Tank Talk

AOL Finance featured PR for 2009 Seminar

2009-11-11T12:35:00.000-08:00

Maryland-Based L.A. Fritter & Son Hosts Free Fuel Management Seminar to Assist Companies in Reducing Carbon Footprint & Streamline Fuel Expenses
Event features cost-saving info on available grants and the latest technology to reduce fuel consumption
PR Newswire
posted: 6 HOURS 48 MINUTES AGO

HYATTSVILLE, Md., Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- L.A. Fritter, the leading name in fuel management systems and services since 1953, is hosting a FREE Fuel Management seminar in partnership with FuelMaster®, from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at the Legacy Hotel & Meeting Centre (1775 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD), specially designed to reduce the carbon footprint and streamline fuel expenses of private enterprises, municipalities and governmental agencies in the Washington, D.C. area with special focus on integrated compliance and inventory solutions.
"We're continually implementing creative ways to use existing technologies to reduce fuel consumption and increase efficiency in vehicles," explains L.A. Fritter President Bill Flannery. "In doing so, we're making an impact on the alliance on foreign oil by showing our customers ways to stretch the dwindling resource in conjunction with the movement for alternative fuels & vehicle technology."
While many think that grants exist solely for biofuels and ethanol tanks, Clean Cities will share information about available grants available for reducing fuel consumption to further assist in bottom line savings.
Attendees will also learn about the L.A. test fuel management technology and how they can operate their fueling systems more efficiently and economically to save money including the key elements to streamlining their fleet fuel expenses.
"Our goal for our clients is to not use as much gasoline," said Flannery. "Essentially we assist them in how to get more while using less. The net impact is the same. They use less oil and less gas through our technology and fuel savings methods while decreasing their carbon footprint and save money."
Register at www.fuelmanagementseminar.com or call (301) 773-7800, Ext 14 for the free seminar, which includes lunch.
As a complete solution, L.A. Fritter provides turnkey systems from installation to ongoing maintenance and service after the purchase. L.A. Fritter keeps its customers fuel sites up and running 24/7. Contact L.A. Fritter for a free demonstration and quote at (301) 773-7800 or http://www.lafritter.com/ .

2009-10-28T13:33:00.000-07:00

Contact: Susan Kricun, 602-265-2413 or 602-628-1350

CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT

FREE FUEL MANAGEMENT SEMINAR REVEALS KEY ELEMENTS TO STREAMLINING
FLEET FUEL EXPENSES – HOSTED BY MARYLAND-BASED L.A. FRITTER & SON
Specializing in fuel management technology, L.A. Fritter shows how to operate fueling systems more efficiently & economically

WHO: Companies who want to save on fleet fuel costs
L.A. Fritter & Son (L.A. Fritter)
FuelMaster®

WHAT: L.A. Fritter Advanced Fuel Management Conference:
L.A. Fritter is hosting a FREE Fuel Management seminar specially designed to meet the needs of private enterprises, municipalities and governmental agencies in the Washington, D.C. area with special focus on integrated compliance and inventory solutions.

Attendees will learn the L.A. test fuel management technology and how they can operate their fueling systems more efficiently and economically to save money including the key elements to streamlining their fleet fuel expenses. These systems are geared for creating efficiencies on the dispensing side of the fueling process. They’ll receive and track relevant data tied to each vehicle. They’ll have real data they can use to reduce the cost of their fleet operations.

They’ll be able to track:

* Vehicle idle time
* Miles per gallon
* Location of the vehicle
* Incidents of speeding through a GPS system
* Amount of fuel dispensed on a regular basis

WHEN: Dec 2 , 2009

WHERE: The Legacy Hotel & Meeting Center
1775 Rockville Pike , Rockville MD 20852 – 301-881-2300

MORE
INFO: Visit www.fuelmanagementseminar.com to register and/or for more information.

L.A. Fritter, the leading name in fuel management systems and services since 1953, helps organizations better manage their fleet fueling tasks. From high quality equipment sales to expert installation and factory certified service to fuel management, its innovative, cost-effective solutions give customers more control over their fuel operation.

As a complete solution, L.A. Fritter provides turnkey systems from installation to ongoing maintenance and service after the purchase. L.A. Fritter keeps its customers fuel sites up and running 24/7.

