Posted by Greg Ezzell on Fri, Jan 13, 2012 @ 03:19 PM
Whether you are building a new bulk storage plant or adding storage for natural gas processing? Upgrading your existing bulk plant storage capacity? Purchasing a tank to modify for specific processing requirements? Should you purchase a new or used LPG bullet tank? Here are a few things you should consider:
Safety factor is actually higher and better with older model bullet tanks:
Since the price and availability of steel has continued to increase over the years, the Federal Government has allowed tanks to be built with much thinner steel. Thus we have seen the safety factor reduced from the original safety factor, 5 to 1, down to 4 to 1, and then again to 3.5 to 1 for brand new tanks. Oolder tanks even the 200psig U68 and U69 code tanks are considerably thicker and produced to a higher safety factor than newer tanks. This is one of the many reasons one considers buying a used LPG bullet tank versus a new one. 
National Board Certified
LPG bullet tanks with a National Board Number either on their Data Plate or stamped in the tank head can have the manufacturer paperwork obtained, referred to as the U1A Data report, this is basically a birth certificate of the tank detailing the material used, original openings, manufacturer , inspectors, dates, pressure test, certifications, and so on. These tanks are able to be placed back into service in most states and other countries due to their ability to have paperwork produced which can verify all of the original manufacturer specifications.
Environmental Consciousness
With natural resources being of concern to all of us, we are reminded of our responsibility to reduce, reuse and recycle whenever possible. Purchasing a used LPG bullet tank versus a new tank will not only save you money, it is also a very large form of recycling and being enironmentally responsible as the steel is reused without exhausting the energy required to lift, transport, purge out all vapors, cut up, melt, and many times to ship the steel out of the country only to be sent back over to the US using more energy.
Availabilty and cost of freight
Often times ordering a new LPG bullet tank requires planning and a waiting period of several weeks or months for the tank to be built and delivered. And what has become common practice recently has been that the final price of the tanks is really unknown until the manufacturer has finished building the tank and a steel "Surcharge" has been placed on top of the tank price- this surcharge is often several thousands of dollars. The location the new tank is shipped from may not be conveniently located to your plant location which can increase your cost even further as freight costs can be very high. With a little research and due diligence you can find a quality used LPG bullet tank near your plant site, buy it immediately and save thousands on freight costs, due to its proximity to your site.
More value for your dollar
For anyone who has priced a new LPG bullet tank recently, the savings are well known, not to mention the amount of time you will spend waiting for a new tank to be manufactured for your project. Brand new LPG bullet tanks can cost as much as 50% to 100% more than used LPG bullets tanks- this should be repeated "50% to 100% more than used tanks!" These percentages can even grow during times of steel price increases.
How can you determine the proper amount of storage for your project
A qualified engineer, Industrial LPG /SNG Contractor will be able to determine the space and distance requirement needed for the size and quantity of LPG bullet tanks required for any project. As well as the number of tanks that are allowed to be in a group and the distance required between the groups of LPG bullet tanks.
Posted by Greg Ezzell on Tue, Dec 06, 2011 @ 11:20 AM
With winter fast approaching, tis the season to take a closer look at your propane air standby system to make sure it starts up and is operational when needed. All too often we receive last minute SOS calls from companies all over the country who are about to have their natural gas supply curtailed and are in need an immediate solution to their broken propane vaporizer, blending system or both. With some simple routine maintenance and occasional upgrades of old systems that no longer function many of these panic calls could have been avoided.
Last year we were fortunate to have many available used propane air standby systems in inventory. We were able to respond in many cases with short term standby system rentals to keep the customers operations up and running through various periods of natural gas interruption. Of course we moved to a permanent solution as soon as spring arrived, but nonetheless last year was a very important reminder that standby systems serve a very important role when called upon. And unless you are maintaining and starting up your system to ensure it will work when needed, you may find yourself in a pinch when your natural gas supply is interrupted.
