NGVAmerica News Week in Review: May 11, 2015

• The U.S. EPA Announces $13.5 Million in DERA Funding
• NGVs Dominate 2015 ACT Expo
• Cummins Westport Unveils ISB 6.7 G Natural Gas Engine
• Ford Unveils 2016 Gaseous Fuel Prep F-150
• Chevrolet Silverado Chassis Cab Available with CNG Option
• Penske Truck Leasing to Receive $1.1 Million in Texas Sustainability Grants
• CWI Near Zero NOx Emissions ISL G Natural Gas Engine
• Rush Enterprises Introduces Line of CNG Fuel Systems
• UPS to Purchase Renewable Natural Gas from Clean Energy Fuels
• Love’s Opens Its First CNG Station in Georgia
• TravelCenters of America Opens LNG Fueling Lanes at TA in Texas
• TECO Peoples Gas to Build CNG Fueling Station in Orlando
• ampCNG’s CNG Truck Fleet Surpasses 30 Million Miles
• Agility Fuel Systems to Open New Production Facility in North Carolina
• Daimler Trucks North America to Ramp up Production
• Landi Renzo Advanced Components Available in the U.S.
• McNeilus Introduces CNG Inspection Program for Fleets
• CNGci Introduces Fuel System Solutions for Heavy-Duty Applications
• Worthington Introduces Large Diameter CNG Cylinder
• Parker Launches New Fuel Regulation Module
• Quantum and GAIN Fuels to Offer No Money Down Program for CNG Trucks
• Agility and Cummins Announce Strategic Partnership
• AFV Passes Accelerated Corrosion Testing on CNG Components
• Bomin Linde LNG Fuels the First German Vessel with LNG

The U.S. EPA Announces $13.5 Million in DERA Funding

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting proposals for the Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program FY 2015 funded through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program.  The total estimated funding for this competitive opportunity is approximately $13.5 million.

This RFP has been updated from the most recent competition, so applicants are encouraged to carefully review the Request for Proposals (RFP).  Priority will be given to proposals which demonstrate, among other factors:

• Diesel emission reductions from engines involved in goods movement, including freight and/or ports;
• Diesel emission reductions in areas of poor air quality;
• Project outcomes that benefit the community; and
• Community engagement and partnerships in the development and implementation of this project.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) is posted here.  The RFP and additional information is also posted here.

EPA will host informational webinars on Tuesday, May 12, at 2:00 p.m. (ET) and Thursday, May 21, at 2:00 p.m. (ET).  Webinar participants do not need to register in advance.  The webinar link and call-in information may be found here.

This RFP will close on June 15, 2015.  EPA expects to make awards in the fall. For more information on this funding opportunity, please visit the Clean Diesel website here.

 

NGVs Dominate 2015 ACT Expo

More than 3,500 attended this week’s Alternative Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo Conference & Expo in Dallas, Texas, where NGVs and NGV-related discussions were dominant on the expo floor, at the ride-and-drive, and during the general and breakout sessions. The ACT Expo, hosted by Gladstein, Neandross & Associates, is North America’s largest event for the alternative fuel vehicle industry, bringing together the full gamut of alternative fuel and AFV technology advocates—including OEMs, fuel providers, infrastructure developers, policy makers, other industry stakeholders and fleets.

NGVAmerica, many NGVAmerica members and other NGV companies joined the hydrogen, biodiesel, propane, clean diesel and electric industries to comprise over 200 exhibitors at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on May 4–7.

Next year’s show will be in Long Beach, California, on May 2–5. For more information about the ACT Expo Conference & Expo, visit www.actexpo.com.

 

Cummins Westport Unveils ISB 6.7 G Natural Gas Engine

May 5, 2015

Last week at the ACT Expo, Cummins Westport unveiled the ISB6.7 G, a 6.7L medium-duty, factory built dedicated natural gas engine for school bus, shuttle bus, medium-duty truck and vocational applications.  The new ISB6.7 G is currently in field trials with full production expected to commence in mid-2016.

The ISB6.7 G natural gas engine is based on the Cummins ISB6.7 diesel engine platform.  The ISB6.7 G will operate exclusively on natural gas (CNG or LNG) using Cummins Westport’s proprietary spark-ignited, stoichiometric combustion with cooled exhaust gas recirculation (SEGR)  technology, first introduced with the 8.9L ISL G.

