Any new technology brings with it a host of questions. The introduction of the Fitch® Fuel Catalyst to the world market is no exception. In response to claims of improved combustion, increased power and reduced emissions, the manufacturer, Advanced Power Systems International, Inc., has anticipated a few of the more pertinent questions. The following Question and Answer discussion will answer these questions and shed light on what possibly is one of the most exciting innovations of the decade.
Q. What is the difference between a fuel catalyst and an additive?
A. An additive is usually a chemical introduced into solution with fuel. Additives must be replenished at each refueling. A catalyst affects the fuel but does not become part of it.
Q. What are the major components of the Fitch® Fuel Catalyst?
A. The Catalyst is a composite of a number of metals forming an alloy. These metals are coalesced by a propriety process.
Q. How does the catalyst work?
A. All hydrocarbon fuels contain gums and resins which cause the fuel molecules of petrol and diesel fuel to conglomerate in clusters. These clusters are too large to burn completely in the extremely short time that the burning fuel is in the combustion chamber. Therefore, these unburned molecules enter the exhaust stream as a smoky gas and do not contribute any power to the operation of the engine. The Catalyst dissolves these gums and resins so that these clusters of molecules do not form, allowing all the fuel to be used for power. The theory is verified by the fact that the catalyst fuel consistently produces exhaust emissions reductions of 50% or even more in both hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, thus indicating more complete combustion.
Q. What are the benefits to be gained from the use of the Catalyst?
A. Engine starting is easier, maintenance is less costly, fuel cost per kilometer is reduced and engine life is increased with more power and less pollution.
Q. How is the Catalyst introduced to the fuel supply?
A. For small engines of 50 HP or less, a small Catalyst unit called a ‘Drop-In’ is simply inserted into the fuel tank. For larger engines, either drop-ins or an in-line canister style Catalyst is installed in the fuel line.
Q. What type of engines will benefit from the use of the Catalyst?
A. The catalyst is effective on any petrol, diesel or LPG engine or any engine which is run on Fossil fuel, including buses, marine equipment, farm machinery, stationary pumps, generators, lawn and garden equipment, etc.
Q. How long does the Catalyst last?
A. The Fitch® Fuel Catalyst warranty is for 400,000 kilometers, 5,000 operating hours or five years, whichever comes first. It is a maintenance-free device.
Q. What is the difference between a Fitch® Fuel Catalyst and a Catalytic Converter?
A. The Fitch® Fuel Catalyst pretreats the fuel before the combustion process and by increasing combustion efficiency reduces the creation of pollutants. Catalytic Converters are installed at the end of the combustion process where they remove pollutants after they have already been created.
Q. Can the Fitch® Fuel Catalyst be used in conjunction with a catalytic converter?
A. Absolutely – it will help extend the useful life of the catalytic converter.
Q. How much does the catalyst cost?
A. This depends on the size of the engine. Small engines like push and ride on lawn mowers can be equipped from $40, with motorcycles around $50. Cars start from around $600 up to $1,100 with large truck units costing between $780 to $2,200.
Q. Where can I purchase a Fitch® Fuel Catalyst?
A. You can purchase a Fitch® Fuel Catalyst online by clicking through to our Order Page. Alternatively, you can contact sales:
Mark Hoza, Fitch Fuel Catalyst Australia Sales & Marketing
Phone: (02) 6601 9318
Mobile: 0438 115 660
Email: mark@fitch-fleet.com
