New technology, focusing on emissions and sustainability, is coming to the market thanks to a partnership between Stanadyne, Katech, and the Propane Education & Research Council. This joint effort combines Stanadyne’s direct injection fuel pump and injector system with Katech’s vapor lock technology to create a medium-duty engine system that can deliver propane autogas at a constant 350-bar pressure directly into the engine, according to the press release.
The new technology will help fleet owners exceed the ultra-low emissions mandates going into place in 2027, the press release notes. Compared to diesel, propane autogas reduces harmful nitrogen oxide emissions by 96 percent and provides a five to 10 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, according to the companies. The engine technology can also utilize renewable propane, which has a carbon intensity four times lower than conventional diesel.
According to the press release, this engine technology overcomes vapor lock, a common technical issue when liquified gases vaporize, which can interrupt fuel pump operation. The combined system, the companies note, fueled a standard 6.6L GDI engine during a 250-hour performance and durability test. The tests successfully demonstrated that the technology works with existing engines and that propane autogas can be a low-carbon replacement for gasoline and diesel engines.
