October 2019

SPECIAL FOCUS Handling, Storage & Logistics October 2019 www.pwemag.co.uk Plant & Works Engineering | 47 affected in a big way. With the introduction of these new standards, more advanced DPF cleaning systems and operating regimes will be required to comply. For less sophisticated diesel engines, this will result in longer periods of downtime and greater expense. One approach the industry has taken to overcome this issue is by lowering the combustion temperature using cooled exhaust gas, which dilutes the amount of oxygen in the combustion chamber. Yet this results in increased soot, meaning the engine requires a DPF to prevent the soot from being emitted. This DPF, however, needs to be recharged at regular intervals, which is a lengthy process that has to be performed once or twice a week. This requires an FLT to be taken out of service and the engine to be revved at full engine RPM for between 20 minutes to half an hour, in order to burn the soot that has collected in the particulate filter. Large amounts of fuel are used during this process, and then there is the downtime and inconvenience of the time- consuming and repetitive process – not to mention the associated costs with burning the extra fuel as part of this. So, is electric the way to go? Not necessarily. While electric FLTs are beginning to edge out from solely being used in warehouses and into rugged heavy-duty equipment too, the adoption of electric as a mass-market solution for these heavy-duty applications is still a long way off. Furthermore, the high initial purchase price is a big barrier for many organisations. With LPG models able to cope easily with the recently-introduced EU Stage V standards via an inexpensive three-way catalytic converter, LPG is a solution that is available now – and long into the future – for FLT fleets. Many diesel models will struggle with the EU Stage V standards that have come into force, but LPG’s reliability and cost-effectiveness when compared with electric models will ensure it remains a popular choice for fleet managers. For further information please visit: www.calor.co.uk/flt KNAPP UK Ltd Unit 60, Monument Business Park Warpsgrove Lane, Chalgrove Oxfordshire OX44 7RW Tel: 01865 965 000 | sales.uk@knapp.com www.knapp.com making complexity simple KNAPP is a leading global supplier of warehouse automation solutions, with over 1700 active systems worldwide. The group’s advanced conveying, storage and fulfilment technologies are combined in solutions that feature seamless integration and intelligent software. Successful projects in the UK recently include systems for John Lewis, Boots, M&S, Staples, Clarks, British Gas and Well. automated systems efficient Stand 316 Visit us on