Lister Petter is a
BritishThe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
company that manufactures
internal combustion engineThe internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
s for
industryIndustry refers to the production of an economic good or service within an economy.-Industrial sectors:There are four key industrial economic sectors: the primary sector, largely raw material extraction industries such as mining and farming; the secondary sector, involving refining, construction,...
.
It was formed in 1986 from the merger of
Petters LimitedPetters Limited , were a maker of stationary petrol and diesel engines from 1896 onwards.In 1915 Petter founded Westland Aircraft Works ....
and
R A Lister and CompanyR A Lister & Company was founded in Dursley, Gloucestershire, in 1867 by Sir Robert Ashton Lister , to produce agricultural machinery. The family was originally from Yorkshire but Ashton's father relocated to Dursley in 1817....
. At that time the company was part of the Hawker Siddeley group, but today L-P is independent. Its products are small
diesel engineA diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
market, ranging from single-cylinder air-cooled engines of 2.7
horsepowerHorsepower is the name of several units of measurement of power. The most common definitions equal between 735.5 and 750 watts.Horsepower was originally defined to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses in continuous operation. The unit was widely adopted to measure the...
(the 'Zeta' series) up to the 64 hp 'Delta' engine. One higher-power engine of up to 335 hp, the 'Omega' is also produced under licence. The engine designs range from more recent design high-speed
turbodieselTurbodiesel refers to any diesel engine with a turbocharger. Turbocharging is the norm rather than the exception in modern car and truck diesel engines...
s (such as the 'Gamma' or 'Omega' engines) to traditional single-cylinder medium-speed types such as the 'A-Series' and 'Phi' types.
Applications
Lister Petter engines are generally used in stationary industrial applications such as pumping and electricity generation. The company produces a range of complete
generator setsA diesel generator is the combination of a diesel engine with an electrical generator to generate electrical energy....
, units equipped for
weldingWelding is a fabrication or sculptural process that joins materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by causing coalescence. This is often done by melting the workpieces and adding a filler material to form a pool of molten material that cools to become a strong joint, with pressure sometimes...
and in-house pumping sets, as well as supplying engines to other equipment manufacturers. L-P engines are widely exported, especially for use in
irrigationIrrigation may be defined as the science of artificial application of water to the land or soil. It is used to assist in the growing of agricultural crops, maintenance of landscapes, and revegetation of disturbed soils in dry areas and during periods of inadequate rainfall...
projects. The company also maintains a long tradition (of both its founder companies) in supplying engines for marine applications both as prime mover engines for small vessels and as auxiliary power units in larger ones.
Gas-fuelled engines
Lister Petter's main product, the 'Alpha' series of sub-2-
litrepic|200px|right|thumb|One litre is equivalent to this cubeEach side is 10 cm1 litre water = 1 kilogram water The litre is a metric system unit of volume equal to 1 cubic decimetre , to 1,000 cubic centimetres , and to 1/1,000 cubic metre...
engines, is also available in spark ignition forms for running on
natural gasNatural gas is a naturally occurring gas mixture consisting primarily of methane, typically with 0–20% higher hydrocarbons . It is found associated with other hydrocarbon fuel, in coal beds, as methane clathrates, and is an important fuel source and a major feedstock for fertilizers.Most natural...
or
propanePropane is a three-carbon alkane with the molecular formula , normally a gas, but compressible to a transportable liquid. A by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum refining, it is commonly used as a fuel for engines, oxy-gas torches, barbecues, portable stoves, and residential central...
. L-P also manufactures and sells
biodieselBiodiesel refers to a vegetable oil- or animal fat-based diesel fuel consisting of long-chain alkyl esters. Biodiesel is typically made by chemically reacting lipids with an alcohol....
plants, allowing customers to produce their own fuel for diesel engines.
History
- 1867 R A Lister company founded by Robert Ashton Lister.
- 1893 James B Petter & Sons founded.
- 1895 First oil engines made by Petters.
