Optimus Technologies said it has received U.S. EPA approval for its advanced biofuel conversion solution. The approval covers the use of pure biofuel derived from recycled cooking oil, the company said, making it the first provider of a biofuel conversion system to receive EPA approval.
The system can reduce fleet fuel costs up to 25% and reduce lifecycle emissions up to 80% without the start-up costs of compressed natural gas (CNG), the company said.
The solution is based on a combination of Optimus’ Vector bi-fuel (diesel or biofuel) conversion system -- hardware and software that bolts-on to existing diesel engines - and certified, pure biofuel. Fuels tested were derived from a variety of bio-sources including non-food grade corn oil, recycled cooking oil, and pure biodiesel (B100).
It is being used successfully by the city of Pittsburgh, PA, which has been running several vehicles with it installed for close to a year.
“We’re very excited that the EPA has approved our technology,” said CEO Colin Huwyler, “Our solution represents a tangible opportunity for fleets to shrink their operating costs while improving the environment. And, our solution does not require multi-million dollar start-up costs like CNG does.”
Optimus said emissions tests conducted for the approval process in May were validated by the West Virginia University Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines, and Emissions. The results showed a significant overall reduction in tailpipe emissions in comparison to diesel. Specifically, particulate matter was reduced by about 40%. Further, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions were reduced with all fuels tested, including when used with B100.
The Vector system was approved for use on Navistar DT466 engines between the model years 2004 and 2006. Field trials and certification tests on other engines are currently underway.
