Linde North America has reported concluding a successful trial of its new liquefied natural gas (LNG) mobile fueling unit. Linde said the point of the mobile fueler is to allow customers to test the feasibility of using LNG as an alternative to vehicle fuels such as diesel.
The mobile-fueler trial involved Linde working with C Cross Transportation, a Mississippi-based hauler with a fleet of more than 100 tractors, to set up the fuel supply for an LNG tractor the company is testing in South Carolina. Linde managed the logistics, arranged the installation, safely deployed the equipment and supplied the needed training.
“As a major hauler we were eager to test whether using LNG is feasible, and we are very pleased with the results,” said Harrison Cook, president of C Cross Transportation. “The Linde team focused on safety and training and made the process simple for our site personnel, which gave them confidence in their ability to manage the system. Based on experience to date, we expect to expand the test going forward.”
“This test demonstrates the simplicity of our LNG mobile fueling system and it highlights Linde's commitment to service and safety,” said Douglas Bell, head of energy solutions – operations at Linde North America. “Our mobile fueler has generated a great deal of interest at trade shows and we are delighted to report this positive experience from the field.”
Linde operates cryogenic plants and makes several million deliveries of cryogenic gases annually. The companyt said it “offers the technologies, equipment, supplies and services for a comprehensive, safe and customizable LNG fueling solution, including producing and servicing mobile and permanent LNG refueling stations.”
Linde noted that it is also applying its own expertise to building its own LNG-fueled fleet by converting existing vehicles to LNG and purchasing new LNG-fueled tractors.
“The success of this test illustrates how LNG is becoming a competitive alternative to diesel,” said Earl Lawson, vice president, energy solutions for Linde North America. “Linde is committed to providing solutions allowing our customers to choose LNG as a safe, efficient and cost effective industrial fueling choice.”