Three Maintenance Tips That Can Keep Your Industrial Generator Running for Years

Across the world, remote work sites are busy mining for minerals, drilling for oil, and building structures. If you operate a remote work site, you understand the importance of having a reliable power supply. If you don’t have power, you’re paying your workers to wait. In any industry, that’s a recipe for disaster. You need to do everything possible to ensure that your generator will always be ready when you need it. These tips can help.

Conduct Periodic Inspections

Look at your generator periodically for obvious signs of wear and damage. Some of the things that you should do as part of your periodic inspections include:

•    Look for wear and dark carbon deposits
•    Check all fluid levels
•    Check for corrosion, especially on the battery terminals
•    Change all filters at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals

If you notice any signs of wear when inspecting your generator, call a reliable mechanic to schedule an inspection. If it’s necessary to replace a generator part, it’s best to do so as soon as you notice a problem. Allowing a generator to continue running with a faulty part only risks more severe damage to other components.

Maintain a log containing the details of every generator inspection. A written log can help you avoid repeating work. It can also help you know when it’s time to replace filters and other components.

Conduct Periodic Load Bank Testing

Load bank testing uses a machine to supply your generator with an artificial load. During a load bank test, a professional will bring your generator to 100 percent of its capacity under controlled conditions.

Load bank testing:

•    Ensures that the generator is capable of operating at maximum capacity without problems
•    Burns away carbon deposits and unused fuel caught in the exhaust system

Annual load bank testing is good for your peace of mind. It’s also great for the health of a diesel engine.

Test Your Fuel Supply

Check your diesel fuel supply periodically for signs of water and microbes. Contamination can damage your generator or rob it of its efficiency. Diesel fuel may contain water because of additives or because the fuel is old and breaking down. You can test for water using a dipstick coated with water finding paste. You can also conduct a visual inspection of your fuel supply. If the fuel looks hazy, it probably contains water. Filtering the fuel can remove the contaminants and restore your generator’s performance.

RLN Energy Provides Service for Industrial Engines in Edmonton

A little preventative maintenance on your generator now can prevent a major issue from costing your company thousands of dollars later. Do you need an expert specializing in industrial engines in Edmonton? Contact RLN Energy now to schedule an inspection or load bank test.

Source URL: http://www.rlnenergyservices.com/three-maintenance-tips-can-keep-industrial-generator-running-years/

What Will Your Remote Work Site Do When the Power Grid Fails?

If your company operates at a remote work site such as a mine or drilling rig, you know that there can be no productivity — and no revenue — without a reliable supply of power. If you can’t rely on a local grid to deliver power to your work site — or you need to know that you can continue operating in poor weather conditions — you need a generator. At RLN Energy, we believe that a Caterpillar natural gas engine is the perfect choice.

Natural Gas Is Cleaner Than Diesel

Natural gas produces far fewer greenhouse gases and nitrogen oxides than diesel. If your company needs to comply with emission regulations, you’ll find compliance much easier with a natural gas generator. Because natural gas contains little carbon, it’s also healthier for the engine itself. A natural gas engine needs less maintenance — and can sometimes last longer — than a diesel engine because natural gas leaves less deposits in the engine’s internal components. Less deposits mean that you’ll have less friction and wear increasing heat and robbing your engine of its efficiency.

Natural Gas Is Cheaper Than Diesel

For equivalent power generation, connecting your company’s generator to a natural gas pipeline provides a source of power that’s cheaper than diesel fuel. In many areas, running a facility from a natural gas generator also costs less than using standard municipal electricity.

Natural Gas Is Reliable

Having a natural gas generator gives your company two fuel supply options. You can connect the generator to your area’s natural gas pipeline, or you can store your own compressed or liquefied natural gas. The drawbacks of storing your own natural gas are that natural gas is volatile, and the storage options are expensive. In addition, liquefied natural gas may cost more than diesel fuel.

Connecting your natural gas generator to the local natural gas supply is the least expensive option for powering your work site. A natural gas line is very reliable and can usually continue delivering fuel even when the local power grid fails. Because natural gas lines are underground, they can typically withstand rain, snow, hurricanes and tornadoes.

Enjoy Legendary Reliability With a Caterpillar Generator

Founded in 1925, Caterpillar is a legendary American equipment manufacturer whose reputation is beyond compare. Caterpillar engines routinely run for several decades without problems, and RLN Energy believes that a Caterpillar natural gas generator is the ideal choice for a company that requires the utmost in reliability.

