ICL adopts hydrogen-powered engine cleaning technology
Industrial Chemicals Ltd (ICL), the chemical manufacturing and distribution specialist, has signed a three-year contract for the Engine Carbon Clean (ECC) service, following extensive trials on a cross section of its truck fleet.
ECC is a patented on-demand hydrogen generator technology said to clean all combustion engines internally by removing carbon buildup. Oxyhydrogen gas is piped into the air intake and the engine sucks in on demand what it needs.
The system is claimed to significantly improve fuel efficiency and reduce toxic emissions, including CO₂, CO, NOx, and N₂O.
ICL piloted the technology with empirical testing at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedford. Following tangible improvements in both emissions reduction and fuel efficiency, the company trialled the system on one-third of its 90-vehicle fleet based at West Thurrock in Essex.
With plans to roll out the ECC service across its nationwide sites, ICL reportedly achieved over a seven per cent reduction in both emissions and fuel costs.
Steven Swaby, CFO at ICL, said: “Over the course of the contract, we expect to see measurable improvements in fuel economy and emission reductions across the fleet. It’s a practical and effective way for us to reduce our carbon footprint while ensuring our logistics remain reliable, efficient and environmentally responsible.”
Ben Kattenhorn, CEO of Engine Carbon Clean (by Advanced Hydrogen Technologies), explained: “The trial results have been very encouraging and delivered tangible improvements – even after just two cleans – but the benefits will increase further with the recommended four cleans per annum.
“The process continues to optimise energy efficiency, reduce maintenance downtime and extend engine life over time – the more carbon build-up is removed – and also demonstrates the impact that focused and targeted measures like ECC can have on ESG compliance and sustainability.”
ECC is claimed to clean all the engine, all the way to the DPF.
“No chemicals or harmful additives are used, there is no storage of compressed hydrogen involved, hydrogen isn’t forced or injected into the engine, plus there is no super heating of the engine to burn off the carbon,” said the technology provider.
“As a modular system, it cleans any internal combustion engine – from a small generator to family car, LGVs and HGVs, a commercial boiler, heavy plant equipment, a locomotive or even a ship’s engine – just by increasing the number of electrolysers. As all combustible fuels create carbon, it works on any engine – diesel and petrol, HVO, CNG, LNG and other biofuels.
“ECC tracks CO₂ levels with an ISO calibrated emissions tester and records from baseline and at post fourth clean, which also indicates the vehicles fuel reduction at idle. As CO₂ and fuel efficiency are linked, a measurable reduction in emissions and a decrease in fuel consumption will always follow.”
In the video below, Steven Swaby and Ben Kattenhorn discuss the technology in more detail.
