Author Archives: Wayne Terpstra

crude oil refinery during sunset with pipeline connection
Transportation: Oil, Gas, and More – Custom Truck One Source

Rarely do we stop to wonder where fuel comes from. But a distribution network for oil, gas, and refined products is continuously working, silently and out of sight, to keep our homes warm, our showers hot, and our vehicles running. A closer look at this enormous network that crisscrosses the country, moving oil and gas from wells to refineries and then on to consumers like us, can be pretty awe-inspiring.

According to Forbes, in a nutshell, the transportation chart looks like this:

  • 100% of natural gas in United States ships by pipeline.
  • 70% of crude oil and petroleum products also travel by pipeline.
  • 23% of oil shipments move on tankers and barges.
  • 4% of shipments travel on trucks.
  • 3% of shipments move by rail.

# 1: Pipelines

Pipelines are the workhorses of the fuel transportation system and do the lion’s share of the job. The United States has over 200,000 miles of pipeline that carry natural gas, crude oil, and refined products from source to end-users. (Estimations suggest that if all natural-gas pipelines in the USA were connected end-to-end, the resulting length would be sufficient to make three round trips to the moon!)

Different pipelines carry different products for different purposes, with diameters ranging from 2 inches to 4 feet. For example, crude oil pipelines transport material from the field to refineries. Those used for natural gas are manufactured to carry the material from product wells to refineries. Distribution of the finished refined goods is then completed via a third kind of pipeline.

However, we don’t see them very often because pipelines are mostly buried underground. Other than the occasional sighting of an above-ground shut-off valve or a sign warning against digging, we may not even know they exist.

Maintenance and safety protocols for pipelines are extremely important for this reason. Gas and hazardous liquid (crude oil, refined products, and other petroleum liquid) pipelines are fortified to be as strong and durable as possible. This is because accidental leaks and spillages can have far-reaching polluting effects. Constant maintenance, using devices like Pipeline Inspection Gauges that are sent through pipelines to inspect interiors and clean debris, helps foresee potential threats to a pipeline’s integrity.

That said, pipelines are still the safest way to carry oil and natural gas, according to the National Transportation And Safety Board.

# 2: Ships

Marine vessels are the second most cost-effective medium of transport, domestically and internationally.

Large tankers, holding an average of 2 million barrels of crude oil per movement, carry `dirty’ cargo like crude oil and unrefined commodities. Smaller vessels handle transport of `clean’, refined material like diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel.

# 3: Trucks

The advantages of trucks for short-haul transport are not hard to see. Scheduling shipments by truck are more flexible. Unlike pipelines or trains, trucks can load and drop off goods at different locations. Small batches of material on each truck means potential damages from leaks or accidents are more manageable too.

As a mode of transport further up the distribution funnel, they are less efficient and cost-effective. At this juncture they are only typically used when wellhead locations are too far from railways and pipelines. This is because the amount of crude oil an average truck can transport is only between 200-250 barrels per movement.

However, trucks do play a very important role at the tail-end of the transportation circuit. Typically, they deliver fuel to gas stations or deliver fuel straight to the consumer. This is something none of the other three modes of transport can accomplish.

# 4: Railways

For over 150 years, rail transport had been the primary way to move oil across the country. Even today, the U.S. rail network, spreading across 155,342 miles, devotes 80% of its infrastructure to freight lines that transport energy products like crude oil, ethanol, propane, asphalt, and other petroleum derivatives.

At a time when there weren’t sufficient pipelines to meet demand, the oil industry used the railways to transport crude. But the idea of shipping natural gas that way on a large scale is currently a topic of hot debate, due to a variety of potential risk factors.

 

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Trans-Alaskan oil pipeline in the north slope of Alaska
Pipeline Projects Update – Custom Truck One Source

Natural gas is an important resource in the United States, and with good reason. It burns cleaner than coal, producing lower levels of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide. It also reduces impact on the environment and helps to boost the economy. But laying a gas pipeline is rarely a simple project.