Businesses interested in learning how to cut their fleet operating costs, can contact L.A. Fritter for a free demonstration and quote at (301) 773-7800 or www.L.A.fritter.com.

Fuel Management Seminar 2009

2009-10-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

Improving and driving down costs is all over the news these days . Every organization is looking for ways to right size their business for the years ahead . Well at L.A. Fritter we have been selling fuel management since the 1960's - we know how important it is to track fuel consumption and related costs of running a fleet . Our interaction with customers tells us that most companies struggle with wringing cost of operating a large fleet . If fuel goes back to $4.00 a gallon does your company have a plan to minimize that impact on your operation ? Now is the time to explore technology that enables you to operate your fleet and related assets , don't rely on fuel vendors , employees or outdated or non - existent technology . Our goal for any company that operates on site fueling is to get you information you can use to drive down costs.

Let's face it our control over the cost of fuel is minimal and fluctuations are common . But if you could gain some control by controlling fleet costs - wouldn't that be valuable ?

Get on board with technology and get the data you need to run a fleet and control costs . We invite you to attend a great ( Free ) seminar - sign up at www.fuelmanagementseminar.com

Tips to Save Gas and Improve Mileage

2008-06-04T15:52:00.000-07:00

What can I do to save gas?
Walk, bike, take a bus, or carpool when possible. Use your car only
when necessary. Public transportation authorities often have carpooling
information as well as transit services. If you own more than one vehicle,
drive the one that gets the best gas mileage whenever possible.

Combine errands into one trip. Consolidate trips to destinations that

are near one another. Once you arrive, park and walk between destina
tions. Save errands for one afternoon and plan your trip so you don't
retrace your route. You not only save gas this way, but reduce wear-and-
tear on your car.

Drive your car wisely and maintain it properly. The way you drive
and take care of your car can make a big difference in your gas mileage.

What can I do to get better gas mileage when I drive?
You can greatly improve your mileage by having your car serviced regularly
and by driving wisely. Any of these eight points can help improve your
mileage:

Go easy on the brakes and gas pedal. Avoid "jackrabbit" starts by
accelerating gradually whenever possible. Also, anticipate stops to avoid
sudden braking.

Avoid long idles. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a lengthy wait.
Instead of idling at a drive-up window, park the car and go in. Idling
burns more gas than restarting the engine. Limit car warmups in winter.

Avoid carrying unneeded items in the trunk. Extra weight decreases
gas mileage. Also, reduce drag by placing items inside the car or trunk
rather than on roof racks.

Avoid high speeds. You can improve your gas mileage about 15 percent
by driving at 55 mph rather than 65 mph.

Use your air conditioning only when necessary. Roll down the
windows or open the air vents to keep your car comfortable on not-so-hot days.

Use overdrive. If your car is equipped with overdrive gearing (on 5-
speed manual transmissions and 4-speed automatic transmissions), be sure to
make use of the overdrive gear as soon as your speed is high enough. If you have
a manual transmission, the lower the shift speed, the better the fuel economy.

Your owner's manual will give you further information.

Keep tires properly inflated and aligned. Periodic wheel alignments
and keeping tires inflated to the maximum recommended pressure can improve
your gas mileage.

Get regular engine tuneups and car maintenance checks. Tuneups
improve performance as well as gas mileage. Check your owner's manual for
recommended maintenance schedules. By following the manufacturer's recom-
mendations, you should avoid fuel economy problems due to worn spark plugs,
dragging brakes, low transmission fluid, or the transmission not going into high
gear.

What should I consider when buying a new car?
Understand your needs and buy accordingly. Get only the options
you really need. Optional equipment that adds weight to your car can decrease
your gas mileage (especially heavy options such as four-wheel drive). Automatic
transmissions generally degrade fuel economy. Larger engines and higher horse-
power typically result in lower gas mileage. If you need the additional power
and torque, be aware your gas mileage will suffer during all types of driving.

Check the gas mileage ratings of similar vehicles. Buy a fuel effi-
cient model in the size category that meets your needs. The Federal Gas Mileage
Guide, issued annually and free of charge at all auto dealerships, compares gas
mileage of similar models.

Question do you know where all your fuel is going ?

2008-01-22T07:38:00.000-08:00

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A gas station clerk is accused of defrauding her boss out of nearly $50,000 by selling fuel to her family and friends for a tenth of a penny a gallon.

