At the 2015 Alternative Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Dallas, alternative fuel systems specialist Landi Renzo USA has made two announcements: 1) the release of a new electronic pressure regulator (EPR) for the U.S. compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle market, and 2) California Air Resources Board (CARB) certification of a dedicated CNG system for another Ford platform.
The company says its new EPR regulator offers optimal output pressure depending on specific engine and/or ambient conditions, as well as supports the flow rates required for heavy-duty applications.
Landi also claims its EPR offers better cold-start performances compared to a mechanical regulator, and the new product is “inherently reliable” in cold conditions due to complete elimination of rubber parts. No heating is required. However, the company notes an optional heater for freezing protection of other rubber-based system parts (e.g., fuel injector O-ring seals, hose seals) is available upon request.
The company adds that the EPR features proprietary software for control and diagnostics, an integrated electronic control box, and simple communication with the engine control system via vehicle CAN bus.
“We are releasing a piece of innovative technology that will deliver immediate and tangible benefits to our customers by virtually eliminating several limitations affecting the conventional systems,” says Marco Genova, vice president of engineering for Landi Renzo USA.
Landi plans to phase in the launch of the EPR, first introducing the product on the model-year (MY) 2016 Ford F450/550 6.8L V10 and later including it on additional vehicle platforms.
In addition to the new EPR, Landi Renzo USA has announced CARB approval for a dedicated CNG system on the MY 2016 Ford F-250/350 6.2 L pickup/bed delete/cab chassis.
Landis says the dedicated CNG 6.2 L platform will add to the company's extensive list of CARB-certified products, including the Ford F-450/550, F-650, E-450 cutaway, F-53/59 stripped chassis and multiple GM 6.0L engine offerings.
“Looking ahead to the 2016 MY Ford commercial platforms, we're excited for this new option and to be the only Ford [Qualified Vehicle Modifier] with both dedicated and bi-fuel solutions for the Super Duty F-250/350 and F-450/550 chassis,” says Marc San Paolo, vice president of sales and marketing for Landi Renzo USA. “Having another dedicated CNG solution for fleets operating in [CARB-regulated] states is huge for us.”
