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26 October 2007
ORBITAL ACHIEVES KEY MILESTONE
TO DELIVER IMPROVED PERFORMANCE ON LNG LINE HAUL TRUCKS
Orbital is in the final stages of delivering
an engineering development program to improve the reliability and
performance of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) dual fuel systems fitted
to Caterpillar C-15 engines used by Australian line haul operators.
Key milestones have now been reached that provides for improvement
in engine protection, performance, and driveability; whilst meeting
targets for regulated and greenhouse gas emissions.
Following early infield reliability and performance
issues, specific to the Australian market, Orbital were engaged
by the Department of the Environment and Water Resources (Australian
Greenhouse Office), Kleenheat Gas, Clean Air Power and the Australian
LNG Users Group to resolve these issues. As a part of this program,
Orbital has worked directly with the Australian line haul operators
to gather extensive in-field data to characterise the Australian
operating environment, identify and resolve root cause issues, as
well as implementing system and quality improvements to maximise
the benefits of operating with LNG.
The use of LNG can offer line haul operators
substantial reductions in fuel costs compared to the standard diesel
fuelled engine, coupled with reduced CO2 equivalent emissions, a
key contributor to global warming. The success of this program allows
for these benefits to be realised and demonstrates Orbital's capability
to assist the gaseous fuel and heavy transport industry.
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