Dixie Chopper Gaseous Alternate Power "GAP" System

Generac Power Systems in conjunction with Dixie Chopper introduces “Gaseous Alternative Power” or GAP for air- cooled engines for use in the commercial and industrial markets. Generac has used this system in the generator industry for years. The GAP system will now be used with Generac’s own line of air-cooled engines to provide customers with an alternative to gasoline. Standard liquid LP tanks provide the fuel supply to the system. Generac engines can be specifie

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d with GAP, no costly add on kits for the customer. Generac and Dixie Chopper together fill the gap with an alternative that meets environmental concerns.

LP "GAP" Advantages Over Gasoline

• Reduced Ozone Forming Emissions — The GAP system will cut ozone forming emissions by greater than 50% when compared to conventional gasoline powered engines. This is especially important in State and Federal ozone non-attainment regions where municipalities are required to purchase low emission alternatives when available.


• No Evaporative Emissions — With the GAP system there are no issues with evaporative emissions. The tanks are closed and non-permeable. When the engine is off, the fuel system is sealed off with a solenoid activated valve. Regular gas engine carburetors are vented and fuel evaporates out of the venting passages. EFI systems will prevent the evaporation at the engine but the OEM still has to deal with the permeation of a plastic fuel tank. The fuel cap is another source of evaporative emissions that has to be dealt with. The GAP system has none of these issues.


• Fuel Stability — One of the biggest repair items on a gas engine is the carburetor. When units are stored over a long period, the light ends of the fuel evaporate leaving “stale” fuel. The residue creates a hard varnish that plugs fuel passages. LP tanks do not have this problem.


• No Fuel Contamination — Another problem is the introduction of water and dirt into fuel containers. The pressurized and closed system of the LP tank helps prevent contamination concerns.


• Fuel Spillage — Anyone that has used a gas powered piece of equipment has overfilled the fuel tank and spilled the fuel over the engine and the ground. Again, another source of evaporative emissions. Regular gas containers expand when hauled and have a tendency to leak fuel and fumes when not properly maintained. The LP tanks have a DOT standard that must be met.


• Ease of Operation — The GAP system eliminates the need for a choke. The system is “turn-key” like an EFI system. Consumers start the engines the same as their cars.


• Oil Life — When LP is used as a fuel, less burnt hydrocarbons enter the crankcase oil, resulting in extended oil life.


• Fuel Storage — Whether it’s on board a trailer from job to job, in a greens keeper maintenance area, or Municipal building, gasoline storage is a concern. LP tanks reduce the concern.

The "GAP" System

• Fuel is stored in a liquid state in two metal tanks that meet DOT standards. Each tank has a fuel gauge and shutoff valve.


• The threaded fuel line connector has one-way check valves to prevent any back flow from tank to tank.


• All the high pressure fuel lines are braided steel reinforced.


• The 12 volt electric solenoid only opens when the key is turned on. When the key is on, the shut off valve allows the liquid fuel to flow to the regulator.


• Before the solenoid shut off valve is a pressure relief valve. This valve prevents any excessive pressure from building in the system during shutdown.


• The liquid fuel vaporizer/on demand regulator converts the liquid fuel to vapor. The vaporizer uses spent cooling to provide heat to aid in the evaporation. The regulator drops the pressure to a level needed by the engine. The on demand portion of this system requires the engines intake vacuum to pull fuel. If the engine is not rotating, the fuel will not flow.


• When there is engine intake vacuum, it draws the fuel through the carburetor. The carburetor does not contain a choke. The throttle shutter operation governs the speed of the engine.


• The LP engine is slightly different from a gas engine. An LP engine contains higher compression pistons and advanced timing to get the best fuel efficiency when using LP as a fuel. Generac engines are built with more durable valve seats and valves, and are designed to withstand the use of dryer LP fuel.

Propane is a gas stored under pressure inside a tank. When propane is stored under pressure, it turns into a liquid. If you could look inside the tank, the propane would look just like water. As pressure is released (i.e. when an appliance is turned ON), some of the propane vaporizes and turns into gas. Liquid withdrawal is the method which uses the liquid from the bottom of the tank. This is done with a special valve which is installed on a normal propane cylinder. The liquid withdrawal valve has a tube attached to it. This tube will allow the liquid propane to be removed from the propane storage tank. Because of the pressure in the tank, the liquid propane is forced through the tube whenever the valve is opened.

REMEMBER — LP Gas means Liquefied Petroleum Gas, not liquid propane.

NOTE: Testing is underway for fuel economy, emissions, and further environmental advantages.

Fuel System Diagram

Health and Environment

What is Ozone? What is the Difference between Ground-Level Ozone and Stratospheric Ozone? Who is at the Greatest Risk from Exposure to Ozone? To find answers to these questions and more, visit the link below.

http://www.arb.ca.gov/homepage.htm