Police arrested 25-year-old Madeline Jordan on Sunday - along with her mother, brother, a cousin and two others - after setting up a sting at the BP station in South Charleston.

The station's owner told police last week he had noticed a significant drop in his income and found receipts that listed the deeply discounted rate.

Police alleged that for several months Jordan, of Nitro, had reset the price at the pumps every Sunday morning and allowed people she knew to fill up.

There was no immediate word if any of the six had secured attorneys to speak for them. The Kanawha County Courthouse was closed Monday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., and calls to the South Charleston Police Department were not answered.

Fuel Costs taking a bite out of Profits?

2008-01-17T08:33:00.000-08:00

L.A. Fritter has been providing fuel management systems to combat ever increasing cost of fuel since 1953 .

ASK THE EXPERTS
Idling Solutions - Sponsored by Espar
How much Green House Gases does an average idling truck emit into our environment and at what level in GHG's do fuel fired heaters and APU's offset this?

Tires - Sponsored by Goodyear
Why do trucks with set-back axles seem to have more tire wear issues than trucks with set-forward axles?

The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission today proposed an annual five to eight percent increase in the nation's fuel taxes for the next five years to fund urgent transportation repairs. The measure was passed by a nine to three vote, with Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters among the dissenters.

The commission was formed to conduct a two-year study of the current state of the transportation industry and analyze future needs for both the short and long term, as well as sources of revenue, either as a replacement or a supplement to the current fuel tax.

The commission's report also focuses on transportation's role in homeland security and national defense, including a reduction in our dependence on foreign oil.

Recommendations by the committee include an expansion of public transportation, increasing highway capacity to reduce congestion and embracing new safety strategies to cut traffic fatalities in half within 17 years. The commission also proposed budgeting $200 million annually to develop new energy sources.

Ken Simonson, chief economist for Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) told Fleet Owner that the report indicates the nation needs to significantly rebuild its infrastructure. "This report shows the magnitude of the problems ahead of us," he said.

Simonson added that the report's proposal would be very helpful in raising enough money to rebuild the nation's infrastructure, depending on whether or not states also contribute additional funding.

AGC agrees with the report's recommendation to create an independent National Surface Transportation Commission. "Congress should cede some of the decision-making to an independent, non-political group," Simonson said.

The dissenting members, led by Secretary Peters, agreed that transportation reform is a necessary step but would not a support a federal tax to fund it, instead pushing for private capital, incentives and increased tolls to provide the needed funds.

The dissenting opinion states that raising fuel taxes is ineffective and ‘breeds wasteful spending' and does not consider alternatives they project to be potentially more effective. They add that the proposal would unwisely increase the Federal government's role in transportation issues and create an independent commission they consider impractical and reflective of bad policy.

"Raising fuel taxes won't improve traffic congestion, it will only perpetuate our ineffective reliance on fossil-based fuels to fund infrastructure and send more of Americans' hard-earned money to Washington to be squandered on earmarks and special interest programs," Secretary Peters said. "A better way forward is to provide incentives to states willing to pursue more efficient approaches and to invest federal funds more effectively to give commuters real relief from gridlock."

American Trucking Assns. president & CEO Bill Graves issued a statement on the effects of the proposal on the freight industry. "The Commission has provided a good starting point for Congress as we move toward Reauthorization in 2009," he said. "Fixing our infrastructure problems is, without question, a significant financial undertaking. Current revenue streams are failing to keep pace with infrastructure needs. The Commission report illustrates that any increased investment must be coupled with systematic reforms, which would be essential to any long-term solution.

"The national economy is directly linked to freight transportation," Graves added. "Therefore freight transportation must be an essential part of infrastructure design and planning. Through its report, the Commission acknowledges the need for a new and improved investment strategy. A strategy that supports not only the health of our highways, but the health of our future economy. One that includes a combination of steps designed to ease congestion, alleviate bottlenecks and repair aging infrastructure."

Biodiesel study shows similar results to 100% diesel

2008-01-09T06:24:00.000-08:00

Biodiesel study shows similar results to 100% diesel

By Justin Carretta, online news editor

Jan 8, 2008 2:38 PM

ASK THE EXPERTS
Tires - Sponsored by Goodyear
What is the advantage of low profile tires over the standard tire? Also, can you mix them with standard tires on one axel and low profile on the other axel?

