Fleetguard's Patented Slow Release Filtration Technology Helps U.S. Soldiers in Iraq Stay Connected

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--Sept. 11, 2003--Fleetguard Inc.'s FS20000(TM) Slow Release Lubricity-Enhancing Fuel System is being used to aid communications during the United States' rebuilding of Iraq. The revolutionary new technology keeps U.S. government communications equipment operational so that soldiers can be kept as safe as possible in the war zone.

Under the direction of Fleetguard Director of Product Management, John Clevenger, Senior Engineer Harold Martin designed a special FS20000(TM) filter head in conjunction with Ashland Technologies for Cummins Power Systems (CPS) engines.

Cummins Power Systems provided the U.S. State Department with a complete power package that allows personnel stationed in Iraq to maintain continuous communication throughout the day. The custom designed filter head allows the FS20000(TM) Slow Release Lubricity-Enhancing Fuel System to be adapted to the military application.

The U.S. State Department trailers require mixing oil, JP8 and diesel fuel to power the engines. The FS20000(TM) system is an ideal match with the special filter head that adapts the system to the unit.

"These trailers going to Iraq are set-up for high level communications--basically, to track the enemy--with a 60kw UPS system for computers, bypass transfer switch, etc. They can't afford downtime. They have to be operational at all times for the safety of our personnel," Clevenger explained.

"The FS20000(TM) system delivers high performance in harsh environments, without any operational downtime. We are all very proud at Fleetguard that our work is making a difference for our country in liberating the people of Iraq. Our technology has a role in 'Operation Freedom', and that makes us feel very good."

Cummins Power Systems, the distributor of the generator units and Fleetguard's FS20000, said the U.S. State Department has ordered several units, which are already headed for Iraq and Afghanistan, and as many as 50 fully-equipped trailers could be ordered in the near future.

The revolutionary Fleetguard technology in the FS20000(TM) system aids the fuel pump in using fuel as a lubricant, as opposed to oil or greases encased in the pump. Pumps are vulnerable to the reduced ability of light duty fuels, like Jet A, kerosene, winter fuel blends or low sulfur diesel, to provide protection from abrasive wear particles.

The FS20000(TM) allows Tier 2 compliant Cummins B Series engines to be compatible with light fuels. Providing a lubricity-enhancing additive in the fuel requires no measuring or pouring and means that the critical communication units will not be down while pumps are being replaced.

The technology encases the premium lubricity-enhancing additive in a polymeric slow release mechanism that consistently releases additive into the fuel over the life of the filter. Fleetguard's proprietary StrataPore(TM) multi-layered media provides additional protection by filtering out the smallest abrasive particles. The FS20000(TM) Slow Release Lubricity-Enhancing Fuel System is used in many other light fuel applications where additional protection is required, including airport ground equipment, which uses Jet A fuel.

Fleetguard Inc., headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., is a business unit of Cummins Inc. and the global manufacturer and specialist of filtration, exhaust and chemical and cooling products and systems for diesel engines (9-7000 horsepower). Fleetguard cares about maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and safer environment.

Going beyond compliance, Fleetguard proactively seeks improvements to products and processes and offers environmentally friendlier product choices for all major engine systems. Fleetguard's home page on the Internet can be found at www.fleetguard.com.