The ISB6.7 G features three-way catalyst after-treatment, which is packaged as a muffler and is maintenance-free. No diesel particulate filter or selective catalytic reduction after-treatment will be required.  Preliminary specifications include a range of ratings to 260 hp and 660 lb-ft torque and automatic transmission capability to meet customer and original equipment manufacturer requirements.  The ISB6.7 G will be manufactured in Cummins’ medium-duty engine plant in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

Partial funding in support of the ISB6.7 G engine development has been received from California Energy Commission through its Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Program in conjunction with the Gas Technology Institute. The ISB6.7 G is expected to be certified at launch to meet the U.S. EPA and CARB emission standards and fuel economy regulations.

 

Ford Unveils 2016 Gaseous Fuel Prep F-150

Ford said that the 2016 Ford F-150 full-size pickup truck will now be offered with a gaseous-fuel prep option to feature a CNG fuel system.

The gaseous-fuel prep option will be available on all models with the 5.0L V8 engine. The engine will be available to order this summer with a factory-installed, gaseous-fuel prep package that includes upgraded intake and exhaust valves as well as valve seats.

CNG/propane engine prep from the factory will cost the buyer $315. The customer can then choose a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier to supply the fuel tanks, fuel lines and unique fuel injectors. Conversions typically cost between $7,500 and $9,500, depending on fuel tank capacity.

Ford said that four alternative-fuel vehicle modifiers will offer CNG bi-fuel and dedicated kits for the 2016 F-150. They are Altech-Eco, based in Asheville, North Carolina; IMPCO Automotive of Sterling Heights, Michigan; Westport of Dallas, Texas; and Venchurs Vehicle Systems, based in Adrian, Michigan.

Ford maintains the engine and powertrain limited warranty, at five years or 60,000 miles, for the vehicle. The modifier will be responsible for the system component warranty.

With the addition of the 2016 F-150, Ford now offers eight commercial vehicles available from its factory with a gaseous-fuel prep option, ranging from the Transit Connect vans to the F-750.

The company, which sold 16,821 commercial vehicles with CNG/propane gaseous engine-prep packages in 2014, noted that 2015 is shaping up to be an even stronger year.

 

Chevrolet Silverado Chassis Cab Available with CNG Option

May 7, 2015

Chevrolet will expand its CNG lineup to include the bi-fuel 2016 Silverado 3500HD Chassis Cab, allowing drivers to operate the vehicle on CNG or gasoline. Bi-fuel will be available on the regular cab in both 2WD and 4WD drivetrains starting in the fourth quarter.

Southern California Gas Co. has more than 5,000 units on the road, and currently 22 percent of its over-the-road fleet operates on natural gas. The utility has committed to make the majority of its over-the-road vehicles operate on CNG by 2020, and it is looking to the bi-fuel Silverado 3500HD Chassis Cab to help meet that goal.

“A chassis cab configuration is the bread and butter of our fleet and the vehicle we rely on to service customer homes,” said Tony Orta, Strategy & Maintenance manager at Southern California Gas. “The turnkey bi-fuel option offered by Chevrolet allows us to reduce our carbon footprint while giving us the fueling flexibility and range we need to keep drivers on the road servicing customers.”

The Silverado 3500HD comes equipped with a 24.5 gallon CNG tank, located directly behind the cab, in addition to the 23.5 gallon gasoline tank.

All of the CNG fuel systems are warranted and validated by Chevrolet. All major components associated with the CNG system also carry GM service part numbers and are available throughout the GM dealer network. GM also offers the bi-fuel Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD and the dedicated CNG full-size Chevrolet Express and vans.
Penske Truck Leasing to Receive $1.1 Million in Texas Sustainability Grants
May 5, 2015

Penske Truck Leasing is the recipient of four grants totaling $1.1 million from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) through the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP).

It is expected the company will utilize the grants to subsidize the purchase of natural gas Freightliner Cascadia tractors equipped with Cummins Westport 12L engines. Penske will likely deploy these trucks in its full-service truck leasing fleet in the Houston and Dallas markets.

“The Houston and Dallas metropolitan regions have been designated as target air-quality improvement areas and we’re happy to do our part in facilitating TERP’s vision,” said Drew Cullen, Penske Senior Vice President of Fuels and Facilities Services.

