Discussion:
LPG or diesel what is indoor prefrence

does anyone know if it is safer to use LPG or deisel indoor, what is the difference between emissions etc, deisels are alot cleaner than they used to be, and LPG is not as cheap as it used to be. Is there any laws preventing use of deisels indoors, I'm interested in any opinions on this subject.
  • Posted 19 Apr 2008 03:11
  • Discussion started by Leon_W
  • Tyne & Wear, United Kingdom
Showing items 1 - 12 of 12 results.
For indoor use, another consideration is the noise level. Electric trucks are always recommended for indoor use, not only due to polluted fumes, but also the noise level.
  • Posted 20 May 2008 18:32
  • Reply by Prodik
  • nil, Singapore
The problem with electric trucks when comparing emissions is that people quite often fail to take into account LCA and assume its a clean fuel. OK, maybe it is in Scandinavia where electricity production is mainly Hydro Electric but in the rest of the world that is not the case.

For comparitive emissions using CO2 as the base:

LPG - 0.234 kg/Kwh
Oil - 0.265 kg/Kwh
Electric - 0.422 kg/Kwh

If you take an average bulk price in the UK, then you're looking at circa 40ppl compared to 55ppl for red diesel rising to in excess of 90ppl for bunded product. So, to suggest that one form of energy clearly provides benefits over another is misleading because, although there is now more overlap between the fuels in terms of benefits/operational usage you cannot state that one should be used in all cases.
  • Posted 16 May 2008 21:35
  • Modified 16 May 2008 21:37 by poster
  • Reply by Wilko
  • CV379LX, United Kingdom
Companies who use forklifts indoors need to be prepared for the change to electric units, it just a matter of time before it happens.
Electric trucks have come a long way in the last few years, AC power has made it more practical and cost effective.
Maintenance intervals are longer and less parts to deal with and the new battery technology that is evolving is making it more practical to change.
The initial costs of the change and battery handling issues scare some folks away from it, But savings in the long run will eventually be noticed.
  • Posted 2 May 2008 11:50
  • Modified 2 May 2008 11:54 by poster
  • Reply by roadrat
  • North Carolina, United States
"ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?"
Morf is right, and here's 1 more point...

If you use fuel-cells, you eliminate the charge times as well.

Some years ago, the EPA was looking at banning ALL IC trucks indoors. That fell through, but you can be assured, it will be passed someday...
  • Posted 2 May 2008 04:38
  • Reply by mike_n
  • Alberta, Canada
Having spent over 20 years in the industry, it never ceases to amaze me that people don't go electric whenever possible in the application is indoor. The initial expense of the vehicle, the battery and charger, etc., is expensive, but electrics do not have emissions and over the normal life, use less than half the parts and service of an internal combustion vehicle. Also, it's not so much what the vehicle effluent is to the indoor environment as much as it is the ventilation of the indoor environment. The more closed, the less acceptable an IC vehicle is. Personally, with all the continuing 'green' emphasis worldwide, I'd recommend starting to get into electrics wherever possible and learn how to optomize the battery life.
  • Posted 2 May 2008 00:22
  • Reply by Morf
  • Illinois, United States
Morf
Does anyone have the nox figure for a kubota V3300 or the Nissan K21 with impco lpg system with standard exhaust system.
  • Posted 25 Apr 2008 03:29
  • Reply by Leon_W
  • Tyne & Wear, United Kingdom
highway fuel is £1.20 per litre and off road about £0.75, lpg bottles are £15 for a 18kg bottle approx 29 litres.
  • Posted 22 Apr 2008 19:11
  • Reply by Leon_W
  • Tyne & Wear, United Kingdom
to Leon W: What is the price of "Off Road" and hiway diesel in your part of the world? It is $4.05( US gallon )out here for hiway fuel and around $3.50 (US gallon) for "Off Road"
  • Posted 22 Apr 2008 10:01
  • Reply by roadrat
  • North Carolina, United States
"ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?"
does anyone know what is the cheapest to run, (mainly fuel costs). Is there much of a saving on fuel.
  • Posted 22 Apr 2008 02:07
  • Reply by Leon_W
  • Tyne & Wear, United Kingdom
In the past diesel units were not a good choice for "continueous" indoor applications because of the "sooty" smoke and fumes they emitted. The newer diesels equipped with catylitic mufflers are doing a lot better at reducing the NOX emissions as well as the smell. Proper and adequate ventilation is a must!! as with any internal cumbustion engine. Fresh air must be coming in at all times, exhausting the bad air. Proper and regular maintenance on diesel units is important to keep away "pre-CAT" exhaust leaks and rich or incomplete combustion issues.

I would NOT recommend using diesel units in a "Closed" type building or warehouse unless it had an "Air exchanger" type of ventilation system.
  • Posted 20 Apr 2008 03:29
  • Modified 20 Apr 2008 03:41 by poster
  • Reply by roadrat
  • North Carolina, United States
The primary issue with diesel is the NOX emissions and the smell (but alot of that has been cleaned up with recent emission standards & use of cataltic convertors use). Diesels produce less CO emisions than do LP or gasoline fuel.

I have sold the Linde units with diesel engines in to warehosue applications successfully with no issues. No exhaust emission smell or smoke issues, in fact one customer told me that they can have lunch behind the units with the engine running. I would not reccommend a diesel for a stop and go applications as a diesel is more efficent when it is running continously
  • Posted 19 Apr 2008 22:31
  • Reply by johnr_j
  • Georgia, United States
"Have An Exceptional Day!"
Dont have any facts but operators and other people complain when even the new trucks are run.Dont make much diffrence cat,nissan or hyster they all stink when they are run.Id stick to propane.
  • Posted 19 Apr 2008 21:41
  • Reply by proshadetree
  • Tennessee, United States

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