LIFT TRUCKS FEATURE
Lifting efficiencies with BioLPG W
hen considering the fuels available to power forklift trucks (FLT) for
the materials handling and logistics industry, many opt for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) because of its operational efficiencies and low environmental impact. Now, a new and renewable fuel source that can offer even greater efficiencies is available: BioLPG. Matthew Lightburn, BioLPG specialist at Calor, discusses what this new fuel can bring to the market... The materials handling and logistics
industry is already familiar with the many environmental benefits of running FLTs from LPG, including a reduction in carbon emissions and dangerous NOx and particulates compared to other fossil fuels. Gas FLTs deliver a much healthier environment for workers than diesel, particularly if a large fleet is in operation. Reducing emissions and implementing
sustainable energy strategies has never been on the agenda more than it is now. As a result of the Renewable Energy Directive, businesses are switching to sustainable sources to help meet its target of 20 per cent renewables of overall energy consumption by 2020. In a comparison with diesel technology,
using independent testing carried out at the famous Millbrook Proving Ground, forklifts fuelled by LPG were found to produce 97 per cent less particulate matter and 23 per cent less CO2 when lifting a one-tonne load. In addition, when fitted with a three-
way catalyst, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide emissions were reduced to virtually zero. The operational efficiencies are well documented, too. From figures supplied to Calor by leading FLT OEMs, it is estimated that cost savings of up to 24 per cent are possible when switching from diesel to LPG. LPG also offers increased flexibility over
fuels like electricity. With electric FLTs requiring batteries to be charged, those
converting to LPG will witness a dramatic reduction in electric consumption, and – with LPG fuelled FLTs costing less to operate – a difference on the bottom line.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES WITH BIOLPG Available this summer, the launch of BioLPG is set to help businesses cut carbon emissions further still, offering cleaner, greener energy to those in the industry seeking an alternative to fuels such as diesel, without any impact on performance. Produced by Neste at a custom-built factory in Rotterdam, Calor is said to be the first energy company to bring BioLPG to the UK market. BioLPG is chemically identical to
conventional LPG. This means there is no need for operators to change any equipment, appliances or supply infrastructure, or to use any costly additives. The fact that BioLPG can be used with all existing LPG appliances and applications is a huge advantage, saving operators from incurring additional expense on new equipment. As a result, FLTs already fuelled by LPG can immediately begin taking advantage of BioLPG and start realising instant savings, with no need for a separate supply chain. For those switching from diesel, the benefits will potentially be greater still. Approved by the International
Sustainability and Carbon Certification scheme, BioLPG is created from renewable, ethically sourced feedstocks, such as organic plant materials, vegetable oil and animal fats. Approximately 60 per cent of the fuel is made up from waste and residues, with the remaining 40 per cent from sustainably sourced vegetable oils. BioLPG is then blended with
conventional LPG to deliver improved energy efficiencies. As a sustainable fuel source, this offers between 15 to 32 per cent savings in greenhouse gas emissions – depending on the proportion of waste
Calor is said to be the first energy company to bring BioLPG to the UK market. Forklift trucks already fuelled by LPG can immediately begin using BioLPG and start realising instant savings, with no need for a separate supply chain
materials in the BioLPG – without reducing performance. This is based on an overall allocation of 40 per cent BioLPG and 60 per cent conventional LPG blend. It can be supplied in bulk or in cylinders; whichever the customer wants.
AN ASSURED SOLUTION In the past, some logistics companies tried bio-diesels, using FAME (fatty acid methyl ester). However, only up to seven per cent of this can be blended with diesel. Many businesses experienced problems, with the bio-diesel affecting engine performance, resulting in additional costs to rectify. Conversely, due to the way BioLPG is manufactured, using hydrogenation of vegetable oils, it is effectively a ‘drop-in’ bio-fuel, so businesses can have every confidence that engine performance will not be affected. Supported by the UK’s largest delivery
fleet, Calor customers can also take advantage of automatic top-up technology in its tanks. Businesses do not need to worry about ordering gas for a bulk tank, as this integrated technology will automatically notify a local depot when a delivery needs to occur.
Calor
www.calor.co.uk
/ MATERIALSHANDLINGLOGISTICS
MATERIALS HANDLING & LOGISTICS | JULY/AUGUST 2017
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