Besides unavoidable circumstances like weather, such ventures must take several interest groups into account, such as environmentalists or impacted landowners. This means their construction completion and service dates are difficult to accurately predict.

 

Below, we have provided updates on three major gas pipelines in North America:

#1: Mountaineer Xpress Project (MXP)

With authorization being granted by the FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) in March last year, the Mountaineer Xpress (MXP) project became the latest U.S. natural gas pipeline project to be placed in service by TC Energy (formerly TransCanada). The 170-mile pipeline has been engineered to provide 2.7 billion cubic feet per day of clean, affordable, domestically produced natural gas.

 

Traversing through some of the most difficult geographical terrains and extreme weather (wet springs, fall hurricanes, and early cold snaps with severe snowstorms), TC Energy’s onsite team totaled 15 million hours and 42 million miles within a 55-week time period to bring the project to completion.

 

“Completing a project like MXP is no small feat,” said Richard Prior, Vice President of U.S. Natural Gas Projects in an interview with TC Energy. Throughout the project, their teams faced many challenges. These included regulatory delays, unexpected weather issues, and complex engineering conditions. However, he asserts, “the team always found a way to persevere and keep advancing the project forward.” 

 

The MXP project, per projections, should create an economic benefit of over $2 billion. It has therefore enjoyed significant support at federal, state, and local levels for its tax revenue potential.

#2: Keystone XL Pipeline Project

The Keystone XL project is a 1,210-mile pipeline capable of delivering 830,000 barrels per day of crude oil. It will travel from Alberta to Nebraska, where it will connect with existing facilities to reach Gulf Coast refiners. It was devised as a reliable and environmentally-friendly way to deliver crude oil to oil and gas markets in the U.S. while reinforcing continental energy security.

 

Expected to enter service in 2023, proponents anticipate Keystone XL could become a leading player in North American energy infrastructure. It involves approximately $8 billion investment into the North American economy. This should create thousands of jobs. Also, with increasing engagements with landowners, community members, and indigenous communities, the project would offer a safer and less-GHG intensive method of transporting crude oil to market.

 

But the journey to date has been far from smooth.

 

The Canadian national energy board approved the project in 2010, but the U.S. suspended it in 2015. In the face of strong resistance from Native Americans, farmers, and environmentalists, President Barack Obama denied the required presidential permits. When President Donald Trump entered the White House, however, he issued the permits. They include a stipulation to only use American steel in the pipeline construction.

 

Work began earlier this year in Montana, but the project again faced uncertainty after a judge revoked a key permit issued by the U.S. army corps of engineers in April, citing possible impacts on endangered species. They suspended all filling and dredging activities until the completion of formal consultations in compliance with the Endangered Species Act.

 

The outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic has further complicated matters. However, the Canadian company has issued statements saying they “remain committed to building this important energy infrastructure project.”

#3: Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP)

Citing overdrawn capacities of public utilities in Virginia and North Carolina that are failing to meet consumer demand, the construction of an Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) is in motion. The project was undertaken by a partnership of energy companies (led by Dominion Energy and Duke Energy) to deliver new supplies of natural gas in the region.

 

The 600-mile, underground Atlantic Coast Pipeline will start in West Virginia. It will travel through Virginia with a lateral extending to Chesapeake, VA. Then  it will continue south into eastern North Carolina, ending in Robeson County.

 

After analyzing over 6,000 miles of potential routes, the energy companies carefully chose the 600-mile stretch to have the smallest impact on surrounding land, landowners, and the environment. In fact, they made 300 additional route adjustments to resolve possible counter-opinions about mapping before they could snowball into protests and legal wranglings.

 

A legal issue, however, that the Atlantic Coast Pipeline is facing is that its pipeline crosses below the Appalachian Trail. If the Supreme Court rules the crossing is U.S. Forest Service land, the project is likely to sail through with minimal interruption. The Forest Service already granted a permit for pipeline construction. But if the justices decide the National Park Service is in charge, the pipeline crossing would need congressional approval. This could add unforeseen delays.

