Better fuel filtration and oil leads to reduced engine friction and improved combustion, resulting in greater engine performance and improved productivity. The innovative fluid management and condition monitoring approach used by Techenomics International ensures better filtration and cleaner fuel, thereby increasing the efficiency of injectors and fuel pumps as well as improving internal engine condition.
The recent award to Techenomics’ subsidiary PT Tekenomiks Indonesia of a major three-year contract with PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) to carry out fuel survey and analysis services at KPC’s Indonesian coal operations has seen Techenomics further develop its fuel and oil filtration technology.
KPC operates the massive Sangatta mine in East Kalimantan which boasts one of the world’s largest thermal coal reserves.
Techenomics’ CEO Chris Adsett says the technology involves fuel being filtered to below 0.5 microns and the use of a nano particle sized engine oil additive to reduce friction. This innovative technology is being trialled in Indonesia.
He says large haul truck engines, which can be up to 3500hp, or 2600kW, are very expensive to repair or replace and it makes a lot of sense to ensure they are operating to maximum capacity. “A 1% decrease in power can be equivalent to the entire power output of a small car’s engine.”
PT Tekenomiks Indonesia’s acting general manager Jim Ellison says dirty fuel contaminated with biological solids and water leads to incomplete combustion which in turn results in low power, excessive smoke and increased fuel consumption as well as contamination of engine oil with harmful soot particles.
“Given the tight tolerances within fuel injection systems, the introduction of these solid abrasive contaminants can lead to premature component failure, which increases unscheduled downtime and decreases production.
“Thorough fuel filtration can have significant benefits by not only protecting the internal components through reduction of abrasive particles but also provides complete combustion which leads to reduced fuel consumption and increased power output.
“This complete combustion reduces harmful abrasive soot particles increasing component life.”
Regarding the use of nano technology additives in standard engine oils, Jim Ellison says they can drastically reduce the coefficient of friction within engine working parts. “These nano particles of tungsten disulphide (WS2) are small enough to penetrate and fill sub-surface cracks on worn components. They form a thin protective monolayer of WS2 on the surface of the metal, thereby reducing friction and wear between metal surfaces.
“As well as reducing friction which results in reduced fuel consumption, this nano technology allows for extended oil drain intervals,” he adds.