Penske Truck Leasing is an affiliate partner in the U.S. EPA SmartWay program and has won the SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Award for the last three years. The company is also an affiliate partner in the Canada SmartWay Transport Partnership, which is administered by Natural Resources Canada. In 2015, Penske Truck Leasing was given the U.S. EPA Clean Air Excellence Award for the first time in company history.
CWI Near Zero NOx Emissions ISL G Natural Gas Engine

May 6, 2015

Cummins Westport (CWI) announced it will begin field tests this year in California in transit buses with a spark ignited natural gas engine capable of producing Near Zero NOx emissions well before the 2023 California Near Zero NOx schedule for Low NOx vehicles.

CWI believes its proprietary Stoichiometric EGR Spark Ignited (SESI) natural gas engine technology as released on its ISL G and ISX12 G engines is ideally suited to continue to provide an economic and efficient solution to California air quality improvement initiatives.

With funding support from South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), SoCal Gas and California Energy Commission (CEC), CWI has recently invested significantly on leveraging the SESI platform to develop a new Near Zero NOx technology pathway to 0.02 grams per brake-horsepower hour NOx.  CWI has demonstrated this technology and will now field test a transit bus with the new Cummins Westport Near Zero NOx ISL G that will reduce NOx emissions by 90 percent from the current EPA limit of 0.2 g/bhp-hr to 0.02 g/bhp-hr NOx while also meeting the 2017 EPA greenhouse gas emission requirements.

The new Near Zero NOx ISL G will continue to use the maintenance-free Three Way Catalyst (TWC) after-treatment. TWCs are effective, simple, passive devices, packaged as part of the muffler. Cummins Westport natural gas engines do not require active after-treatment such as a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) or Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). Commercial availability will be announced at a later date.

 

Rush Enterprises Introduces Line of CNG Fuel Systems

May 4, 2015

Momentum Fuel Technologies, a new division of Rush Enterprises, has introduced a complete CNG fuel system solution for Class 6 to 8 trucks, offering support from design and manufacturing, to sales and ongoing service throughout the product life cycle.

Company leaders and researchers spent more than 5,200 hours talking to customers about their needs, and then applied those findings to the design, engineering and manufacture of this solution. Customers expressed interest in a number of areas, including driver confidence, system weight, critical safety features, limiting downtime and a complete support network.

Momentum Fuel Technologies invested millions of dollars in its 109,000 sq-ft CNG-dedicated facility in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, with state-of-the art machining equipment. All major components will be manufactured in house.

The company plans to offer both side-mount and back-of-cab mount systems. Side-mount systems include a 40 or 45 DGE tank configuration. The back-of-cab mount system we initially include a 110 DGE tank. We expect to offer another back-of-cab mount system, with 150 DGE in fall 2015.

Momentum Fuel Technologies’ authorized installer, Custom Vehicle Solutions (CVS), performs hundreds of natural gas system installations annually on a broad range of market applications. Rush Truck Centers is the nation’s largest provider in Parts, Service and support with more than 100 locations in 20 states, including 14 locations with dedicated natural gas service bays. Additionally, there are more than 260 technicians trained in natural gas safety and preparedness, more than 55 trained in fuel-systems and more than 135 trained in OEM systems throughout the Rush Truck Centers network.

 

UPS to Purchase Renewable Natural Gas from Clean Energy Fuels

May 5, 2015

UPS announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase renewable natural gas (RNG) for its delivery vehicle fleet from Clean Energy Fuels. The deal signifies UPS’s plan to significantly expand its use of renewable natural gas for its natural gas-powered fleet.

Clean Energy Fuels, co-founded by T. Boone Pickens, is the exclusive producer of Redeem, the first RNG made available in commercial quantities. UPS fueling stations in Sacramento, Fresno and Los Angeles will utilize Redeem RNG for refueling tractors and delivery vehicles in UPS’s fleet beginning this month. UPS and Clean Energy Fuels Corp. estimate that the three stations will provide approximately 1.5 million DGEs annually of RNG to fuel nearly 400 UPS CNG vehicles in California.

RNG, also known as biomethane, can be derived from many abundant and renewable sources, including decomposing organic waste in landfills, wastewater treatment and agriculture. RNG provides significant environmental benefits by capturing naturally occurring methane before it is released into the atmosphere as a greenhouse gas emission and turning that methane into a safe, useable fuel that displaces diesel.

