A FUEL saving system proven internationally to also cut engine wear and reduce environmental emissions from mobile and stationary diesel engines is being introduced to Australia by FuelSave Australia.
The system – widely used in European heavy vehicle fleet operations and in service in Australia – enables operators to save a minimum of 10 per cent and up to 20 per cent in fuel costs by switching to a proven combination of diesel and liquid propane gas (LPG).
It is equally effective whether used on trucks, buses, tractors, mining, farming, industrial, construction and civil engineering plant, as well as equipment such as generators, compressors and fixed diesel installations, said David Redfern, CEO of FuelSave Australia.
The technology, which can be fitted during industrial maintenance shutdowns, works by introducing a small amount of LPG into the engine via its air intake system. The gas acts as a catalyst to improve the combustion process, ensuring almost all the diesel injected is burnt.
Most diesel engines have a burn rate of 75-80 per cent, with the rest of the diesel being burnt in the exhaust system or blown out as black smoke. With the FuelSave system, the burn rate goes up to 95-98 per cent, the company claims.
The long-known benefits of mixing diesel with LPG have become highly relevant at a time of soaring diesel prices, explained Redfern.
“With truckies holding go-slow protests in Australian capital cities and when mine, farm and industrial operators are all under unprecedented pressure to cut fuel bills and reduce pollution,” he said, “this pressure is only going to get worse as fuel prices rise with shortages and carbon pollution legislation puts further pressure on small and large businesses alike.”
“Mechanical LPG systems have been in use for decades. Our technology has been in development since the late 1990s and has been constantly refined with modern electronic controls, very similar in simple principle to injection control units used in cars,” Redfern said.
“The injection of a small quantity of LPG vapour into the diesel combustion process creates a simultaneous burn. Modern electronics allow the controls to accurately meter andinject precise, small amounts of gas,” he said.
The product is fully warranted on all components for three years. New vehicle warranties are not affected by after-market LPG conversions.
As well saving fuel, the computerised LPG injection system lowers exhaust emissions to the atmosphere, improves torque and driveability, and cuts engine wear by reducing the build-up of harmful contaminants in the engine, according to FuelSave and DGA.
The LPG fuel management system is housed in a “black box” that determines the required amount of gas, optimum pressure and injection timing required by the engine.
The system responds to a manifold pressure sensor or throttle position sensor, the engine coolant temperature sensor and the engine’s tachometer reading.
The system is “bolt on” technology and is transferable from one vehicle to another. All kits are fitted to Australian Standards AS1425, one of the most stringent fitting standards in the world.