BI-FUEL CONVERSION

OF DIESEL & HFO

GENERATING SETS
What is and why bi-fuel conversion?

ECONOMIZE ON THE COST

of your power generation
by converting your diesel
generating sets to
BI-FUEL OPERATION

ComAp’s simple bi-fuel conversion modifies your

original diesel engine so that it uses natural gas as the
main fuel – substantially reducing operating costs.

It works by introducing gas to the engine via various

technologies and then electronically controlling flow
dependent on engine speed and output.

Bi-fuel conversion requires virtually no engine modification

and brings double benefits in every application:

 Affordable diesel engines combined with inexpensive

natural gas
 Economic solutions for slow-speed and high-speed
engines
 Flexible use of fuel
 Guaranteed power output
 Efficient and safe operation with lower emissions
 Longer engine life and reduced maintenance costs makes
it the perfect investment

Bi-Fuel?
Conversion of Diesel Engines Make BIG savings
to Bi-fuel (Diesel/HFO and GAS) on fuel!
Operation by:
COMMON FEATURES
 central gas/air mixer (fumigation) for  Substantial savings on operation costs
high speed engines  Practically no engine modification required
 Non-derated output power
 individual gas-valve technology for
 Possibility of original diesel operation
slow and middle speed engines
 Safe operation
 Lower emissions
 Longer engine life span
 Prolonged service and maintenance intervals
EXAMPLE OF HIGH SPEED ARRANGEMENTS, Caterpillar 3512

CASE STUDY | Conversion of gen-set: ŠKODA (ČKD) 1450 kVA; 375 RPM

 Substitute up to 90 % of your diesel consumption with gas

 Reduce your operational costs substantially

100% $ 600 000 Diesel Gas

80%

$ 400 000
60%
100% 90% $ 632 200

40%
$ 200 000

20% $ 159 180

0% $0

10% $ 63 220

Before After Before After

Fuel consumption at nominal output Fuel costs per year

2|3
Frequently Asked Questions?

What does bi-fuel operation What methods/technologies are employed in the bi-
actually mean? fuel conversion provided by ComAp?
ComAp provides two conversion technologies – one for slow-
Bi-fuel operation means the engine uses speed engines (up to 1000 rpm) and the second for high-
two fuels (gas and diesel oil) at the same speed engines (1500 rpm, 1800 rpm). Therefore the choice of
time. Natural gas is intended as the main the appropriate ComAp solution is determined by the engine
speed and consequent suction/exhaust valve overlap (i.e.
fuel and diesel oil is used for the ignition opening of suction and exhaust valves at the same time).
of the gas/air mixture inside the cylinder
(a portion of diesel oil is injected at the Slow-speed engines normally feature a large valve overlap
when the pure air is flushing (cleaning) and cooling the
end of the compression stroke, thereby cylinder. After bi-fuel conversion, it is necessary to continue
maintaining the original diesel operation cylinder flushing/cooling by pure air, i.e. gas flow into the
principle). cylinder during the valve overlap must be interrupted to
avoid the presence of gas in the hot exhaust manifold (this
would cause a potentially dangerous situation and result in
substantial fuel losses). Therefore, each cylinder is equipped
with the patented electromagnetic gas valve with variable
gas injection timing controlled by a ComAp electronic control
system INCON.

In contrast, high-speed engines have only a small valve

overlap, so it is possible to install just a central mixer(s) before
the turbocharger(s) for the continuous flow of the gas/air
mixture. Gas injection is controlled by a throttle operated by
the ComAp electronic control system InteliGen-BF according
to the required engine output and speed.

Is it necessary to stop the engine in case of required

transition between bi-fuel and pure diesel operation
modes?
No, transitions between the two modes (from bi-fuel to
diesel and vice versa) can be achieved while the engine is
running (i.e. without interruption of the load supply) and is
a very smooth process. Note the engine will always start on
diesel and the operation mode is switched to bi-fuel upon a
predefined output level. In case of gas shortage, the transition
is immediate and seamless at the actual engine load, gas
valves are shut off automatically and the engine continues on
pure diesel operation. Once the gas supply has returned the
engine is switched back to bi-fuel operation.