TransTech Energy is a leader in propane air standby system design and integration. We also have many used and refurbished systems available should you need a short term rental solution. To learn more about our propane air solutions, call or email today to speak with a propane air specialist.
Posted by Greg Ezzell on Wed, Nov 09, 2011 @ 06:22 AM
There has been a lot of buzz about recent technological advancements in fracturing for natural gas with propane. In a recent press release that has been circulating various wire outlets, a new application of utilizing a propane gel in place of water, called liquefied propane gas (LPG) fracturing, or simply ''gas fracking'' is a new method that was developed by Gas Frac, a Canadian company looking to change the face of fracking.
Still awaiting a patent in the US, the technique has been used about 1000 times since 2008, mainly in gas wells in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and New Brunswick and a smaller handful of test wells in Texas, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Oklahoma and New Mexico, according to GasFrac chief technology officer Robert Lestz.
Propane is domestically produced, 97% of the propane consumed in the US is from the US. The majority of propane comes from natural gas processing and petroleum refining. So as more shale gas is explored, naturally propane's abundance should grow with the natural gas finds.
The big difference between fracturing with propane versus water is- like water, propane gel is pumped down deep into the shale formations several thousands of feet underground and creates pressure that cracks rocks, freeing trapped natural. The propane then carries small particles of sand or man-made material - known as proppant - that are forced into cracks to hold them open so the gas can flow out.
The big benefit of using propane for fracking is that it converts to vapor after being released from its pressurized liquid state in side the well, this vapor then returns to the surface and can be captured and reused for more fracking or for resale. And because it is returning in a vapor state it does not carry contaminants back to the surface. Propane fracking seems to be a much more viable long term over hydraulic fracking.
TransTech Energy, a leading propane contactor and supplier of propane storage systems, is developing portable bulk propane storage skids for natural gas processing to support the propane storage demands being creatd by this new technology and natural gas fracking in general. The storage requirements are in line with traditional propane and other LPG storage requirements, however there may be a few required modifications to the storage vessels to customize them to each site's specific application.
As demands for propane continues to increase with the expansion of markets in the US such as propane autogas alternative fuel vehicles, it is nice to see propane playing a bigger role in the exploration of natural gas and ultimately more propane.
For more information on TransTech Energy or to learn more about their propane and ngl storage tanks systems, visit them at www.TransTechEnergy.com
Posted by Greg Ezzell on Fri, Oct 28, 2011 @ 09:13 AM
TransTech Alternative Fuel Systems, a division of TransTech Energy, is pleased to announce several new EPA Certifications of its bi-fuel propane autogas conversion system for many 2009, 2010 and 2011 Ford Light and Medium Duty Vehicles. Icom North America, the patent holder and leading manufacturer of liquid propane injection vehicle technology, announce this week that they received final approvals and certificates for several vehicles that had been in the EPA testing and certification program for much of 2011. The certs and approvals are primarily for 2009, 2010 and 2011 Ford 4.6L and 5.4L Light duty work trucks. Approval for other Ford 4.6L passenger sedans are expected any day and other vehicle from Dodge and GM are in EPA technology verification process or scheduled to enter EPA testing in the near future, rounding a out a very busy and successful year for Icom's EPA Certification program for their bi-fuel propane autogas technology.
Britt Medley, president of TransTech Energy, noted "I am excited to progress from Icom on their EPA Certification program. This is a very time consuming and costly investment for Icom, but it demonstrates their commitment to their partners and the propane autogas market as a whole. Icom is hands down the leader in automotive propane innovation and combined with TransTech's vehicle customization and integration providing an OEM fit and functionality to autogas alternative fuel conversions and these most recent EPA Certs, we anticipate considerable growth in our Alternative Fuel Division."