Idling Solutions - Sponsored by Espar
How much Green House Gases does an average idling truck emit into our environment and at what level in GHG's do fuel fired heaters and APU's offset this?

According to a study released by the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA), first-year results show 20% soy biodiesel blends (B20) perform similarly to diesel fuel in trucks.

"Although we have data from only the first year of the study, we are pleased with the results to date," said Don Heck, coordinator of biotechnology and biofuels programs at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, IA. "Preliminary results are that B20 biodiesel performs similarly to 100% diesel. We found a slight decrease in overall fuel efficiency for the B20 group of trucks, but it was not statistically significant. In fact, the difference was several times smaller than the driver-to-driver variability in fuel efficiency within each group."

The study, dubbed the " 2 Million Mile Haul", is sponsored by ISA, Iowa Central Community College, Decker Truck Line Inc., Caterpillar Inc., the National Biodiesel Board, Renewable Energy Group, Inc., and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For the study, Iowa Central Community College has been collecting and analyzing engine performance data and conducting in-house testing of both petroleum and B20. According to ISA, the study also examines how fuel additives affect the cold-flow properties when blended with Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD).

To test the differences between the fuels, two groups of 10 Decker Truck Line semi-tractors have traveled to either Minneapolis or Chicago using 100% No. 2 petroleum diesel or a blend of 20% biodiesel from Renewable Energy Group, Inc. and 80% No. 2 petroleum diesel. Fuel efficiency, maintenance records and fuel quality for both groups are monitored.

According to ISA, average fuel efficiency was 6.29 miles per gallon (mpg) for the petroleum group and 6.15 mpg for the B20 group after more than 1.5 million miles were driven between Oct. 1, 2006 to Oct. 1, 2007.

"Right now, the B20 performs similarly to the 100% diesel fuel in this study," said Heck. “Oil test data shows no appreciable differences between the fuels. We expect that the B20 group of engines will show less wear than the control group."

"The study is important because it shows that biodiesel can be interchangeable with diesel for use in over-the-road trucking," said Ed Ulch, an ISA director and treasurer of the National Biodiesel Board. "When the engines are torn down at the completion of the study, the final results are expected to show less engine wear with biodiesel. The study should prove that biodiesel provides longer engine life."

ISA reported a few problems with the B20 blend, admitting that a few filter plugging problems occurred early in the study. Changing the blend of the biodiesel fuel caused the rate of filter plugging to drop significantly. ISA reports that the B20, when mixed with a commercial fuel additive, didn’t cause any cold-flow issues during winter driving.

"The trucking industry is by far the single largest consumer of diesel fuel, using 38 billion gallons annually,” said Grant Kimberley, ISA director of market development. “This study demonstrates in a real-world environment that biodiesel can be used successfully year-round."

Know the facts about Release Detection

2008-01-07T11:55:00.000-08:00

FACT SHEET
Release Detection

All commercial underground storage tanks (USTs), regardless of size, and residential or farm tanks of over 1,100 gallon capacity must be equipped to detect releases. Proper release detection is very important since it will ensure that a major spill does not occur at your facility. This fact sheet should only be used as a guide. You must read the regulations and all operational instructions for the release detection method selected.

Emergency Generators and Heating Oil (for consumptive use on premises) USTs:

COMAR 26.10.04.01J requires all regulated heating oil and emergency generator UST systems be under a precision-testing schedule; meaning that testing is required at 15 years and every 5 years thereafter

COMAR 26.10.07 sets out the requirements for hydrostatic testing which is permitted for tanks under 1,000 gallons in capacity storing combustible products, such as #2 fuel oil, instead of precision testing.

Motor Fuel, Used Oil, or Bulk Heating Oil Storage USTs:

COMAR 26.10.05.01-.06 requires release detection on the tank and piping of UST systems storing these products. If product from storage systems is metered, daily inventory control is required in conjunction with release detection. There are several permitted release detection methods:

Statistical Inventory Reconciliation (SIR). SIR can be used on any UST that is metered, but it does not achieve detection on pressurized piping. An approved third-party vendor (listed with the Oil Control Program, MDE) must analyze records produced for SIR. Using SIR for release detection also ensures compliance with Maryland's daily inventory requirement.
Manual Tank Gauging (MTG). MTG is a good option for used oil storage systems. UST system must be out-of-service for a period of 36 hours to properly perform MTG. MTG does not satisfy release detection for piping.

