A new roof-mounted CNG fuel system has been introduced this week at Waste Expo in Las Vegas by Momentum Fuel Technologies. There are two versions configurations of the system, which is available for Class 6-8 trucks, primarily refuse operations.
“Our refuse customers continue to tell us they are interested in improved natural gas options, and the roof-mount system is designed to support the unique needs of this important market segment,” said W.M. “Rusty” Rush, chairman, CEO & president of Rush Enterprises, Inc., parent company of Momentum Fuel.
The roof-mount system is available in both four-tank 70 diesel gallon equivalent (DGE) and five-tank 87DGE configurations, and is designed to be a lighter and more efficient system when compared to industry standard 60DGE/75DGE roof-mount configurations, the company said.
The system is fabricated with high-strength steel and lightweight aluminum. The tanks are made of 3M nanoparticle-enhanced matrix resin technology and are designed to be lighter than others in the industry.
The system’s fuel management module (FMM) houses the electronics, fuel filter and fuel-fill receptacles and is located where the driver fuels the truck. Constructed of highly-durable aircraft aluminum with a powder-coated exterior finish and Huck-bolted access cover, the compact design incorporates Parker O-ring fittings, gauges, fill ports and valves with a simplified filter access through the bottom of the module. The FMM works in conjunction with the RushCare telematics platform, allowing fleet managers to monitor their usage stats and better manage their fuel consumption.
Fuel utilization is improved due in part to an efficient fuel pressure regulator with a high-capacity filter manufactured by Parker, which is also part of the FMM. With this regulator, drivers can go further on a tank of fuel when compared to current system limitations, as the regulator enables the vehicle to operate from 3,600 pounds per square inch (PSI) when full to a minimum 230 PSI. The regulator is designed to reduce leak points and weight, and the high-capacity filter is larger than most competitive products, so it can be serviced less frequently.
The design of the nose of the roof-mount system incorporates three separate alloy steel pieces to protect the CNG system from tree limbs and other damage. If damage to the nose does occur, it is easier, safer and less expensive to repair or replace one or more segments rather, than the entire nose.
