TECHNICAL U P D AT E
LIFE’S A GAS IN IPSWICH!
Ipswich Town FC is targeting impressive reductions in nitrogen oxide levels and particulate matter emissions by using a non-toxic fuel that is also free of sulphur, metals and aromatics for its training ground machinery
I By Leigh Claridge Regional commercial manager, Certas Energy
pswich Town FC is committed to improving the air quality at its Playford Road Training Centre, and after having switched all its groundscare machinery from traditional diesel operation to the cleaner-burning Shell GTL (Gas To Liquid) Fuel, the club is now monitoring the fuel’s performance and measuring its benefits to the environment, grounds staff and local community. If successful, the initial off-road delivery of 2,250 litres may be increased to power the machines used at the club’s Portman Road stadium. Commenting on the switch, grounds manager Ben Connell says: “We believed that the club – and our neighbours – would benefit from adopting an odourless fuel with lower emissions that can reduce engine noise levels. Also, our grounds staff work with the machines all day and we were conscious of how regular diesel emissions may be affecting their health and wellbeing.
Grounds manager Ben Connell was keen to reduce noise and emissions
“In addition, because the training centre is surrounded by a number of residential properties, we felt a responsibility to minimise our environmental impact on the local community – and Shell GTL Fuel was an ideal solution. I think the highest praise we can give the fuel is the fact that we haven’t noticed it at all; it’s been business as usual since we made the switch with no operational issues or teething problems. The move has been seamless.”
REDUCING EMISSIONS
Adoption of the fuel, which does not require any engine modifications, has been shown to reduce nitrogen oxide by up to 37 per cent and particulate matter emissions by up to 90 per cent – both of which are released from diesel combustion engines. GTL fuel is also free of unwanted components such as sulphur, metals and aromatics, making it non-toxic and therefore less harmful to the environment.
Grounds manager Ben Connell (centre) with Certas Energy’s Leigh Claridge (left) and Steve Smith (right)
18 THE GROUNDSMAN August 2019
Shell GTL Fuel is supplied exclusively in the UK by fuels and lubricants distributor, Certas Energy. Visit www. certasenergy.co.uk for more information
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