USTs of 600 gallons or less – MTG fulfills the release detection requirement
USTs of 601 gallons to 2,000 gallons – MTG and precision testing every 5 years fulfills the release detection requirement
USTs over 2,000 gallons – MTG cannot be used to fulfill requirement

Precision Tightness Test (PTT). PTT can no longer be used as a stand-alone option in Maryland (although federal regulations permit it). PTT is still required after a new installation or repair, and is required as an accompaniment to other release detection methods and upgrade requirements. The Oil Control Program maintains a list of approved precision testing equipment and vendors.
Automatic Tank Gauging (ATG). ATG equipment must have third-party approval and be able to detect leaks of 0.2 gallons per hour. Leak tests must be conducted at least once a month on ATG equipment. Many ATG systems also monitor UST system piping.
Vapor Monitoring (VP). VP is effective as a release detection method only if the product being stored is volatile enough to be detected and groundwater will not interfere with monitoring. The number of points and their location must be designated for each individual system.
Ground Water Monitoring (GWM). GWM is monitoring of water found in wells placed around an UST system. The groundwater on the site can never be more than 15 feet from the ground surface. Well construction and record keeping are very important with GWM.
Interstitial Monitoring (IM). IM can only be used on UST systems that have secondary containment. Monitoring of the secondary space can be for fluids, vapors, etc. Monitoring must take place at least every 30 days. Most electronic systems monitor continuously and provide alarms to the tank operator. Systems for hazardous systems must use IM as their release detection method.
Other Methods (OM). MDE may approve an OM for your UST system. Such approval is usually reserved for sites that cannot use one of the other listed methods or for new technology that is not yet recognized in the regulation. Before using an OM, obtain MDE approval.
Piping

MDE recognizes two types of piping systems:
Pressurized Piping. Pressurized piping supplies product to the dispensing unit or point of use usually by a pressure pump submerged at the tank. Pressurized piping must be equipped with an automatic line leak detector and is tested annually by precision testing or by one of the monthly monitoring methods numbers 3-8 listed in the above.
Suction Piping. Suction piping pulls product from the tank to the pump or point of use. If the piping system has only one check valve that is located directly below the pump, then no other release detection is required. Other types of suction piping systems must be precision tested every two years or monitored monthly with one of the release detection methods

The next generation

2008-01-04T10:10:00.000-08:00

The next generation in passive fueling technology, the AIM2™ platform has been built by listening to our existing AIM 1 customers and asking the question "If you could have anything in a passive fueling solution, what would it be?" The answers that came back have inspired the most advanced and forward looking FuelMaster® system yet. By interfacing directly to a vehicles On Board Diagnostic (OBD) computer we are now able to pull back completely accurate data on everything from odometer, chronometer, or hour meter readings to the average speed at which the vehicle has been driven since the last fueling.

When combined with our new network technology, when a vehicle that has an engine warning light on comes into fuel the AIM2™ can pull the exact cause from the ODB and immediately notify the fleet mechanics of the issue so it can be resolved immediately. This is only one of many exiting benefits that AIM2™ will be able to bring to you and your fleet, and because it is built by the same FuelMaster engineers who have developed the most dependable and durable fixed site fueling application in the business, you can be assured that AIM2™ will be around to help you tommorrow, not just today.

AIM 2

2007-10-16T06:32:00.000-07:00

New registration requirements mandated by congress

2007-09-18T10:47:00.000-07:00

September 17, 2007 REG 07-20

JOBBERS FACE NEW REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS MANDATED BY CONGRESS

Petroleum jobbers across the country are receiving letters from state transportation agencies requiring registration with the new Uniform Carrier Registration (UCR) program. The UCR program was mandated by Congress as part of highway funding legislation passed in 2005. The UCR replaces and expands the Single State Registration System (SSRS) that previously applied only to for-hire motor carriers. As concern grew about the cost of the SSRS, for-hire motor carriers asked Congress to drop the requirement, which was a relic from the long defunct Interstate Commerce Commission. States opposed elimination of SSRS because it is an important source of revenue for highway related safety programs. Congress brokered a compromise between the two sides that lowers compliance costs paid by for-hire motor carriers and enhances state revenue streams by expanding the pool of transporters required to register and pay the annual fee.

