3M MMM announces it has successfully completed the NGV2-2007
certification process for its first compressed natural gas (CNG) tank. The
21.5 x 60 inch tank is designed for light- and medium-duty pick-up trucks and
corporate fleet vehicles. 3M's tank capitalizes on improvements in geometries
and proprietary 3M™ Matrix Resin featuring nanosilica technology to deliver a
solution that is lighter, offers greater capacity, and is more cost effective
than similar tanks.
“We are enthusiastic about the future of natural gas vehicles 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 tank will be showcased at the NTEA Work Truck Show, March 6-8 in
Indianapolis, Ind. 3M will be located at Booth #5658 at the Indiana Convention
Center, in the event's “Green Pavilion.”
Initially, tanks will be available through five approved upfitters with whom
3M is collaborating. These companies include OEM Systems of Okarche, Okla.;
Venchurs Vehicle Systems of Adrian, Mich.; Alternative Fuel Solutions of
Mahaffey, Penn.; AVS of Salt Lake City, Utah; and World CNG of Kent, Wash.
The successful certification follows the 2012 announcement by 3M and
Chesapeake Energy Corporation CHK 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 21.5 x 60 inch tank,
which it will incorporate in its fleet vehicles. Chesapeake is currently
converting its fleet of nearly 5,000 vehicles to run on natural gas.
“The fuel tank has been the most expensive single component on a CNG vehicle,
causing a bottleneck for the market,” said Nathan Pumphrey, Chesapeake
Director – Fleet Operations. “3M's tank portfolio will lower the total cost of
natural gas vehicle ownership and speed market adoption. We look forward to
incorporating these tanks into our fleet vehicles to save money on our
conversions; and with CNG available for as little as $0.99 per gasoline gallon
equivalent in some markets, we'll cut our fueling costs, too.”
In line with a broader commitment to CNG, 3M has also begun working with its
transportation providers to utilize CNG on trucks carrying 3M products. 3M has
already implemented a pilot program with Dart Transit Company on dedicated
routes, and anticipates others will follow. Because fueling with CNG reduces
greenhouse gas emissions and particulate matter, the move to natural
gas-powered vehicles continues 3M's commitment to sustainability.
For more information, visit 3m.com/cng or call 1-800-364-3577.
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