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  1. #11

    Re: Detroit diesel to natural gas conversion

    I have seen many buses run on CNG. Wouldn't they have the same problems with regards to tank fuel storage and power output? Maybe those engines are specifically designed from the get go to run on CNG?

  2. #12

    Re: Detroit diesel to natural gas conversion

    Newer engine designs are made to run cng. As for fueling they go between their fueling stations not out to public schools service stations.
    Scott
    41C117 "Hattatude"
    Port Canaveral Florida.


    Marine Electronics and Electrical Products Distributor.

  3. Re: Detroit diesel to natural gas conversion

    You could convert to run on it (assuming you can figure out how you're going to inject the fuel; the existing injectors aren't going to work so good ;-)) but before you seriously consider it I suggest you take a look at the pressures involved in a CNG storage tank (hint: They're high), the hydro requirement (and the fun that might ensue getting the tankage out and in to meet that), leak, fuel line, regulator and valving considerations, the mass of said tank(s) (not a huge problem in a big boat, but a consideration) and the real killer, which is the amount physical space required (including the tank itself) to store an equivalent number of BTUs of energy as you have in your diesel tankage now.

    Oh, and the availability of a place with the requisite high-pressure system to refill the tanks. That could be a problem too.
    http://www.denninger.net - Home page with blog links and more
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  4. #14

    Re: Detroit diesel to natural gas conversion

    scuba tanks.
    FTFD... i drive a slow 1968 41c381

  5. #15

    Re: Detroit diesel to natural gas conversion

    Back when I was young enough to enjoy gluing together Revell plastic models ( Probably around 1960) I remember a WWII Soviet Tank model which had CNG storage tanks mounted on top of the tank body and the explaination was that the Russians did not have enough crude oil for fuel and had to use natural gas. There were about 6 storage tanks probably 1/2 the size of a 55 gal drum.

    I remember thinking back then that this was another example of the flawed communist system. I suspect the public school curriculum and overall take on communist has changed since I was a kid.
    Regards,
    Regards,
    Vincent Castigliola
    Lilly Marie - 43 DC 1983
    Pascagoula, Mississippi

    Rather than history as a peaceful continuum interrupted by war, “For the first time in the nation's history men in authority are talking about an "emergency" without a foreseeable end" _ C. Wright Mills 1956

  6. #16

    Re: Detroit diesel to natural gas conversion

    One of the ferries that runs between Norfolk and Portsmouth, the James C Echols, is natural gas powered. She was converted while I was one of their captains back in the 90s. She was the first NG powered passenger ferry in the USA (maybe the world?). We had to go through all sorts of special training and the boat had to be retested for stability due to the changes to install the tanks. If I recall correctly, the engines are Cat 3406-G. After conversion from diesel to NG, she was nan underpower pig. But reliable, and clean.
    Dave
    "Saraswati" - 1980 53MY
    Galesville, MD

  7. #17

    Re: Detroit diesel to natural gas conversion

    A real option might be propane (LP Gas) injection as an efficiency booster for the diesel engine. A local specialist near me does this a lot on trucks and diesel cars.

    The main fuel is the diesel and the gas increases efficiency of the burn. Claimed to reduce fuel consumption in road vehicles by around 30% and increase power and torque in varying degrees.

    You don't need a lot of the gas for injection as it is mainly there to burn the diesel better.

    Another bonus is that if you can't find propane in any particular location you can still run as per normal on diesel.

    I have no idea what the effectiveness would be on a large boat but it is an interesting thought.
    Cheers,

    Rick H,
    Old Shipwright.
    Melbourne, Australia.

    One day, your life is going to flash before your eyes....
    ..Make sure it's worth watching!!!

  8. #18

    Re: Detroit diesel to natural gas conversion

    As soon as it becomes practical, the cost will be same as diesel or gasoline, look at the history of propane pricing, as it became automotive fuel, up went the price...

    Capitalism is supposed to reduce pricing via entrepreneurship making products less expensive and more available therefore creating more jobs and wealth, fuel Co's are the doing the opposite.

  9. #19

    Re: Detroit diesel to natural gas conversion

    The Washington State Ferry system is looking to start converting a number of their ferries to LNG. We may start to see this become more mainstream, at least in the commercial sector, in coming years.

    mynorthwest.com/11/676309/Washington-ferries-consider-natural-gas-as-fuel-

    Cheers,
    Ryan

  10. #20

    Re: Detroit diesel to natural gas conversion

    Quote Originally Posted by Seabrooke View Post
    A real option might be propane (LP Gas) injection as an efficiency booster for the diesel engine.
    I had a propane injection kit on my VW Jetta TDi. It really works. Almost 100% of the fuel is burned (as opposed to approximately 75% without propane injection). In the case of my car, I saw a dyno-verified increase in power of 24hp and 47lb ft of torque (stock was only 90hp). And I GAINED 2mpg! EGT went up by about 45*F.
    Dave
    "Saraswati" - 1980 53MY
    Galesville, MD

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