Operate your Diesel Engine on Natural Gas
The Bi-Fuel System is an innovative technology that enables operators of heavy-duty diesel engines to substantially reduce operational costs and lower emissions by substituting diesel fuel with lower cost, cleaner- burning natural gas. The Bi-Fuel System is comprised of patented technologies that allow engines to safely operate on gas percentages ranging from 50% to 75% of the total fuel requirement. Engines converted to Bi-Fuel exhibit diesel-like performance in such critical areas as efficiency, stability and load acceptance. A key feature of the Bi-Fuel System is its ability to switch fuel modes without interruption in engine power output. The engine can be switched between diesel and gas automatically while maintaining speed and load. This feature gives the user the flexibility to choose between gas and diesel modes as dictated by fuel pricing, fuel availability or other operational considerations. An equally important feature of the Bi-Fuel System is its ability to maintain engine power levels while operating in gas mode between the “continuous” and “prime” ratings of the engine. For operations above the programmed power limit, the engine is automatically switched to 100% diesel mode, thus avoiding the necessity to de-rate the engine.
The optional Dynamic Gas Control (DGC) version of the system incorporates fuel mapping as a function of load and automatically varies the gas substitution rate for optimum performance throughout the load range.
The Bi-Fuel System utilizes a state-of-the-art electronic control and monitoring system which monitors critical engine and Bi-Fuel System parameters and activates or deactivates gas mode according to programmed limits. When a monitored parameter exceeds the allowable limit, the controller switches the engine to 100% diesel mode and electronically logs the fault for diagnostic purposes. The control panel is housed in a NEMA rated weatherproof enclosure and is approved for Class I, Division 2 environments.
In the typical configuration, gas is introduced at a location downstream of the engine air cleaner and upstream of the turbocharger. The gas is supplied at approximately atmospheric pressure using a proprietary air fuel mixing device that allows for a high level of gas mixing with the least possible air restriction. After exiting the mixer, the air-gas mixture is compressed in the turbocharger and then distributed to each cylinder by the engine air-intake manifold. The lean air-gas mixture is then compressed in the cylinder during the compression stroke of the piston and ignited when the diesel injector is activated. Since the air-gas mixture is maintained in a lean condition, pre-ignition of the air-gas mixture does not occur. Flow of gas to the engine is load dependent and will vary with combustion airflow changes. The Bi-Fuel System utilizes a specialized control system that varies gas flow according to changes in engine vacuum level. This technique allows the Bi-Fuel System to be responsive to engine fuel requirements while maintaining the integrity of the OEM governing system.
The standard version of the Bi-Fuel System incorporates a manually adjustable Power Valve to control the gas substitution rate, whereas the optional Dynamic Gas Control (DGC) version of the system automatically optimizes performance across varying load ranges by varying the gas substitution rate as a function of the load. Diesel injection is controlled by the OEM governing system during both gas and diesel modes.
The Bi-Fuel System electronic control panel monitors various engine and system parameters such as manifold air pressure and temperature, exhaust gas temperature, intake vacuum, gas pressure and engine vibration.
This information allows the controller to determine when to activate or deactivate bi-fuel operation depending on engine performance, load level, ambient temperature, knock limits or gas supply pressure levels. The DE-based Bi-Fuel controller can also remotely communicate with the user’s existing remote engine monitoring system via RS-232/RS-485 connection (ASCII or MODBUS protocol).
Engine performance during Bi-Fuel operation is typically on par with normal diesel levels. Heat rejection levels to the exhaust and water jacket systems are kept within normal operating parameters published by the manufacturer.
Engine response to load variation while in Bi-Fuel mode is typically equal to, or better than 100% diesel performance due to the unique design of the Bi-Fuel System and the associated combustion characteristics of the air-gas mixture.
Similarly, engine load acceptance (for large Block loads) during Bi-Fuel operation meets or exceeds straight diesel performance.
Existing and new diesel engines can be retrofitted to run on dual fuel natural gas and diesel with the ability to operate on 100% diesel fuel if natural gas is interrupted. The system is used to lower exhaust emissions, extend diesel fuel tank run-time, reduce fuel expenses and prolong engine life and maintenance.
Applications:Peak shaving, prime power, co-generation, distributed generation diesel powered electric generators. Sources of gas can be from offshore platforms, landfills, digester or other sources of methane gas.
Technology: Gas Technologies dual fuel system is based on a fumigation principle first observed by Mr. Rudolph Diesel, the inventor of the Diesel engine. Natural gas enters the engine with normal combustion air through the air filter, before the turbo charger. A significantly reduced amount of diesel fuel continues into the engine, which serves as a pilot ignition source for the natural gas. Gas Technologies Control, maintains the proper balance of natural gas, diesel and air to meet the engine’s BTU power requirements. Applications using controls for dual-fuel fumigation technologies are subject to patents with foreign patents pending.
Results: The Gas Technologies fumigation system does not add spark plugs or change other specifications within the engine, so factory warranties remain in effect. Engines maintain full rated horsepower at factory recommended operating temperatures.. Emissions such as NOx can be lowered by as much as 60%. Oil changes can be extended approximately 3 times normal. Black exhaust smoke (particulates) can become clear.
Clean Air: Natural gas utility companies and agencies promoting clean environments, support the use of natural gas in place of diesel fuel. Clients are encouraged to seek financial and technical assistance from these sources when utilizing our natural gas/diesel dual fuel systems.
Summary of Dual-Fuel Benefits:
Costs much less than Gas Engines / Run Dual-Fuel or 100% Diesel / Generators / Industrial Application / Extensive Diesel Fuel Savings / Extend Oil Changes, Engine life / No De-Rating / Normal Engine Temperatures / Lower Emissions / Smaller Diesel Fuel Tanks needed /
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