Norbert Dentressangle trials pioneering LPG enhancement system 05 March 2014

Norbert Dentressangle has revealed that it is one of six companies taking part in field trials of a pioneering LPG 'combustion enhancement' system claimed to improve mpg and reduce CO2 emissions by more than 15%.

Developed by vehicle monitoring equipment supplier Btrack, the system – branded Easi-LPG – has attracted £92,000-worth of co-funding from the Technology Strategy Board for a proof of concept evaluation.

Norbert Dentressangle says that, unlike other dual fuel diesel-LPG systems, Easi-LPG uses only small amounts of LPG added to the air intake of a diesel engine to "enhance the combustion of the diesel" – apparently increasing the energy release.

Indeed, according to fuel efficiency consultant Dr Michael Coyle, who has invested in the development of the system, a tank containing 45kg of LPG is sufficient for a week's operation of a typical truck and will deliver a 20% increase in torque, translating into an overall fuel economy improvement of at least 15.5%.

Dr Coyle also says that CO2 savings should be in line with the fuel savings, with even greater reductions in particulates and NOx.

The system is currently being fitted to one of Norbert Dentressangle's 18-tonne Renault Premium rigids with an automatic transmission – one of six vehicles taking part in the six-month in-service trial.

Norbert Dentressangle already has 95% of its truck fleet meeting Euro 4 and 5 standards and claims to be the first to have taken delivery of a Euro 6 vehicle.

The operator also operates several diesel-electric hybrid vehicles, both in the UK and in mainland Europe, and invests in technical and operational opportunities aimed at optimising vehicle capacity and utilisation – such as double-deck trailers, longer semi-trailers, composite tankers and aluminium semi-trailers.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Btrack Solutions Ltd
Norbert Dentressangle

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