Icom now has EPA Certs in Ford's 4.6, 5.4 and 6.8L engine classes and unlike many of its competitors, these Certs are for newer model year vehicles, allowing fleets to get more useful life and ROI from their engine conversions. David Kennedy, Director of Alternative Fuel at TransTech, added, "EPA Certification is a very important piece to our puzzle, many fleets we have been working with have aknowledged that they prefer Icom's liquid propane technology and the fact the system uses the factory ECU and factory fuel mapping, not requiring an additional vehicle computer or tuning, but the lack of EPA Certs was a draw back. We knew they were coming, it was just a matter or going through the EPA process, which takes time. With all of the obvious benefits of liquid injection technology and the EPA Certs to support it, I think we are well positioned with our product offering. You can expect more EPA Certs to come and also expect much more from TransTech to support the propane autogas demand from our partners and fleet customers."
To learn more about TransTech Energy's Alternative Fuel Systems division or about propane autogas conversions and fueling infrastruture, visit www.transtechenergy.com/autogas .
Posted by Christian Branchi on Fri, Jun 10, 2011 @ 09:33 AM
The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) is reminding its members that another deadline for retrofitting bulk plants is coming July 1. While most attention over the last several years has been paid to the deadline for the internal valve retrofit for bulk plants and industrial installations, NPGA notes that date also requires that piping be designed to prevent debris from impeding the action of valves and other components.
The provision, found in 6.18.2.5 of the 2011 edition of NFPA 58, requires a strainer or other device to be installed at the loading riser to capture stones and other foreign material that may find its way into truck and plant hoses. The provision first appeared in the 2008 edition of NFPA 58. The requirement was introduced into the code in the 2001 edition when the internal valve retrofits were being implemented.
Both requirements were introduced as a result of the 1996 incident in Sanford, N.C., where about 45,000 gallons of propane were released when a transfer hose separated and the back-flow check valve failed to operate. It was determined that debris had impacted the flapper on the valve and broke it. Subsequently, North Carolina officials began testing all back-flow check valves in the state and found that about 8% were not operating properly, mostly due to debris in the system that was stuck in the valve, preventing it from closing.
NPGA comments it wasn’t until the 2008 edition of NFPA 58 that the retrofit requirement came into the code. Between 2001 and 2008, the requirement for installing a strainer or other protective device only applied to new installations. However, the NFPA Technical Committee on Liquefied Petroleum Gases decided that since the fix was relatively simple, it made sense to require existing plants to comply, and the
July 1, 2011 deadline was chosen to coincide with the internal valve retrofit requirement.
TransTech Energy is a leading NFPA retrofit contractor, serving a broad list of industrial and propane retailer clients nationwide. For a consultation and free plant review to ensure your bulk plant is in compliance with the most current NFPA guidelines, contact us today.
Posted by Greg Ezzell on Wed, Mar 30, 2011 @ 05:00 PM
With the vast majority of vehicles in the United States designed to operate on gasoline or diesel fuel, there has been a long and growing interest by the public in clean alternative fuel conversion systems. These systems allow gasoline or diesel vehicles to operate on alternative fuels such as natural gas, propane, alcohol, or electricity. Use of alternative fuels opens new fuel supply choices and can help consumers address concerns about fuel costs, energy security, and emissions. EPA supports such innovation and encourages the development of clean aftermarket technologies that enable broader transportation fuel choices. At the same time EPA is responsible for ensuring that all vehicles and engines sold in the United States, including clean alternative fuel conversions, meet emission standards. EPA is adopting a new approach that simplifies and streamlines the process by which manufacturers of clean alternative fuel conversion systems may demonstrate compliance with these vehicle and engine emissions requirements. The new options will reduce some economic and procedural impediments to clean alternative fuel conversions while maintaining environmental safeguards to ensure that acceptable emission levels from converted vehicles and engines are sustained. The final rule covers alternative fuel conversion of light-duty vehicles and heavy-duty highway vehicles and engines.