 

“We’re making good progress and expect to have a decision from the Supreme Court of the United States by the end of June,” says Samantha Norris, senior communications specialist for Dominion Energy. “A favorable decision will help ACP resume construction this summer” she continues. We can then expect them to complete the pipeline by the end of 2021 and put it in service in early 2022.

 

* Sources: TC Energy,  Atlantic Coast Pipeline

 

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autogas nozzle like the newly mandated K15
NFPA Mandate: From ACME to K-15 – Custom Truck One Source

Is your fleet ready to upgrade to the new quick-connect refueling mechanism?

NFPA 58 – the industry benchmark for safe LP Gas usage to prevent failures, leaks, and tampering – has new guidelines for 2020 that will change the autogas refueling process. Fleet managers have to change over, too, in order to stay compliant with the directives.

For decades now, the industry has used a variety of valves, such as the ACME, for refueling propane vehicles. But the propane industry will now have to adopt the K15 connection for all future autogas vehicles that have been reinstated into service, purchased, or converted after January 1, 2020.

Why the K15?

The two main reasons behind retiring the ACME in favor of the K15 are ease of use and air pollution.

The ACME valve has a threaded connection to autogas-run vehicles, which isn’t always easy to engage. Several tries may be necessary before the connection is secure, which makes the refueling process less efficient.

The second factor that motivated the NFPA to mandate this changeover is leakage. While users are fumbling to connect to the ACME valve’s threaded opening, gas or vapors from the autogas (a flammable hydrocarbon gas mixture of propane and butane) escape into the air. This both impacts the environment and causes drivers to breathe in fumes.

The K15 offers a faster and safer refueling process, and according to AAG (Alliance AutoGas), releases 76% less fugitive emissions.

“We have seen a significant increase in autogas gallons used for fleets that have switched from the ACME to the quick-connect,” said Jessica Johnson, Partner and Projects Liaison for AAG in a press release last year. “It creates a fueling experience that they are used to and is less intimidating because they don’t have to put on the protective equipment. Our customers are much more confident in their refueling and can go about business as usual.”

Following the Code’s New Guidelines

The NFPA 58 code is not retroactive to vehicles produced before January 1, 2020.  However, if a fleet acquires a new propane vehicle or performs a conversion after that date, the K15 becomes mandatory.

“The quick-connect K15 is an exciting advancement in the autogas industry,” said David Kennedy, Director of Autogas Design at AAG. “It provides an easier process compared to what was being used previously and is more environmentally friendly. We have had elderly drivers from our Alliance AutoGas customers struggle with lining up the ACME connector and getting it to thread in the past. Having the K15 allows drivers to refuel with greater ease.”

To help fleets with the transition, adaptors are available as a makeshift solution. However, users should contact their fuel provider to get a permanent one. Vehicles running with the adaptor risk losing access to public propane refueling stations designed for the 2020 regulation.

 

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fuel tanker truck driving into the sunset
New Technology in Fuel Delivery – Custom Truck One Source

Adopt technology or fall behind. That seems to be the mantra in fuel delivery these days as dealers are quickly realizing how important technology can be to their businesses. Who would have predicted that the `Internet of Things’, `the cloud’ and `apps’ would one day become part of their trade lexicon?

Traditionally, the energy industry has been reluctant to update tried-and-tested methods. This is why innovation can be a bit slower than in some other industries.

But times are changing in the fuel delivery business. Below, we’ll look at some of the many ways technology is making inroads into this industry, and how it is simplifying life for both dealers and customers:

# 1: Portals & Apps

Online ordering of fuel is becoming as easy as ordering a pizza! Just create an account, punch in your location, place the order, make the payment, and the fuel will arrive at your door. For the gas station owner, online fulfillment means less overhead. It improves cash flow (through autopay), requires fewer employees, and reduces call volume. It also allows for some time off from manning the cash register. Everybody wins.

