Sandvik has completed testing of machines operating with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), without modifications to either the engines or the fuel tanks.
The Cat C-Series engines supplied to Sandvik mobile crushers and screeners to power its mining and construction equipment can run on renewable and alternative fuels including HVO certified to EN15940 or ASTM D975.
HVO is a form of renewable synthetic diesel, produced from certified waste fats and oils through hydro-processing. Its performance is similar to regular diesel, but it reduces the carbon footprint associated with operating the engine and can lower nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) under certain conditions. Its chemical similarity to diesel means that the machine’s power output and uptime are not compromised when introducing HVO as an alternative, and it can also be blended with diesel.
According to Sandvik, HVO can help reduce the net carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 90% compared with conventional diesel.
Steve Ferguson, vice president Caterpillar Industrial Power Systems, said: “We are focused on developing our products and services to help our customers transition to a low-carbon economy and fulfill our company’s purpose to help build and power a better and more sustainable world. Our Cat C-Series engines give customers the flexibility to use HVO as both a replacement and addition to their conventional diesel fuel, depending on their requirements.”
Jesper Persson, vice president of life cycle services, Sandvik Mobiles, said: “We are committed to using engineering and innovation through all our operations to make the shift towards more sustainable business. With a host of innovations in the pipeline, including electrification of our offering, we are excited to be pioneers in the industry and invest in renewable fuel sources and sustainable rock processing solutions. The feasibility of HVO, means we can data collect and monitor any impact on the performance and output of both new and existing machinery. It’s an exciting step in our contribution to sustainability and we will work together with our customers and suppliers for more productive, safer, and innovative solutions.”