“Renewable natural gas is critical to our effort to minimize UPS’s environmental impact while meeting the growing demand for our services,” said Mitch Nichols, UPS senior vice president of transportation and engineering. “This commitment also positions UPS to use RNG in its extensive natural gas fleet which includes more than 2,500 medium and heavy-duty vehicles.”

The first package delivery company to introduce alternative fuel tractors into its fleet, UPS operates one of the largest private alternative fuel and advanced technology fleets in the U.S. The company has a goal of driving one billion miles using its alternative fuel and advanced technology fleet by the end of 2017. For more information about UPS’s RNG initiative, visit longitudes.ups.com.

 

Love’s Expands CNG Network into Georgia

May 4, 2015

Love’s Travel Stops has announced that a partnership with Werner Enterprises has led to Love’s first CNG location in Georgia. The existing travel stop in Thomson is now dispensing Love’s Fast-Fill CNG for heavy-duty trucks and features a CNG fueling option for passenger vehicles. This is the second CNG facility in the Greater Augusta area and the first in Thomson.

“Thomson is an ideal location because Interstate 20 is a major east-west route,” said Bill Cashmareck, general manager of natural gas for Love’s. “This location will serve residents, fleets and leisure travelers who need a convenient place to fill.”

Werner, which operates more than 7,100 trucks and is one of the five largest truckload carriers in the nation, has taken steps to improve its sustainability. The transport company planned to purchase eight CNG trucks specifically for the Thomson area, but they lacked a reliable place to fill.

Love’s Fast-Fill CNG is available in-lane along with diesel and diesel exhaust fuel (DEF). Drivers can fill a 100-gallon equivalent tank in 10 minutes or less.

Fast-fill CNG locations now open:

1. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – I-40, Exit 140
2. Willis, Texas – I-45, Exit 95
3. Houston, Texas – 610 Loop, Exit 24A
4. Dallas, Texas – I-35/I-20, Exit 466
5. Worth, Texas – I-35 W, Exit 40
6. Katy, Texas – I-10, Exit 737
7. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – I-40, Exit 166
8. Rockwall, Texas – I-30, Exit 283
9. San Antonio, Texas – I-35, Exit 144
10. Burbank, Ohio – I-71, Exit 204
11. Amarillo, Texas – I-40, Exit 74
12. Thomson, Georgia – I-20, Exit 172

Fast-fill CNG locations coming soon:

1. Ardmore, Oklahoma – I-35, Exit 32
2. Webbers Falls, Oklahoma – I-40, Exit 287
3. Seguin, Texas – I-10, Exit 604
4. Williams, Arizona – I-40, Exit 163
5. Albuquerque, New Mexico – I-40, Exit 158
6. West Memphis, Arkansas – I-40, Exit 280

 

 

TravelCenters of America Opens LNG Fueling Lanes at TA in Texas

TravelCenters of America, operator of the TA and Petro Stopping Centers travel center brands, has announced the opening of LNG fueling lanes at a TA location in San Antonio, Texas, off of I-10 at Exit 583.

To date TravelCenters has also completed retrofitting its TA Truck Service and Petro Lube facilities to provide truck maintenance and repair on both CNG and LNG fueled trucks. These locations are:

• TA Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (I-81, Exit 77)
• TA Baytown, Texas (I-10, Exit 789)
• TA Lafayette, Louisiana (I-10, Exit 101)
• TA San Antonio, Texas (I-10, Exit 583)
• TA Dayton, Ohio (I-70, Exit 10)
• TA Dallas South, Texas (I-20, Exit 472)
• Petro Ontario, California (I-10, Exit 57)
• Petro West Memphis, Arkansas (I-40, Exit 280/I-55, Exit 4)

“All of our LNG lanes are ‘super lanes’ in that they are equipped to dispense LNG, diesel and DEF,” shared Tom O’Brien, President and CEO of TravelCenters. “Because super lanes are integrated with existing fuel lanes, we do not interrupt truck traffic flow, or reduce available truck parking spaces.”

 

 

TECO Peoples Gas to Build CNG Fueling Station in Orlando

May 08, 2015

TECO Peoples Gas will install a CNG fueling station and provide utility service to the City of Orlando for the first time under a new rate. In 2014, the Florida Public Service Commission created a new rate that allows Peoples Gas to design, construct, own and maintain CNG stations and deliver natural gas to the outlet of the dispensers for vehicle fueling. Customers do not make any upfront investment but instead pay for the service through monthly utility billing. The CNG station will be located at the City of Orlando’s fleet maintenance facility and will be dedicated to fueling the city’s fleet of refuse trucks. It is expected to be in operation by October 2015.

