Coating aims to cut smoke
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by Charles Young • Emission technology specialist Engelhard is claiming a 9% cut in fuel consumption and an 85% reduction in black smoke emissions for engines which are fitted with its GPX diesel coating system.
The "ceramic-based" coating is applied to the combustion components during an engine overhaul. It reflects heat hack into the combustion area giving a more efficient fuel burn, claims Daniel Parker, Engelhard's vice-president of heavy duty power systems.
"The worst-case scenario would be a 2-3% improvement in fuel economy and we believe the system will pay for itself within two years," he says.
The system is expected to cost less than 20% the price of a new engine and it can be retrofitted, although the compa ny says it is also running tests with a "European engine manufacturer".
Tests using an MOTapproved smoke meter revealed a 70% reduction in smoke emission on an engine retro-fitted with GPX, L The London General bus company has run a one-year test of the GPX system on an Iveco-powered Routemaster. This showed a 12% reduction in smoke emissions and an 8% cut in its fuel hill.