Under the expanded UCR system, for-hire motor carriers, private motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies, operating in interstate commerce (including interstate petroleum transporters) must register and pay a fee. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Office of Enforcement and Compliance, interstate transporters with U.S. DOT numbers must comply with UCR. Intrastate transporters may be required to register if individual states expand registration to transporters who remain wholly within state boundaries. Registration fees are based on the number of interstate trucks in a transporter’s fleet; $39 for 0-2 trucks; $116 for 3-5 trucks; $231 for 6-20 trucks and $806 for 21-100 trucks. States have until August 8, 2008 to opt into UCR. So far, the states participating in the UCR include: AL, AR, CO, CT, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MS, MT, ND, NE, NH, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI and WV. Interstate carriers located in states not listed as UCR participants will be contacted by a neighboring state with instructions on how to register. Registration deadlines will vary from state to state. Jobbers should follow instructions on UCR registration letters received from state agencies. For more information on UCR please visit: http://www.naruc.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=499.

HOS REQUIREMENTS REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL FEDERAL COURT RULES ON STAY

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced this week that it would not revert back to old driver hours of service regulations in order to satisfy a federal court order vacating major portions of existing hours of service regulations. Instead, the FMCSA said that the current 11-hour daily driving limit and 34-hour workweek re-start requirements will remain in effect until the U.S. Court of Appeals rules on a lawsuit filed by the trucking industry seeking an eight month stay of the order to vacate.

Under the original court order handed down in July, FMCSA was required to vacate the current maximum 11-hour daily driving limit and the 34-hour workweek restart provisions by September 14, 2007. As a result, the old driver HOS requirements for daily drive time and workweek restart provisions would replace the vacated provisions, causing severe compliance burdens for petroleum transporters. The FMCSA said reversion to the old HOS regulations, promulgated in 1936 and revised in 2005, would create serious disruptions in the nation’s trucking operations. The lawsuit, filed by the American Trucking Associations, is seeking the stay in order to give the FMCSA time to correct deficiencies the court found in the agency’s 2005 rulemaking revising the HOS regulations, which were the basis for the order to vacate.

The court should rule on the ATA request within the next two weeks.

EPA ISSUES NEW INTERPRETATION ON RINs FREE PURCHASE BY BLENDERS

Last week the EPA offered an important new interpretation of the RFS regulations involving splash blending of bio-fuels. The new interpretation allows blending of RINs-free bio-fuels into clear fuel below the terminal rack. This is an important development for petroleum jobbers because it provides a way to avoid compliance (registration and reporting) with the RFS regulations altogether.

According to the EPA, when a jobber splash blends E-100, B-100 or B-99 at a producer’s rack, the bio-fuel used in the blend may be transferred without RINs, even when blended into clear fuel. Under the EPA interpretation, this kind of transaction is possible because a producer is allowed to transfer biofuels with anywhere from 0 to 2.5 assigned RINs per gallon to another party. The producer does this by simply removing RINs from one portion of inventory and transferring them to the remaining gallons. The RIN free gallons may then be transferred for blending into any product, clear or dyed. The catch is that the EPA does not require the producer to transfer RINs free product, but gives them the discretion to do so. Jobbers will have to negotiate directly with their producers to obtain RINs free biofuels for splash blending.

As a result of this new interpretation, there are now at least four ways that jobbers can obtain RINs free biofuels: by purchasing pre-blended renewable fuels at the rack; by purchasing E-100, B-100 or B-99 for blending into dyed fuel; by purchasing E-100, B-100 and B-99 from a bio-fuel marketer; and by splash blending E-100, B-100 or B-99 at the producer’s rack. All of these options, except for purchasing biofuels for blending with dyed diesel fuel require negotiation with the biofuels marketer or producer. For more information, go to the EPA RFS Q & A at: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/renewablefuels/420f07041a.pdf

FALSE POSITIVE TEST FOR RED DYE IN CLEAR DIESEL FUEL RAISES CONCERNS

The IRS is investigating recent incidents of false positive tests for evidence of red dye in clear diesel fuel. The false positive results have occurred at the refinery level when severely hydrotreated diesel fuel is tested using both ASTM red dye test standards D-6258 and D-6756. Diesel fuel refined with this process can have a naturally orange-yellowish color. Analysis of severely hydrotreated diesel has revealed trace amounts of four-ring aromatics and higher than expected levels of carbozoles that have similar spectrum wavelengths to the red dye required by the IRS for marking off-road fuel.