# 2: The Cloud

Cloud software is what moves the world these days, and fuel dealerships are realizing that it offers better speed, flexibility, and security than on-premise solutions. This software assures access 24-7 from any device. The cloud also doesn’t require any hardware or server maintenance, which keeps costs lower.

# 3: Mobile Technology

Mobile technology allows for real-time communication across the team. Syncing up with a network of drivers out on the field has also never been easier. Tickets, routes, and prices can be updated throughout the day. Workers can add emergency stops, and dealerships can quickly respond to new requests from customers to improve their service response performance.

# 4: CRM Software

CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tools centralize tracking of all sale-related activities. They also capture valuable customer data. This can be routed through marketing channels to cross-sell, up-sell, inform, and reward customers via loyalty, membership, and other types of programs.

# 5: Tank Monitoring

While modern methods of fuel delivery are convenient for consumers and suppliers, suppliers still need to keep an eye on costs. After all, trucks making the deliveries also consume fuel, especially when traveling long distances to make a call.

This is where tank monitoring technology comes in, improving efficiency in fuel delivery. Most delivery services use tank monitoring to focus on high-revenue clients, as they can often be unpredictable with their requirements.

So how do tank monitors work?

Infrared technology:

The gauge is on top of the tank, and an infrared beam hits the liquid level of fuel in the tank. Through wireless communication, the equipment shares the information on the homeowner’s dashboard. This provides continuous information on fuel levels in the tank. If levels are low, a light will flash or there may be a loud beeping sound (sometimes both) alerting the homeowners that it’s time for a refill.

Radio technology:

Sensors are installed on tanks which monitor how much fuel is being used. In fuel tanks, a sensor is placed on a cork. A wire with an electric current goes to the bottom of the tank and is weighted down. As customers use the fuel, the sensor passes on the message via the internet to cloud software. Dealers can either receive information directly from the company’s cloud-based service or receive data on their own software. They study that data, and if necessary, send a fuel truck out for a refill after contacting the customer.

Tank monitors provide high levels of accuracy, which in turn leads to efficiency, savings, and even added profits. The customer benefits, as dealers have all the information at their fingertips, and informing the customer it is time for a refill can be done through email, text messaging, or even social media platforms.

 

* Source: Cargas Benchmarking Report

 

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LPG Autogas filling station that now requires use of K-15 valve
Propane Refueling: Use the K-15! – Custom Truck One Source

Every once in a while, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) introduces new guidelines or updates existing ones for improved safety. For example, NFPA 58 — a code aimed at liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). NFPA 58 introduced a guideline this year for the refueling of propane or autogas vehicles that calls for the use of new type of valve, the K-15.

The NFPA has mandated that the K-15 be used in refueling instead of the previously used ACME valve. This is applicable to any autogas vehicles reinstated into service, purchased, or converted after January 1, 2020. The ACME valve uses a threaded connection, which leads to lost time when you stop to refuel. With the K-15, connecting the propane tank to vehicles is much more efficient and less time-consuming. The K-15 also eliminates the need for drivers to put on protective equipment before refueling, saving even more time.

Crucially, its use also cuts down on fugitive emissions — gases or vapors released due to leaks and other factors. Not only does reduction of fugitive emissions improve driver safety, it also protects the environment. According to Alliance AutoGas (AAG), a program that encourages trucking fleets to transition to autogas, a K-15 connector brings down fugitive emissions by 76% compared to the ACME.

 K-15 Valve Adapters

To make things easier while the switch to K-15 valves takes place, adapters are available. However, they are not considered a long-term solution. Instead, companies are encouraged to retrofit trucks with the K-15 valve, so owners and drivers can reap immediate benefits. To further encourage installation of K-15 valves, propane refueling stations may be deemed out of bounds for vehicles not equipped with the latest innovation. That’s about as much incentive as one needs to make the switch ASAP.

If you need further clarifications, contact your fuel provider. They will gladly help.