Is it possible to operate a converted gen-set on diesel

oil only?
Yes, the standard operation mode of the converted engine is
certainly bi-fuel. However, operation on diesel fuel only (e.g. in
case of gas emergency) remains possible and the converted
engine operates using diesel fuel with the same parameters
as those before conversion was undertaken.
What is a de-rating factor (output reduction) for Can LPG be used for bi-fuel engine operation?
a converted gen-set? In case of LPG, the bi-fuel conversion is also generally
After the conversion, the engine nominal output is not de- possible, but the situation is different. The LPG has acceptable
rated and all engine parameters (e.g. exhaust temperature, calorific values regularly, also composition is OK considering
engine temperature etc.) and behavior (e.g. response to there are no aggressive elements (sulfur, hydrogen etc.).
a load steps) remains within the limits stated by the engine The LPG is more explosive than natural gas and therefore it
manufacturer for the original diesel engine (provided these has tendency for so called “knocking”, i.e. the LPG starts to
parameters were within limits before the conversion). The autofire when the gas volume, combustion temperature and
de-rating factor according to the ambient conditions remains combustion pressure are higher, i.e. at higher engine loads.
the same. Thus, we expect substantial power output reduction after
the engine conversion just to avoid knocking. As an example:
We have generally calculated that if the LPG consists of 50 %
Propane and 50 % Butane, at LPG/diesel ratio 65/35 % the
engine power output has to be derated down to 60 % of the
nominal output. Of course, exact calculation would have to be
done for the specific engine type.

Can CNG or LNG be used for bi-fuel engine operation?

Since CNG and LNG are just highly compressed versions of
Natural Gas, after sufficient pressure reduction it can be used
for bi-fuel engine operation.

Can Biogas be used for bi-fuel engine operation?

How does the conversion affect maintenance costs? Concerning biogas, the bi-fuel conversion of the engine is
Maintenance costs after conversion will not be increased generally possible. We need to know biogas composition and
at all. Substantial parts of the engine remain unchanged, calorific value to evaluate if the particular biogas type is really
new mechanical parts are of heavy-duty design (e.g. service suitable. Calorific value may be an issue as biogas is derived
interval for the electromagnetic gas valves is 6000 running from different sources and there is low calorific value in many
hours), and electronic control systems are fully automatic. cases. You can imagine we have to inject sufficient volume of
Moreover, the gas operation means less carbonization of gas into the cylinder to substitute diesel oil (or, better to say,
combustion chambers and turbocharger, so that the interval substitute energy delivered by diesel oil). If the calorific value
for de-carbonisation and overhauling of the engine is (energy) of the biogas is very low, we would need to inject
prolonged. a larger volume of biogas into the cylinder, which might be
technically impossible.

What warranty does ComAp provide for the

conversion?
Standard warranty is 12 months from the date of start-up,
4000 running hours, whichever expires earlier. The Warranty
covers equipment related to the conversion.

What types of gas can be used for bi-fuel engine

operation?
Generally, the most suitable are the Methane-based gases
with none or very low contains of Propane such as typically
found in Natural Gas. For consulting possible usage of
other gas types, please ask ComAp with respective gas
specification enclosed.

4|5
High Speed Engine Conversion System

HOW IT WORKS BASIC SCHEME OF THE CONVERTED ENGINE

Gas is mixed with air by a common mixer installed before

the turbocharger(s). Gas flow is controlled by a throttle
valve, which is electronically operated by the ComAp GAS INLET
control system InteliGen–BF according to the required
engine output and speed.

In order to avoid knocking of the engine, ComAp knocking

detector/controller DENOX is installed, thus enabling GAS CLOSING
FILTER VALVES
engine operation at the most efficient gas/diesel ratio.

System for conversion of industrial diesel engines to bi–fuel

operation by substitution of typically 50–80% natural gas for
diesel.

MAIN FEATURES
 Suitable for all High Speed Engines, 1200–1800 RPM  Completely automatic system
 No reduction of engine power or efficiency  Cheaper electricity production
 Smooth transition between diesel and bi–fuel operations  Non–derated output power
at any time  The same response to load steps
 Gas and air are blended behind air filter before  The amount of gas is maximized as much as possible
turbocharger by central mixer under varying conditions at any time
 State of the art electronics maximizes the amount of  Lower emissions
injected gas while keeping all engine parameters within  Possibility of pure diesel operation maintained
limits specified by the engine manufacturer  Prolonged service intervals
 No modifications of internal engine components are  Turn-key solution
required  Easy operation

TYPICAL CONVERTIBLE ENGINES

 High-speed (1500 rpm, 1800 rpm)

ELEMENTS OF THE SYSTEM

 Air / gas mixer(s)
 Gas throttle valve with actuator
 ComAp bi-fuel controller/governor InteliGen-BF
 ComAp knocking detector/controller DENOX
 Sensors (vibration, pressure, temperature, etc.)
 Gas train (gas manifold, gas governor, double closing
valve, filter, ball valve etc.)

