A change of direction: assembly of industrial natural gas gen-sets moves from Mexico to Michigan

The story is a familiar one in the modern industrial world. In an effort to remain competitive, a business or product moves south to Mexico. Yet while the tide usually flows out, occasionally it comes back in, as Cummins Bridgeway LLC demonstrated recently.

The New Hudson, Mich.-based Cummins distributor, the authorized distributor for Cummins covering Michigan, Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, recently won a bid to relocate the assembly of industrial gaseous-fueled gen-sets from Cummins' San Luis Potosi, Mexico, operations to New Hudson. The gen-sets assembled by Cummins Bridgeway will be sold through the Cummins distribution network.

"We see it as a reverse in the trend that many are concerned about in business these days" said Greg Boll, president and CEO of Cummins Bridgeway. "We're excited to be creating jobs for Michigan workers and manufacturing a globally marketed product."

The gen-sets to be assembled at Cummins Bridgeway are 4.5 and 5.5 kW units that can operate on natural gas or LP. Marketed under the DCathlon brand, they are targeted toward a range of smaller standby power applications, primarily telecommunications, along with railway, personnel lift, uninterruptible Both the 4.5 and 5.5 kW units are powered by air-cooled, twin-cylinder Briggs & Stratton OHV gaseous-fueled engines with displacements of 480 cc (4.5 kW) and 570 cc (5.5 kW). The engines are rated 16 and 18 hp, respectively and engine features include cast-iron cylinder liners, alloy exhaust valves, Magnetron electronic ignition systems, electronic engine governors, 12 V electric starters, dual-element air cleaners and integral exhaust systems. They incorporate vapor carburetion systems and operate at speeds from 2200 to 3750 rpm.

The engines directly drive brushless, permanent rare earth magnet alternators that provide 24 and 48 Vdc power. Cummins Bridgeway assembles the rotors and has them machined to fight tolerances. The generator section is air coded through a fan mounted on the rotor.

This configuration provides variable speed operation and allows the generator to "walk into the load" rather than slamming a battery bank, the company said.

Engine and generator operations are monitored through a microprocessor control system that includes a three-position (run-off-auto) switch, a runtime meter and circuit breaker disconnect switch. The system also monitors a series of alarm conditions, including overspeed, overvoltage, undervoltage, overcrank, engine stop, circuit breaker trip and over temperature. It provides status and alarm reporting for remote locations, and an annunciator panel that includes visual alarms is also available as an option.

The engine, generator and controls are mounted in a 16-gauge, powder-coated aluminum sound-attenuated enclosure that helps reduce operating noise emissions to less than 70 dB(A) at 23 ft. The enclosure incorporates an internal starting battery tray and tie down, along with a lockable access door, and the entire enclosure tilts for even greater access, the company said.

The 4.5 kW unit is 41 in. long, 28 in. wide and 31 in. high, with a dry weight of 350 lb. The 5.5 kW gen-set is 41 in. long, 32 in. wide and 37 in. high and weighs 450 lb.

As a result of the new assembly business, Cummins Bridgeway has added an assembly line and created 15 new jobs.

"The business had existing domestic and Canadian customers," said Boll.

"We intend to nurture these and capture new accounts, resulting in sales and employment growth. Potential sales of these products are worldwide in scope."

The primary customer for the gen-sets is Bell South, and Cummins Bridgeway has received its first new order from Rogers Communications, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Cummins Bridgeway employs 600 people, 310 of which are Michigan based. The company sells, distributes and supports Cummins diesel and natural gas engines, gen-sets and related products for automotive, industrial and stationary power applications. It also maintains wholesale parts operations, 14 service locations and a comprehensive training organization. Cummins Bridgeway's sales for 2004 were approximately $230 million power supplies (UPS)

For Ingersoll-Rand Co., portable air compressors have always been a significant part of its business. Even its first electrical generators, introduced in the '80s, were packaged with an air compressor.

But things are changing at I-R as the company looks to continue diversifying its product line and become a force in the power generation business, leveraging its brand and industry focus in an effort to turn its new PowerSource generator line into one of its flagship products.

