Eagle Solutions, ©2008, Tracker Operator Manual Page #6
Eagle Solutions, ©2008, Tracker Operator Manual Page #7
United States and European studies show that
propane reduces greenhouse gases. The Propane
Education and Research Council states, “Unlike
fuels such as natural gas, propane vapor is
removed from the atmosphere faster than it takes
for it to become well-mixed and impact the global
climate. Additionally, propane does not have the
contaminants of some other fuels like diesel, and
has less criteria pollutants across many applications.
Propane’s portability, storability, and environmental
benefits also qualify it to serve the unique needs
of several applications,” like floor maintenance
and restoration equipment. Based on the UK
Government’s Standard Assessment Procedure
(SAP) for Energy Rating for Dwellings (2005
edition), Calor Gas Ltd. concluded that “electricity
emits 80.0% more CO2 than LPG – propane gas.”
(CO2 being a primary contributor to greenhouse
gas.) Therefore, we can be proud to produce and
you to own propane powered machines. However,
there are some emissions from propane that can be
dangerous to humans.
Carbon Monoxide is generated in the exhaust as
the result of incomplete combustion of fuel. CO is
a very toxic, colorless and odorless gas. Propane
emissions may contain considerable amounts of CO.
When operating propane powered floor machines
in tightly enclosed spaces carbon monoxide can
accumulate quickly and reach concentrations which
are dangerous for humans. It causes headaches,
dizziness, lethargy and death.
Nitrogen oxides are generated from nitrogen and
oxygen under the high temperature and pressure
conditions in the engine cylinder. NOx consists
mostly of nitric oxide (NO) and some nitrogen
dioxide (NO2). Nitrogen dioxide is a reactive gas
and is very toxic to humans. Accumulation of NOx
in a warehouse atmosphere may be also detrimental
for the stored goods. For example, only a few ppm
of NOx in the ambient air can change the color
of paper stock from white to yellowish. NOx
emissions are also a serious environmental concern
because of their ozone reactivity and important role
in smog formation.
Hydrocarbons are also a product of incomplete
combustion of fuel. Propane emissions, because
of the composition of fuel, contain only short
chain hydrocarbons. They are not likely to contain
toxic components which are found in gasoline
HC emission. Also, the environmental impact of
propane hydrocarbon emissions is much smaller
than that of gasoline. However, hydrocarbon
derivatives are responsible for the characteristic
smell which is often a nuisance when propane
engines operate indoors.
Emissions
OSHA has set a CO Permissible Exposure Level
(PEL) at 50 parts per million (PPM) over a time
weighted average of eight hours and a ceiling of
200 PPM. To manage propane emissions in Eagle
machines, we install a three way catalytic muffler
that takes the reactions from CO, HC and NOx
and simultaneously removes nearly all of these
pollutants. Concentrations of pollutants in the
exhaust gas depend on the fuel mixture composition.
At lean fuel mixtures, the exhaust gases contain
little carbon monoxide or hydrocarbons but high
concentrations of NOx. Rich mixtures produce
high concentrations of CO and HC with little NOx.
Therefore, it is very important to maintain the
engine as recommended. Some things that assist in
keeping emissions low follow.
Air Filters: The air fuel ratio can be affected by
dirty air filters, which can cause an imbalance in the
air mixed with propane and increases emissions. It
is imperative that the operator check and correct
dirty air filters every time the machine is used.
Oil Level: Another thing that can alter emission
levels is the over filling of oil. When the oil level is
too high, the vacuum effect of the engine over the
oil pan pulls oil vapor off the oil and distributes it
on the carburetor air filter. This in turn collects dust
and restricts the free flow of air to the fuel mixture.
In turn, it increases the production of CO. Operators
should faithfully check the oil level and keep it at
the recommended level and not leave machines
idling for more than a few minutes.
When checking the oil level, be aware that
different engine manufacturers have different
instructions for checking the oil level. Some instruct
to unscrew the dipstick, wipe it off and reinsert it
without screwing it in, then extracting it to read the
level. Others instruct the dipstick to be screwed in
before reading the level. Because of the importance
of maintaining the correct oil level always consult
the engine manufacturer operation manual for the
correct procedure. At all times the machine should
be setting level on the floor when checking the oil.
Controlling Emissions
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