UK, London
UK group releases dual-fuel kits
Breakaway CNG trailer couplings also available
UK Fleet Operator and OEM Truck agent, The Hardstaff Group, has increased dual fuel conversion product in the market, following the release of its in-house developed OIGI (Oil Ignition – Gas Injection) system at last week’s ENGVA conference in Brussels. In development for over three years, Hardstaff demonstrated the flexibility of the unit, displaying a Volvo truck fitted with a converted 12 litre engine and a DAF truck, sporting a converted Cummins ISBE 5.9 l engine. Trevor Fletcher, Hardstaff’s Managing Director, told NGV Global the company has also successfully applied the conversion to Caterpillar C12 engines in its fleet.
The release of the system marks another milestone for a company with a long interest in natural gas vehicles, beginning with the operation of dual-fuel Caterpillar engines, previously using the Clean Air Power (CAP) system. Experience with that system sparked an interest which has seen the company not only build its own dual-fuel conversion system, but also diversify into natural gas refueling through its subsidiary Portal Gas Services.
OIGI – Magic
Fletcher says Hardstaff has dubbed the system OIGI, after the magical Ouigi (pronounced weegee) board, and will have it operating on 110 of the company’s 150 vehicle fleet. So far 80 of the company’s vehicles are operating on dual fuel.
Technical Advantage
According to Fletcher, the OIGI system can operate on any fully electronic Euro III engine. Currently optimised for 75% natural gas, 25% on diesel fuel use, natural gas injection commences just off idle, making the system useful for stop-start operations such as trash collection or urban delivery vehicles. Fletcher says the system also operate at lower pressure requiring only 70psi at the injector rail, thus increasing engine efficiency. He says with the new system, vehicle driving range on CNG has been extended by more than 20% - 270 miles on 85 kg of fuel as opposed to 220 miles on the same amount with their earlier system. Fletcher says fuel replacement could improve over time but the 75% ratio is currently tried and tested.
International Markets
While prospects of the system in the UK a good, the company has its eyes on international markets. The Volvo engine, displayed in Brussels, was developed for a gas company in Langfang, south of Beijing, China. Three months of trials in the UK for the system are almost complete and the first vehicles are expected on the road in China between August and October.
Other projects are currently under way with partners in Australia, Norway and Austria.
Reduced Wear Reduced Costs
With extensive dual fuel experience in this company’s fleet, Fletcher says one of the understated benefits of dual fuel engines is the reduced engine wear. "Our fleet has traveled millions of kilometres on dual-fuel and our experience is consistent."
Fleet engineers stripped down one of the company’s C12 engines operating on dual-fuel at 400,000 km, with astonishing results, including zero bore glaze and no visible wear on the diesel injectors. Fletcher gives partial credit to the retention of diesel in the engine. "Natural gas is a dry fuel and keeping diesel running through the engine helps retain lubricity. We’re not sure yet by how much but using dual fuel definitely lengthens engine life phenomenally."
Engine wear savings aside, Fletcher says fuel savings alone with dual-fuel operation are in excess of 10,000 pounds with some units in the fleet exceeding 17,000 pounds on fuel cost savings.
Breakaway CNG Trailer Coupling
In a separate but related development, the company is also marketing its breakaway CNG trailer coupling system. Designed to supplement fuel supplies on prime movers, the company has several trailers fitted with extra CNG fuel cylinders. The system relies on supporting arms on both the prime mover and trailer to carry the lines. The arms drop down in the event of separation and a standard breakaway coupling is then activated normally. Fletcher says the company has patented the system which is the only one carrying UK Department of Transport approval.
Diverse Company
Despite being primarily known for its fleet and haulage operations, the Hardstaff group also has extensive experience in associated activities. Through it’s subsidiary, Charnwood Fleet Services the company provides DAF trucks to the UK and European market, while it Portal Gas Services division provides CNG and LNG fuel to fleet operators. Fletcher says having this range of services in-house means the company can be flexible in its approach to sales of the dual-fuel systems. "We can provide the systems either through straight sales arrangement, leasing arrangements, or through fuel supply arrangements."
For more information info@hardstaffgroup.co.uk
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