PRODUCT REPORT | Nigeria, Veepee Industries

In 2004 Company Veepee Industries ordered their first Bi-fuel conversion of an initial
4 generating sets powered by Caterpillar engines - 3412 S/TA, and 3508, with varying
outputs of 800kVA to 1000kVA, so impressed with the substantial savings resulting
from the achieved gas diesel ratio of 65 % gas / 35 % diesel using the ComAp High Speed
Bi-fuel solution the company then ordered an additional 7 engines to be converted to
ComAp bi-fuel operation. These engines have continued to operate most reliably over the
years. As the company has expanded, the 100 % support of ComAp Bi-fuel solutions by
Veepee has been ongoing.
 GAS THROTTLE VALVE AIR FILTER

TURBOCHARGER
AIR COOLER

PRESSURE
GOVERNOR

EXHAUST
COMAP BI-FUEL
CONTROLLER DIESEL
INTELIGEN-BF PUMP

CAMSHAFT
DIESEL
ACTUATOR
COMAP KNOCKING
DETECTOR DENOX

EXISTING
SPEED
GOVERNOR

KNOCKING SENSORS

FLYWHEEL

Bi–fuel controller InteliGen–BF Gas Throttle Valve Knocking detector DENOX Gas/ Air Blender
6|7
Slow & Middle Speed Engine Conversion System

HOW IT WORKS BASIC SCHEME OF THE CONVERTED ENGINE

Gas is injected into the cylinder inlet manifold by individual

gas electromagnetic valves installed as close to the
suction valves as possible. The valves are separately timed
and controlled by the ComAp injection control unit INCON.

This system interrupts the gas supply to the cylinder GAS INLET
during the long overlap of the suction and exhaust valves
(just typical for slow-speed and medium-speed engines –
within the valve overlap cylinder scavenging is performed).
This avoids substantial gas losses and prevents dangerous
gas flow to the exhaust manifold.

System for conversion of industrial diesel engines to bi–fuel

operation by substitution of typically 60–90% natural gas for
diesel or HFO.
MAIN FEATURES
 Completely automatic system
 Suitable for engines with speed below 1000 RPM and
 Extremely efficient operation – only very small percentage
output above 500 kW
of diesel is necessary
 No reduction of engine power or efficiency
 Cheaper electricity production
 Smooth transition between diesel and bi–fuel modes at
 Non-derated output power
any time
 The same response to load steps
 Gas is injected directly before intake valve by high speed
 High stability of the engine
electromagnetic valves, one valve per cylinder
 Lower emissions
 No modification of internal engine components is required
 Possibility of pure diesel operation maintained
 Automatic equalization of exhaust gas temperatures from
 Prolonged service intervals
individual cylinders
 Individual approach
 Turn-key solution
 Easy operation

TYPICAL CONVERTIBLE ENGINES

 Slow-speed (up to 750 rpm) turbocharged
 Middle-speed (around 1000 rpm) turbocharged

ELEMENTS OF THE SYSTEM

 Electromagnetic gas valves with gas/air blenders
 ComAp electromagnetic valves control unit INCON
 ComAp Bi-Fuel automatic control unit InteliSys Bi-Fuel
 ComAp bi-fuel governor ECON-2S
 Safety valve(s) for air filling manifold
 Gas train (gas manifold, gas governor, double closing valve,
filter, ball valve etc.)

PRODUCT REPORT | Nigeria, Spintex Mills

In December 2006 company Spintex Mills converted 4 of their ŠKODA (ČKD) 9TS35-50/2
powered generating sets to Bi-fuel operation using the ComAp slow speed individual gas
valve technology with INCON system and ENCON Bi-fuel governor resulting in a gas diesel
ratio of 80% gas / 20% diesel ignition portion.
Spintex Mills then went on to order further slow speed and High speed ComAp bi-fuel
systems and have continued to benefit from the ongoing financial savings and additional
many advantages the ComAp solutions have provided them.
 AIR COOLER TURBO CHARGER AIR INLET
CLOSING
VALVES

AIR FILTER
GAS FILTER PRESSURE GOVERNOR

EXHAUST

DIESEL DIESEL ELECTROMAGNETIC

ACTUATOR PUMP GAS VALVE

COMAP INJECTION
CONTROL SYSTEM INCON
COMAP BI-FUEL
GOVERNOR ECON-2

CAMSHAFT

COMAP BI-FUEL
CONTROL UNIT
INTELISYS BI-FUEL

FLYWHEEL

Engine control unit InteliSys Bi-Fuel Injection Control System Incon Bi–fuel governor ECON-2S Electromagnetic gas valve
8|9
Worldwide References

OVERVIEW

ComAp can simply convert any engine type or model to Bi-fuel operation. Following are some examples
of converted engines.

