U.S. Gain, the compressed natural gas (CNG) division of U.S. Venture, is building its largest filling station to date through a partnership with Unilever . The CNG fueling station in Edwardsville, Illinois, opening this month, has been initially constructed with 3 – 200 HP (600 HP total) compressors yielding 12.9 gallons per minute direct fill compressor output and utilizing 9 – 250 gge (2250 gge total) storage vessels.
“As fueling output capacity requirements increase, the site is designed to support future replacement of two compressors with 400 HP units, and utilizing the 3rd 200 HP compressor for a total of 1000 HP capability. This combination would produce over 20 gallons per minute of direct fill output. Storage may additionally be expanded as required,” Pat Van Dehy, Operation Manager, U.S. Gain, told NGV Global News.
“Currently we utilize two dual hose dispensers (4 active hoses) with expansion capability to a total of four dual hose dispensers (8 active hoses total). Fueling rates will typically be between 8–14 gallons per minute. These will support Class 8 vehicle fueling demands,” Van Dehy added.
“This partnership establishes a relationship between GAIN Clean Fuel and Unilever, one of the top consumer packaged goods companies in the world,” said Bill Renz, general manager for U.S. Gain. “We’re excited to be helping such a recognizable brand achieve its sustainability goals.” The agreement calls for Unilever to purchase 800,000 gallons of GAIN Clean Fuel CNG per year.
The Edwardsville station, just east of the St. Louis, Missouri metro area, not only gives Unilever’s carriers a strategic fueling location, but contributes to Unilever’s commitment to reduce its impact on the environment and improve its sustainability efforts. One of the product maker’s goals is to improve the health and well-being of a billion people on the planet by the year 2020 and, for this reason, is beginning to utilize natural gas fuel.
CNG produces less emission than its diesel fuel equivalent. It also provides a cost savings when compared with the diesel fuel equivalent and is domestically produced, which insulates it from the price volatility inherent in other fuel options.
Many carriers are converting their fleets to CNG to remain competitive but, as a shipper, Unilever’s agreement is a paradigm shift for the CNG industry. “It’s more than just saving money. For Unilever, it’s about being good stewards of the environment,” Renz added.
With the addition of the St. Louis area location, U.S. Gain continues to work towards its goal of having more than 100 GAIN® Clean Fuel stations in operation through North America within the next two years. The Edwardsville location will open in June 2015 and , like other GAIN stations, is designed to facilitate easy access, navigation, and fast fueling times for Class 8 truck fleets that want reliable CNG fueling options 24-7-365.
(Source: U.S. Gain)