Contact Us To Learn More About Caterpillar Natural Gas Engines

A natural gas generator is the perfect choice for supplying reliable, clean and inexpensive power to your work site. Would you like to learn more about what’s available or determine what your company’s needs are? Contact the experts at RLN Energy now.

Source URL:http://www.rlnenergyservices.com/will-remote-work-site-power-grid-fails/

Why Your Business Shouldn’t Operate Another Day Without A Generator

Whether you operate a mining company, a construction company, a call center or a retail storefront, your ability to earn money depends on having a reliable supply of power. What would you do if the energy grid failed and disrupted your business’s ability to continue operating? Would you encounter serious financial trouble? Would you have difficulty paying your workers? Would you lose customers? A generator can help your company weather a sudden loss of power and continue doing business in the face of almost any disaster.

Why Your Work Site Needs a Generator

Keeping the lights on and the equipment running isn’t just about retaining the ability to generate revenue. A generator can also keep your company’s security system running. A generator ensures that your customers won’t lose the ability to contact you if the power grid fails. It also helps to ensure that power loss won’t result in the loss of any unsaved files on your company’s computers.

Does your business use the availability of its services as a selling point? If you run a business such as a call center or data center, buying a generator is an investment that can pay for itself before long. You can advertise the fact that your business can continue operating after a storm or heavy snowfall.

Understanding Your Generator Requirements

Are you having difficulty calculating the generator capacity necessary to keep your business operating if you lose power from the grid? Call the friendly RLN Energy staff at (780) 991-8575 for advice. These guidelines can help you estimate your generator requirements.

List the essentials. If your business can operate under reduced lighting or shut down non-essential computers during a power outage, your business can continue running with a generator that produces a little less power than what your company ordinarily consumes.

Hire an inspector. An electrician can calculate your company’s power requirements and recommend the right generator capacity for your needs.

Buy a little more than you need. A generator can serve your company for many years. If you outgrow the capacity of the generator you have, though, you’ll go through the hassle of selling and replacing it. If you only run your generator at the peak of its capacity, you’ll reduce its life. A generator that operates with plenty of breathing room lasts longer.


Choosing the Best Generator for Your Work Site

When you buy a generator for your business, you’ll need to choose between diesel and natural gas as a fuel source. Most generators use diesel fuel. Diesel fuel is relatively inexpensive. It’s also easy to store. Many businesses with backup generators construct underground storage facilities for reserve fuel storage.

Natural gas is a popular alternative that costs even less than diesel fuel. If you buy a natural gas generator, you can connect the generator to your city’s natural gas supply. The drawback of using a natural gas generator is that you don’t control the fuel supply. If a disaster disables your power grid and cuts off your gas supply, your generator will not operate.

Final Thoughts

Buying a generator is an investment that can help your business remain operational in the event of a power outage or natural disaster. If you aren’t ready to make that investment, though, consider RLN Energy in Edmonton for your generator rentals. We offer affordable generator rentals that can reduce your expenses or provide an option for supplying emergency power to a temporary work site. Contact us now for more information.

Source URL: http://www.rlnenergyservices.com/business-shouldnt-operate-another-day-without-generator/

Don’t Forget To Test Your Diesel Power Generators

Does your mining operation have a diesel generator on standby to supply backup power in case your primary generator or connection to the grid fails? If you do, it’s likely that you start your diesel generator periodically to test it. Although you might think that you’re doing the right thing to ensure that your generator is ready to handle your operation’s power needs in an emergency, you may actually have a catastrophe waiting to happen. Your operation needs to conduct a load test on every diesel generator at least once per year.

What Is Diesel Generator Load Testing?

If your operation doesn’t currently conduct load tests, it’s likely that you test your generators by starting them about once per week. You allow your generator to run at idle — or at a percentage of its full capacity — for a few minutes before turning it off. A load test is much more systematic. It simulates what would happen if you needed to use your diesel generator to power your entire facility.

We begin by connecting a load bank to your diesel generator. Next, we start your diesel generator and allow it to idle for several minutes. Once the engine has warmed up, we use the load bank to simulate a power load that gradually increases over approximately two hours. By the end of the load test, your generator will have operated at its maximum capacity for at least 30 minutes.