Air compressors have always been associated with I-R and at one time dominated the division's business, said David Puck, director global marketing at the Davidson, N.C.-based Utility Equipment Division. "A majority of our revenue globally came from portable air compressors. We were really very product oriented--essentially a one-man band."

But the band has grown to an orchestra as I-R has diversified its product portfolio over the last two years as part of a strategy to focus on products specifically targeting the midsized contractor. "It was the beginning of the transformation and expansion of our business, as we realized that portable compressors would not provide sustainable growth opportunities to get us where we wanted to be" said Puck. "As a business, we focused on the areas of product, channel and brand and looked at how to leverage what we do well

"Generators were a good first step, a natural progression to business expansion, because of the competencies we've developed over the past 100 years building air compressors. It would not have made much sense to go right from offering compressors to wheel loaders. Taking the next step needs to be done gradually, and leveraged off of what you do very well while stepping out of your comfort zone."

While gen-sets were I-R's initial extension, the company has continued to expand its portfolio, adding a full line of concrete products, wheel loaders, excavators and backhoes, all of which are aimed at midsized contractors. I-R's core product line still includes air compressors and light towers but has gradually grown to include mobile generators which I-R, through its Utility Equipment Division, will launch a total of 11 new models.

The new gen-sets are being marketed under the PowerSource name, aligning them with I-R's AirSource air compressors and LightSource light towers. The first six models (10 to 100 kW) will be available for order during the fourth quarter of 2005 and will be launched at Power Gen International 2005 in Las Vegas. The additional 155 to 500 kW models (G190, G240, G330, G440 and G625) will be introduced in 2006 with the onset of Tier 3 engine emissions standards.

Included in the initial launch is the G10, G25, G40, G60, G80 and G125 with output ratings of 10, 21, 30, 46, 66 and 100 kW, respectively. These six 60 Hz units are the next evolution of IR's environmental generators introduced last year. "For I-R, this is the future of power generation" said Todd Howe, product marketing manager, mobile generators at I-R. "This is the platform that we will build upon and grow. It has the features and requirements that the market demands."

Within the lineup, the three smaller models, the G10, G25 and G40, are equipped with 1.3, 2.5 and 3.3 L, three- and four-cylinder Mitsubishi diesel engines rated 16, 32 and 45 hp at 1800 rpm. John Deere's three-, four-and five-cylinder PowerTech 4045, 5030 and 6068 diesels drive the rest of the range. These 3.1, 4.5 and 6.8 L engines are rated 72, 102 and 150 hp at 1800 rpm.

Both Tier 2 engines are prepackaged with a cooling assembly that includes a Toyo radiator on the Mitsubishi engine. The cooling system also incorporates an engine-driven fan and a redesigned airflow pattern that also provides sound attenuation, the company said. An air inlet grating on each side of the unit directs cool air across the alternator and engine block, which the engine fan pushes through the radiator and out the roof-mounted exhaust grating. The engine package also includes a Denso alternator and Nelson air cleaner.

Motortech, ComAp create MCE to serve North America

ComAp of the Czech Republic and Motortech of Germany have combined their market expertise to form a new company, MCE LLC (Motortech ComAp Electronics) to promote and support ComAp products and services in the U.S.A. and Canada. The company is based in Illinois with Ray Lecuyer, president, and Les Casterline, vice president sales and marketing. The new venture follows a period of the two companies working successfully together in other international markets. Both companies have experience and established product lines for the power generation and gas engine industries.

Motortech specializes in ignition systems, accessories and control equipment for the industrial gas engine sector. First establishing their niche in the gas engine aftermarket, more engine manufacturers are increasingly specifying Motortech products as their original equipment. Over the past 10 years Motortech has built a worldwide distributor network and established Motortech U.S.A. in 2003 to increase market presence in North America.

ComAp was founded in the early 1990s and specializes in developing, producing and servicing electronic equipment for the markets of power generation, marine propulsion and industrial engine drives for pumps and compressors. The company's core business areas include several control systems and diesel engine bi-fuel conversions. ComAp is aware of significant cost reduction opportunities in the service sector as it is possible for system performance data, historical data and engine operating parameters to be communicated remotely via modern, Internet or SMS

Libor Mertl, ComAp managing director, said, "We believe there is strong demand in North American markets for the highly sophisticated products that we offer. Our advances in the interface to newer generation electronic engines and our proven controls communications capabilities provide us with the tools to exceed market expectations."

