Fuel-saving system

A fuel-saving system claimed to also cut engine wear and reduce environmental emissions from mobile and stationary diesel engines is being introduced to Australian industry by FuelSave.

The system is claimed to enable operators to save around 10 to 20% in fuel costs by switching to a combination of diesel and liquid propane gas (LPG).

The technology is claimed to be equally effective on trucks, buses, tractors, mining, farming, industrial, construction and civil engineering plant, as well as equipment such as generators, compressors and fixed diesel installations.

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%, with the rest of the diesel being burnt in the exhaust system or blown out as black smoke. With the system, the burn rate is claimed to go up to 95-98%.

FuelSave Australia, in conjunction with Diesel/Gas Australia (DGA), is supplying a bolt-on vehicle conversion system that takes just 1-2 days to be fitted to a truck and is claimed to recover its investment within as little as seven months, depending on the truck mileage.

The system is the fourth generation of a technology developed over many years, with more than 2500 units currently installed both in Australia and overseas.

As well as saving fuel, the computerised LPG injection system is claimed to lower exhaust emissions to the atmosphere, improve torque and drivability, and cut engine wear by reducing the build-up of harmful contaminants in the engine.

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 LPG tank is usually mounted underneath the vehicle and the gas line runs to a converter placed under the bonnet.

The system is ‘bolt on’ technology and is transferable from one vehicle to another. All kits are fitted to Australian Standard AS1425.