Optimus Technologies launches biofuel conversion system

Optimus Technologies has announced the launch of a biofuel conversion system, the Optimus Vector System.

Optimus’ solution reduces fuel costs by up to 25%, reduces emissions by up to 80%, and addresses alternative fuel mandates much more easily than other alternative fuel solutions such as compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Reduce emissions and costs

Medium- and heavy-duty fleets can realise significant savings with the new technology, with the potential for payback of less than one year, from Optimus’ purpose-built solution. Vector prices start at US$ 9000.

Following five years of research and development, Optimus developed the Vector system to help commercial and government fleets reduce emissions and costs.

Biofuel solutions

Optimus CEO, Colin Huwyler, commented: “We expect Vector to be used on intermediate- and beyond-useful-life engines initially. That said, we see the day when biofuel solutions will be provided by engine manufacturers on new trucks as well. This vision is driven by the knowledge that other alternative fuel solutions are prohibitively expensive and do not provide the same results as biofuels.”

Optimus is currently seeking its first certification from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use with the Navistar DT466 engines beyond the model years 2004 and 2006. Certification and full production shipments are expected in Q2 2014. Field trials, certifications and shipments supporting other engines are planned for later this spring and summer.

Comments

“We are very impressed and very happy with the Vector systems’ operations, especially during this harsh winter we have had. We were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to add the conversion systems and by the emission improvements they provide to our road maintenance trucks. We can see how Optimus could help meet emissions mandates for municipal fleets,” commented Paul Ostrowski, Fleet Contract Manager of the City of Pittsburgh’s Office of Management and Budget. Ostrowski’s department has facilitated the field trial of Optimus’ Vector over the past few months.

Optimus Vector System

As a bi-fuel solution, Optimus’ Vector runs in parallel to a vehicle’s existing diesel system, without significantly modifying, replacing or rebuilding the engine. The Vector enables the engine to run almost exclusively on biofuel to optimise fuel savings and emissions performance. Diesel can be used during startup, shutdown or fallback operation, if necessary.

The Vector system is compatible with all modern emission after-treatment systems, such as selective catalytic reduction systems (SCRs) and diesel particulate filters (DPFs). Compared to other alternative fuel solutions, Optimus’ solution does not require expensive new fuel station facilities, relatively costly truck conversions, significant operator training or special safety certifications.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/26032014/optimus_biofuel_conversion_system_396/