- 1910 Petters Ltd founded.
- 1929 First diesel engines produced by R A Lister in Dursley.
- 1986 R A Listers and Petters Ltd merged to form Lister Petter Ltd.
- 2004/2005 Lister Petter sees unprecedented growth and re-investment in its core products.
Lister & Petter engines were workhorses of the British Commonwealth; many of these engines are still in use today in dump trucks, generators and water pumps. They generally, but not exclusively, leave the factory in a Mid Brunswick Green colouring.
Engine ranges
One of the most popular early Petter engines was the AVA series, AVA1 and AVA2 (1- and 2-cylinder engines respectively), and the Lister D. The majority of these engines were hand-crank start and fully mechanical, without any electronics or electrical controls. Engines like this, if not still working, are now considered collectors' pieces.
Widely used examples of later models include the LT series, often used in single-cylinder form to power small cement mixers, and the ST series, a popular engine for canal boats. They too were large and heavy engines with low power outputs, low operating speeds and extremely robust construction, capable of reliable operation for years even under the conditions of abuse and neglect of maintenance found in their typical construction-site applications.
A particularly successful model was the A range; these engines were much smaller and lighter than earlier models, although still extremely robustly constructed. Plant powered by an A-range engine is often light enough to be lifted and carried by two workers, instead of requiring a wheeled chassis, which is a great advantage on a construction site. The A range is particularly suitable for powering small generators of around 4-5kVA output. Unlike earlier designs it is capable of running at up to 3600 rpm and can therefore generate mains-frequency AC using a two-pole alternator; the lower operating speed of earlier designs mandates the use of a four-pole alternator, which is much larger and heavier for the same output power.
In the writers opinion the Petter A range can be problematic especially in the raw water cooled marine version known as the Petter Mini-6. The problem is that the aluminium heads corrode rather badly in salt water and head gaskets are rather troublesome. Frequently water will leak out of the engine into the boat. Special head nuts can be obtained that will allow a slightly higher torque to be used and special high temperature black RTV silicon sealant can be used on the water jacket. If possible use a genuine Petter gasket (old type that has asbestos reinforcement) In jellyfish infested waters a large basket type water strainer and an engine overheat alarm are must-haves as without these items one can easily have an engine fire (the rubber exhaust hose catches fire and the silencer melts) After an engine fire the head gasket WILL need replacing. There was also a freshwater cooled Petter Mini-6 that was made for Westerbeke but these are extremely rare in Europe. The good points about the Mini-6 are its compact size and low weight (it is smaller than the Japanese market leader and it can be used to replace petrol engines without overloading the boat) If the Japanese engine will not fit one can replace the Petter with the Farryman Yellow River Star, however the cost is quite considerable. Another solution is to change the cylinder barrel and head for the highly reliable air cooled versions but this fairly popular method is more suitable for an open boat or workboat. Some marine Mini-6 engines were air cooled from the factory.
Starting procedures
Starting an engine like this involves switching the Bryce Berger injection pump to excess fuel mode and lifting the decompressor (this held exhaust valve open) to allow the engine to turn over without compression. The engine is then turned over at a steady pace until 10/15 clicks from the injector are heard; these clicks are a result of the spring & needle of the injector jumping with each injection of diesel at a relatively slow speed as the engine may only be doing 60-70 rpm. This now means there are 10/15 injections of diesel sitting in the combustion bowl on top of the piston. The engine is then turned over much faster, and when the engine had lots of momentum the decompressor is flung down; this means on the next compression stage the pressure in the cylinder becomes so great that the temperature rises to a point that the diesel bursts into flames. Once the first combustion cycle has taken place this gives the engine more momentum until it is over-revving, at which point the excess fuel lever automatically drops off and the engine sits at its governed idle speed.
