Millbrook tests forklift fuels
May 1st 2011 LPG is a greener fuel for forklifts argues Paul Young,marketing executive at Calor.He
backs up his point with research Calor commissioned at Millbrook's testing facilities.
The fuel types currently favoured by forklift truck buyers,
especially when it comes to outdoor use are LPG and
diesel. Both types of fuel enjoy a significant market share.
Companies that use forklift trucks, whether buying a single
truck or a whole fleet have to consider a variety of questions
relating to where (indoor / outdoor / both in and outdoor) and
how their trucks will be used. Key questions that guide the
decision about what type of vehicle to choose include: how much
power do I need? How clean is the vehicle in terms of emissions?
How quiet is the vehicle in operation?
Making the right decision at time of purchase is crucial as the
purchaser will be stuck with the consequences of their decision
for the usable life span of the vehicle – at least three years. Retrofitting
as an alternative power option is impractical, while
premature replace would be extremely costly.
We supply around half of the LPG consumed by all LPGpowered
forklift trucks in the UK and we wanted to find
conclusive answers to some of these questions – particularly those
relating to LPG consumption and performance. Thus, in August
2010, we commissioned independent tests at Millbrook Proving
Ground to find out. The tests set out to compare a range of
different parameters between diesel and LPG trucks.
The tests, in terms of emissions, showed LPG provided a 16 per
cent reduction in CO2 when compared with diesel*. The test was
based on the lifting of a two tonne load.When lifting a one tonne
load, the difference was greater – LPG demonstrated a reduction
in CO2 emissions of nearly a quarter (23 per cent)*. The results
can easily be extrapolated to an entire fleet to demonstrate the
significant CO2 savings a business can make by choosing LPG
over diesel.
The tests also investigated the levels of particulate matter
emitted and found the disparities with diesel to be even more
significant than carbon emissions – LPG was recorded as
demonstrating a 97 per cent reduction when compared with
diesel. A diesel fuelled forklift truck was found to emit 0.869
(g/hr) when lifting two tonnes, compared to just 0.023 (g/hr) for a
LPG fuelled forklift truck*.
The reduction of particulate matter emissions is a key
consideration for forklift truck buyers. Low particulate matter
emissions mean that LPG can be used in sensitive environments,
such as around food. In addition, high particulate matter
emissions can damage and taint the packaging of consumer goods
making diesel particularly unsuitable for indoor use. However, as
a significantly cleaner burning fuel, LPG soot emission is virtually
non-existent when compared to diesel – making LPG trucks ideal
for indoor use. Particulate matter is also thought to contribute to
respiratory diseases – therefore it makes sense to use the clean
option where and whenever ever possible.
When conducting the 'latest'Millbrook tests**, certain
emissions including carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and oxides
of nitrogen were found to be higher in LPG fuelled forklifts – that
were not fitted with three-way catalytic converters. However, LPG
trucks are normally supplied with a three-way catalytic converter
and previous independent research carried out at the same
Millbrook testing facility** has demonstrated that these trucks
reduce such emissions to virtually zero, providing another
compelling reason to choose LPG forklift trucks.
As well as emissions, independent tests were carried out to
investigate the level of noise produced by LPG and diesel powered
trucks. In total six separate tests were carried out and LPG was
found in all instances to be quieter***.When idling, LPG trucks
were found to be around 8dB quieter and up to 10dB quieter
when in lifting mode.
Bob Hine, technical consultant at the British Industrial Truck
Association (BITA) believes that LPG is a serious rival for both
diesel and electric.
"LPG is more cost effective than diesel if compared on a pence
per litre basis, and there is no opportunity to pilfer stored fuel to
use in road vehicles.
"Overall LPG is now being considered more seriously as a cost
effective, 'clean' alternative to both diesel and batteries,
particularly for vehicles that operate both indoors and out."
In addition, we have improved our offering for the forklift
market and with Calor LPG customers gaining access to our
telemetry system, Think Tank, which automatically monitors the
amount of fuel remaining in the main supply tank and
immediately notifies Calor when a top-up is needed. Our
extensive investment in storage and distribution infrastructure
ensure that customers need never run dry.
Calor also deploys technology inside the cylinder.Magnatract is
designed to reduce the risk of metal particles from inside the
cylinder blocking the valve and interrupting the fuel supply or
engine. Also, dip tubes inside Calor forklift cylinders, which take
the LPG to the engine, are made from 'memory plastic'. This is in
contrast to the traditional metal dip tubes which can increase the
risk of metal fragments entering
the fuel supply. More articles from Calor Gas Ltd: | 
