Green Fuel Systems International (GFSI) has developed a dual-phase induction system which introduces LPG Autogas into the air intake of diesel engines, to improve the diesel combustion process.

GFSI Senior Engineer Mark Kilburn said the process results in a number of efficiencies, including fuel-cost savings, increased torque and horsepower, lower emissions and reduced engine wear.

Mr Kilburn said that even minimal reductions in fuel costs were extremely important for line-haul operators due to the consistently high number of kilometres their trucks travel.

A B-double configuration truck travelling approximately 250,000 km per year can save from $18,000 to $23,000 by using the system, Mr Kilburn claimed.

“We conservatively estimate net fuel cost savings of 10 per cent across all truck applications. However, we have some B-triples running at a 23 to 24 per cent net dollar value saving, and a client running B-doubles at a 27 to 28 per cent net saving over diesel,” he said.

One of GFSI’s earliest clients, A & T Clark and Daughters Pty Ltd, has been taking advantage of the system’s fuel cost savings since 2006.

Managing director Allan Clark said after trialling the system for six months he fitted second and third trucks with it, and has been impressed with the results.

“It has taken our fuel economy from around 1.5 km/L, to approximately 1.7 to 1.75 km/L. That’s based on carting 64.5tonnes the majority of the time, with an engine rated at 580 horsepower,” Mr Clark said.

“Doing an average 28,000 km per month, the monthly cost savings per truck have been between $1,500 and $2,000, depending on where we’ve bought the LPG from.”

Mr Kilburn said LPG Autogas has a faster burn rate than diesel, so when introduced to the combustion process helps diesel burn more efficiently than normal.

“Diesel engines are typically only 75 to 80 per cent efficient, meaning 20 to 25per cent of diesel fuel is passed through the exhaust system unburnt,” Mr Kilburn said.

“LPG assists the diesel fuel combustion process, increasing diesel combustion efficiency to nearly 100 per cent.

“This results in 20 to 25 per cent higher energy extraction and translates to a roughly similar increase in horsepower and torque.”

LPG Australia Industry Development Manager, Phil Westlake, said diesel fuel emissions include fine particulate matter, toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases.

“Unburnt diesel fuel, which is easily visible as black exhaust smoke, contains even more of these unhealthy and environmentally damaging pollutants,” Mr Westlake said.

“Given the enormous distances diesel-fuelled heavy vehicles travel in Australia every year, an LPG Autogas system that reduces the emissions of these vehicles is of huge benefit to the environment and public health.”