Michell Instruments helps implement cleaner fuel

Dew-point checks of LPG fuel for buses ensure fewer breakdowns during the winter months A major public transport operator has installed a Michell Liquidew I.S Moisture Analyzer to check deliveries of LPG fuel for levels of dissolved moisture, with the aim of reducing time and money spent on repairs to its fleet of buses. LPG fuel is becoming an increasingly popular choice for public transport because it often carries a tax reduction as an alternative fuel to petrol. It has significantly lower CO2 emissions compared to petrol, causes less wear and tear on engines and is also said to reduce engine noise – all of which make it an attractive option for public transport operators. However LPG is not without potential drawbacks. High levels of condensed moisture in the LPG fuel may lead to ice forming during the winter months, potentially blocking the fuel pipes and causing upheaval on the streets if vehicles breakdown. Large amounts of dissolved water also damage fuel sensors. Although the replacement parts for these are not expensive, the overall cost is high due to the time and disruption caused by taking the vehicle off the road for repairs. To avoid this risk and ensure reliable operation, the company applies a quality check to every LPG tanker delivery. The water dew-point temperature, at which dissolved moisture saturates to form liquid water or ice, must be at least 15°C below the seasonal average temperature at the time of the delivery. This level has been chosen to avoid condensation in the buses’ roof-top tanks if there is a drop in the ambient temperature. Michell’s Liquidew I.S Moisture in Liquid Analyzer directly measures dew points as low as -100°C with an accuracy of ±2°C. Unlike an RH sensor, Michell’s dew-point sensor directly indicates the temperature at which dissolved moisture in the LPG will start to form water droplets. This is ideal for companies such as transport operators as they can tell immediately from the display of the Liquidew I.S whether to accept or reject the delivery.

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