PERU NIGERIA

Pluspetrol – Caterpillar – 3512 – 1020 kW Alkem Nigeria Ltd. – ŠKODA (ČKD) – 6 - 38A6S – 2270 kVA

SOUTH KOREA INDONESIA

Hyundai Heavy Industries – Hyundai – 6H21/32 – 1100 kW PT SumiAsih – Wärtsilä – SWD 9FHD240G – 1596 kW

Central gas/air mixer Individual gas-valve technology

for high speed engines for slow & middle speed engines

Engine Brand Engine Type DG set Output Engine Brand Engine Type DG set Output

Caterpillar 3300 series 150 kW - 220 kW Hyundai - HIMSEN 6H21/32 1128 kW

Caterpillar 3400 series 200 kW - 650 kW MaK 8M 332 AK 1200 kW

MaK 8M453 2000 kW
Caterpillar 3500 series 700 kW - 2000 kW
Niigata 6L32CLX 2000 kW
Caterpillar C18 series 400 kW - 500 kW
Pielstick 18PC2V 6000 kW
Cummins KTA series 400 kW - 1200 kW
Ruston 12RKC(H) 1800 kW
Cummins QST series 650 kW - 800 kW SKL 8NVD 920 kW
Cummins VTA series 500 kW - 600 kW ŠKODA (ČKD) 6S350PN 700 kW

Deutz TBD series all outputs ŠKODA (ČKD) 9TS35-50/2 1160 kW

MAN D2842LE201 400 kW ŠKODA (ČKD) 6-38A6S 1816 kW

ŠKODA (ČKD) 12C28GSW 2300 kW
Mercedes OM444LA/12183TB83 440 kW
Wärtsilä SWD 9FHD 240 1200 kW
Perkins 3012TAG2A 580 kW
Wärtsilä 9 FHD 240 G 1596 kW
SCANIA DC series 225 kW - 520 kW
Wärtsilä Nohab 16V25 2280 kW
Volvo TD series all outputs Wärtsilä 12V32E 3850 kW
CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

CO-OPERATION AND APPROVAL BY MAJOR ENGINE PRODUCERS

Due to ComAp’s vast experience in bi-fuel conversion of existing engines and also in electronic control of brand new bi-fuel
and gas engines, many Original Engine Manufacturers have established close cooperation with ComAp in this field.

* For complete and detailed list of actual OEM’s please contact ComAp.

10 | 11
Proven Technology and Reliability!

COMPANY Master Textile

COUNTRY Pakistan

CONVERSION Caterpillar 3512

In May 2003, ComAp commissioned a conversion project

of a high-speed engine at Master Textile, a company based
near Lahore in Pakistan. The aim of the conversion was to
decrease electricity production costs at the factory – working
a three-shift operation, by converting the original generating
set which incorporated a Caterpillar 3512 diesel engine to
bi-fuel by using ComAp conversion products.

ORIGINAL PARAMETERS (before conversion)

Fuel Diesel

Nominal gen-set output 1020 kWe

Real output on site 800 kWe

PARAMETERS AFTER CONVERSION (dual-fuel)

Fuel Gas + Diesel

Gas / Diesel ratio 65 / 35 %

Nominal gen-set output 1020 kWe

Real output on site 800 kWe

Investment payback period

2 MONTHS
 COMPANY Alkem Nigeria Ltd. / United Spinners
Nigeria Ltd.

COUNTRY Nigeria

CONVERSION ŠKODA (ČKD) 6–38A6S;

2270 kVA; 6 units

In January 2005, ComAp converted to bi-fuel operation

2 diesel generating sets ŠKODA (ČKD) with output of
1816 kWe / 2270 kVA operated as prime movers at sister
textile factories Alkem and United Spinners in Lagos, Nigeria.
Bi-fuel conversion of 4 more identical diesel generating sets in
the same powerhouse followed.
The above mentioned slow-speed engine (500 RPM) has
been converted by the ComAp gas valve technology, i.e. using
electronically controlled electromagnetic gas valves with
each cylinder separately.
As a result of the successful installation the constant
ignition diesel portion is now approximately only 18% of the
original diesel consumption at nominal output.

