Green Alternative Systems (GAS) is using Luxfer’s G-Stor® Pro Type 3 carbon composite cylinders to convert a fleet of Freightliner work trucks to run on compressed natural gas. The vehicles will become part of the growing fleet of CNG-powered package delivery trucks deployed by a major transportation company. Approximately 200 trucks were already put into service in 2014, with additional conversions scheduled this year.
Every truck uses two high-pressure Luxfer cylinders, each with a capacity of 1,976.8 cubic feet of natural gas compressed to 3,600 psi (248 bar). Consisting of a proprietary aluminum liner fully over-wrapped with aerospace-grade carbon fiber, each cylinder is 16 inches in diameter and 78 inches long. The cylinders are being manufactured at Luxfer’s facility in Riverside, California.
“A primary reason we chose these Luxfer cylinders is that they’re the lightest-weight Type 3 cylinders on the market—16% lighter than other cylinders we considered,” said Mark Matijevich, GAS general manager.
He explained that because of reduced weight, the transportation company should benefit from improved fuel economy, extended range and a reduction in vehicle maintenance costs because of less wear and tear on brakes, tires and suspension systems. “Luxfer was also the only company that offered cylinders with a 25-year service life, which was another factor in our decision,” he added.
Source: Luxfer Gas Cylinders