Motortech President Florian Virchow added, "ComAp products are excellent from a technical perspective and this is just one of the reasons we are pleased to create this partnership."

MC Electronics' mission is to develop North American markets for and promote the sale of electronic control products. Products offered will include ComAp control products and Motortech gas engine control products. Markets served will include power generation, stationary industrial engine markets, including pumps and compressors, marine propulsion, turbine engine controls and diesel engine bi-fuel conversions. Sales will be promoted direct to OEM customers, through existing Motortech distributors and through independent distribution channels, which MCE will develop for specific markets.

Recently, the two companies partnered to create a new All In One gas engine controller, which consolidates monitoring, controlling, regulation and protection functions in one solution. This product will be directed to power generation markets where it has excellent application for biogas-type projects.

A change of direction: assembly of industrial natural gas gen-sets moves from Mexico to Michigan

The story is a familiar one in the modern industrial world. In an effort to remain competitive, a business or product moves south to Mexico. Yet while the tide usually flows out, occasionally it comes back in, as Cummins Bridgeway LLC demonstrated recently.

The New Hudson, Mich.-based Cummins distributor, the authorized distributor for Cummins covering Michigan, Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, recently won a bid to relocate the assembly of industrial gaseous-fueled gen-sets from Cummins' San Luis Potosi, Mexico, operations to New Hudson. The gen-sets assembled by Cummins Bridgeway will be sold through the Cummins distribution network.

"We see it as a reverse in the trend that many are concerned about in business these days" said Greg Boll, president and CEO of Cummins Bridgeway. "We're excited to be creating jobs for Michigan workers and manufacturing a globally marketed product."

The gen-sets to be assembled at Cummins Bridgeway are 4.5 and 5.5 kW units that can operate on natural gas or LP. Marketed under the DCathlon brand, they are targeted toward a range of smaller standby power applications, primarily telecommunications, along with railway, personnel lift Both the 4.5 and 5.5 kW units are powered by air-cooled, twin-cylinder Briggs & Stratton OHV gaseous-fueled engines with displacements of 480 cc (4.5 kW) and 570 cc (5.5 kW). The engines are rated 16 and 18 hp, respectively and engine features include cast-iron cylinder liners, alloy exhaust valves, Magnetron electronic ignition systems, electronic engine governors, 12 V electric starters, dual-element air cleaners and integral exhaust systems. They incorporate vapor carburetion systems and operate at speeds from 2200 to 3750 rpm.

The engines directly drive brushless, permanent rare earth magnet alternators that provide 24 and 48 Vdc power. Cummins Bridgeway assembles the rotors and has them machined to fight tolerances. The generator section is air coded through a fan mounted on the rotor.

This configuration provides variable speed operation and allows the generator to "walk into the load" rather than slamming a battery bank, the company said.

Engine and generator operations are monitored through a microprocessor control system that includes a three-position (run-off-auto) switch, a runtime meter and circuit breaker disconnect switch. The system also monitors a series of alarm conditions, including overspeed, overvoltage, undervoltage, overcrank, engine stop, circuit breaker trip and over temperature. It provides status and alarm reporting for remote locations, and an annunciator panel that includes visual alarms is also available as an option.

The engine, generator and controls are mounted in a 16-gauge, powder-coated aluminum sound-attenuated enclosure that helps reduce operating noise emissions to less than 70 dB(A) at 23 ft. The enclosure incorporates an internal starting battery tray and tie down, along with a lockable access door, and the entire enclosure tilts for even greater access, the company said.

The 4.5 kW unit is 41 in. long, 28 in. wide and 31 in. high, with a dry weight of 350 lb. The 5.5 kW gen-set is 41 in. long, 32 in. wide and 37 in. high and weighs 450 lb.

As a result of the new assembly business, Cummins Bridgeway has added an assembly line and created 15 new jobs.