IRS enforcement authorities routinely collect samples of diesel fuel from highway vehicles to check for visible evidence of dye. Samples are drawn by inspectors and observed in a clear class bottle. If visible evidence of dye is detected the sample is sent for laboratory analysis using the ASTM red dye test methods. The IRS imposes a fine of ten dollars per gallon for dispensing red dye into the fuel tank of an on-road vehicle. IRS liability can also reach to petroleum retailers and wholesalers who handled the fuel. At a minimum, violations of this kind could have a negative impact on the business relationship between marketers and their customers. Some refiners are raising the possibility that ASTM red dye test standards D-6258 and D-6756 need to be rewritten to minimize the impact of these naturally occurring color bodies on red dye test results. Such a change could allow distribution of “clear” diesel fuel that to the naked eye looks to contain visible evidence of dye.

IRS CHANGES RED DYE SAMPLE COLLECTION PROCEDURES

The IRS issued a memorandum this week that reissues and updates field concentration sample procedures for testing evidence of red dye in on-road diesel fuel. The memorandum was sent to all IRS Fuel Compliance Officers (FCOs). The memorandum instructs FCOs to use glass bottles in place of the plastic containers currently used to collect samples. Clear glass bottles make initial observations for evidence of red dye more accurate. FCOs collect samples of dyed product at wholesale and retailer locations. These samples are tested for dye concentration to ensure that dyed product in the distribution stream below-the-terminal-rack remains dyed to the concentration required in Treasury Regulations section 48.4082-1(b). These samples are called "field concentration" samples. A wholesaler or retailer who is found with dyed fuel dyed at a concentration below that required in IRS regulations 48.4082-1(b) may be in violation of Internal Revenue Code section 6715(a)(3) or (a)(4).

ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION

US Average Retail Gasoline Prices - The US average retail price for regular gasoline increased 2.2 cents last week to rise to 281.8 cents per gallon as of September 10, 2007, 20.0 cents higher than last year. Retail regular gasoline prices were up throughout all of the major regions last week with the Midwest moving up by 0.6 cent to reach 297.9 cents per gallon, the highest in the country and 53.1 cents per gallon over last year. East Coast prices grew by 2.1 cents to 273.0 cents per gallon. Prices for the Gulf Coast gained 3.6 cents settling at 269.3 cents per gallon, the lowest regional price. The Rocky Mountain region price rose to 283.6 cents per gallon, up 1.5 cents this week but 4.8 cents per gallon lower than last year. West Coast prices strengthened 4.4 cents to 281.6 cents per gallon. The average price for regular grade in California was up 4.8 cents to 283.9 cents per gallon, 11.0 cents per gallon lower than the previous year.

US Average Retail Diesel Fuel Prices - Retail diesel prices climbed to 292.4 cents per gallon, 3.1 cents more than last week, and 6.7 cents per gallon higher than this time last year. Prices rose in all regions of the country. The largest increase, 4.5 cents, occurred on the East Coast where prices settled at 291.2 cents per gallon. In the Midwest, prices rose 3.2 cents to 294.2 cents per gallon while the Gulf Coast increased 2.9 cents to 286.5 cents per gallon. The Rocky Mountain region price increased 1.6 cents to 295.5 cents per gallon. The West Coast price grew by a penny to 298.2 cents per gallon. California prices went up a cent to 299.5 cents per gallon, 13.0 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Propane Inventories Rebound - The sluggish build in propane inventories recently was ended this week with inventories rebounding higher by 2.2 million barrels, an increase that put the nation's primary supply of propane at an estimated 57.4 million barrels as of September 7, 2007. Higher production and imports accounted for the weekly stockbuild. Strong imports into the Gulf Coast raised the regions inventories by 1.4 million barrels last week while the Midwest reported inventories up by 1.0 million barrels during this same period. East Coast inventories moved down by 0.2 million barrels, while the combined Rocky Mountain/West Coast region remained relatively unchanged. Propylene non-fuel use inventories also remained relatively unchanged last week although its share to total propane/propylene fell slightly to 4.7 percent from the prior week's 4.9 percent share.

