LNG-powered mine truck offers massive savings in diesel consumption

Posted by Daniel Gleeson on 3rd November 2010

picture4.PNGGaseous Fuel Systems, Corp (GFS) has successfully demonstrated its Bi-Fuel conversion system for mining vehicles in the US. The CAT 777 operating at a commercial coal production facility in Harlan County, Kentucky operates with more than 60% gas substitution for diesel without loss of performance.

GFS is preparing to launch its first commercial US fleet conversion of mining vehicles in 2011 in Eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia. The region is uniquely suited for the conversion of hundreds of mining trucks to the GFS Bi-Fuel System. There is a unique combination of surface mining and available LNG within a 500 km driving radius. A vast number of on-road 18 wheeler tractor trailer trucks hauling coal in this region can also be converted by GFS.

The GFS Bi-Fuel System will allow mining equipment to operate saving more than 30% on fuel cost using US produced natural gas while lowering emissions.

GFS’ strategy integrates four related areas of business development:

  1. LNG distribution logistics
  2. LNG onsite storage and dispensing infrastructure
  3. Off-road mine truck conversions
  4. On-road coal truck conversions.

GFS manufactures and sells equipment that enables diesel engines to operate on both diesel and natural gas. The company offers a full line of retrofit conversion systems covering a broad spectrum of diesel engines made by major manufacturers. GFS also offers project development services consolidating its proven Gaseous FuelTM technologies with LNG/CNG production, storage, and distribution infrastructure into integrated projects throughout the world.

The Gaseous Fuel SystemTM enables operators of diesel vehicles to substantially reduce operating costs and lower emissions by substituting diesel fuel with lower cost, cleaner burning natural gas. The GFS Bi-Fuel conversion system is comprised of patented and proprietary technologies that allow diesel engines to safely operate on gas percentages ranging from 50% to 70% of the total fuel requirement. Engines converted to Bi-Fuel operation exhibit diesel-like performance in such critical areas as power, response and efficiency. A key feature of the GFS Bi-Fuel system is its ability to switch fuel modes without interruption in vehicle operation. Conversion to Bi-Fuel operation does not require modification of the engine and can typically be completed in a matter of hours. The GFS Bi-Fuel system is compatible with both compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid natural gas (LNG) fuel storage systems.