When the test is over, we’ll give you a report showing how your generator performed during the test and listing any problems that we discovered.

What Are the Benefits of Diesel Generator Load Testing?

Running load tests on a diesel generator has two benefits. The first benefit is that using a simulated load is the only way to know how your generator would perform if you actually needed it to power your mining operation. You need to know that your diesel generator is ready to work if you lose your primary power source. Even a few hours of lost production can cause terrible financial hardship for a mining operation. If your generator has a problem, you need to know before an emergency occurs.

The second benefit of load testing is that it gives your generator an opportunity to come up to temperature and burn away any carbon deposits and unused fuel that has collected in the generator’s exhaust system due to under use. If a plume of black smoke comes out of your generator’s exhaust when you start the engine, it’s likely that your generator already has carbon buildups decreasing its efficiency.

Contact Us Now to Rent a Diesel Generator Set in Edmonton

Does your operation need a diesel generator for main or backup power? Contact us now to rent a diesel generator set in Edmonton. We understand the power needs of the mining industry and can quickly get a mobile generator set in place to satisfy your requirements.

Source URL: http://www.rlnenergyservices.com/blog/dont-forget-test-diesel-power-generators/

HOW TO SELL YOUR OLD POWER GENERATION EQUIPMENT

Large electric power generators are something that a lot of people rely on to keep their homes and businesses at a comfortable temperature. The technology of AC generators was invented by the British Italian Sebastian Ferranti in 1882. Since then, companies have relied extensively on power generators to help run large factories and busy utility grids. For a portable power plant Edmonton, it is sometimes nice to have the option to get rid of older power generating materials. We are willing to sell power generating equipment to you if your facility is in need of them. We are also able to buy power generating equipment.

Types Of Power Generating Equipment

There are different types of power generating equipment that are available on the market today. Examples include wind turbines, diesel generators, solar panels, natural gas, and nuclear power plants. RLN Energy is equipped to sell and buy turbines, diesels, and natural gas systems. RLN Energy specializes in industrial sized power plant equipment. These are the type of power plants that are used to run a factory, warehouse, or a utility grid. Having your own power generator gives your organization independence from a municipal grid. This is helpful if you are running a factory late, and the local utility is unable to provide enough power.

How To Get A Good Price

We value our customers. To get a high price for your power generating equipment requires making sure that it is in good condition. It is also very important that you keep all the parts in one place. We do not usually accept power plant equipment that has been partly disassembled. We can give you the best price if the power generator is still assembled. If you have mechanics at your facility, make sure that they inspect the equipment to see if there are any issues that our staff might find wrong. Some of the issues that might crop up could be rust or a broken engine. Having a portable power plant Edmonton just got easier.

Contact RLN Today

If you would like to learn more about what RLN Energy offers, be sure to contact us at 780-991-8575. You can also email us with our online form. We look forward to hearing from your company, and assisting you with getting rid of your old power generating equipment. If you are in the market for buying power generators, be sure to check out our inventory.

Source URL: http://www.rlnenergyservices.com/blog/sell-old-power-generation-equipment/

The Top Power Generator Maintenance Mistake the Mining Industry Makes (and How to Avoid It)

The largest issues with maintaining generators in the mining industry all stem from one core issue: training.

Proper and thorough training of employees is absolutely key in keeping generators running at peak efficiency and with as few mechanical issues as possible.

This extends to many facets of the workplace, whether it be simple enforcement of safety standards or capturing data.

We Can Help

RLN Energy offers solutions to all of the industry’s biggest issues with their power generation training services.

In order to prevent employees from incorrectly capturing data or ignoring it altogether, RLN trains staff and management to properly read and record all data and communicate that data to all relevant parties.

This ensures that companies can react correctly and appropriately to any problems with the generator.

Play It Safe

When it comes to safety standards, RLN makes sure that all of the proper procedures are able to be communicated to all employees and management.

It is important to keep all staff up to date on the current safety procedures and to re-train as much as is required.

This kind of investment in staff keeps the work environment safe in the long-term.

It isn’t enough to simply train employees once. It is important to regularly challenge them and ensure that they are up-to-date with industry news and trends.

RLN Energy’s training services are extensive and are designed to save you as much time and money as possible. We can ensure that issues stemming from generation maintenance become a thing of the past, and that your employees can keep your generators running smoothly.

