Momentum Fuel Technologies carries Rush Enterprises into CNG solutions

50 Momentumi 400The top U.S. heavy-duty truck dealer’s parent company bills its newest business as the source of the first complete compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system for Class 6 to Class 8 trucks—offering support from design and manufacturing, to sales and ongoing service throughout the equipment life cycle.

“With Rush Truck Centers’ expertise in natural gas truck sales and service and an unsurpassed support network, we are well positioned to launch Momentum Fuel Technologies,” says Rush Enterprises Chairman W.M. “Rusty” Rush. Citing ACT Research Co. estimates on adoption rates for diesel power alternatives in Class 8 models, he adds, “We believe preference for natural gas vehicles will continue to grow, increasing nearly five-fold in the next five years.”

With a 109,000-sq.-ft., Dallas–Ft. Worth metroplex operation to house major component manufacturing, Momentum offers side-mount and back-of-cab mount systems with tanks sized for short- to long-haul diesel gallon equivalents (DGE) capacity. Side-mount offerings include 40DGE and 45DGE systems with 176- to 220- mile and 198- to 248-mile range. An initial back-of-cab mount system is sized at 110DGE, with 506- to 633-mile range, to be followed later this year by a 150DGE (660-825 miles) system.

Future product development will include an expanded range of configurations to meet the needs of a number of market segments. “We will work with Cummins and other major engine manufacturers to ensure [our] system is well integrated and optimized to work efficiently with current and developing technology,” notes Momentum General Manager Mike Zimmerman.

The approach for the product line is based on innovative design, advanced safety features, installation expertise and a nationwide support network, he adds. Company officials extensively reviewed vehicle and fleet needs with customers, then applied those findings to the CNG fueling solution design, engineering and manufacture. Customers cited driver confidence, system weight, critical safety features, limiting downtime and support network.

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With 40- or 45-DGE (diesel gallon equivalents) tanks, Momentum’s side-mount systems suit most concrete mixer, dump or tanker fleets where vehicles return to the same location as part of daily time fill compressed natural gas refueling. Back-of-cab systems, with 110DGE and 150DGE tank options, favor longer hauls.
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The Momentum CNG Fuel System is engineered to maximize fill rates; fuel flows straight from the manifold to the individual tanks using a parallel-flow fill system. A temperature-compensated fuel-level feature reflects accurate gas and pressure readings, easing driver concerns. An Electronic Control Module converts tank readings through the Fuel Level Interface Module and outputs the signal to the factory-installed fuel gauge. The system comes with both fast or transit fill and time fill fuel ports. The design includes oversized tubing with few bends and fittings, plus a high-flow ball valve. Operators can choose front-bumper or passenger-side fuel ports.

LIGHTWEIGHT, DURABLE DESIGN

The Momentum CNG Fuel System comprises lightweight aluminum and fiberglass composite materials with extruded aluminum in frame corners, base rails and cross members. Tanks use the latest 3MTM nanoparticle-enhanced matrix resin technology, which results in a 6 percent improvement in fiber delivered burst strength when compared to vessels with conventional resin.

Body lines incorporated in side-mount styling and large-radius back-of-cab corners match cab styling, maintaining truck OEM aesthetics. An ergonomic, robust door latch is included for easy use with work gloves. Rubber isolators mounted between the vessels and truck frame rails minimize vibration and absorb system shock; piano hinges on doors maintain strength and durability. The electrical wiring harness includes heavy-duty Deutsch connectors with color-coded TXL wires. All systems come standard with neck-mounted tanks to eliminate erosion and extend life.

Among Momentum CNG Fuel System safety features, company engineers cite an area pressure relief device (PRD) which, in the event of a fire or other emergency, vents fuel out through tubes; quarter-turn heavy-duty ball valves for improved visibility of closed valves; high-pressure line color coding for ease of technician and driver identification; powder-coated live high-pressure PRD (blue) and fuel lines (red); and, fuel door safety warning system to prevent engine start if door is ajar. — Momentum Fuel Technologies, Roanoke, Texas; 844/264-8265; http://momentumfueltech.com