"The business had existing domestic and Canadian customers," said Boll.

"We intend to nurture these and capture new accounts, resulting in sales and employment growth. Potential sales of these products are worldwide in scope."

The primary customer for the gen-sets is Bell South, and Cummins Bridgeway has received its first new order from Rogers Communications, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Cummins Bridgeway employs 600 people, 310 of which are Michigan based. The company sells, distributes and supports Cummins diesel and natural gas engines, gen-sets and related products for automotive, industrial and stationary power applications. It also maintains wholesale parts operations, 14 service locations and a comprehensive training organization. Cummins Bridgeway's sales for 2004 were approximately $230 million

Squeezing the grid: the increase in the demand for electricity has strained the utility industry's ability to deliver power as reliably as it once did

On Aug. 14, 2003, the largest blackout in North American history left more than 50 million people in nine states and parts of Canada in the dark. Only $180 million of the losses were insured, according to Insurance Services Office Inc., in part because many business interruption policies don't cover power outages.

That left consumers and businesses on the hook. The blackout cost the United States between $4 billion and $10 billion, according to the Electric Consumer Research Council.

For the most part, the nation's power grid is reliable. "The power grid is still a fairly reliable system--about 99.99 percent reliable, in fact," says Daniel O'Neill, a director with Atlanta-based Navigant Consulting, which advises companies on utility transmission/distribution reliability. "However, as our reliance on electricity continues to increase, it is arguable that we, as a nation, are expecting even greater reliability. As such, the grid needs to become even more reliable."

More competition in the electric power industries has resulted in thinner profit margins for many energy providers, leading producers to invest less in upgrading the power grid. In addition, the demand for power has gone up According to the U.S. Department of Energy, total U.S. electricity use in 1975 was about 1.8 trillion kilowatt-hours, while investment in transmission capacity was about $6 billion. By 2000, usage almost doubled to more than 3.5 trillion kwh, while investment had dropped by roughly two-thirds to just over $2 billion.

The utility industry plans to spend an additional $4 billion to $7 billion over the next five years to upgrade the power grid, according to research conducted by GF Energy, a Washington, D.C.-based utility industry consulting firm.

"In general, the nation's power grid has historically been reliable and has been working well," says Roger Gale, CEO of GF Energy. "However, like everything else, it has served its time, and we are now in a new era that depends on centralized systems, not a decentralized system such as is the ease with the existing power grid."

To address the needs of their employers, O'Neill suggests that risk managers conduct assessments to determine the requirements for continuity of service. Assessments should cover all three segments of the power grid.

The first segment is power production, or the wholesale energy market. The second segment is the transmission lines that move energy from production to local distribution of the electricity. The last segment is the local power distribution network. That's where local utility companies take high-voltage energy and deliver it in low voltages to homes and businesses.

EXPOSURES COME IN FOURS

Risk managers should consider four areas when assessing exposure to power outages: redundant systems, diesel-powered backup generators, third-party risk partners and hydrogen fuel cells. Many companies already have one or both of the first two systems in place.

* Redundant Systems. "The first line of protection is dual or redundant distribution feed from the local utility company, including automatic throw-over switches," says O'Neill. In such cases, if one feeder line fails, service is automatically provided by a second line. "This is common in hospitals and other facilities where power is particularly critical," he says. Redundant systems may be more readily available in some areas of the country than others. Large cities are more likely to have redundant systems than rural areas.

* Diesel Generators. These are economical ways to back up a portion of your power needs. Denver Water takes full advantage of this basic technology. The utility has three major operational areas of concern when a power outage occurs: the administrative complex, the water treatment plants and the network of pump stations that pump water to about 30 percent of the city. "We frequently lose electrical power in the Denver area either due to heavy, wet snows or lightning strikes," says Jim Crockett, Denver Water's manager of risk and benefits. To ensure backup power, the department relies on diesel generators. A 2-megawatt stand-by diesel generator serves the administrative complex. It has a 4,000-gallon capacity, which can be refueled by the utility's own diesel fuel, or from deliveries. The utility has also installed 1-megawatt to 2-megawatt stand-by diesel generators at its pump stations. Plus, each water treatment plant has a 2-megawatt stand-by diesel generator."

