7 Environment
69
Use of Materials and Energy
Reasonable and appropriate use of materials can yield
surprisingly high savings in costs and also decrease
environmental load. Preventive maintenance has a decisive
influence on decreasing machine downtime.
User and maintenance manuals are intended to teach how to
use the machine correctly and safely. Always use spare parts
recommended by the manufacturer, and perform maintenance
and repairs in accordance with the instructions. Follow all fluid
changing intervals. Use environmentally friendly materials
when possible. Also try and use recycled materials. In this way,
you will achieve the best possible results both for the
environment and safety.
When using a machine, energy consumption is most
influenced by the condition of the machine and the machine
operator's skills. The manufacturer has installed and set the
adjustable values of your machine to the optimal level for both
consumption and emissions. Regular maintenance and
immediate repair work when necessary are a prerequisite for
optimal machine operation. Pay special attention to starting the
machine from cold and the instructions given for this.
Effects of Exhaust Gases
Diesel engine emissions are the cause of both health and
environmental problems. The most serious environmental
problem is soil acidification, which is manifested in problems in
tree growth and plant formation as well as eutrophication.
Of the diesel engine emissions, nitrous oxide (NOx) will form
nitric acid when coming into contact with water, and sulfur
dioxide will form sulfuric acid. Both of these are strong acids
that have an effect on plant formation by decreasing the ability
of roots to absorb water and minerals.
Particles are primarily the result of poor combustion of the fuel-
air mixture in the diesel engine. They consist of small carbon
particles (<10 µm) on which toxic hydrocarbons have
concentrated. These come from the fuel and lubricating oil.
The particles are released into the air along with the exhaust
gases and the mutagenic and carcinogenic hydrocarbons may
then enter human lungs.
Hazardous emissions are mainly the result of incorrect
adjustment of the motor and lack of maintenance. For this
reason, it is essential that adjustments and maintenance are
as described in the instruction manuals.