“Through our Green Works initiative, Orlando has become one of the most sustainable cities in the country,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “I am proud to partner with TECO to provide the infrastructure for our new solid waste vehicles.”

 

 

ampCNG’s CNG Truck Fleet Surpasses 30 Million Miles

May 4, 2015

ampCNG announced that its fleet of Class 8 CNG trucks has surpassed 30 million miles, achieving fuel efficiency of 6.17 miles per diesel equivalent gallon. With this accomplishment, ampCNG says it has demonstrated the commercial and operational viability of CNG as a fuel for heavy-duty trucks. The company’s primary business is developing, owning, and operating public access CNG fueling stations built for the heavy-duty trucking industry. ampCNG currently owns and operates 21 CNG stations nationwide (19 of which are part of amp Trillium, ampCNG’s joint venture with Trillium CNG) and has plans to open several more this year.

The 42-truck fleet is leased by Renewable Dairy Fuels, a subsidiary of ampCNG, and operated by Ruan. The fleet carries raw milk from Fair Oaks Farms to processing facilities in Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee and Indiana.

Zimmerman added: “We don’t want to be in the trucking business, but we felt it was important to put these trucks on the road to prove that CNG works for the Class 8 market. Along the way, we reduced operating costs for our dairy customers and helped the environment. Furthermore, the drivers report that they actually prefer CNG versus their old diesel units because the CNG trucks are cleaner and quieter.”

Since deploying the CNG trucks in 2011, ampCNG has displaced approximately 4.6 million gallons of diesel and eliminated approximately 7,100 tons of carbon dioxide.

 

 

Agility Fuel Systems to Open New Production Facility in North Carolina

May 6, 2015

Agility Fuel Systems, a designer and producer of natural gas fuel storage and delivery systems for heavy-duty trucks and buses announced it will be opening a 204,000 square foot production facility in Salisbury, North Carolina.

The new facility, expected to commence production later in 2015, is strategically located north of Charlotte, North Carolina, in order to be in close proximity to heavy-duty truck and bus OEM assembly plants. To meet growing demand, this facility allows for an additional 100,000 square feet of expansion, ensuring future scalability.

The new facility will be the industry’s first vertically integrated natural gas fuel system production facility. Agility’s new plant capabilities will include CNG cylinder production, fabrication, a paint shop, and fuel system assembly.

For more information about Agility Fuel Systems and its products, visit the Agility website at www.agilityfs.com.

 

 

Daimler Trucks North America to Ramp up Production

April 29, 2015

Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) today announced that it plans to sharply increase production and employment levels at its Mt. Holly, North Carolina, truck manufacturing plant over the next three months.  The Mt. Holly Truck Manufacturing Plant will add a third shift to its operations and plans to fill the additional 580 manufacturing and 25 related supervision, engineering and administrative positions by mid-July.

The Mt. Holly plant manufactures Freightliner M2 Business Class medium-duty diesel and natural gas-powered trucks, as well as Freightliner’s line of 108SD and 114SD trucks built for the severe-duty vocational truck markets.

The positions will be in addition to the more than 2,300 positions filled in the company’s truck and parts facilities during 2014.

 

Landi Renzo Advanced Components Available in the U.S.

May 4, 2015

Landi Renzo USA has announced plans to release its most technologically advanced Electronic Pressure Regulator (EPR) for sale in the U.S. market. The EPRs have a number of advantages including the electronic control of optimal output pressure depending on specific engine and ambient conditions; improved reliability in cold conditions due to the elimination of all rubber part; extended range compared to a standard mechanical pressure regulator obtained by further sensing and compensating at low CNG storage pressure; and it comes in a compact single-stage design for improved vehicle packaging. The EPR has undergone extensive validation of OEM specifications.

Plans for a phased in approach to existing products will include introduction of the EPR on the 2016 Ford F-450 and 550 6.8L V10 models. Introduction to additional platforms will follow.

A webinar will be scheduled at a later date for a comprehensive overview of the EPR’s features and benefits. The new regulator is planned to be available October 2015. For more information about Landi Renzo, visit their website at www.landiusa.com or call 310.257.9481 to speak with a representative.