The smallest A-range models such as the AA1 were available with rope start - a sheave was attached to the flywheel and the engine started by pulling on a rope wound round the sheave. This requires a particular technique to obtain the "clicks" from the injector and prime the combustion chamber with fuel. The decompressor is not used; the engine is rotated to just after top dead centre (TDC) on the intake stroke, then the starter rope is pulled with a nicely judged amount of force calculated to give the engine just enough momentum to raise the piston against compression pressure to the point where the injector operates, at around 20 degrees before TDC, but not so much that the engine carries on past TDC. Instead the compression pressure takes over and reverses the rotation, turning the engine backwards to its starting point and rewinding the rope onto the sheave; effectively the engine is "bounced" off the compression pressure. This is repeated several times until a sufficient number of priming injections have been made; then the starting rope is given a mighty heave sufficient to carry the engine over compression and hopefully cause it to fire. If the heave is not sufficiently vigorous the engine will not fire and the whole process has to be repeated from the start. The method requires considerable amounts of both strength and skill.
Some engines are equipped with a "cold starting aid" comprising a pipette incorporated into the oil dipstick which allows a few ml of lubricating oil to be taken from the crankcase, and a removable plug through which this oil can be injected into the inlet manifold. This aids starting in three ways: the oil improves the low-speed sealing ability of the piston rings and valves - especially in a worn engine - thereby ensuring that maximum compression pressure and hence temperature is achieved; the volume of oil injected is a significant fraction of the combustion chamber volume, so the volume at TDC is reduced and the compression ratio increased; and lubricating oil has a lower ignition temperature than diesel fuel, so less extreme conditions are required for the first combustion event.
Electric starting was an option for most of these engines except the smallest A-range models. Electric start models were fitted with a starter motor and a flywheel generator - a set of magnets embedded in the flywheel which induced current in a set of coils in the flywheel housing - to recharge the starting battery. It was never a very popular option. The cost of the engine was significantly more than the hand-start models; the starter motor and the large lead-acid battery added significant extra weight; the flywheel generator was not very effective, and flat batteries were common; the vibration for which these engines are notorious tended to damage the battery and shorten its useful life; the electrical components were not as robust as the "hewn from granite" engines, and did not stand up well to the harsh operating conditions of the construction site applications for which these engines were frequently used
Lister Petter is a
BritishThe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
company that manufactures
internal combustion engineThe internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
s for
industryIndustry refers to the production of an economic good or service within an economy.-Industrial sectors:There are four key industrial economic sectors: the primary sector, largely raw material extraction industries such as mining and farming; the secondary sector, involving refining, construction,...
.
It was formed in 1986 from the merger of
Petters LimitedPetters Limited , were a maker of stationary petrol and diesel engines from 1896 onwards.In 1915 Petter founded Westland Aircraft Works ....
and
R A Lister and CompanyR A Lister & Company was founded in Dursley, Gloucestershire, in 1867 by Sir Robert Ashton Lister , to produce agricultural machinery. The family was originally from Yorkshire but Ashton's father relocated to Dursley in 1817....
. At that time the company was part of the Hawker Siddeley group, but today L-P is independent. Its products are small
diesel engineA diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
market, ranging from single-cylinder air-cooled engines of 2.7
horsepowerHorsepower is the name of several units of measurement of power. The most common definitions equal between 735.5 and 750 watts.Horsepower was originally defined to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses in continuous operation. The unit was widely adopted to measure the...
(the 'Zeta' series) up to the 64 hp 'Delta' engine. One higher-power engine of up to 335 hp, the 'Omega' is also produced under licence. The engine designs range from more recent design high-speed
turbodieselTurbodiesel refers to any diesel engine with a turbocharger. Turbocharging is the norm rather than the exception in modern car and truck diesel engines...
s (such as the 'Gamma' or 'Omega' engines) to traditional single-cylinder medium-speed types such as the 'A-Series' and 'Phi' types.
Applications
Lister Petter engines are generally used in stationary industrial applications such as pumping and electricity generation. The company produces a range of complete
generator setsA diesel generator is the combination of a diesel engine with an electrical generator to generate electrical energy....