* Third-Party Risk Partners. According to GF Energy's Gale, commercial and industrial customers need to manage their power risk issues by working with utility companies willing to share risks. "These are companies that are willing, for example, to take the fuel volatility risk for natural gas, to help companies manage their loads more effectively by shifting loads," he says. This is a growing business, according to Gale. Constellation Energy in Baltimore, for instance, offers risk-managed contracts for commercial and industrial companies. That allows risk managers to breathe easier, knowing that they have a partner sharing the risk for power dependability

Ecom introduces stationary engine emissions analyzer

Designed for stationary engine applications such as generator or compressor sets and boilers, Ecom America Ltd. has introduced a wall-mounted emissions monitoring and reporting system designed for unattended operation.

The new Ecom stationary engine emissions analyzer (SEEA) is designed to measure [O.sub.2], CO and N[O.sub.x] in the exhaust gas of up to four diesel or natural gas engines, as well as gas turbines or boilers at preset intervals.

Besides the standard system, SEEA is also available in a low N[O.sub.x] version capable of measuring single-digit N[O.sub.x] applications with 0.1 ppm resolution, said Drew Wilson, president of Ecom, Gainesville, Ga.

"The SEEA provides operators of stationary engine installations with a recognized means of automatically monitoring and recording the exhaust emissions of their engines," Wilson said.

The SEEA system is built around the Ecom A Plus analyzer, which has been tested under EPA's ETV verification program. Operators can program the system to periodically sample each of the four exhaust ports and temporarily store the emissions data in a spreadsheet until it can be downloaded to a host PC. The data can be retrieved via USB link, dial-up, or it can be automatically sent, via email, to a designated e-mail address The analyzer's NEMA 12 housing is designed to be mounted in a climate-controlled space in close proximity to the engines being monitored. The 0.25 in. sample lines are routed from each engine exhaust system to sample connections located on the top of the analyzer housing. The system is powered by 120 Vac 60 Hz and measures 20 in. x 20 in. x 10 in.

The test sequence begins with the SEEA turning on and initializing, and then selecting the first engine exhaust port. A sample of gas is drawn over a user-defined time and frequency. The SEEA then automatically switches over to the rest of the engine ports, repeating the sequence.

All of the data, Ecom said, is time stamped, and includes engine identification and location information for review and analysis. The system then goes into standby mode until the next measurement cycle. Specific measurement and cycle times are user programmable.

The system is designed for unattended operation and requires minimal periodic maintenance and calibration, Ecom said, with the calibration generally determined by the installation's specific operating permit.

The system has an alert lamp to provide visual identification of filter change or fault, and alerts are also available as part of the reports for remote notification of engine or analyzer problems

Bukh-Farymann expands with emissions compliance, new sales partners

After a period in administration, the builder of Farymann brand diesel engines is well and truly back in business. With a new senior management team and trading under the new name Bukh-Farymann Diesel GmbH, the engine builder based in Lampertheim, Germany, is part of a larger, Danish-owned group with strong engine interests. In fact, the company, a specialist in single-cylinder diesels, now sees itself well beyond the consolidation stage and is developing what it sees as its core products, including certification of engines to Tier 2 of North America's EPA off-highway emissions legislation and Stage 2 of the EU's NRMM directive.

"We are part of an organization based in Aabrenraa, Denmark, which also includes the builders of Bukh Diesel and Callesen Marine Diesel engines and we are now the official source of all the products and services previously offered by Farymann Diesel GmbH," noted Bukh-Farymann Managing Director Rainer Smermer. "The Bukh group is a world leader in manufacture of lifeboat engines. It also produces marine engines for standard applications, which is a market long served by Farymann diesels. Thus, there are obvious synergies between our single-cylinder diesels and the other engines made in the group. As a result, the Lampertheim works--with its technical resources--is now home to a company-wide engine development center for all its diesel engines."