Source ULR: http://www.rlnenergyservices.com/blog/avoid-this-power-generator-maintenance-mistake/

How To Achieve Long Term Power Generation Success...Even If You Are In A Remote Area!

It’s no simple task to get power to a remote worksite, such as a mining project in the northern Tundra, or an oil rig far offshore.

RLN Energy can help you get your power there. That’s what we do. We rent or sell industrial engines from Edmonton to anywhere in the world.

The customer’s process is much simpler than many customers think at first.

Step One: Browse Our Inventory.

You can do this online — at any time, from any place you’ve got internet access. If you see an item and have some questions, you can reach out to us either via our form, or call us. That’s it. That’s the hard part. There’s no commitment, simply ask us your question and we’ll reply as completely and openly as we can.

Click to Browse Industrial Engines

We can provide any unit you see online to any place in the world thanks to our global equipment supply network.

But we’re not just talking about getting power there. That’s only one step.

We’re talking about long-term success in power generation in a remote area. And that takes diligence…

Step Two: Maintain and Repair as Needed.

Nobody can predict the future. We can only be ready for it. Your staff must be prepared ahead of time to maintain and repair the equipment regularly to ensure it keeps running.

If you need assistance before or even after your installation is complete, contact RLN Field Services. Our specialty is stationary and rotating power equipment, and we are available to help you keep your operation running. This includes generator response [WECC] testing, protection and control, trouble shooting, training, emergency services both mechanical and electrical.

If your staff needs assistance, talk to us about field services.

Source URL: http://www.rlnenergyservices.com/how-to-achieve-long-term-power-generation-success-even-if-youre-in-a-remote-area/

Train your staff on maintenance for long term power generation success and minimal downtime

Whether you rent or buy, maintenance is crucial to keeping your equipment running. We see many operations lose power for a variety of reasons, and more often than not it’s because of something preventable.

If your company relies on portable power plants, it’s important to know exactly who is responsible for ensuring the power stays on. Do you keep a separate maintenance staff? Is your staff properly trained?

If you don’t have a separate staff just for maintenance, who will carry out routine maintenance and repairs on power equipment? Are THEY properly trained?

It’s always worth revisiting. Power equipment failure can be life threatening in some cases. If you’re unsure how current your maintenance staff is, then chances are it’s time for more training. Technology evolves quickly.

NETA Standards and Specifications

Is your staff educated on standards and specifications for testing new and in-use engines?

The InterNational Electrical Testing Association (NETA) serves the electrical testing industry with certifications and education programs. You can purchase the standards online – click here.

Power Safety and Switching Operations

It’s important to keep equipment running, but nothing matters more than safety. Is your staff trained on safety and switching operations for your power equipment?

Safety measures are often built into the equipment, but the best way to ensure those safety features are effective is with regular maintenance and checking.

Call RLN Energy For Current Safety and Maintenance Training

From power transformers to power cables, our training staff can get your maintenance crew up to speed and up to date. Let us train your staff on maintenance & safety for long term power generation success and minimal downtime.

Call us at our headquarters just outside Edmonton, AB:

780-991-8575

Or, contact us online here.

Source URL: http://www.rlnenergyservices.com/train-your-staff-on-maintenance-for-long-term-power-generation-success-and-minimal-downtime/

EFFICIENCY AND ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLINESS OF CHP SYSTEMS

Combined heat and power systems (CHP) integrate the production of heat and power into a single process that’s highly-efficient and environmentally-friendly. This process – also known as cogeneration – offers many benefits for municipal, industrial, commercial, and even residential facilities.

Here’s a closer look at CHP, including how it works and its many benefits:

How It Works

CHP is a combined heat and power system that provides both electric power and heat from a single source. Most electric utilities produce heat that isn’t used, but instead is sent into the cooling water, or into the atmosphere along with other greenhouse gases and pollutants.

This process wastes nearly two-thirds of the fuel’s energy, while a CHP system recovers almost all of the energy it produces.

CHP Benefits

CHP systems provide a number of benefits compared to conventional electricity and thermal energy productions, including:

Efficiency

Because CHP systems recover much of the wasted heat, they typically achieve efficiencies of up to 80 percent – and more.

Environmental

CHP reduces emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants because it uses less fuel to produce each unit of energy output.

Economy

Because of its high efficiency, CHP can save facilities considerable money on energy bills, while also providing a hedge against electricity and cost increases.