The new compliance program enables conversion manufacturers to qualify for an exemption from tampering by demonstrating that the converted vehicle or engine satisfies EPA emissions requirements. The specific demonstration and notification requirements differ based on the age of the vehicle or engine being converted. The demonstration and notification requirements for new and relatively new vehicles and engines will continue to involve a certification process that is very similar to previous practice. Once certified, however, annual recertification will no longer be required to maintain the tampering exemption. The notification and demonstration requirements for intermediate age vehicles and engines include testing and submission of data to show that the converted vehicle or engine continues to meet applicable standards. The notification and demonstration process for outside useful life vehicles and engines involves submission of a description of the conversion system that provides sufficient technical detail to determine that the conversion will not increase emissions.
Age-Based Demonstration and Notification Requirements
All conversion manufacturers will be required to demonstrate to EPA that the conversion satisfies technical criteria, but the demonstration and notification process will differ depending on vehicle or engine age. The demonstration and notification apply to a group of vehicles or engines that share similar technology, known as a test group or engine family and evaporative/refueling family. The test group/engine family criteria will also differ somewhat based on age of the vehicles or engines being converted.
New vehicles and engines
• The new and relatively new category includes vehicles and engines less than about two years old: those of a model year that is greater than or equal to the current calendar year minus one.
• The compliance demonstration requirement remains very similar to the previous certification requirement. Manufacturers must conduct certification tests to demonstrate that the converted vehicle or engine complies with exhaust and evaporative emission standards and with on-board diagnostics (OBD) requirements. The notification requirement also remains the same as the previous certification application process.
• Converted vehicles and engines that satisfy the demonstration and notification requirements will be issued a certificate of conformity.
• The new regulations introduce some important flexibilities that will be available to most manufacturers of new vehicle/engine conversion systems:
• Manufacturers may apply a single set of test data to a broader set of candidate vehicles and engines.
• A certified conversion system retains its tampering exemption even after the certificate expires such that annual re-certification is no longer required.
Intermediate age vehicles and engines
• The intermediate age category covers vehicles and engines at least two years old (those of a model year less than or equal to the current calendar year minus two) but still within their regulatory useful life.
• The compliance demonstration involves conducting exhaust and evaporative emissions tests to show that the converted vehicle or engine meets applicable standards. The notification requirement includes submitting a full description of the conversion system as well as the test data to EPA.
• In addition, manufacturers must submit an OBD scan tool report to show that the OBD system on the converted vehicle or engine continues to function properly, plus applicable statements of attestation.
• Converters are permitted further flexibilities for expanded test groups.
• No certificate is issued, and annual re-certification is not required.
Outside useful life vehicles and engines
• The outside useful life age category covers vehicles and engines that have exceeded their regulatory useful life.
• Conversion manufacturers must submit a sufficiently detailed description to show that the conversion technology is technically sound and is applied according to principles of good engineering judgment.
• The notification requirement, as for the intermediate age program, involves submitting the required information, data, and/or attestations to EPA.
• In addition, manufacturers must submit an OBD scan tool report to show that the OBD system on the converted vehicle or engine continues to function properly, plus applicable statements of attestation.
• The outside useful life program permits the same expanded test group flexibilities as the intermediate age program.
• No certificate is issued, and annual re-certification is not required.
Posted by Greg Ezzell on Mon, Dec 20, 2010 @ 01:07 PM
We are very optimistic that 2011 should be another year of growth of the Autogas Industry. Besides the significant advancements in Autogas Engine Systems and continued expansion of Autogas Fueling Infrastructure, the current tax credits will remain in place for 2011.
The 50-cent-per-gallon Alternative Fuel Credit and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit have been renewed for 2011.
As an approved alternative fuel, Autogas is also qualified for the 50-cent-per-gallon credit retroactively for Autogas fuel used since January 1, 2010.
So, what does this mean for Autogas suppliers and their fleet customers? As in years past, gallons of Autogas will qualify for a 50-cent rebate program enacted to encourage the use of alternative fuels. Additionally, the government is providing investment incentives for alternative fuel infrastructure in the form of a tax credit of 30% of the infrastructure development cost up to $30,000 (this applies to the Autogas industry).