In terms of products, the company is concentrating on its well-established 290 cc displacement vertical cylinder diesels, the air-cooled 18D and water-cooled 18W (bore 82 x stroke 55 mm), as well as the 709 cc, air-cooled horizontal cylinder, low-profile type 43F (bore 95 x stroke 100 mm). The 18D and 18W are offered with ratings from 6.1 to 6.9 hp at 3600 rpm, while the standard rating of the 43F diesel is 14.75 hp at 3000 rpmWith the emphasis on these engines, we aim to expand on the traditional applications of Farymann brand engines, like small construction equipment, including building site dumper trucks, vibration plates and drills, etc., small generator sets, the propulsion of small boats and onboard power supply on larger craft," said Stuermer. "Naturally, Tier 2/Stage 2 emissions compliance for our engines is central to our plans, and hence our 18D, 18W and 43F diesels are presently in the process of certification."

It was the popularity of these engines--and especially the horizontal cylinder 43F with its overall height of only 14.5 in.--which maintained the company as a going concern, reported Sales Manager Walter Knitel. "Our customers kept faith with Farymann diesels and continued ordering, and it was this which allowed us to come through to the point where we are now ready to expand our offering again," he said. "Of course, the 43F's extremely low profile makes it a unique selling proposition and a very difficult power unit to replace in its applications."

The upgrading of the Bukh-Farymann engine range takes two forms--the 18D, 18W and 43F diesels will be offered in Tier 2-compliant versions and responding to demand from customers, the company will also present the 43W diesel, which is a water-cooled version of the 43F engine.

Arnold Schoenbeck, senior manager of development, outlined measures taken to attain Tier 2 compliance. "We have increased injection pressure, optimized the angle and spray pattern of the injectors and changed the combustion chamber shape via a new form of piston bowl," he said. "At the same time, with applications such as building site dumper trucks in mind, we have also made modifications to give our engines a more flexible range of engine speeds.

"In power generation applications on the other hand, where we enjoy an excellent position with OEMs of smaller generator sets, we will be making our engines available using an electric governing system from Governors America Corp. which allows switching between 50 and 60 Hz frequencies."

In step with these development projects--as engine development center for the whole Bukh group--investments are being made in new equipment, including new test stands for emissions measurements.

"We have also formed a new application engineering task force," Schoenbeck reported. "The aim is to be faster in developing new solutions for existing customers and to respond faster to demand from potential new customers."

At the same time, Bukh Farymann is also revising its sales arrangements. "Our important markets are North America and Central Europe and we are currently looking for new sales partners all over the world. We are presently refining our arrangements in North America to better take advantage of the considerable potential of this market for our engines. There are chances for the right organizations to enter into collaborations," Knitel concluded

Claim that gasoline cars could beat clean-diesels on 'global warming' stirs more public debate

Controversial claims by Stanford University researcher Mark Jacobson that cars with diesel particulate filters (DPFs) can still cause more net "global warming" emissions than gasoline cars continue to stir debate.

Jacobson's initial claims (based on certain assumptions about diesel car emissions, measurement methods, and regulatory limits) were first contradicted last year by University of Minnesota's renowned engine combustion particle scientist David Kittelson (see Diesel Fuel News 9/16/02, Ps,. 1/7/02, P1 3), who pointed out the excellent carbon-trapping efficiency of diesel particulate filters (DPFs).

Reducing "black carbon" from combustion could have a greater short-term impact on reducing "global warming" than simply reducing carbon dioxide ([CO.sub.2]), which takes many decades to have much impact on climate change, recent scientific studies indicate.

But in another presentation this month to a California Air Resources Board (CARB) "international vehicle technology symposium" on cutting climate-change emissions from vehicles, Jacobson now cites other recent studies about vehicle particulate matter (PM) emissions. By his calculations, these data supposedly that show gasoline cars can have an advantage over diesel cars on to Jacobson compares the average miles per gallon of the latest gasoline/electric hybrid cars (Honda Insight, Toyota Prius) versus the Volkswagen Golf, Jetta and Beetle diesel cars. However, the "Insight" is a tiny, two-seater vehicle, and the Prius is smaller than some diesel cars cited in the comparison.

Nor do these hybrids deliver the torque, highway mileage, and highway acceleration performance of the larger, new-generation diesels -- and larger gasoline hybrids have yet to emerge, or show they can out-perform diesels in larger vehicle categories.