, units equipped for
weldingWelding is a fabrication or sculptural process that joins materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by causing coalescence. This is often done by melting the workpieces and adding a filler material to form a pool of molten material that cools to become a strong joint, with pressure sometimes...
and in-house pumping sets, as well as supplying engines to other equipment manufacturers. L-P engines are widely exported{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}, especially for use in
irrigationIrrigation may be defined as the science of artificial application of water to the land or soil. It is used to assist in the growing of agricultural crops, maintenance of landscapes, and revegetation of disturbed soils in dry areas and during periods of inadequate rainfall...
projects{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}. The company also maintains a long tradition (of both its founder companies) in supplying engines for marine applications both as prime mover engines for small vessels and as auxiliary power units in larger ones.
Gas-fuelled engines
Lister Petter's main product{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}, the 'Alpha' series of sub-2-
litrepic|200px|right|thumb|One litre is equivalent to this cubeEach side is 10 cm1 litre water = 1 kilogram water The litre is a metric system unit of volume equal to 1 cubic decimetre , to 1,000 cubic centimetres , and to 1/1,000 cubic metre...
engines, is also available in spark ignition forms for running on
natural gasNatural gas is a naturally occurring gas mixture consisting primarily of methane, typically with 0–20% higher hydrocarbons . It is found associated with other hydrocarbon fuel, in coal beds, as methane clathrates, and is an important fuel source and a major feedstock for fertilizers.Most natural...
or
propanePropane is a three-carbon alkane with the molecular formula , normally a gas, but compressible to a transportable liquid. A by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum refining, it is commonly used as a fuel for engines, oxy-gas torches, barbecues, portable stoves, and residential central...
. L-P also manufactures and sells
biodieselBiodiesel refers to a vegetable oil- or animal fat-based diesel fuel consisting of long-chain alkyl esters. Biodiesel is typically made by chemically reacting lipids with an alcohol....
plants, allowing customers to produce their own fuel for diesel engines.
History
- 1867 R A Lister company founded by Robert Ashton Lister.
- 1893 James B Petter & Sons founded.
- 1895 First oil engines made by Petters.
- 1910 Petters Ltd founded.
- 1929 First diesel engines produced by R A Lister in Dursley.
- 1986 R A Listers and Petters Ltd merged to form Lister Petter Ltd.
- 2004/2005 Lister Petter sees unprecedented growth and re-investment in its core products.
Lister & Petter engines were workhorses of the British Commonwealth{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}; many of these engines{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} are still in use today in dump trucks{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}, generators{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} and water pumps{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}. They generally, but not exclusively, leave the factory in a Mid Brunswick Green colouring.
Engine ranges
One of the most popular{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} early Petter engines was the AVA series, AVA1 and AVA2 (1- and 2-cylinder engines respectively), and the Lister D. The majority of these engines were hand-crank start and fully mechanical, without any electronics or electrical controls. Engines like this, if not still working, are now considered collectors' pieces{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}.
Widely used examples of later models include the LT series, often used in single-cylinder form to power small cement mixers, and the ST series, a popular engine for canal boats. They too were large and heavy engines with low power outputs, low operating speeds and extremely robust construction, capable of reliable operation for years{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} even under the conditions of abuse{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} and neglect{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} of maintenance found in their typical construction-site applications.
A particularly successful{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} model was the A range; these engines were much smaller and lighter than earlier models{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}, although still extremely robustly constructed{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}. Plant powered by an A-range engine is often light enough to be lifted and carried by two workers, instead of requiring a wheeled chassis, which is a great advantage on a construction site. The A range is particularly suitable for powering small generators of around 4-5kVA output. Unlike earlier designs it is capable of running at up to 3600 rpm and can therefore generate mains-frequency AC using a two-pole alternator; the lower operating speed of earlier designs mandates the use of a four-pole alternator, which is much larger and heavier for the same output power.
