New light CNG tank design for fleet vehicles launched

“We are enthusiastic about the future of NGVs and are proud to introduce this tank to help companies take advantage of the benefits of natural gas as a transportation fuel,” said Mike Roman, Vice President of 3M’s Industrial Adhesive and Tapes Division, home to 3M’s advanced composites business. “With a tank that will help provide more range and more payload capacity at less expense, CNG vehicles are now an even more attractive alternative for fleet and individual retail customers alike.”

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. 3M expects to announce certification of other geometries in the coming months. Chesapeake is slated to become one of the first end users of the new tank, which it will incorporate in its fleet vehicles.

In line with a broader commitment to CNG, 3M has also begun working with its transportation providers to utilize natural gas on trucks carrying 3M products. In turn, the company has already implemented a pilot program with DART on dedicated routes, and anticipates others will follow.

The new tank, which will be showcased at the NTEA Work Truck Show’s “Green Pavilion,” will be initially available through five approved upfitters including OEM Systems, Venchurs Vehicle Systems, Alternative Fuel Solutions, AVS, and World CNG.

Source: 3M