Reliability

CHP is an on-site generation source and can support continued operations in the event of a disaster or grid disruption.

RLN Energy Services offers power generation training services specializing in the electrical and mechanical industries. RLN is available for consultative services and can best recommend the best power system for your worksite.

Source URL: http://www.rlnenergyservices.com/efficiency-and-environmental-friendliness-of-chp-systems/

THE IMPORTANCE OF TESTING & REPAIR IN THE MAINTENANCE OF CAT GENERATORS

Purchasing a CAT generator and operating it is only the beginning of a full service cycle with RLN Energy Services. A service and training contract is absolutely crucial to the success and long service life of your generator sets. Our goal at RLN Energy Services is to provide you with a generator set, the training and the service to support a successful installation and long service life.

Testing Services

Vibration, thermal and ultrasonic testing services serve to protect your investment in a CAT generator set. RLN Energy Services offers all of these important tests.

The purpose of vibration testing is to determine if there are any issues with your rotating equipment. Depending on the readings we receive, we can tell what type of damage has occurred. Often, we can use the readings to isolate the damage down to a specific bearing.

Thermal imaging is another tool that we use to troubleshoot generator sets. We can find things such as loose, corroded and over-tightened connections by noting an abnormally high temperature. This temperature is due to increased resistance in the wire. Temperature differences can also be used to identify three-phase imbalances, failed components and more.

Ultrasonic testing is analyzing sounds on the higher end of the spectrum to identify problems with rotating equipment. It is possible to detect air/vacuum leakage and bearing failure among other issues.

Training Services

The most important part of a field service and maintenance contract is the training of your own maintenance staff to correctly diagnose and repair your generator set. We advise investing in a power generation training service. The ideal training program starts with classes taught on site by one of our instructors that cumulate in a field exercise on your equipment.

Additionally, training is the best way to add value to your employees and in turn, your company. Outside of the obvious cost savings, a well-trained technician is less prone to injury due to safely performing maintenance and start-up procedures.

Give RLN Energy a call today to see how we can help you keep your power generation equipment running!

Source URL: http://www.rlnenergyservices.com/the-importance-of-testing-repair-in-the-maintenance-of-cat-generators/

Cleaner Fuel For a Healthier Industrial Economy

Green technology is a buzz term that has been getting thrown around in industry for quite some time. In the industrial power generation sector, this usually comes down to the benefits of diesel versus natural gas engines. Caterpillar natural gas engines are some of the cleanest and most cost efficient engines with the best expense to horsepower and emissions to horsepower ratios on the market. These engines provide numerous advantages over diesel engines as well. Another point that separates CAT from other engines are the numerous technological advantages they provide for engine selection and set up as well as superior serviceability.

Diesel Versus Natural Gas

Natural Gas is attractive to corporations and individuals that want to use a fuel that provides lower emissions than diesel. The typically natural gas engine provides anywhere from 14 to 21% fewer SOx and NOx emissions than diesel, which is a rather large difference when considering the volume of industrial emissions there are. Outside of lower emissions, Natural gas is a cheaper fuel to utilize than diesel in most situations. It takes approximately 126.67 cubic feet of natural gas compressed at standard conditions to have the same energy content as 0.88 gallons of number two diesel. When back calculating cost savings, even with a reduced energy density in comparison to number two diesel, you have approximately 50% savings when utilizing natural gas over diesel. This cost savings is amplified in the current oil market due to natural gas prices that have failed to recover while crude has steadily made a comeback.

The CAT Advantage

CAT engines are some of the easiest to service and operate with customer support that blows other manufacturers out of the water. However, there is a major advantage cat provides that others do not; Electric Power Specsizer and Gas Engine Rating Pro [GERP] software. The Specsizer software uses proprietary algorithms to help determine the optimum generator set for your application. GERP is unique in that it will build a custom profile for an engine based upon information about your fuel composition, site data such as elevation, and even optimize your emissions should you have tougher standards to meet. No other manufacturer provides these types of tools to squeeze out the best performance from their engines. This alone solidifies CAT at the top choice for natural gas engines.

Source URL: http://www.rlnenergyservices.com/cleaner-fuel-for-a-healthier-industrial-economy/

RLN Energy For Your Corporate Power Needs

There’s a lot of moving parts for corporations in industries that rely on localized electrical power. Systems are complex and specialized. Decision makers need a go-to source for power generation—someone convenient, reliable, and available.

