LP/Gas articles from January 2007

LP/Gas archives from January 2007

Trying to get with it.(Editorial)
January 1, 2007... Now that my five kids are old enough not to fear me, they get their jollies by making fun of all things old-fashioned in my life. My 1997 Dodge Intrepid. My throwback Jim Brown Cleveland Browns jersey. My dusty assortment of country, Motown...

In the know.(gas checks survey)(Survey)
January 1, 2007... Gas Checks We asked 405 retail propane marketers across the United States the following questions about performing gas checks. We received responses from 63 companies. Here is what they had to say. Outcomes: Seventy-nine percent...

Propane master limited partnership comparison.(LP/GAS STOCK INDEX)(Statistical table)
January 1, 2007... Propane Master Limited Partnership Comparison Company Symbol Quarter Price Distribution Ended (12/11/06) AmeriGas APU Sept. $32.84 $2.32 Energy...

Heating degree days by state.(WEATHER WATCH)(Statistical table)
January 1, 2007... Heating degree days by state State Nov Deviation Last 12 Deviation from norm months from norm Alabama 368 10 2663 -176 Alaska 1649 ...

Upcoming events.(Calendar)
January 1, 2007... * Feb. 11-13 National Propane Gas Association board of directors and related committee meetings at the Marriott City Center in Salt Lake City, UT. For additional details or more information, contact Darlene Hawk at dhawk@npga.org or...

Safety inoculation against liability flu.(SAFETY FIRST)
January 1, 2007... The other day my doctor recommended I get a flu shot. I declined, rationalizing that I have given up most of my bad habits, exercise daily and am in fine shape. Besides, I worry about introducing any new strains of bugs into my immune...

Successful companies hire competency.(business matters)(hiring competent candidates)
January 1, 2007... The most successful propane companies are comprised of highly competent people ho work together towards a common objective. But what do we mean by competency and how do we discern the traits of a potential employee regarding their level of...

Inspecting cylinder integrity.
January 1, 2007... Many of my legal cases deal with cylinders, which need to be recertified 12 years after the date of manufacture. After that, recertification is required every five years by visual review or 10 years by hydrostatic testing. From my...

Off and ... trotting?
January 1, 2007... Congressional Democrats' plans to charge out of the starting gate Jan. 3 may turn to a trot once reality sets in, given the reality of the agenda that awaits the 110th Congress and the inherent differences between the Senate and the House of...

What's up down under: research examines new underground tank materials; composites still several years off and need code approval.(Propane Education & Research Council)
January 1, 2007... Scientists and engineers are on top of the quest for non-steel alternatives for tank construction, breaking new ground in researching suitable composite materials slated for below-grade applications. Underground composite tanks are still...

Gauging volume accuracy: weight-based physics and vestiges of submarine sonar are surfacing as non-invasive inventory control solutions.(Fueling Technologies Inc.)(Xtero Datacom Inc.)(Cover story)
January 1, 2007... Developments in tank gauge technology could make the rubber mallets commonly used to whack recalcitrant rotary gauges back into calibration obsolete. A handful of devices around the globe are creating new thresholds of accuracy,...

Aggressive competition in passive shut-offs: McTier announces renewed push toward bringing his remote control technology to market.(Sam McTier)(BreakGuard)(Propane Technologies LLC)
January 1, 2007... A hose or fixture malfunction while filling or emptying a propane transport tank can create an explosive situation, and equipment manufacturers are aggressively debating which passive shut-off technology is better, complete with dueling...

Building the brand: a new study seeks to enhance propane's standing with homebuilders.(Propane Education & Research Council )
January 1, 2007... With rising oil and materials costs, weak winters and unsure economic times, propane retailers are always looking for additional sources of income. Since there are already myriad products targeted to residential consumers, homebuilders...

Senate sends pipeline safety bill to Bush.(George W. Bush)
January 1, 2007... The Senate followed suit with the House Dec. 7 to send a bipartisan pipeline safety reauthorization bill to the White House. The bill would in most cases subject low-stress oil pipelines to the same regulatory standards as high-stress...

FMCSA proposes merging medical certification with CDL.(WASHINGTON, D.C.)(Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Truck drivers might be able to eliminate one step before obtaining a state-issued commercial driver license under a proposed and long-awaited federal rule. The regulation, published by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in the...

Federal appeals court hears hours-of-service arguments.(WASHINGTON, D.C.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Attorneys representing the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and two groups challenging revisions to the hours-of-service regulations have presented their arguments on the issue to a three-judge federal appeals court panel. The...