In the writers opinion the Petter A range can be problematic especially in the raw water cooled marine version known as the Petter Mini-6. The problem is that the aluminium heads corrode rather badly in salt water and head gaskets are rather troublesome. Frequently water will leak out of the engine into the boat. Special head nuts can be obtained that will allow a slightly higher torque to be used and special high temperature black RTV silicon sealant can be used on the water jacket. If possible use a genuine Petter gasket (old type that has asbestos reinforcement) In jellyfish infested waters a large basket type water strainer and an engine overheat alarm are must-haves as without these items one can easily have an engine fire (the rubber exhaust hose catches fire and the silencer melts) After an engine fire the head gasket WILL need replacing. There was also a freshwater cooled Petter Mini-6 that was made for Westerbeke but these are extremely rare in Europe. The good points about the Mini-6 are its compact size and low weight (it is smaller than the Japanese market leader and it can be used to replace petrol engines without overloading the boat) If the Japanese engine will not fit one can replace the Petter with the Farryman Yellow River Star, however the cost is quite considerable. Another solution is to change the cylinder barrel and head for the highly reliable air cooled versions but this fairly popular method is more suitable for an open boat or workboat. Some marine Mini-6 engines were air cooled from the factory.
Starting procedures
Starting an engine like this involves switching the Bryce Berger injection pump to excess fuel mode and lifting the decompressor (this held exhaust valve open) to allow the engine to turn over without compression. The engine is then turned over at a steady pace until 10/15 clicks from the injector are heard; these clicks are a result of the spring & needle of the injector jumping with each injection of diesel at a relatively slow speed as the engine may only be doing 60-70 rpm. This now means there are 10/15 injections of diesel sitting in the combustion bowl on top of the piston. The engine is then turned over much faster, and when the engine had lots of momentum the decompressor is flung down; this means on the next compression stage the pressure in the cylinder becomes so great that the temperature rises to a point that the diesel bursts into flames. Once the first combustion cycle has taken place this gives the engine more momentum until it is over-revving, at which point the excess fuel lever automatically drops off and the engine sits at its governed idle speed.
The smallest A-range models such as the AA1 were available with rope start - a sheave was attached to the flywheel and the engine started by pulling on a rope wound round the sheave. This requires a particular technique{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} to obtain the "clicks" from the injector and prime the combustion chamber with fuel. The decompressor is not used; the engine is rotated to just after top dead centre (TDC) on the intake stroke, then the starter rope is pulled with a nicely judged{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} amount of force calculated to give the engine just enough momentum to raise the piston against compression pressure to the point where the injector operates, at around 20 degrees before TDC, but not so much that the engine carries on past TDC. Instead the compression pressure takes over and reverses the rotation, turning the engine backwards to its starting point and rewinding the rope onto the sheave; effectively the engine is "bounced" off the compression pressure. This is repeated several times until a sufficient number of priming injections have been made; then the starting rope is given a mighty heave sufficient to carry the engine over compression and hopefully cause it to fire. If the heave is not sufficiently vigorous the engine will not fire and the whole process has to be repeated from the start. The method requires considerable amounts of both strength and skill{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}.
Some engines are equipped with a "cold starting aid" comprising a pipette incorporated into the oil dipstick which allows a few ml of lubricating oil to be taken from the crankcase, and a removable plug through which this oil can be injected into the inlet manifold. This aids starting in three ways: the oil improves the low-speed sealing ability of the piston rings and valves - especially in a worn engine - thereby ensuring that maximum compression pressure and hence temperature is achieved; the volume of oil injected is a significant fraction of the combustion chamber volume, so the volume at TDC is reduced and the compression ratio increased; and lubricating oil has a lower ignition temperature than diesel fuel, so less extreme conditions are required for the first combustion event.
