SLD to power equipment fleet with biodiesel
SLD Pumps & Power (SLD) has switched exclusively to biodiesel fuel to power its nationwide equipment fleet.
The change will displace consumption of about 1 million litres of highly polluting mineral diesel each year.
A pilot initiative with the new cleaner-burning fuel was introduced at the company's Glasgow branch to coincide with the global COP26 climate change conference organised in the city by the United Nations.
"We chose Glasgow to trial the new biofuel to align with the international gathering and attention on cleaner, lower carbon technologies," said Frank Sprott, SLD general manager.
“The biodiesel performed excellently, dramatically cutting carbon emissions and even improving the performance of equipment. As a result, we made the decision to extend the switch nationwide and make the move away from fossil diesel permanent."
The new fuel – hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) – is a made from 100% renewable raw materials such as vegetable and animal oils, and reduces net CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared with traditional mineral diesel.
HVO fuel is checked and certified by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to ensure it meets the requirements for performance and emissions.
The HVO fuel is used to power all SLD's diesel-based equipment, including high performance pumps and mobile generators.
HVO also has a longer shelf life than conventional diesel, which can only be stored for around one year due to chemical degradation. HVO fuel contains fewer unstable compounds and no sulphur, enabling it to be stored for up to 10 years without loss of performance or the risk of engine damage.
"Switching to the new fuel requires no modifications to equipment or storage and handling systems, so all of the benefits accrue without the need to invest in new infrastructure. It is a genuine drop-in replacement and delivers an immediate and dramatic improvement in environmental performance," added Sprott.
"Due to its cleaner, more stable composition, we are also seeing a reduction of around 60% in fuel-related equipment breakdowns. This translates into reduced maintenance costs for us, and improved reliability for the customer. We also anticipate that it could help extend the working life of equipment, so it offers very attractive all-round benefits."
The change will displace consumption of about 1 million litres of highly polluting mineral diesel each year.
A pilot initiative with the new cleaner-burning fuel was introduced at the company's Glasgow branch to coincide with the global COP26 climate change conference organised in the city by the United Nations.
"We chose Glasgow to trial the new biofuel to align with the international gathering and attention on cleaner, lower carbon technologies," said Frank Sprott, SLD general manager.
“The biodiesel performed excellently, dramatically cutting carbon emissions and even improving the performance of equipment. As a result, we made the decision to extend the switch nationwide and make the move away from fossil diesel permanent."
The new fuel – hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) – is a made from 100% renewable raw materials such as vegetable and animal oils, and reduces net CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared with traditional mineral diesel.
HVO fuel is checked and certified by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to ensure it meets the requirements for performance and emissions.
The HVO fuel is used to power all SLD's diesel-based equipment, including high performance pumps and mobile generators.
HVO also has a longer shelf life than conventional diesel, which can only be stored for around one year due to chemical degradation. HVO fuel contains fewer unstable compounds and no sulphur, enabling it to be stored for up to 10 years without loss of performance or the risk of engine damage.
"Switching to the new fuel requires no modifications to equipment or storage and handling systems, so all of the benefits accrue without the need to invest in new infrastructure. It is a genuine drop-in replacement and delivers an immediate and dramatic improvement in environmental performance," added Sprott.
"Due to its cleaner, more stable composition, we are also seeing a reduction of around 60% in fuel-related equipment breakdowns. This translates into reduced maintenance costs for us, and improved reliability for the customer. We also anticipate that it could help extend the working life of equipment, so it offers very attractive all-round benefits."
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