Himoinsa to expand LPG options
30 March 2022
Generator manufacturer Himoinsa is poised to introduce some exciting developments relating to its machines running on LPG that are designed to bring cost savings, operational efficiencies and environmental benefits.
By way of a recap: three years ago the company launched its LPG line-up which now includes 30, 40, 70 and 110kVA models, all of which have Stage V emissions approval.
The gas is contained in large canisters located beneath the generators or in external stillages. These contain a total of 330 litres and give the above-mentioned machines respective running times of typically 47, 35, 26 and 15 hours.
LPG machines can be found in the fleets of hirers in the UK, Netherlands and Himoinsa’s native country, Spain.
The company is now introducing a partnership whereby the generators can be fed by an LPG tank on a work site, similar to those found at homes and premises that are not served by mains gas. These can then be replenished regularly, just like diesel tanks, and give extended running times.
For smaller, shorter term projects, the generators will be available with mobile tanks with an 800-litre capacity, simplifying the switch from diesel to LPG.
The Ukraine conflict has obviously created volatility regarding fuel prices but LPG is typically less than half the price of white diesel, giving considerably lower running costs.
Maintenance is also reduced as the LPG engines operate on a secure, clean fuel supply without risk of contamination, and no after-treatment like AdBlue or DPFs (diesel particulate filters) are required.
“This should give hirers a faster return on investment,” Clive Dix, managing director of Himoinsa Power Solutions based in Crewe, tells me. “Also, if the gas supply should be allowed to run out, no bleeding of air is needed before refuelling, and the LPG is at much less risk of theft than diesel.”
And above all, there are the environmental benefits.
“LPG produces much lower levels of CO2 and particulate matter than diesel, and emissions are lower than with HVO. Its carbon footprint is 20% lower than fuel oil.”
Obviously, Stage V diesel generators will still be a preferred option for many users. However, as the blog frequently stresses, there is no one-size-fits-all solution and LPG gives another choice.
“By offering generators fed by LPG tanks, customers now have an option that is very similar to managing the diesel site setups they are familiar with,” adds Clive.
“And when you think of the impact that LPG engines have had on the use of thousands of forklift trucks throughout industry, the potential could be enormous.”