ORIGINAL PARAMETERS (before conversion)

Fuel Diesel

Nominal gen-set output 2270 kVA

Real output on site 1875 kVA

PARAMETERS AFTER CONVERSION (dual-fuel)

Fuel Gas + Diesel

Gas / Diesel ratio 82 / 18 %

Nominal gen-set output 2270 kVA

Real output on site 1875 kVA

Investment payback period

2 MONTHS

12 | 13
About ComAp?

ComAp was founded in 1991 in Prague. Since then ComAp

has specialized in engine and gen-set electronics developing
“ComAp is a dynamic several lines of gen-set control systems, anti-knocking
detectors, misfiring detectors, gas injection controllers,
international company engine management systems etc.
with a solid reputation
The first conversions of diesel engines took place in 1995,
for delivering innovative on slow speed ŠKODA (ČKD) engines. Since then ComAp
continues to serve customers throughout the world delivering
solutions to the power
products that offer a proven and reliable solution.
generation electronics market.
Within the last decade ComAp has become recognized as the
By providing customers with leader in many of its core areas and is now the world’s largest
state-of-the-art products, ComAp supplier of turn-key bi-fuel solutions and bi-fuel conversion
components.
has built a name for delivering
excellent reliability and good
ComAp‘s key advantage is our flexibility, experience,
value.” knowledge and enthusiasm in all of our three product lines:

Libor Mertl  Electronic products for the power generation industry

 Turn key electronic and electric solutions for power
Managing Director
generation industry
 Bi-fuel conversion solutions

The managements task is to keep and strengthen this advantage

by helping our customers solve their problems and in doing so
keep our customers fully satisfied with excellent service.

Within our company we work towards establishing a pleasant

and friendly atmosphere designed to support the creativeness,
dynamics and courage in finding new opportunities, projects,
solutions and technologies. We will always deal honestly and
fairly with our partners and personnel.

Certification

A ComAp products meet the most

All
rigorous standards during manufacture,
with every stage being undertaken in
w
accordance with ISO certification, which
a
was obtained in 1998.
w

Followed by the marine Germanischer

Lloyds approval in 2001, ComAp continue
to workk toward
d the
h highest
h levels of certification with on-
going co-operation and support with both international and
domestic ISO 9001 partners.

Accreditation brings confidence, and every ComAp product

is supplied with the appropriate warranty and after-sales
support for complete peace of mind.
Research and Development Training

ComAp believe passionately in the importance of continuously Complete and full technical training can be provided to suit
developing new technology along with forward thinking your needs, and level of understanding either at ComAp
software and hardware to maintain the enviable position as facilities or at your own – wherever you are in the world.
worldwide leader in gen-set communication solutions. This is backed by our commitment to offer full service and
product installation if required.
At the heart of this process is a desire to find better solutions
for customers, and draw upon the company’s most valuable ComAp training is tailor-made to your needs and is designed
asset – people. Over 80 % of ComAp employees are graduates to ensure you get the most from your ComAp equipment and
with specialist electronic and programming knowledge covers all aspects of operation and equipment use. Further help
appropriate to the innovative development of market- is provided online at www.comapsystems.com with ComAp
orientated engine management systems. specialists always willing to help whether it be consultancy or
technical support.
This unique know-how is matched by ComAp’s significant
investment at every stage of the research and development
process resulting in the creation of leading-edge modern
development facilities.
ComAp on-line

The ComAp website www.comapsystems.com provides

more information about our company, history and services.

It is also the best place to visit for up-to-date news on existing

product development, new product launches and free
software downloads. The easiest way to stay informed is to
join the ComAp Systems Members Club, which you can do by
simply completing the registration page on our website.

14 | 15
 Manufacturer

ComAp, spol. s r. o.
Kundratka 2359/17 • 180 00 Praha 8 • Czech Republic
Phone: + 420 246 012 111 • Fax: + 420 266 316 647
info@comap.cz • www.comapsystems.com

Distributor for BeNeLux, Caribbean and Central America

Trilobes Power International B.V.

Madame Curieweg 9 Phone +31 513 521370
8501 XC JOURE Fax +31 513 419690
The Netherlands info@trilobespower.com

w w w . t r i l o b e s p o w e r . c o m

© ComAp. 2008-07/CSBEBFCA. All rights reserved.

Specifications in this Product Catalog are subject to change without notice.