 

 

McNeilus Introduces CNG Inspection Program for Fleets

May 4, 2015

McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing has introduced a CNG inspection services program designed to enhance the safety and integrity of natural gas powered vehicle fleets. Conducted by certified technicians, the McNeilus inspection services program includes an NFPA 52 Compliance Review and is available through the company’s service center network and fleet of mobile service vehicles.

In addition to CNG inspection services, McNeilus also offers additional support services to commercial fleets. Through its nationwide network of branch locations and service centers, McNeilus maintains an inventory of commonly required replacement parts for a wide range of CNG configurations. The company’s certified technicians are trained to conduct on-site problem solving and in-the-field repairs, including both high- and low-pressure filter maintenance.

“A regular schedule of CNG system inspections at 36-month or 36,000-mile intervals is a federal requirement, and one that needs to be incorporated into a fleet’s preventative maintenance program,” said Nelson. “With McNeilus certified technicians, parts inventory, and customer education opportunities, we are able to fill this need.”

For more information on McNeilus NGEN CNG vehicle inspection services, visit www.ngencng.com.

 

 

CNGci Introduces Fuel System Solutions for Heavy-Duty Applications

May 5, 2015

CNGci, a provider of Type 3 cylinders located in Oxnard, California, is finalizing the launch of their complete fuel system solutions for heavy-duty truck applications. The new systems will provide customers with a one-stop shop solution, eliminating uncertainty when it comes to component selection or finding the right fit for particular heavy-duty truck applications.

Fuel systems typically consist of a CNG cylinder and enclosure package, either with or without a fueling panel. Fuel systems are offered in a variety of vehicle configurations and are scalable to the individual customer’s range, fueling requirements and intended application.

It was also announced this week that CNGci has become part of the Winkelmann Group, a German company and provider of flow formed products for various automotive and industrial applications.

The transition will allow CNGci to expand its existing operations in order to meet increased customer demand and to venture into offering value added services to its customers. Winkelmann Group expands its portfolio of companies to include green technology products while maximizing synergies with their existing international operations.

For more information, contact CNGci at 805.278.8060 or www.cng.us.com. To learn more about Winkelmann Group, visit their website at www.winkelmann-group.de.
Worthington Introduces Large Diameter CNG Cylinder

May 04, 2015

Worthington Industries announced today that it has expanded its line of CNG cylinders with a new lightweight, large diameter 26.2” model.

This is the Company’s largest Type III CNG cylinder and provides improved fast-fill efficiency. Designed for Class 8 heavy-duty and refuse trucks, these large diameter cylinders will fill to rated capacity making longer routes possible. As with all Worthington Type III cylinders, the aluminum inner liner provides an added safety feature, by reducing the risk of flex or fracture in the outer composite reinforcement if an impact occurs.

 

Parker Launches New Fuel Regulation Module

May 7, 2015

Parker Hannifin Corporation introduced the FM80 Fuel Regulation Module, a fully integrated CNG flow control and regulation system for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles with 5L to 12L engines.  Parker’s FM80 withstands extreme variations in temperature, flow, vibration, supply pressure, and gas composition.

Parker’s FM80 features a metal piston-style regulator, coalescent filters, pressure sensors, a lock-off solenoid valve, heat exchanger, and low-pressure relief valve, all in one compact body.  Other components to complete the customizable, integrated system include choice of Parker’s best-in-class hoses, fittings, seals, manual shut-off valve, check valves, receptacles, and nozzles.  The system offers customizable levels of integration and more configuration options than comparable products.  The complete CNG fuel system exceeds industry standards for leakage and safety.  It has been tested on a variety of engines and meets the flow and regulation specifications of all leading OEMs with CNG options.

The FM80 was engineered for medium- to heavy-duty vehicles like delivery and day cab trucks, cement trucks, school and transit buses, and waste refuse/recycling vehicles.  Optimized for advanced fuel handling performance in 5L to 12L engines, Veriflo’s piston-style regulator design offers stable pressure delivery and control of CNG throughout the full range of extreme engine and environmental operating conditions. In addition to the FM80, Parker offers multiple fuel module options for system integrators and OEMs.

For more information regarding the Parker FM80 Fuel Regulation Module, as well as other alternative fuel solutions, visit their website here, or contact the Veriflo Division at 510.412.1100 or ngv@parker.com.

