Modern engines run at higher rpms. Most are turbocharged and even employ two stage chargers. Their operating range is at a much higher temperature than a conventional naturally aspirated engine. This calls for efficient and specialised technologies to ensure utmost reliability, and under the most arduous conditions. An interesting technology in this direction comes from Pune-based Q Shield Diesel & Gas Technology. Called the Q-shield, this technology is essentially about engine heat management technology. It is based upon improving the effectiveness of a vehicle's intercooler system if it has one, or to take its place if none has been installed. This results in a more complete fuel combustion rate which in turn results in a decrease in fuel consumption for diesel engines of between 6 to 13%.In gasoline engines the decrease in fuel consumption can run between 10 to 16%. The percentage of fuel reduction will vary depending on the design of the engine and the proximity of the air intake system to the manifold system among other factors. These, hitherto unknown, techniques have multifarious benefits to the engine operation, ranging from increased fuel efficiency to compliance with pollution norms. The basic concept of the Q-Shield is that by insulating the air intake system and other engine components with specialized heat shields, the temperature of the air, when it enters the combustion chamber is brought closer to ambient. This results in the air being both cooler and denser with a higher level of oxygen, thus achieving more complete combustion and thereby reducing fuel consumption. Tests have been successfully conducted on passenger cars, light trucks, medium duty trucks, SUV's, vans, tractors, trucks, off road equipment, various buses, cranes, generators and locomotive engines. Positive results have been achieved. A key advantage of the Q-shield technology is its ability to create more heat in the exhaust area due to the more complete combustion rate. This extra heat, which is 120% higher in the exhaust area than in a non-upgraded engine, can help in keeping diesel particulate filters clean. The clogging of these filters is a serious problem in the 2007 and up truck engines, and would become a serious problem in off road equipment. If the filter clogs an engine failure can result. The Q-Shield technology offers protection to an engine in addition to its ability to reduce fuel consumption. The extra heat generated at the exhaust by Q-shield technology means that a DPF can be installed on an older engine without any expensive engine modification. It also reduces regenerations. The company have been able in some cases to reduce regenerations by 65%. It also insulate the exhaust piping from the end of the turbo to the DPF to further hold in the heat on its way to the DPF.According to company sources, the Q-Shield technology and materials are the only solution to several engine problems. It can both reduce the fuel consumption rate between 6 to 13 % and also help to keep the DPF filter clean. It can also help in reducing the in-cab temperatures, and will reduce the overall temperature in the engine compartment which will extend the life of key engine parts as well as reduce the maintenance that has to be performed on the engine. The heat and noise in the driver area will be substantially reduced leading to higher driver comfort. Q-shield materials are a must for marine engines, which require that no part of the engine be above 220ºC, claim company sources. They add that Q-Shield Technologies, Inc. has been in business for over seven and a half years, and was formed to market Q-Shield technology worldwide. The end goal is to reduce the heat levels in the engine compartment as well as to reduce the consumption of diesel fuel and gasoline.The Q-Shield technology has been granted broad-based patent protection in the U.S. as well as in every industrialized country in the world. This means that no one else can install any type of shielding on the air intake system. If this system is not protected no fuel reduction will take place no matter what else in the engine is covered. The company provides an extensive product warranty. And, during the company's lifetime, it has never had to replace a shield. The shields can be easily removed and transferred between like vehicles. The Q-Shield product is rated to withstand high temperature levels. The maximum temperature levels vary with the type of application, and differing grades of materials are used to meet these requirements. A typical kit is rated to approximately 1200°, however solutions for applications on generators and locomotives range into the 2000°F as well as 3000ºF levels.