Electric starting was an option for most of these engines except the smallest A-range models. Electric start models were fitted with a starter motor and a flywheel generator - a set of magnets embedded in the flywheel which induced current in a set of coils in the flywheel housing - to recharge the starting battery. It was never a very popular option{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}. The cost of the engine was significantly more than the hand-start models; the starter motor and the large lead-acid battery added significant extra weight{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}; the flywheel generator was not very effective, and flat batteries were common{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}; the vibration for which these engines are notorious tended to damage the battery and shorten its useful life{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}; the electrical components were not as robust{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} as the "hewn from granite" engines{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}, and did not stand up well to the harsh operating conditions of the construction site applications for which these engines were frequently used
Lister Petter is a
BritishThe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
company that manufactures
internal combustion engineThe internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
s for
industryIndustry refers to the production of an economic good or service within an economy.-Industrial sectors:There are four key industrial economic sectors: the primary sector, largely raw material extraction industries such as mining and farming; the secondary sector, involving refining, construction,...
.
It was formed in 1986 from the merger of
Petters LimitedPetters Limited , were a maker of stationary petrol and diesel engines from 1896 onwards.In 1915 Petter founded Westland Aircraft Works ....
and
R A Lister and CompanyR A Lister & Company was founded in Dursley, Gloucestershire, in 1867 by Sir Robert Ashton Lister , to produce agricultural machinery. The family was originally from Yorkshire but Ashton's father relocated to Dursley in 1817....
. At that time the company was part of the Hawker Siddeley group, but today L-P is independent. Its products are small
diesel engineA diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
market, ranging from single-cylinder air-cooled engines of 2.7
horsepowerHorsepower is the name of several units of measurement of power. The most common definitions equal between 735.5 and 750 watts.Horsepower was originally defined to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses in continuous operation. The unit was widely adopted to measure the...
(the 'Zeta' series) up to the 64 hp 'Delta' engine. One higher-power engine of up to 335 hp, the 'Omega' is also produced under licence. The engine designs range from more recent design high-speed
turbodieselTurbodiesel refers to any diesel engine with a turbocharger. Turbocharging is the norm rather than the exception in modern car and truck diesel engines...
s (such as the 'Gamma' or 'Omega' engines) to traditional single-cylinder medium-speed types such as the 'A-Series' and 'Phi' types.
Applications
Lister Petter engines are generally used in stationary industrial applications such as pumping and electricity generation. The company produces a range of complete
generator setsA diesel generator is the combination of a diesel engine with an electrical generator to generate electrical energy....
, units equipped for
weldingWelding is a fabrication or sculptural process that joins materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by causing coalescence. This is often done by melting the workpieces and adding a filler material to form a pool of molten material that cools to become a strong joint, with pressure sometimes...
and in-house pumping sets, as well as supplying engines to other equipment manufacturers. L-P engines are widely exported{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}, especially for use in
irrigationIrrigation may be defined as the science of artificial application of water to the land or soil. It is used to assist in the growing of agricultural crops, maintenance of landscapes, and revegetation of disturbed soils in dry areas and during periods of inadequate rainfall...
projects{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}. The company also maintains a long tradition (of both its founder companies) in supplying engines for marine applications both as prime mover engines for small vessels and as auxiliary power units in larger ones.
Gas-fuelled engines
Lister Petter's main product{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}, the 'Alpha' series of sub-2-
litrepic|200px|right|thumb|One litre is equivalent to this cubeEach side is 10 cm1 litre water = 1 kilogram water The litre is a metric system unit of volume equal to 1 cubic decimetre , to 1,000 cubic centimetres , and to 1/1,000 cubic metre...
engines, is also available in spark ignition forms for running on
natural gasNatural gas is a naturally occurring gas mixture consisting primarily of methane, typically with 0–20% higher hydrocarbons . It is found associated with other hydrocarbon fuel, in coal beds, as methane clathrates, and is an important fuel source and a major feedstock for fertilizers.Most natural...
or
propanePropane is a three-carbon alkane with the molecular formula , normally a gas, but compressible to a transportable liquid. A by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum refining, it is commonly used as a fuel for engines, oxy-gas torches, barbecues, portable stoves, and residential central...
