MPL Technology introduces SpillX
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefMPL Technology, Inc. Wednesday introduced SpillX®, a new locomotive fueling system, to North American railroads that meets many of the 2000 AAR fueling committee’s goals for improved locomotive fueling processes.
The company says the SpillX system connects to the existing fueling infrastructure in a similar manner as the current equipment, yet it enables significantly higher fueling rates up to 600 gallons per minute, greater operator safety, and reduced environmental risk from spilled or leaked fuel. SpillX benefits from the proven technology currently used to fuel large commercial aircraft with its high flow rate with nearly zero spillage.
During the last five years, in developing SpillX, MPL worked with the Advanced Manufacturing Institute at Kansas State University and with Meggitt Control Systems, an industry-leading aircraft fueling products manufacturer. While under development, SpillX was tested in cooperation with three Class I railroads and a short line, demonstrating its potential as a safer, faster and environmentally sound fueling system.
MPL Technology President Michael Mitrovich said, “Our idea was to apply the technology used with large commercial aircraft, which use large volumes of fuel in a clean, safe, spill-free environment on the tarmac at airports around the world. Our development process was based around designing a system that meets the quality requirements of this rigorous operational environment, is simple to install, and provides the railroad industry with a number of cost saving benefits.”