 

 

Quantum and GAIN Fuels to Offer No Money Down Program for CNG Trucks

May 6, 2015

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide announced a supply and marketing alliance with GAIN Clean Fuel to package and offer CNG trucks through existing dealership relationships at the same purchase price as diesel trucks.  This program is offered in conjunction with and financed by a CNG fuel contract provided by GAIN Clean Fuel where CNG fuel pricing can be fixed for up to five years. Both pricing options are designed to accelerate the pay-back period for fleets and truck operators desiring to switch from diesel to CNG.

The program would initially include a Quantum 123 DGE back-of-cab system on a Kenworth 680 CNG truck and a CNG fuel contract with GAIN Clean Fuel.  The program would provide fleets and truck operators with two options for paying the incremental cost related to a CNG truck.

The first option would allow fleets and truck operators to amortize the additional cost of the CNG fuel system and CNG truck cost into a long-term CNG fuel contract with GAIN Clean Fuel. The second option available to fleets and truck operators is special pricing to assist reducing the differential cost for the CNG components on the new truck. The customer would pay the incremental cost at the time of the vehicle purchase and instead purchase fuel from GAIN Clean Fuel at preferred pricing levels. In both cases, the customer can lock in a low CNG fuel price for up to five years.

The program will initially be offered in the following areas: Aurora, Colorado; Des Moines, Iowa; Charlotte, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Kansas City, Missouri.  Additional locations will be announced later this summer.

 

 

Agility and Cummins Announce Strategic Partnership

May 5, 2015

Agility Fuel Systems and Cummins announced that they have entered into a strategic partnership intended to improve the NGV user experience, and to drive adoption of natural gas as a vehicle fuel for the heavy-duty truck and bus markets. Under the terms of the agreement, Cummins will also invest an undisclosed amount in Agility Fuel Systems’ equity.

The partnership includes technology development and integration of software and hardware between the natural gas engine and the onboard fuel storage and delivery system to significantly improve performance and uptime.

Additionally, Agility and Cummins will integrate their sales and aftermarket support and distribution networks to further enhance the end-user experience. Customers will soon be able to have service performed and obtain replacement parts at authorized Cummins distributor and OEM truck dealer locations in the U.S. and Canada.

“Our goal has always been to deliver a diesel-like experience to the end user, making natural gas-powered vehicles as easy to operate and service as diesel vehicles,” said Barry Engle, CEO of Agility. “By co-developing differentiated and improved natural gas solutions, and utilizing the breadth of Cummins service network, we believe we can accelerate the adoption of natural gas as a fuel for more vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks.”

 

AFV Passes Accelerated Corrosion Testing on CNG Components

May 04, 2015

AFV Natural Gas Fuel Systems, a vertically-integrated, privately-owned American manufacturer of fuel system components for the NGV industry, has released a technical paper verifying AFV’s compliance with NGV 3.1-2014 (accelerated cyclic corrosion test procedure for compressed natural gas powered vehicles fuel system components for). NGV3.1-2014, released in March 2014, addresses the construction and performance testing requirements for NGV fuel system components. The new requirement supersedes the previous salt spray version test that did not fully represent how vehicles react over a 15 year lifespan in the Northeast regions of the U.S. and Canada.

Test assemblies were provided to a large automotive OEM for the exposure portion of the test which included 100 cycles of temperature, humidity and salt spray exposure and followed by performance testing done at an ISO 17025 accredited lab which included high, low and ambient temperature leak testing and burst pressure determination. The final requirements are that no leaks are found and the burst pressure reaches not less than 80 percent of a virgin component.

The complete technical paper is available here.

 

Bomin Linde LNG Fuels the First German Vessel with LNG

May 5, 2015

The car and passenger ferry MS Ostfriesland was fueled for the first time ever with LNG. The initial fueling of the approximately 308 ft. long Borkum ferry was conducted by Bomin Linde LNG. After completing safety checks, more than 10,500 gallons of LNG were transferred into the Borkum ferry’s tank within a short period of time.

After the successful initial fuelling, the passenger ferry, which was retrofitted to run on LNG by Brennund Verformtechnik Bremen (BVT), will need to perform several dry runs and marine tests during the next weeks. By the middle of the year, the first LNG vessel under German flag can initiate its daily service between Emden and the North Sea island of Borkum. By using LNG the MS Ostfriesland will save more than 264,000 gallons of marine gas oil per year.