What's more, the possible emergence of diesel-electric hybrids (much better on fuel economy/[CO.sub.2] than gasoline hybrids) is left out of the "gasoline beats diesel" claims.

Still, adding a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) trap for upcoming Tier 2/LEV-2 emissions limits would further penalize diesel's average fuel economy (due to hydrocarbon reductant for NOx/PM trap regeneration), thus making the gasoline-electric hybrid even better on both [CO.sub.2] and particulate matter, Jacobson claims.

However, while NOx/PM trap regeneration might represent a few percent fuel penalty, diesels still have an overwhelming fuel-economy (and hence [CO.sub.2]) advantage over gasoline.

What's more, in a 2001 study for Swedish National Road Administration comparing 45 diesel and gasoline cars, the DPF-equipped diesels regularly beat gasoline on PM emissions. "If diesel manufacturers choose to equip their models with particle filters, the diesel cars will definitely emit fewer ultrafine particles than cars with spark-ignition direct-injection engines," that study found. What's more, the PSA/Peugeot DPF-equipped diesel often beats the gasoline cars on PM number emissions, not just mass emissions, that report found.

A separate study in 2002 by Europe's Ecotraffic found that the DPF-equipped PSA car produced only a small fraction of the PM emissions of its gasoline car counterpart.

Another presentation to the same CARB vehicles/climate change symposium likewise undercuts sweeping claims that gasoline or gasoline-hybrid cars would beat diesel on total global-warming impact.

New generation diesel cars can have an average 3 6-42% fuel economy advantage over gasoline cars, implying about a 20-25% [CO.sub.2] reduction (minus some DPF regeneration fuel penalty), Ford Motor researcher Matti Maricq showed at the CARB symposium. DPFs and ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel reduce both soot and sulfate PM emissions, while improved catalysts can also reduce hydrocarbons that could nucleate to form PM, he said. Hence the "black carbon" (BC) impact of clean-diesels on "global warming" would be greatly diminished.tal "global warming" impact

Hot Water Pressure Washer has compact, portable design

Featuring 4 evenly balanced tubed pneumatic tires, gas-powered SUV stands 39 in. high and weighs less than 400 lb. It incorporates brass manifold; single-piece, all-steel frame; and Landa pump with 3 ceramic plungers. Models SUV3-20124 and SUV3-24124 deliver cleaning power of 2.5 and 2.7 gpm max pressure of 2,000 and 2,400 psi, respectively. Their 6 and 7 hp Subaru engines, coupled with Super-Duty Regulator, produce constant supply of 12 Vdc power for diesel-fired burner used to heat water.

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Landa, North America's largest manufacturer of industrial pressure washers, has enhanced its super-compact, gasoline-powered SUV line of hot water pressure washers by upgrading to the Landa pump with a 7-year warranty.

The Landa pump, with its three ceramic plungers, increases the average expectant life of the high-pressure pumps for these models to 2,500 hours-matching the average life of the 6 and 7 HP engines used on the two SUV models. In addition to its market-leading 7-year warranty on the oil end of the pump, the Landa pump has a lifetime warranty on the brass manifold. It is also engineered to produce the same amount of water flow as other tri-plunger pumps but at a 10% lower RPM, which adds life to the pump's long-term operation.

The two models of the self-contained, super-compact, SUV pressure washer features 6 and 7 HP Subaru engines that are coupled with Landa's proprietary Super-Duty Regulator to produce a constant supply of 12V DC power for the diesel-fired burner used to heat the water. It also eliminates the need for a battery or generator.

The SUV, which stands only 39-inches high and weighs less than 400 lbs., is ideal for on-site cleaning where electricity is not available. The two models-SUV3-20124 and SUV3-24124-deliver cleaning power of 2.5 and 2.7 GPM (gallons per minute) and 2000 and 2400 PSI (pounds per square inch) of pressure respectively.

