Dana's EPIC Technical Group Develops New Cost-Saving Fuel Control System for Liquefied Petroleum Gas Engines

Aug 24, 1999

    WASHINGTON, Mo., Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Dana Corporation's (NYSE: DCN)
EPIC Technical Group has developed a new cost-saving fuel control device for
engines running on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).  Liquefied petroleum gas
engines are used in a variety of industrial applications, including forklifts,
manlifts, generators, etc.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990824/CLTU014 )
    EPIC Technical Group, a manufacturer of tubular and hose assemblies, is a
division of Dana Fluid System Products, one of the core businesses of Dana's
Engine Systems strategic business unit.
    Known as the EPIC Series 1 Controller, the new space-saving LPG device
integrates what have traditionally been three separately mounted components,
the converter, fuel filter, and fuel lock-off, into one compact unit.  The
Series 1 Controller has been developed for LPG engines with an operating range
up to 110 horsepower to provide reduced installation space, improved
performance, and increased safety.
    In addition to reducing installation space and cost for OEMs, the Series 1
Controller is easily fitted as a replacement for existing fuel control units.
Whether used with new or existing engines, this easy-to-fit controller gives
better performance and increased safety by providing "Instant-On" and
"Instant-Off" electric lock-off to ensure quick starting and immediate shut-
off of the fuel supply.   High standards of reliability are assured by the use
of field-proven components.
    "The integrated design also reduces the number of potential leakage points
and cuts inventory requirements because of its fewer connector fittings, hoses
and feed lines," said Allan Cameron, president of Dana's Fluid System
Products.  "We are committed to bringing our customers the highest quality,
innovative fluid system products at competitive prices."

    Other benefits of the Series 1 Controller include:
    Choice of Fuel Flow Setting -- The Series 1 is available in two vapor
outlet pressure configurations, to allow the user to match controller
performance exactly with that of the existing fuel system mixer.  The standard
version allows fuel to flow at 1.5 inches water column (wc), the optional
version allows fuel flow at .5 inches wc.
    Easy-Maintenance Filter -- Within the filter section of the controller is
a replaceable polyester filter element, which is easily accessible for
periodic servicing.
    Safety Feature -- The integral fuel lock-off section of the controller is
a safety device, which can be controlled by the vehicle's ignition switch, by
a vacuum safety switch available through EPIC, or by an EPIC electronic
control unit (ECU).  The lock-off, which operates on 12 volts DC, is normally
closed so the fuel supply is automatically shut off when the vehicle is not in
use.
    On-Line Ordering -- Additional technical information, including secure on-
line ordering, will be available this fall at http://www.dana.com/epic .

    Dana Engine Systems Group provides components, modules, and complete
systems solutions to engine builders worldwide.  The group's product lines
include Victor Reinz(R) gaskets and sealing products, Perfect Circle(R) piston
rings and engine parts, Glacier(R) Vandervell(R) engine bearings, fluid system
products, and Plumley powertrain components.
    Dana Corporation is one of the world's largest independent suppliers to
vehicle manufacturers and the aftermarket.  Founded in 1904 and based in
Toledo, Ohio, the company operates some 330 major facilities in 32 countries
and employs more than 86,000 people.  The company reported sales of
$12.5 billion in 1998.  Dana's Internet address is http://www.dana.com.


SOURCE Dana Corporation

Web Site: http://www.dana.com

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