Texas-based Momentum Fuel Technologies (Momentum), a new division of Rush Enterprises, is introducing to North America a claimed industry-first complete compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system solution for Class 6 to Class 8 trucks, offering support from design and manufacturing, to sales and ongoing service throughout the product life cycle.
“The industry is ready for a complete CNG fuel system solution,” said W.M. “Rusty” Rush, chairman, chief executive officer and president, Rush Enterprises. “With Rush Truck Centers’ expertise in natural gas truck sales and service and an unsurpassed support network, we are well positioned to launch Momentum Fuel Technologies.”
Momentum’s press release cites information from ACT Research Co.: adoption rates for U.S. Class 8 natural gas-powered commercial vehicles will grow steadily from four percent in 2014 to an estimated 10 percent in 2018 and 23 percent in 2020 (ACT Research Co. Adoption Forecasts 2015).
“We believe that the preference for natural gas vehicles will continue to grow, increasing nearly five-fold in the next five years, as ACT indicates,” said Rush.
Product Offering
The company plans to offer both side-mount and back-of-cab mount systems. Side-mount systems include a 40DGE with a range of 176-220 miles and 45DGE with a range of 198-248 miles. The initial offering for back-of-cab mount system will be 110DGE with a range of 506-633 miles. Another back-of-cab mount system, 150DGE with a range of 660-825 miles, is expected to be offered in fall 2015.
Momentum’s general manager Mike Zimmerman says future product development will include an expanded range of configurations to meet the needs of a number of market segments. “In addition, we will continue to work with Cummins Engine Company and other major engine manufacturers to ensure the Momentum CNG fuel system is well integrated and optimized to work efficiently with current and developing engine technology,” said Zimmerman.
Engineered for Fast, Accurate Fill Rates
The system is engineered to maximize fill rates, reserving customers’ valuable time for the road. Additionally, fuel flows straight from the manifold to the individual tanks using a parallel-flow fill system.
Built-in safeguards increase driver confidence in fuel levels and reduce range anxiety. The temperature-compensated fuel-level system reflects accurate gas and pressure levels so drivers won’t feel the need to make continual fuel top-offs on the road. The Electronic Control Module (ECM) converts the tank readings through the Fuel Level Interface Module (FLIM) and outputs the signal to the factory-installed fuel gauge.
The system comes with both transit-fill and time-fill fuel ports. The design includes oversized tubing with fewer bends and fittings plus a high-flow ball valve. Customers can choose optional front-bumper or passenger-side fuel ports for added convenience.
A Lightweight Fuel System
Everything in Momentum’s CNG fuel systems is lightweight by design. The system is constructed of lightweight aluminum and fiberglass composite materials with extruded aluminum in frame corners, base rails and cross members.
A lightweight fuel system means less overall system weight. The Momentum CNG Fuel System tanks use the latest 3MTM nanoparticle-enhanced matrix resin technology, which results in a six percent improvement in fiber delivered burst strength when compared to vessels with conventional resin. This system is designed to optimize space usage.
Designed for Durability
The CNG fuel system has rubber isolators mounted between the system and the truck frame rails to minimize vibration and absorb system shock, and piano hinges on doors maintain strength and durability. All systems come standard with neck-mounted tanks (more secure than strap-mounted tanks) to eliminate needless erosion and extend life.
Rush Truck Centers says 14 of its 100+ locations are already equipped 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. Rush Truck Centers has made extensive investments in facilities and tooling upgrades to meet safety requirements and effectively service the Momentum CNG fuel system.
Momentum Fuel Technologies will also offer training on system operations, safety, service installation and facility requirements to customers and authorized dealers. Rush Truck Centers further supports customers by providing consulting assistance to help customers navigate grants and tax incentives.
“Rush Truck Centers’ customers include some of the largest municipalities and top refuse companies in the country,” said Rush. “With a thorough understanding of what values and features mean the most to our customers, we believe the solution offered by Momentum Fuel Technologies will change the way our industry approaches CNG fuel systems,” he said.
(Source: Rush Enterprises, Inc.)