. L-P also manufactures and sells
biodieselBiodiesel refers to a vegetable oil- or animal fat-based diesel fuel consisting of long-chain alkyl esters. Biodiesel is typically made by chemically reacting lipids with an alcohol....
plants, allowing customers to produce their own fuel for diesel engines.
History
- 1867 R A Lister company founded by Robert Ashton Lister.
- 1893 James B Petter & Sons founded.
- 1895 First oil engines made by Petters.
- 1910 Petters Ltd founded.
- 1929 First diesel engines produced by R A Lister in Dursley.
- 1986 R A Listers and Petters Ltd merged to form Lister Petter Ltd.
- 2004/2005 Lister Petter sees unprecedented growth and re-investment in its core products.
Lister & Petter engines were workhorses of the British Commonwealth{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}; many of these engines{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} are still in use today in dump trucks{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}, generators{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} and water pumps{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}. They generally, but not exclusively, leave the factory in a Mid Brunswick Green colouring.
Engine ranges
One of the most popular{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} early Petter engines was the AVA series, AVA1 and AVA2 (1- and 2-cylinder engines respectively), and the Lister D. The majority of these engines were hand-crank start and fully mechanical, without any electronics or electrical controls. Engines like this, if not still working, are now considered collectors' pieces{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}.
Widely used examples of later models include the LT series, often used in single-cylinder form to power small cement mixers, and the ST series, a popular engine for canal boats. They too were large and heavy engines with low power outputs, low operating speeds and extremely robust construction, capable of reliable operation for years{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} even under the conditions of abuse{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} and neglect{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} of maintenance found in their typical construction-site applications.
A particularly successful{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} model was the A range; these engines were much smaller and lighter than earlier models{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}, although still extremely robustly constructed{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}. Plant powered by an A-range engine is often light enough to be lifted and carried by two workers, instead of requiring a wheeled chassis, which is a great advantage on a construction site. The A range is particularly suitable for powering small generators of around 4-5kVA output. Unlike earlier designs it is capable of running at up to 3600 rpm and can therefore generate mains-frequency AC using a two-pole alternator; the lower operating speed of earlier designs mandates the use of a four-pole alternator, which is much larger and heavier for the same output power.
In the writers opinion the Petter A range can be problematic especially in the raw water cooled marine version known as the Petter Mini-6. The problem is that the aluminium heads corrode rather badly in salt water and head gaskets are rather troublesome. Frequently water will leak out of the engine into the boat. Special head nuts can be obtained that will allow a slightly higher torque to be used and special high temperature black RTV silicon sealant can be used on the water jacket. If possible use a genuine Petter gasket (old type that has asbestos reinforcement) In jellyfish infested waters a large basket type water strainer and an engine overheat alarm are must-haves as without these items one can easily have an engine fire (the rubber exhaust hose catches fire and the silencer melts) After an engine fire the head gasket WILL need replacing. There was also a freshwater cooled Petter Mini-6 that was made for Westerbeke but these are extremely rare in Europe. The good points about the Mini-6 are its compact size and low weight (it is smaller than the Japanese market leader and it can be used to replace petrol engines without overloading the boat) If the Japanese engine will not fit one can replace the Petter with the Farryman Yellow River Star, however the cost is quite considerable. Another solution is to change the cylinder barrel and head for the highly reliable air cooled versions but this fairly popular method is more suitable for an open boat or workboat. Some marine Mini-6 engines were air cooled from the factory.