 

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Bobtail Propane Delivery Truck
How To Prep For Propane Delivery – Custom Truck One Source

It’s winter and you’re shivering at home. Could it be because you have run out of propane?

Furnaces, hot water heaters, and gas fireplaces use the most propane in your home. Home furnaces, for example, typically use 500-1,200 gallons per year. Hot water heaters, depending on the number of bathrooms, use about 1.5 gallons per day. And so on.

To avoid a scenario of shortage, where you’re caught off-guard with no propane, here are some easy tips for monitoring current quantities available – and how to get propane delivered.

# 1: Watch Your Gauge

Avoid a lot of hassle just by keeping an eye on your propane tank gauge. Don’t wait till the tank is empty to call for delivery. Once you see the gauge indication in the 25% to 30% range, it is time to call for a delivery. This leaves you with enough propane to keep you warm until your delivery arrives.

# 2: Prepare For Your Delivery

Extreme winter conditions can make roads hazardous and your propane delivery truck is carrying an extremely flammable fuel. Be sure to make everything easier for the driver by keeping your driveway clear. Remove vehicles, snow, ice, debris, and even any kids’ toys that may have been left out there.

You will need to shovel snow keeping in mind that propane trucks are wider than even an SUV. Here’s a useful tip: the minimum dimensions of a propane truck are 10-feet-high, 10-feet-wide, and 30-feet-long, so now you know around how much space to create. Make things easier for the driver, who has a difficult job as it is. You can bet they will appreciate it.

# 3: Propane Tank Access

The path to your propane tank has to be kept clear and free of snow as well. Remember, the truck driver’s job is to deliver your propane, not to clear pathways! If your fill pipe is not accessible, you may have to come out of the house to clear the path, or worse, the driver may just choose not to make the delivery.

A handy tip is to also mark your tank with a stick or flag, making it easy for the driver to spot. If your tank is covered with snow or ice, you will have to remove that yourself, as propane truck drivers will not have the tools to do the job for you. It is also a waste of their valuable time.

Good luck!

 

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Propane Winter Safety Tips
Propane Safety During Winter – Custom Truck One Source

Millions of American homeowners use propane appliances all year round. From space heating, water heating, cooking and drying clothes to lighting fireplaces, outdoor heating and even as a back-up power solution.

Come winter though, there is some preparation work to be done to make sure you’re safely using propane, and not running out of this precious petroleum gas in the event of extreme weather conditions.

Below, we are listing 8 home efficiency tips when you’re handling and using propane through the tough, winter months:

# 1: Have Propane in Reserve

You don’t know when a winter storm could hit your area and make propane delivery impossible.

# 2: Let Your Provider Know if You Run Out

It is necessary to have a qualified service technician to check the system for leaks before turning the gas back on.

# 3: Clear Up the Path to the Propane Tank

Emergencies can occur any time, so make sure there are no objects cluttering or blocking the way.

# 4: Don’t Use a Shovel to Clear Snow

Making sure that snow and ice don’t pile up around your propane tank is important, but a shovel can cause damage to your propane system’s components. Use a broom instead.

# 5: Do a Periodic Spot Check

After every snowfall, inspect your tank for damage and perform moderate cleaning. Be sure to clear out snow around vents, piping, valves, and tubing.

# 6: Don’t Bring Outside Appliances Indoors

It is extremely risky to bring outdoor propane-powered appliances indoors. Without sufficient ventilation, harmful carbon monoxide fumes can quickly build up.

# 7: Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

As additional precaution, install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in your home, so you are instantly alerted if there is a leak.

# 8: Spring Into Action if You Smell Gas

If you suspect there is a gas leak (rotten egg smell), there is no time to waste. Turn off any open flames. Don’t operate lights or any kind of appliances. Open all doors and windows and take the family outside from where you can call your propane provider or 911. If it is safe to do so, shut off the main gas supply valve, and then wait for help.

