Two operators have claimed impressive falls in fuel consumption following trials of a new fuel-saving device. Tipper operator GSE Haulage says it saw fuel consumption drop by 10% after it fitted the On-Demand Hydrogen Generator, made by Kent firm Oil Drum, to several of its 32-tonne tippers.
And Dodd's Transport says it saw a fuel saving of 7% in a 20-month trail on two Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor units. Ricky Hemmings, GSE MD, says: "We trialled it for a year and were surprised by the actual savings as our tippers are hard-working vehicles, we're now getting significant returns on all our fleet."
While John Robson, Dodd's commercial manager, says: "We've had success with the device, in some cases recording up to 11% in fuel reduction, although we have found it gets better results when constantly running, rather than stop/start work around town."
The device, which is claimed to reduce hydrocarbon emissions to zero and CO2 emissions by 20%, is also being trialled by Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Laser International.
Darryl Watts, director at Oil Drum, says: "By adding a small amount of hydrogen to the air/fuel mix it promotes a cleaner, more efficient burn."
The device, which is mounted to the cab, develops hydrogen by sending a charge through distilled water this is then sent through the engine manifold and into the combustion chamber.
"The biggest challenge was generating hydrogen in non-pressurized conditions, so it would be safe for vehicle use," says Watts.
The device, which can be used on vehicles of 7.5 tonnes and above, is serviced every six months and has a projected lifespan of three years.It costs £99 per month to rent or £3,495 to purchase outright.
And Dodd's Transport says it saw a fuel saving of 7% in a 20-month trail on two Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor units. Ricky Hemmings, GSE MD, says: "We trialled it for a year and were surprised by the actual savings as our tippers are hard-working vehicles, we're now getting significant returns on all our fleet."While John Robson, Dodd's commercial manager, says: "We've had success with the device, in some cases recording up to 11% in fuel reduction, although we have found it gets better results when constantly running, rather than stop/start work around town."
The device, which is claimed to reduce hydrocarbon emissions to zero and CO2 emissions by 20%, is also being trialled by Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Laser International.
Darryl Watts, director at Oil Drum, says: "By adding a small amount of hydrogen to the air/fuel mix it promotes a cleaner, more efficient burn."
The device, which is mounted to the cab, develops hydrogen by sending a charge through distilled water this is then sent through the engine manifold and into the combustion chamber.
"The biggest challenge was generating hydrogen in non-pressurized conditions, so it would be safe for vehicle use," says Watts.
The device, which can be used on vehicles of 7.5 tonnes and above, is serviced every six months and has a projected lifespan of three years.It costs £99 per month to rent or £3,495 to purchase outright.
Julian Milnes
Email at julian.milnes@rbi.co.uk
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