 11439, ECE R110 |
| Burst Pressure (Min.) | ≥ 47.7 MPa | DOT FMVSS 304 |
| Fatigue Life (Cycles) | ≥ 15,000 cycles (Service) | ISO 11439 |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +65°C | DOT / ECE R110 |
| Neck Thread (Standard) | W19.8 (25E), M14, M18 | Customizable (OEM) |
Key Buyer Insight: In the USA, Type 1 cylinders remain the most cost-effective solution for stationary storage and heavy-duty buses due to their robust construction. Type 3 cylinders are preferred for light-duty vehicles where weight savings (over 50% reduction) directly translate to increased payload or fuel efficiency.
3. The XingYe Advantage: Factory Strength & Supply Chain Reliability
With over 13 years of specialization in high-pressure gas equipment and a dedicated workforce of 150+ employees across a 20,000 m² facility, Zhuzhou XingYe Chemical stands as a vertically integrated partner for global gas distributors and fleet operators.
3.1 Powerful Factory & Quality Assurance
- In-house R&D: We develop customized neck threads, valve interfaces, and cylinder profiles to meet unique vehicle space constraints.
- Certified Processes: ISO 9001:2015 quality management system ensuring traceability from steel coil procurement to final hydro test.
- 100% Hydrostatic Testing: Every 12 kg CNG cylinder is individually pressure-tested and certified to 1.5 times the working pressure.
- Batch Consistency: Standard deviations in dimensions and weight are kept within ± 1.5%, allowing you to plan logistics with high certainty.
3.2 High-Speed Delivery & MOQ
| Parameter | Standard Offering |
|---|---|
| MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) | 50 units (sample orders available) |
| Lead Time (Type 1, 12 kg) | 20 – 25 days after deposit (FOB) |
| Lead Time (Type 3, 12 kg) | 30 – 35 days (subject to composite material schedule) |
| Payment Terms | T/T (30% deposit, 70% before shipment), L/C at sight |
| Incoterms | FOB Shanghai, CIF Los Angeles / Rotterdam / Dubai |
| Packaging | Individual plywood crates, carton with foam inserts, or custom sea-worthy packaging |
3.3 OEM/ODM Design Capabilities
We understand that Brand Owners need differentiation. Our engineering team supports:
- Custom Branding: Logo, color, and laser-engraved specifications per your brand guidelines.
- Valve Integration: Matching cylinders to your existing valve portfolio (Quarter-Turn, Piston, or Solenoid types).
- Documentation Packages: Full CAD drawings (DWG/PDF), COA, MSDS, and DMV registration support for US fleets.
4. Certifications: The Backbone of Cross-Border Trust
For Import Managers and Sourcing Agents, the certification of a 12 kg CNG cylinder is the single most critical risk mitigation factor. Our products are designed to meet the following international standards:
- ISO 11439: International standard for CNG cylinders (mandatory for most global markets).
- ECE R110: European type approval for CNG/NG components. Required for import into EU and UNECE member states.
- DOT FMVSS 304 (USA): Department of Transportation standard for compressed natural gas cylinders. Our manufacturing process aligns with TP-304 testing protocols.
- ISO 9001:2015: Quality management system certification.
We caution buyers: always verify that your supplier's certification for the 12 kg cng cylinder dimensions matches your target country's regulatory body. Our technical sales team provides a certificate validation document with every order.
5. Application Scenarios & Decision Framework
Scenario 1: US Bus Fleet (Sourcing Agent, USA)
Challenge: A fleet manager in California needs 500 Type 1 cylinders for transit buses. The 12 kg cng cylinder dimensions must fit a standard roof-mount cradle. Solution: We supplied a 267 mm diameter, 950 mm height cylinder with DOT marking, reducing installation time by 15% compared to the previous supplier.
Scenario 2: European Industrial Gas Distributor (Brand Owner, Germany)
Challenge: An industrial gas distributor requires a lightweight cylinder for exchange programs. Solution: Our Type 3 composite cylinder (325 mm diameter, 880 mm height, 22 kg empty weight) was adopted, complying fully with ECE R110, reducing transport fatigue for drivers.
Scenario 3: Asian Wholesaler (Wholesaler, India)
Challenge: Price sensitivity and high MOQ were barriers. Solution: We offered a competitive FOB deal on Type 1 cylinders, leveraging China's supply chain efficiency to deliver a 40% cost savings over local manufacturing, with consistent 12 kg cng cylinder dimensions across 1,000 units.
6. What Our Clients Say
"The dimensional accuracy of the 12 kg cylinders from XingYe was spot on. Every unit matched the spec sheet perfectly. This made our container loading plan seamless and saved us 8% on freight compared to our previous supplier."
"We needed an OEM design with a specific valve threading and laser-engraved branding. XingYe's engineering team handled the custom 12 kg cng cylinder dimensions without any issues. The pre-shipment inspection process was transparent."

"As a wholesaler, consistency in the 12 kg cng cylinder dimensions across bulk orders is my biggest concern. XingYe delivered a batch of 500 units with perfectly uniform weight and diameter. Strong supply chain partner."
"We sourced Type 3 composite cylinders for a taxi fleet conversion in Dubai. The lightweight design and compliance with ISO 11439 made the registration process very smooth. Highly recommend their OEM support."
7. Sourcing Checklist: 12 kg CNG Cylinder Dimensions
Before placing your order, ensure the following technical and commercial parameters are clearly defined in your purchase agreement:
| Checkpoint | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Outer Diameter / Length Tolerance | Ensures fitment into existing vehicle cradles or container stacks. |
| Tare Weight Accuracy | Impacts shipping cost (per kg) and vehicle payload calculations. |
| Neck Thread Standard | Must match your existing valves. We offer W19.8, M14, M18, and custom. |
| Certification Marking (DOT/ECE/ISO) | Legal requirement for import clearance in your target market. |
| Hydrostatic Test Certificates | Proof of quality and lifespan (15,000+ cycle expectation). |
| Packaging & Ocean Freight Type | Plywood crates vs. cardboard. FOB vs. CIF terms. |
8. Let's Engineer Your Supply Chain for 2026
As the global market increasingly shifts toward cleaner fuel solutions, securing a reliable partner for standardized 12 kg CNG cylinder dimensions is a strategic advantage. At Zhuzhou XingYe Chemical, we bridge the gap between powerful Chinese manufacturing and demanding global compliance standards.
Ready to standardize your gas equipment procurement?
Contact our technical sales team to request a detailed dimension drawing, a sample quotation, or a full OEM proposal.
- 📞 Tel: +86 13787826843
- 💬 WhatsApp: 19313298383
- 📧 Email: boss@happywhip.com
- 🌐 Web: https://www.whipways.com/contactus.html
- 📍 Factory Address: Room 619-3, Henghe Industry And Trade Headquarters, No. 1099 Qingxia Road, Tongtangwan Street, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
"We respond to all sourcing inquiries within 24 hours, except during Chinese statutory holidays."
Disclaimer: All specifications, certifications, and capacity data mentioned in this guide are based on standard production models as of 2026 and are provided for reference purposes. Actual 12 kg cng cylinder dimensions and performance parameters are subject to final engineering design and the specific purchase contract. Buyers are encouraged to request a pre-production sample and updated technical drawings before mass production. Zhuzhou XingYe Chemical Co., Ltd. reserves the right to improve or modify product specifications without prior notice.