# 9: Educate Your Family

Don’t be the only one in the family who knows what to do in an emergency situation. Teach others about the high risks of this flammable material and how to shut it off in case of a sudden gas leak.

 

Contact us to learn more about our equipment for propane delivery. 

Custom Truck One Source is America’s first and true single-source provider of trucks and heavy equipment, and we’re standing by to help you make the best selection from our extensive inventory. Find the equipment that is most suited to your business, and we’ll help you with financing too!

 

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Gas Pipeline Drone Inspection
Drones Will Be Game-Changer For Gas Pipeline Inspection

Regular inspection of pipelines has historically proven to be one of the most challenging parts of pipeline integrity management for the oil and gas industry.

With over 1,382,570 miles of pipelines to be monitored – lines that run through dangerous and hard-to-reach terrain in some locations – this job is expensive and incredibly risky. Helicopters or airplanes are required to carry out inspections and loss of human life is a constant threat.

Drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are the most technologically advanced, efficient and cost-effective solution in this complex scenario.

They’re capable of flying without a human pilot over hard-to-access terrains and collect data, which is then communicated to a ground-based controller. By removing the human component in such reconnoitering missions, safety concerns are exponentially reduced. The information collected with multiple sensors, like RGB and near infrared, is accurate. Expense is reduced considerably. And of course, time. For example, inspection of a 60-mile segment of gas pipeline which takes several weeks to complete, can be carried out by a drone in an hour!

 

ICUEE 2019

 

But the obstacle, even three years ago, was this: the FAA placed heavy restrictions on commercial businesses flying drones. For pipeline inspection purposes, the drones would have to fly long distances, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), and FAA had to grant a special waiver to allow anyone to do this.

The situation now is slowly changing. FAA has committed to speed up safe drone integration into the airspace through 10 Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Pilot Program sites. And today, there are more than 113,000 remote pilots and 900,000 commercially registered drones in the US.

The relaxation of FAA’s embargo on commercial entities flying drones has come as a Godsent for the oil and gas sector. The drones still have to be flown within line of sight for routine visual inspections and surveys, but the advantages of BVLOS cannot be ignored.

Many levels of testing are going on to ascertain safety and other factors involved, and oil and gas companies have to wait before they can fly drones above the whole length of pipeline. But once that happens, the technology can be fully integrated in pipeline inspection, eliminating a load of challenges – and expenses – of working in high-risk environments.

 

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Propane Safety During Hurricane
Propane Safety in Hurricane Season – Custom Truck One Source

June to November is hurricane season in several states across United States. If you have experienced a hurricane, you already know the chaos and destruction it can bring via tornadoes, mudslides, flooding, storms and power outages.

The importance of keeping your family and home safe in the event of a hurricane cannot be stressed enough. But propane tanks on your property are at the mercy of hurricanes too, and `storm-proofing’ them is part of the preparedness drill, as flood waters can float propane tanks, damaging connections, plugging the relief valve and compromising the regulator.

Below, we’re listing 9 steps you can take to make sure your propane is well-protected in the unfortunate event of a hurricane hitting your area this season:

  • High winds can dislodge propane tanks, and water and debris can damage the controls, causing safety issues. The National Fire Protection Agency warns against this and urges users to make sure their propane, whether underground or above, is securely held in place.
  • It is possible that only one member of the family handles propane-related matters, but in an emergency situation, there is no guarantee that this person will be at hand to take care of it. To avoid confusion, post a list of contact information for your propane retailer, service technician, etc., as well as step-by-step instructions on how to turn it off if the need arises.
  • Make sure you always have enough supply of propane during this season. In the aftermath of a hurricane event, it may not be readily available.
  • If a hurricane is about to strike, turn off the main gas supply valve to the tank, if it is safe to do so. Turn off the gas supply valves near indoor appliances as well.
  • If you were instructed to evacuate, be very cautious as you return to your property when it is declared safe to do so. Look for downed power lines, damaged gas lines and tanks. If there are any issues with propane, don’t try to fix it yourself. Report to authorities and let them handle it. Do not, under any circumstance, try to modify or repair valves, regulators or other appliance parts.
  • Don’t use outdoor propane appliances, like BBQ grills, portable generators, etc. indoors, as you risk carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Don’t store propane tanks in an enclosed area like your basement or garage.
  • If propane appliances have been exposed to water, be on your guard. Don’t use any power source while standing in water as electrocution is a possibility.
  • Call a professional service tech to perform a complete propane system inspection and wait for the all-clear before you handle propane in the aftermath of a hurricane.