That’s where we come in.

RLN Energy Services in Edmonton, Alberta provides equipment and maintenance training for power generation—we are convenient, reliable, and available.

RLN’s services provide the necessary hub for setting up and maintaining power sources for a variety of industries.

RLN has been providing power since 2011. We sell power equipment, from small ancillary parts to engines, complete generator sets, and even complete power plants. You can see our current inventory of power equipment here.

If buying the equipment is not cost effective for temporary jobs, RLN will rent power equipment to customers as well.

RLN’s global reach has enabled us to not only provide the right power equipment to the right locations, but also to train local employees on how to maintain the power equipment, ensuring our customers get the maximum ROI from their power solutions over time.

From grid tie to stand-alone islanded systems, RLN’s solutions cover a wide range of power requirements. Contact us today to discuss your corporation’s power needs!

Source URL: http://www.rlnenergyservices.com/blog/rln-energy-for-your-corporate-power-needs/

The Rise of Natural Gas

All too often products and services are portrayed as safe, harmless or even healthy, only to find out later on that they are detrimental to our health, the health of our families, the health of the environment, or the health of the economy.

Energy sources have long been one of the largest contributors to pollution, accidental death and illnesses such as coal worker’s pneumoconiosis. It is our right and our duty to find the safest and most efficient sources of energy possible in order to protect our families and the planet on which we live.

Natural gas is more efficient than oil, gasoline or diesel. Recent advances in technology have led the ongoing advancement of natural gas engines, such as those built by Caterpillar, which is capable of eliminating the use of electricity in the home, expanding the efficient benefits of natural gas appliances from just one or two appliances to your entire home.

Natural gas is an excellent clean energy source. Minimal carbon dioxide, sulfur and nitrogen emissions are produced with Caterpillar natural gas generators. Caterpillar natural gas generators do not release nearly the amount of pollutants into the environment as competitors like oil and gasoline do.

Recent technology has made it possible to produce enough natural gas to support the world for generations. By using natural gas, we reduce our dependency on foreign oil and keep jobs right here in Alberta.

For the conscious consumer who is concerned about the future for their children, the environment, and the economy, natural gas is an easy choice, and Caterpillar natural gas generators make the transition simple.

Source URL: http://www.rlnenergyservices.com/blog/the-rise-of-natural-gas/

RLN Energy Services Is Here To Assist You

RLN Energy Services is here to assist you with any industrial scale power supply needs you have. We specialize in mobile generators and pride ourselves on our ability to mobilize large portable power modules using large reciprocating units or turbines, natural gas or diesel. Our generators are easy to move in to place and can be installed in parallel or set up on auto transfer for situations where the power must stay on.

We Buy!

If you have power supply equipment that you no longer need or use, we will buy a wide range of products from our customers who want to sell power supply equipment they no longer need.

We Rent!

Only need a generator for a few days? RLN has very flexible and competitive rental agreements. We offer many options ranging from Natural Gas to Diesel to Turbine applications.

We Sell!

In addition to rentals, we also sell some of the leading industry brands and high quality power equipment for you to rely on and get the job done!

Browse Our Inventory

Whether you need a generator, a large industrial engine, a fixed power plant or ancillary equipment, we are here to facilitate your power supply needs. RLN is happy to collaborate with you and recommend, locate, install and commission that is right for you!

We look forward to the chance to earn your business. For any further information please contact us any time!

Source URL: http://www.rlnenergyservices.com/blog/rln-energy-services-is-here-to-assist-you/

When Is Diesel the Best Fuel Option?

Diesel generators run very differently from their natural gas counterparts. They are a great option to provide power to areas that do not run through a power grid. Furthermore, diesel generators are one of the best options to provide backup power during an outage. Divided up into two separate parts, this fuel option is made of a diesel engine and an electrical generator. In times of need for emergency power supply, diesel generators are the most common choice as they are available for use in large establishments as well as small homes.

There are numerous advantages to using diesel engines. Often, individuals base their primary decision on price and in this area, diesel engines rank high. Some think that due to the higher cost of using diesel fuel versus natural gas would make it a more expensive option. When looking at these generators as a whole, diesel has a higher energy density allowing for more energy use out of it than you would get for the same volume of natural gas. In addition to the price advantage, diesel generators provide a steady power supply and are the choice for areas requiring reliable power such as hospitals.

