Usually water in diesel is a serious problem, but one company in Kapiti is purposefully adding water to diesel to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Blended Fuel Systems has joined up with US-based Alternative Petroleum Technologies to introduce water into diesel in a way that is actually beneficial to the engine.
Blended Fuel Solutions managing director Leigh Ramsey says that the water is encased in small droplets, rather than taking up a fixed volume in the diesel. Much like water injection, the mixture cools the intake charge, increasing the density of the incoming air and reducing pollutants.
The difference is that the water is introduced at the pump, rather than by a separate system mounted to the truck. Ramsey claims that fuel consumption could be reduced by up to 3%, and soot levels by up to 40%.
This type of emulsified fuel is already in operation with Maersk and several European bus companies. It would suit fleets which use their own on-site refuelling, rather than those that fill up at regular service stations.
The Kapiti Coast District Council is currently trialling the technology with one of its tractors and could use the emulsified fuel in other industrial vehicles.
According to Ramsay: “This will be the first emulsified diesel trial in the country. We’re also working with other industrial users and have proposals for more trials.”
Ramsey says that the chief executive of Alternative Petroleum Technologies, believes New Zealand is a very good place to showcase the proven aspects of the technology because of its clean image.
“We want to get some traction in New Zealand and then export to the world through a New Zealand-based entity.”
