3M completes certification process for its first CNG Tank
03 March 2013
3M recently completed the NGV2-2007 certification process for its first compressed natural gas (CNG) tank. (Earlier post.) 3M expects to announce certification of other geometries in the coming months. The 21.5 x 60 inch tank is designed for light- and medium-duty pick-up trucks and corporate fleet vehicles.
3M’s tank capitalizes on improvements in geometries and proprietary 3M Matrix Resin featuring nanosilica technology to deliver a solution that is lighter, offers greater capacity, and is more cost effective than similar tanks.
The tank will be showcased at the NTEA Work Truck Show, 6-8 March in Indianapolis, Ind.
Initially, tanks will be available through five approved upfitters with whom 3M is collaborating. These companies include OEM Systems of Okarche, Okla.; Venchurs Vehicle Systems of Adrian, Mich.; Alternative Fuel Solutions of Mahaffey, Penn.; AVS of Salt Lake City, Utah; and World CNG of Kent, Wash.
The successful certification follows the 2012 announcement by 3M and Chesapeake Energy Corporation that the two would collaborate in designing, manufacturing and marketing a broad portfolio of CNG tanks for use in all sectors of the United States transportation market.
Chesapeake is slated to become one of the first end users of the new 21.5 x 60 inch tank, which it will incorporate in its fleet vehicles. Chesapeake is currently converting its fleet of nearly 5,000 vehicles to run on natural gas.
In line with a broader commitment to CNG, 3M has also begun working with its transportation providers to utilize CNG on trucks carrying 3M products. 3M has already implemented a pilot program with Dart Transit Company on dedicated routes, and anticipates others will follow.
Chesapeake is currently converting its fleet of nearly 5,000 vehicles to run on (domestic) natural gas (instead of imported petroleum).
3M has also begun working with its transportation providers to utilize CNG on trucks carrying 3M products.
With NG costing a lot less than crude oil, how much of USA crude oil imports will be displaced by CNG in light trucks and LNG in heavy trucks?
Posted by: Chip | 03 March 2013 at 05:19 AM
That depends on how many trucks are retrofitted and how many miles they drive each year. This is a good move, it can really save money, clean the air and reduce oil imports.
Posted by: SJC | 03 March 2013 at 11:31 AM
Long haul trucking is an area EVs can't do and a economical oil alternative is needed.
Posted by: kelly | 03 March 2013 at 11:31 AM
Pickens is promoting LNG for long haul. Maybe 20% of the oil we use goes to diesel, even if ALL diesels were converted (not likely) it might reduce imports a bit.
This is the nature of the HUGE amount of oil we use for gasoline, diesel and jet fuel in the U.S. Every bit helps, but when your nation burns 300 million gallons of gasoline per day, it is a challenge.
Posted by: SJC | 03 March 2013 at 04:38 PM
Ford (F) said Tuesday it sold a record 11,600 natural gas vehicles last year, more than four times the number it sold two years ago.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505123_162-57572695/ford-records-record-sales-of-natural-gas-vehicles/
Posted by: SJC | 05 March 2013 at 09:43 PM