Other reasons that diesel generators are a top choice include:

•  Improved versions that are quieter and low-maintenance.

•  Sturdier and more reliable than the fuel-based counterparts.

•  They do not require spark plugs or wires.

•  Longer lifespan than gas engines.

•  Safer than other generators as they are flame resistant.

Overall, when it comes to making a decision between a natural gas generator and a diesel generator, you need to look at what purpose it will serve, safety factors, and how much money you would like to pay. Diesel generators are a highly reliable, energy-efficient option that is becoming more and more popular in both industrial size buildings as well as smaller homes and offices. Take all of these factors into consideration when looking at a diesel engine for sale.

Source URL: http://www.rlnenergyservices.com/blog/when-is-diesel-the-best-fuel-option/      

Has natural gas overtaken diesel yet?

Back in 2012, natural gas engine manufacturers like Caterpillar began talking about natural gas and its position to overtake diesel as the fuel of choice for a lot of power generator sets and engines.

Diesel proponents didn’t take them seriously then. There was a lot of should-shrugging and down-playing—whether it was genuinely not considered a threat, or whether it was only secretly considered a threat, we may never know.

But that was then, this is now. How is that prediction standing up?

Not too shabby, it would seem.

Prices for CNG in the US – which reflects the greater global fuel market – remain low and more stable than diesel prices, how will these trends affect generator markets?

Additionally, gas prices will very likely stay low due to unprecedented warm weather all over the world and no pressure on supply. This has added to the pressure on crude oil prices, trading near a seven-year low.

Meanwhile, machine manufacturers and machine users are still talking about Natural Gas as the way of the future instead of the way of the present. Why is that, one wonders?

However, something else is going on that nobody predicted: a major gas leak in California. Southern California Gas in Los Angeles is currently having a crisis that may disrupt predictions due not only to the enormity of this leak – having poured out over 73,000 metric tons of methane since October 23 from a leaky storage well, and not expected to be capped until March – but to the light it sheds on the aging, brittle infrastructure of the natural gas industry.

It’ll be interesting to see where this all leads in 2016.

Source URL: http://www.rlnenergyservices.com/blog/has-natural-gas-overtaken-diesel-yet/

Power Plants versus Generators: Knowing the Difference Could Save You Money

Generators and power plants have one thing in common: they’re both capable of producing electricity for on-the-job use.

The difference is in how much power each component can generate.

Generators are much like inches while power plants are like yards. With 36 inches in a yard, it is possible for power plants to include multiple generators within their construction.

Let’s explore the similarities and differences of generators and power plants to better understand which of the two you need.

The Similarities of Generators and Power Plants

There are a number of traits that generators and power plants can share.
Power plants and generators can both be portable. You may find that having a portable power plant in Edmonton facilitates your needs for power work equipment, portable offices, and countless other projects.
They both require a certain amount of maintenance to continue operating at optimum efficiency. Larger equipment will typically require more maintenance.

The last major similarity is the fact that both generators and power plants can utilize a variety of sources for generation. They will most commonly utilize gasoline, kerosene, and other combustibles. They can also utilize coal, wood, water, wind, and solar power to produce electricity.

The Differences Between Power Plants and Generators

The largest difference between these two methods of power generation is the scale at which they operate. Generators are the basic building blocks of generating electricity. They can be wired together with power loading and transformers to transmit large amounts of electricity.

The next difference pertains to the way they generate power. Generators tend to be ideal for simple power generation for small-scale jobs. Power plants can use multiple sources of electricity to keep power generation efficiently.

The last major difference is in how power generators and power plants generate. Generators tend to be limited to converting matter into electricity, while power plants may convert matter into electricity, steam, or kinetic energy.

Making the Choice Between Generators and Power Plants

Generators are designed for small-scale and simple operation while power plants are designed to supply significantly larger amounts of energy.

To decide if you need to purchase a generator or a power plant, consider the amount of power and the type of energy you will need. Portability, the cost of investment, and your current power production infrastructure are factors that should come second.

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How Much Electricity Does a Home Need?

A household and business greatly depends upon electricity. From morning rituals such as making coffee, taking a hot shower and relying on the alarm. Moreover, electricity provides central air and heat plus power for many devices such as a cooking stove, a computer and entertainment like the stereo or TV.