SUV's ruggedness is also found in its heating coil made of Schedule 80 steel pipe with 5-year warranty, energy-efficient Beckett burner system with Clean Cut oil pump; vibration isolators to absorb vibration from engine and moving parts, extending the life of the pressure washer; rugged, single-piece, all-steel frame made of 1-inch square steel tubing; and four evenly balanced tubed pneumatic tires for all-terrain maneuverability

Redesigned gen-sets for North and South America

With Power-Gen International, Orlando, Fla., as its platform, generator set manufacturer Triton Power is launching a redesigned version of its Triton Generator line to be distributed by its North and South American supplier, Americas Generators. The Miami-based supplier will stock a range of the 30 to 2000 kW gen-sets featuring Tier 1 and Tier 2 John Deere and Cummins engines, Deep Sea control panels and a new sound attenuating cabinet enclosure option.

"The company (Triton Power) is the fifth largest gen-set manufacturer in the world," said Eric Johnston, senior vice president at Americas Generators. "Since they're located in Istanbul, Turkey, they have no representation in the U.S., or for that matter in North or South America. So we're the distributor for the entire line using a network of dealers."

With more than 35 models in the Triton series, Americas Generators stocks 100 to 200 units in the 30 to 1000 kW range at its Miami facility to supply North and South America. Application of these models according to Johnston is, "everything from a hotel to a restaurant, to a hospital to a factory and everything in between. It's anything wherever backup power is needed or even continuous power in some locations." Powering the generators' 30 to 2000 kW ac output range are John Deere and Cummins diesels rated 59 to 3000 hp. Units with outputs from 30 kW to 264 kW are equipped with John Deere 3029, 4039, 4045, 6068 and 6081 engines rated 59 to 317 hp, depending on model. This offering includes a 2.9 to 6 L, inline, four-cycle platform in three to six cylinders.

The high-end of the generator series, 110 to 2000 kW, features Cummins 6BT, 6CT, LTA, NT8, QSX, KTA, VTA, QST and QSK engines rated 170 to 2000 hp. The 5.9 to 60.2 L Cummins engines are inline, four-cycle engines with six to 16 cylinders. Both Tier 2 options are fitted with Donaldson air cleaners and a RAZA tropical cooling radiator and fan.

Throughout the series, the engines are teamed with a Stamford Newage UC or HC series alternator package. The four-pole generator end incorporates a double-layer concentric stator winding. Triton produces the entire line as three-phase units with the option of single-phase in the 30 to 100 kW range. Siemens breakers are used across all models.

Each generator is fitted with a Deep Sea 730, 740, 5210 or 5220 control panel, depending on application requirements. The Deep Sea 740 and 5220 panels act as an automatic mains failure control module. The module monitors the mains supply and automatically starts the generator during a mains failure or via remote computer access. The control also monitors operational status and fault conditions by shutting the gen-set down and indicating failure on the provided LED display. Additional system monitoring is provided by the module for alternator voltage, engine speed, oil pressure, engine temperature and battery output.

Standard options on the generators include an automatic starting system, removable fuel tanks, catch basins to handle fluid overflow, exhaust silencers and steel bellows, battery, chargers and ,jacket water heaters. Additional options include opened or enclosed systems, automatic fuel filling systems, remote radiators, engine oil heaters, low fuel alarms, oversized alternators, automatic transfer switches and trailers, as well as the newest option, a sound-attenuated weatherproof cabinet. The new cabinet is constructed of 14-gauge steel with motorized intake louvers and gravity discharge louvers which are intended to reduce air resonation.

Sound attenuation when equipped with the cabinet is between 67 and 73 dB(A). Overall dimensions of the generators when enclosed are 82.6 in. x 33.5 in. x 56.3 in. (l x w x h) at 30 kW and 480 in. x 96 in. x 102 m. (l x w x h) at 2000 kW. Weights range from 2248 lb. to 47,123 lb.

Triton manufactures the Triton Generator line at its 250,000 sq.ft. facility in Istanbul. Americas Generators' 30,000 sq.ft. Miami facility, Triton said, allows it to store generator models equipped with the most commonly selected options such as batteries, block heaters, battery chargers and mainline circuit breakers. Additional accessories are also located at the facility including fuel tanks, trailers, transfer switches and parts, allowing the company to customize each unit to the required specifications of each application, said Triton