Peake Fuel Solutions, L.L.C., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chesapeake Energy Corporation, has announced the development of a new diesel natural gas (DNG) conversion kit that it says will help heavy-duty truck operators save up to 30 percent on their fuel costs.
According to Peake, DNG allows trucks to run on a mixture of diesel and up to 70 percent clean, affordable, abundant, American natural gas. When compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuels are not available, trucks retain the ability to run on 100 percent diesel.
“The trucking industry is the backbone of our nation’s economy, and Peake Fuel Solutions’ DNG technology can help the industry slash its biggest cost — fuel,” said Kent Wilkinson, Vice President – Natural Gas Ventures, Chesapeake. “DNG will help accelerate the trucking industry’s shift to a more affordable, domestic fuel.”
Long-term natural gas prices in the $4-6 per mcf range will translate into CNG and LNG prices of around $2.00 per diesel gallon equivalent, or about 50% lower than diesel prices. Assuming a typical DNG blend, Peake says truckers would save approximately $0.20 per mile on their fuel costs.
Peake’s conversion kit has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a variety of engines. The certificate of conformity makes it the only dual-fuel natural gas retrofit certified by the EPA, allowing DNG kits to modify a variety of engines from model years 2010-12 that encompass power ratings from 400 to 600 horsepower.