In truth, the average household consumed 10,908 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually in 2013. That is an average of 909 kWh per month. To give you an idea, kilowatt hours are a measure of electrical energy equal to a power consumption of 1,000 watts for 1 hour. For example, a single 100 watt light bulb used for 750 hours (1 month) will use 75 kWh. And on your electrical bill, you are charged by the kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Now—what if you had to go without electricity for week?

Suppose there was a natural disaster in your area, such as massive floods or a tornado. For instance, a flood can take out many power lines and literally close or wash out all the roads for safe transportation. Floods or tornados can happen in an instant, leaving many without electricity for a week or so. In this case, the lucky have a back-up generator that provides electricity for everyday needs such as a hot shower and stove. But unfortunately, many people had no means of providing warmth and food for their families if the electricity goes out.

Never depend on luck; the best way to prepare for a natural disaster is to invest in a power generator in case of an emergency. Also, electrical outages can happen any time. A power blackout can be caused by an overload of electricity mains, errors at a power station, a short circuit or damage to electric transmission lines from natural disasters like floods or lightening.

For example, in December 2013 the Greater Toronto area had an emergency alert due to widespread power outages caused by freezing temperatures. There were 10 and 30 millimetres of ice accumulation that brought down power lines and trees. Near 200,000 Toronto customers were without power with no hope of restoration for at least 5 days. There were 53,000 without power in New Brunswick, 12,000 in Nova Scotia and about 80,000 in the greater Toronto-Hamilton area.

This year, weather forecasts for Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia are predicted to have record lows. More than likely, power outages will be happening often. Needless to say, many can avoid the inconvenience and possible life threat with a power generator. It’s the best preparation you can take.

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Cleaner Fuel For a Healthier Industrial Economy

Natural Gas is a cleaner alternative, and also provides greater economic opportunity via increased variety of fuel options. Natural gas is being adopted quickly by companies like Caterpillar. Natural gas engines represent a new wave of innovative technology that benefits all industries.

The upside to going with compressed natural gas as the main fuel choice for motors are vast and many. The savings start with the environment. Natural gas burns cleaner than the crude oil exports, releasing about 25% fewer greenhouse gases and other pollutants than crude oil.

Also, one form of the natural gas is sustainable. Biogenic methane is a gas that comes from bugs – the kind that live near cow dung. Since 2003, The United States Department of Agriculture has organized over 100 projects to collect biomethane. These projects have saved about 8 million gallons of fuel.

The other savings come in the form of cash. Natural gas is much cheaper than oil. The more horsepower an engine provides, the greater the savings from the fuel source. This means the device is perfect for generators and vehicles that would normal be expensive to operate and difficult on the environment.

A caterpillar natural gas engine is one example of an engine already on the market in industrial services. This engine powers some of the larger machinery that would normally demand a high amount of horsepower to get the job done.

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How to Choose the Right Generator for Your Project

Industrial-strength generators are a frequent necessity for back-up power, emergency power, and heavy-duty construction site power. Choosing the right generator for the job at hand, however, is not always easy. There are many variables: fuel type, size, cost, voltage output, cycle-type, phase-number, type of cooling system, etc. The best option will vary with the type of business involved, the physical location of the site, and the long-term or short-term nature of the project.

Gas-powered models, like 1000 kW cat generators, for example, have a number of advantages. Gasoline is a readily available fuel and is a little cheaper than natural gas (propane). These engines are quite efficient as well. The main drawback is that the fumes make it best not to use them at hospitals and in mixed zoning.
Natural gas powered generators have in their favor easy fuel storage ability. Large tanks, above or below ground, make it easy to keep them constantly fueled. This fuel is, however, more expensive, and the generators themselves are also more expensive than other types.

Diesel-fueled generators are the most common variety. They are often made portable by attaching them to semi trailers or other devices. Diesel fuel is much easier on rubber and metal engine parts than gasoline and produces less odor. It also has a lessened explosion risk. However, diesel generators do create a large amount of smog.

Industrial generators are commonly put to use by hospitals, small businesses, mining companies, telecommunications centers, and by home owners during a blackout. The cost of renting or purchasing a generator vary greatly as does the cost of running one. The benefits and risks associated with each type of generator tend to favor the usage of the one under one set of circumstances and of another in a different situation. It is best to contact experienced professionals to help explain to you in detail all of the factors that will go into making an informed decision.

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