TFC Recycling converting to CNG

© TFC RecyclingNow this is one big Mack! Yet it is very gentle on the environment, as it runs on clean CNG

Information of the diesel-to-CNG conversion has surfaced through Omnitek Engineering Corporation, a company commissioned to carry out the operation. EPA-approved kits will be used and soon 12-litre Mack E7 engines will cease to run on diesel fuel in favour of compressed natural gas. This is an initial order for now, but TFC Recycling's ultimate goal is to have its entire fleet (comprising over 180 vehicles) converted to run on the cheaper and more environmentally friendly fuel. But the tie between Omnitek and TFC will not end once the transfer from diesel to CNG is complete – Omnitek has appointed TFC Recycling as an authorized engine conversion centre for its diesel-to-natural gas systems in the region. Omnitek expects to obtain EPA and CARB approvals for additional models of diesel engines to address increasing interest from truck fleets that operate with other diesel engine models. EPA certification was granted mid-2014 for diesel-to-natural gas engine conversions of all Mack E7 electronic engines up to model year 2006, allowing engine conversions to proceed in 49 states and covering 166 Mack E7 engine/model/power variations.

The conversion of its own fleet to operate on natural gas provides a 'working showroom' for potential trucking fleet customers in the region who are interested in transitioning from diesel to natural gas. We look forward to accelerating the delivery of natural gas converted 'drop-in' engines to TFC Recycling through our strategic alliance with Minneapolis-based diesel engine remanufacturer Reviva.

Werner Funk, president and chief executive officer of Omnitek Engineering Corporation

In February 2012, TFC Recyling became the largest private owner and operator of clean-running collection trucks in Virginia when it added five additional compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks to its fleet, back then for a total of six. Today TFC Recycling’s fleet (of more than 180 collection and transfer vehicles overall) includes 22 NGV's (natural gas vehicles, in this case all running on compressed, not liquefied gas). TFC’s fleet maintenance facility was the first of its kind in the Commonwealth of Virginia to meet all local, state and federal building requirements for CNG vehicle maintenance. TFC can service up to 20 CNG vehicles at one time and provides fleet services to other companies, including CNG vehicle maintenance. The company expects a payback on the conversion investment of less than two years – a significant advantage compared with a projected payback-period of five-to-seven years for a new natural gas truck purchase.