Are Ethanol And Biodiesel Compatible?

2007-06-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

For you to be able to fully understand the connection between ethanol and biodiesel, you should probably learn about them on a individual basis first, by doing this you should then be able to understand what the connections between these biofuels are. You will probably find that there quite a few similarities between ethanol and biodiesel, therefore both these biofuels should be considered when looking for alternatives to ordinary fuel.

So what is ethanol?
Ethanol is a mildly toxic,flammable and colorless mixture of chemicals with a very noticeable perfume like smell, it is also the same type of alcohol that you will find in your nice cool beer, however, it is simply referred to as alcohol.

Ethanol has been used by humans as far back as when the dinosaurs were on the planet, and even though it has been used for more negative reasons, such as explosives because of its volatile nature, it has also been though of as positive when made into alcohol drinks and other products. Ethanol has also been used as an essence to help illness for many thousands of years, and so this is also recognized as being a positive use.

Another point to consider is, ethanol is the fuel which is at present being considered to replace fossil fuels, this is a very important topic, particularly when we consider that we are in a crazy war with Iraq and this is a country where we get most of our fuel from.

What is biodiesel?
A fuel that is being considered as a replacement for diesel, is biodiesel. This is fuel that is made from crops like corn, oilseed and sugar beet. Both ethanol and biodiesel are mixed with fossil diesel and gasoline in order for older cars to be able to run on it, however some of the newer car designs are able to run on biofuel with just a few small modifications.

Because of consumers lack of understanding with regard to ethanol and biodiesel, they are not convinced that using this fuel is the right way to go as a alternative to fossil fuel. Although it has to be said that this is starting to change in the US and in the world at large.

Ethanol and biodiesel relationship:
There are many important things to question when pondering the relationship of ethanol and biodiesel, one thing for sure though is they seem to be the main two options when looking at creating a cleaner environment. Ethanol is seen as the better option my many people at this time. However, the biodiesel option should be looked at very carefully because it also as many benefits to offer the alternative fuel debate.

Biofuel production is benefiting the US farming community by putting millions of dollars into the industry, therefore this should be taken into account as well.

ecoholistic.com for articles, tips and information about ethanol and biodiesel.

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Bio-diesel compatibility - up to a 20% blend ratio

2007-05-07T16:09:00.000-07:00

Fill-Rite fuel transfer pumps and meters work with a maximum blend ratio of 20% Bio-diesel oil that is mixed with 80% petroleum-based diesel fuel. The recognized designation for this bio-diesel fuel is ASTM PS 121, or DIN 51606. Both fuels are known as B20. Consult with your customer's fuel supplier to make certain that their fuel meets these specifications. CAUTION: pumping bio-diesel ratios above 20% or E85 fuel will result in shortened pump and meter life and premature failure of seals for Fill-Rite products, thus voiding the product warrantly.

Always use a recommended conversion kit before pumping these fuels.

* 700KTG9170- E85 & B100 conversion kit for the FR700 pump
* 300KTG9180- E85& B100 conversion kits for the FR300 and FR310 pumps
* 1200KTG9181- E85 & B100 conversion kit for FR610, FR1210C, FR4210C, FR4210D, FR4410, SD602, SD1202

Meters-Series 800 and 900 meters on pumps like FR701,FR310, FR1211, FR4211, etc. will corrode when exposed to E85. You must use Fill-Rite nickel-plated meters for use with E85. Fill-Rite nickel-plated meters have compatible o-rings and seals.
Conversion kits available for 100% concentrated bio-diesel (B100) and E85 fuel

Three new kits are available to convert Fill-Rite pumps to be compatible with bio-diesel blend ratios from above 20% (B20) all the way up to the 100% concentrate (B100) and also for E85 fuel. These conversion kits are listed below.

Filters-Remember there will be some reduction in flow rate when pumping bio-diesel due to the higher viscosity. To ensure maximum flow rate, use 30 micron filters whenever possible, especially in cooler weather when diesel fuel viscosity will be the highest.