University helps market fuel efficiency system

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Dec 12, 2005

Technology at Birmingham University has been used to help market a system that improves the combustion efficiency of fuel and reduces the carbon emissions from industrial combustion processes.

Technology at Birmingham University has been used by a Midlands company to help market a system that improves the combustion efficiency of fuel and reduces the carbon emissions from industrial combustion processes.

The development work was carried out by VIN Technology Services in partnership with Walsall-based Maxsys, the inventor of the Fuel+ system.

3D modelling and visualisation techniques have been used to demonstrate how the Fuel+ system can improve the efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of industrial companies.

Barry Singh, Managing Director of Maxsys, said: "The Fuel+ energy saving system significantly reduces the carbon emissions of small and large combustion processes and helps businesses work towards the carbon reduction targets agreed within the UK National Allocation Plan as part of the Kyoto protocol".

The system enhances the combustion of fuel leading to a cleaner burn and an increase in the heat released from the flame.

As less fuel is burnt during the combustion process, there is a pro-rata reduction in emissions of at least 5%.

The system also creates a cleaner combustion which means fewer pollutants are formed, and those that do are largely burnt out in the hotter flame.

"We needed a way of explaining how it works to potential customers that was simple to understand and didn't require specialist equipment to present," said Singh.

VIN developed a 3D model that can be saved on a CD and played through any computer to show how the system works.

Maxsys is working with the 3D scanning specialists at the university to identify ways of reducing the installation costs of the system.

The company is also working closely with Prof Kevin Kendall at the university and is taking on an EngD student to progress the development of the technology.

Users of the system include the NHS, Rockwool, Albemarle, Nestle, Dairy Crest, United Biscuits, Georgia Pacific Paper, Linpac, WBB Minerals as well as pharmaceuticals companies and car manufacturers.

This project is one of many business partnerships being undertaken by the university through VIN Technology Services.