Starting procedures
Starting an engine like this involves switching the Bryce Berger injection pump to excess fuel mode and lifting the decompressor (this held exhaust valve open) to allow the engine to turn over without compression. The engine is then turned over at a steady pace until 10/15 clicks from the injector are heard; these clicks are a result of the spring & needle of the injector jumping with each injection of diesel at a relatively slow speed as the engine may only be doing 60-70 rpm. This now means there are 10/15 injections of diesel sitting in the combustion bowl on top of the piston. The engine is then turned over much faster, and when the engine had lots of momentum the decompressor is flung down; this means on the next compression stage the pressure in the cylinder becomes so great that the temperature rises to a point that the diesel bursts into flames. Once the first combustion cycle has taken place this gives the engine more momentum until it is over-revving, at which point the excess fuel lever automatically drops off and the engine sits at its governed idle speed.
The smallest A-range models such as the AA1 were available with rope start - a sheave was attached to the flywheel and the engine started by pulling on a rope wound round the sheave. This requires a particular technique{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} to obtain the "clicks" from the injector and prime the combustion chamber with fuel. The decompressor is not used; the engine is rotated to just after top dead centre (TDC) on the intake stroke, then the starter rope is pulled with a nicely judged{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} amount of force calculated to give the engine just enough momentum to raise the piston against compression pressure to the point where the injector operates, at around 20 degrees before TDC, but not so much that the engine carries on past TDC. Instead the compression pressure takes over and reverses the rotation, turning the engine backwards to its starting point and rewinding the rope onto the sheave; effectively the engine is "bounced" off the compression pressure. This is repeated several times until a sufficient number of priming injections have been made; then the starting rope is given a mighty heave sufficient to carry the engine over compression and hopefully cause it to fire. If the heave is not sufficiently vigorous the engine will not fire and the whole process has to be repeated from the start. The method requires considerable amounts of both strength and skill{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}.
Some engines are equipped with a "cold starting aid" comprising a pipette incorporated into the oil dipstick which allows a few ml of lubricating oil to be taken from the crankcase, and a removable plug through which this oil can be injected into the inlet manifold. This aids starting in three ways: the oil improves the low-speed sealing ability of the piston rings and valves - especially in a worn engine - thereby ensuring that maximum compression pressure and hence temperature is achieved; the volume of oil injected is a significant fraction of the combustion chamber volume, so the volume at TDC is reduced and the compression ratio increased; and lubricating oil has a lower ignition temperature than diesel fuel, so less extreme conditions are required for the first combustion event.
Electric starting was an option for most of these engines except the smallest A-range models. Electric start models were fitted with a starter motor and a flywheel generator - a set of magnets embedded in the flywheel which induced current in a set of coils in the flywheel housing - to recharge the starting battery. It was never a very popular option{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}. The cost of the engine was significantly more than the hand-start models; the starter motor and the large lead-acid battery added significant extra weight{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}; the flywheel generator was not very effective, and flat batteries were common{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}; the vibration for which these engines are notorious tended to damage the battery and shorten its useful life{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}; the electrical components were not as robust{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} as the "hewn from granite" engines{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}, and did not stand up well to the harsh operating conditions of the construction site applications for which these engines were frequently used{{Citation needed|date=August 2011. Electric starting was therefore fitted relatively rarely{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}, mainly to the larger engines and especially to engines powering generators, where the lack of robustness of electrical apparatus was a problem that had to be lived with in any case.
Locations
The company's headquarters and manufacturing facility are in
DursleyDursley is a market town in Gloucestershire, England. It is under the North East flank of Stinchcombe Hill , and about 6 km South East of the River Severn. The town is adjacent with Cam which, though a village, is a community of double the size...
,
GloucestershireGloucestershire is a county in South West England. The county comprises part of the Cotswold Hills, part of the flat fertile valley of the River Severn, and the entire Forest of Dean....
, formerly the headquarters of
R A Lister and CompanyR A Lister & Company was founded in Dursley, Gloucestershire, in 1867 by Sir Robert Ashton Lister , to produce agricultural machinery. The family was originally from Yorkshire but Ashton's father relocated to Dursley in 1817....
. Lister Petter have agents in
FranceThe French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, the USA,
ChinaChinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
and
IndiaIndia , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, which market their products and carry out final assembly of larger items such as generating sets from imported parts.