Both of these credits will apply to new Autogas infrastructure building and fuel sales through end-of-year 2011.
The exact language of the tax bill relating to Autogas and alternative fueling can be found on the Autogas for America website here.
If you would like more detailed information about the available credits, or to apply for retroactive rebates, visit the IRS' website here for applicable forms and information.
Posted by Greg Ezzell on Mon, Nov 22, 2010 @ 05:39 PM
TransTech Energy brings another first to automotive propane. TransTech has added the Autogas Hybrid Dodge Charger to their lineup of bi-fuel liquid propane injection vehicle conversions. David Kennedy, Director of TransTech’s Alternative Fuels Division says, "We are extremely excited to be the first company in the country to convert the Charger into a propane alternative fuel vehicle. There is huge autogas hybrid demand within Law Enforcement Fleets, who have historically been proponents of propane powered vehicles. Now they can convert their Dodge Chargers with the most advanced automotive propane technology on the market."
TransTech worked in close conjunction with the Liquid Propane Injection Industry leader, ICOM North America, to integrate their OEM proven Liquid Propane Injection system into the Dodge Charger Platform. In addition to the many benefits of Propane Autogas technology, the TransTech Charger provides law enforcement fleets with:
- Increased Driving Range
- Increased Power & Torque
- Lower Fuel and Maintenance Expense
- Reduced Emissions
- Ability to Use Factory Diagnostics
- Unsurpassed Safety & Reliability
The vehicle has already been highlighted at the Florida Police Officers Association and at the Penn State University EcoCar Odyssey Day and has been scheduled to appear at numerous alternative fuel events over the next several months.
TransTech is changing the way Fleet Mangers view Automotive Propane. "We now offer the broadest and most advanced lineup of vehicle conversions in our industry," offered Britt Medley, president of TransTech. "Our OEM approach to bi-fuel vehicle conversions sets us apart from the rest of the market- you notice the difference within seconds of viewing the vehicle."
To learn more about the Autogas Hybrid Dodge Charger or other Autogas Fleet Vehicle conversions, contact TransTech Energy at 888.206.4563 or visit
www.transtechenergy.com
Posted by Greg Ezzell on Tue, Sep 21, 2010 @ 03:47 PM
TransTech Energy is excited to be the first company in the U.S. to convert the 2010 Truck of the Year, Ford Transit Connect, into an Autogas Hybrid. The TransTech Ford Transit Connect is a LPG Bi-fuel vehicle that runs on both gasoline and liquid autogas (automotive propane). As many vehicle fleets are looking to more fuel efficient vehicles, the Ford Transit Connect has been a very popular choice with it’s already fuel efficient 2.0L inline four cylinder engine .
Working in close conjunction with the Liquid Propane Injection Industry leader, ICOM North America, TransTech Energy has successfully integrated ICOM’s OEM proven Liquid Propane Injection system into the Ford Transit Connect Platform. David Kennedy, Director of TransTech’s Alternative Fuel Division points out, "We are bringing an OEM approach to the aftermarket bi-fuel conversion industry- no longer are Universal Kits with poor vehicle integration a fleet’s only option."
TransTech provides vehicle specific Autogas Hybrid conversions for the Ford Transit Connect and most all major fleet vehicles. Kennedy added, "Liquid Propane Injection in a bi-fuel capacity is going to completely change the face of Automotive Propane. Our LPG Transit Connect starts up on gasoline and automatically switches to autogas. Should the vehicle run out autogas it switches automatically back to gasoline, seamlessly, allowing for an extended driving."
TransTech boasts the LPG Transit Connect maintains OEM performance and functionality, providing the following features:
- OEM Liquid Propane Injectors
- Tank design exclusively for the Transit Connect, (No Loss of Cargo Space!)
- OEM style refueling on the side of the vehicle.
- All functions of the Factory ECU are retained during Autogas operation, As well as the Factory Diagnostics.
- OEM Factory fit and finish as well as operation and performance.