 

If you’re looking for propane or refined fuel equipment, Custom Truck One Source has you covered. We are a single-source provider of high-quality equipment available for rental or sale.

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Propane Bobtail Trucks For Sale or Rent
Propane & Efficient LPG Facts – Custom Truck One Source

As consumers, we hardly ever think of propane – until perhaps a household appliance does not work because it ran out of it. A cooktop or a stove perhaps, or a fireplace or a space heater or a BBQ.

It is incredible how involved propane is in our everyday life, so we thought we’d tell you 10 very interesting facts about it that you probably didn’t know:

# 1: What Exactly is Propane?

  • Also referred to as liquefied petroleum gas, LP-gas or LPG, it’s produced from both natural gas processing and crude oil refining. To obtain it, it must be separated from natural gas and crude oil when they are processed for their final uses.

# 2: Where is it Found?

  • Propane is usually found as a compound that is mixed with natural gas and petroleum deposits deep within rocks.

# 3: Why is it Called a Fossil Fuel?

  • It is called a `fossil fuel’ because it literally was formed by fossils, which are remains of plants and animals from millions of years ago that were trapped and preserved between rock layers.

# 4: What Are Some Characteristics of Propane?

  • It is colorless and non-toxic.  It is odorless too, which is why an `identifying’ odor (called Mercaptan) is added to propane to detect its presence.

# 5: How is it Similar to Water?

  • Under normal atmospheric pressure and temperature, propane is a gas. But like water, it can change its physical state and become a liquid or a gas. Under moderate pressure and/or lower temperatures, for example, it changes into a liquid, which can be stored easily in pressurized tanks. The substance takes up much less space in its liquid form. It is 270 times more compact in its liquid state than it is as a gas.

# 6: What is One of Propane’s Biggest Strengths?

  • Portability is one of propane’s biggest strengths. It is easier to store and transport than natural gas, which requires big infrastructural expenses, like putting down pipelines.

# 7: What is Propane’s History?

  • For all its myriad uses today, propane was not discovered until as recently as 1912, and its discovery was a by-product of efforts to find an efficient way to store gasoline. (Gasoline evaporated when stored in normal conditions.)

A Dr. Walter Snelling, who was working with the US Bureau of Mines, made a discovery that several evaporating gases could be changed to liquid and stored. Propane proved to be the one that was most practical and plentiful. So Dr Snelling devised a way to `bottle’ it – and the rest is of course, history.

# 8: Where is it Used?

  • Life would be pretty unimaginable today without the assistance of propane. Homes, farms, business and industries – for an incredible number of applications, United States uses more than any other country in the world.

# 9: Is it a Greenhouse Gas?

  • Propane is one of the lightest and cleanest hydrocarbons in the world. So clean, in fact, that it’s not considered a greenhouse gas.

# 10: Is Propane a Viable Choice?

  • It is an extremely efficient and economical choice. Many modern propane appliances achieve efficiency ratings of 95% or higher. For example, propane clothes dryers do the job of dry much faster and with less static than electric units. Propane tankless water heaters can achieve great efficiency – up to 98 percent.

 

Interested in renting or purchasing a bobtail truck for transporting propane? Custom Truck has you covered. Check out our bulk propane trucks for sale or browse our full suite of refined fuel equipment.

Get in touch with Custom Truck One Source by submitting a form, calling us at 844-282-1838, or emailing us at [email protected]

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