Online calculator helps determine propane fleet costs.(KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI)(www.propanecouncil.org/fleetcalculator)(Propane Education & Research Council)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... The propane industry has launched a cost calculator designed to help fleet managers determine the cost of using vehicles fueled by propane. The online calculator, developed in cooperation with the Propane Education & Research Council, was...

Blue Bird launches dedicated propane school bus.(KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Blue Bird Corp. has introduced its dedicated propane-powered Vision Series school bus as a clean-burning, cost-effective alternative to gasoline and diesel. The bus, which qualifies for federal and state low-emission vehicle tax credits,...

NPGA: Canadian LPG shipments don't need more inspections.(WASHINGTON, D.C.)
January 1, 2007... A proposed rule by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service that would impose inspection user fees on all commercial shipments entering the United States from Canada is unnecessary and duplicates several layers of rules by other...

Liberty Propane buys New Mexico retailer.(OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS)
January 1, 2007... Liberty Propane has acquired the propane assets of Thriftway Fuels, located in Farmington and San Ysidro, N.M. The business will be a "complete blend" into existing Rocky Mountain Propane operations in Farmington in the northwestern part...

Paraco Gas buys Pennsylvania retailer.(PURCHASE, NEW YORK)
January 1, 2007... Paraco Gas Corp. has acquired the propane operations of Rounds Propane in Brackney, Pa. The transaction adds about 1.2 million gallons and 2,200 residential and commercial customers to Paraco's totals. Customers will continue to be served...

Modern Home Products buys gas grill manufacturer.(mergers and acquisitions)(ProFire)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Modern Home Products Corp. has purchased ProFire gas grills, including rights to all patents, designs, copyrights, product inventories, the brand name and customer list. Florida-based ProFire will move to Butler, Wis., where it will be a...

PMA warns of fraudulent letter seeking banking information.(Petroleum Marketers Association of America)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... The Petroleum Marketers Association of America is warning that some marketers are receiving a fraudulent letter asking companies to give permission to have their banks release financial information. The letter, purporting to be from the...

Groups oppose possible pipeline rate increase.(WASHINGTON, D.C.)(National Propane Gas Association)(Propane Gas Association of Canada)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... The National Propane Gas Association is working with its Canadian counterpart to protest a proposed rate increase for propane shipments on the Cochin Pipeline. Pipeline operators notified the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Dec. 1...

Transmitters.(PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2007... MIL-RAM Technology is touting its TOX-ARRAY 2100 smarter 3- and 4-wire transmitters. The RS485/4-20mA transmitter uses the MIL-RAM "no false alarm" sensor for toxic, LEL and 02 detection. A self-calibration feature adjusts the span monthly...

Nut driver.(PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2007... Klein Tools now offers nine insulated nut drivers with 6-inch shafts and two new nine-piece nut driver kits available in either 6-inch shafts or in 3- and 4-inch shafts. The nut drivers have a full hollow shaft that is helpful for...

Backcheck/excess flow valves.(PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2007... Marshall Excelsior introduces its new line of Backcheck and Excess Flow valves for use with LP gas systems. Its streamlined port design boasts up to 20 percent more flow. The backcheck valves are available in three-quarter-inch, 1 and...

Ball valves.(PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2007... A-T Controls Inc. is offering fire-safe TRIAC F91 stainless steel flanged ball valves for use in a variety of applications, from the oil field to food-processing plants. The valves feature a regular-port design that reduces cost and...

Spill control cabinet.(PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2007... The Durham Manufacturing Co. offers a cabinet designed to hold a wide range of spill control products. Manufactured of cold rolled steel with an all-welded construction, the cabinet measures 13 13/16 inches wide by 30 1/16 inches high by 12...

Trailer.(PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2007... Castell Interlocks Inc., the manufacturer of the Salvo trailer interlocking safety system, has tapped SafeRack as its North American distributor for the top tanker bulk loading market. SafeRack will provide complete sales and service...

Surveillance system.(PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2007... Detector Electronics has launched its xWatch video surveillance system, offering high-resolution monitoring from within Det-Tronics X-Series flame detectors. The xWatch can also operate as a stand-alone device to monitor hazardous areas, and...

Customer investment pays profits.
January 1, 2007... Continued company growth depends on growing and retaining a strong customer base. Customers are key to your long-term success. Retaining your current customers and gaining new ones must be viewed as an investment. Customers are long-term...

Gas pains.(Cartoon)
January 1, 2007... "I'M ALL FOR TECHNOLOGY, PA... BUT, THE REMOTE SENSOR ON THE COFFEE POT IS A BIT MUCH."