The Ford Transit Connect is perfectly suited for taxi services, utility and delivery fleets. Adding the Autogas Bi-fuel capability makes this vehicle one of the most exciting "green vehicles" on the market today.
To learn more about the LPG Ford Transit Connect or other Autogas Fleet Vehicle conversions, contact TransTech Energy at 888.206.4563 or visit www.transtechenergy.com
Posted by Greg Ezzell on Mon, Aug 02, 2010 @ 12:57 PM
A common issue that arises from using gaseous alternative fuels such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or AutoGas (LPG) in its Vapor form is intake valve recession. In this article we will look at what valve recession is, why this occurs and what measures can be taken to prevent valve recession. TransTech Energy Alternative Fuel Systems policy is to educate consumers so that they can fully understand the newer advancements in Alternative Fuels so they can be on the cutting edge and benefit from the best technology without the possibility of harming their vehicle.
Not long ago lead was removed from gasoline in the united states, manufacturers quickly realized that with the loss of lead the exhaust valves would become too hot and “burn” the valves. The OEM’s acted quickly and began installing hardened exhaust valves and valve seats to fix this issue.
Modern day technologies have been developed that allow consumers and fleets the ability to run CNG and Vaporized AutoGas in factory gasoline engines. Just like the removal of lead from gasoline, these alternative fuels are a huge leap in cleaning our environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately this leap also brings along with it the same issue of burning valves, but on the intake side of the head.
When gasoline is injected into an engine it is atomized with the intake air charge, but it is still in a liquid form. The gasoline as it enters the combustion chamber and passes the intake valve it helps to cool the valve since the liquid hits it and evaporates on contact. A side effect of this process is carbon deposits from the dirty gasoline on the valves as it evaporates on the valve. You have probably seen images of this at your local gas station pump where newer gasoline is being marketed with cleaning agents to help keep this carbon build-up from occurring. CNG and Vapor AutoGas conversions are injecting a vapor into the combustion chamber. This is great since these cleaner alternative fuels eliminate the carbon build-up on the valves, but because of this there is no evaporating of the fuel on the intake valve to help cool it. To add fuel to the fire these gaseous alternative fuels burn hotter than gasoline and cause the intake valves to become even hotter.
The intake valves in an engine become very hot during operation. The only time they have to dissipate that heat is when the valve closes and is seated in the head. During this time the heat from the valve is transferred into the head and from there transferred into the cooling system of the engine. Since these gaseous alternative fuels don’t offer an evaporative cooling and burn hotter than gasoline; the intake valve overheats. Once the intake valve overheats, when it is seated in the head, that heat is so great that it begins to melt the aluminum of the head at the valve seat and to “recess” into the head. Over time this causes leaks at the seat which in turn causes uneven cooling of the valve and ultimately causes the valve to melt at the leak. This process is commonly referred to by mechanics as burning a valve.
Like the removal of lead from gasoline, this issue is easily fixed by installing hardened intake valves and hardened intake valve seats. This is the exact fix that was done by the OEM’s on the exhaust valves with the implementation of unleaded gasoline. Some OEM’s are actually already preparing for these new alternative fuels to take over the market by offering CNG/AutoGas engine prepped motors from the factory. For a very small option price these prepped motors come with hardened intake valves and hardened valve seats straight from the factory to eliminate valve recession.
Another fix on the AutoGas alternative fuel side is to convert a gasoline motor with Liquid AutoGas injection instead of vapor. When AutoGas is injected as a liquid it performs like gasoline by evaporating on and around the intake valve. This cools the intake valves so much that it even counter acts the additional heat produced by the hotter burning alternative fuel and eliminates valve recession on the intake valves.
As you can see valve recession is easily fixed when converting a gasoline powered motor to run on these clean alternative fuels. Be sure to ask your conversion specialist at TransTech Energy Alternative Fuel Systems if you have any questions regarding valve recession or any other Alternative Fuel questions.