Calor, the UK’s leading supplier of LPG – liquefied petroleum gas – is a major player in the materials handling sector. The company sponsors the Designer of the Year category in the FLTA Awards and points to the consistent growth of the fuel over recent years. The company’s forklift trucks specialist, Jason Whitwell, explains the relentless advance of the cleaner burning fuel by its acknowledged advantages compared to both diesel and electricity.
‘LPG is now well established in the sector, with all the major manufacturers offering the fuel in their product ranges,’ he says. ‘Calor has worked alongside all the leading forklift truck manufacturers to ensure a smooth installation and it’s clear that, whatever the application, LPG is the fuel of choice.’
LPG delivers a number of benefits compared to diesel, principally based on reduced emissions, which, when a three way catalytic converter is fitted, allows forklift trucks operation in more sensitive areas. For example, LPG achieves a 95 per cent reduction in NOx emissions compared to diesel. As a high octane, cleaner burning fuel, LPG’s use also results in less carbon build up on engines, less oil contamination and less overall engine wear.
‘An LPG truck fitted with a three-way catalytic converter and closed loop engine control system monitors and adjusts its fuel to air mixture 1,000 times a second to give an optimum burn,’ says Jason Whitwell. ‘The latest technical developments are enabling LPG forklift trucks to be used in areas that were previously the domain of electric forklift trucks, such as food manufacturing,’ he adds. ‘Naturally an IC engine won’t be used in a food preparation environment, but there’s no reason why a properly fitted LPG forklift truck shouldn’t operate in a primary packaged food area.’
In contrast to electric forklift trucks, which typically take around eight hours to recharge, LPG forklift trucks can be quickly refuelled from a bulk tank, or by changing a gas cylinder, allowing a true 24/7 operation. As well as saving time on refuelling, running a fleet on LPG can save valuable storage space with no need for a separate area devoted to battery charging.
But aside from its fuel rivals, Calor LPG stands out on its own, with a number of inherent advantages. LPG trucks provide true flexibility, being suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Bulk tank installation provides even greater fuel cost savings and, carried out in consultation with a recognised supplier such as Calor, the process is painless. Calor offers a team of dedicated technical experts who assess a client’s needs, recommend a solution and where required, design a tailored system as well as giving guidance on relevant HSE regulations.
For Calor, safety is paramount, with LPG refuelling training provided at all new and existing sites on request. Servicing and maintenance of LPG bulk tanks remain the responsibility of the fuel supplier and Calor performs a detailed tank inspection at every fuel delivery. The company operates the UK’s largest LPG delivery network and The Think Tank® telemetry system to ensure that customers should never run out of gas.
A key aim for Calor is to position the company as the fuel partner of choice in the materials handling sector. ‘It goes far beyond merely the supply of gas or the fuel price,’ adds Jason Whitwell. ‘Discussions with an LPG expert with the right technical capability can ensure a hassle free conversion as well as providing a package of ongoing technical support, safety assurance and training, he adds.
‘It’s small wonder that the march of LPG in the forklift truck market is set to continue.’
ENDS
Issued on behalf of Calor by Connect PR, Chubb Buildings, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1HT. Telephone 01902 714957. For further information please contact Vicci Mace: vicci@connect-group.com
 Click here to download this press release in Word format
Ref: CG258
Released: January 2005
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