Fuel Oil News articles from May 2000

Fuel Oil News archives from May 2000

Despite price run-up, oil heat still best value.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... John Batey's Energy Research Center has documented the fact that despite the recent price spike, the average cost of residential heating oil is lower than the average price of residential natural gas over the past five years for the entire...

Minigiello to head OMA membership committee.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Former National Assn. of Oil Heating Service Managers Executive Administrator Lou Minigiello has been named membership committee chairman for the Oilheat Manufacturers Assn. OMA was founded in 1993 to provide the industry with technical,...

Vermont gas pipeline may or may not be dead.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... According to a Vermont newspaper headline in early March, the proposed 65-mile interstate natural gas pipeline project that was to dissect the state is "dead." Vermont Governor Howard Dean declared it so, citing fervent opposition to the...

Washington Home Show exhibit a success.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... More than 122,000 people visited the 2000 Seattle Home Show recently, and many "Stepped Into the Future with Oil Heat" in the Oil Heat Institute of Washington booth. The laser-lit booth was developed by the OHI Image Committee, consisting of...

New York dealers meet with legislators.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... More than 75 Empire State Petroleum Assn. members attended the 20th annual ESPA Government Affairs Conference in Albany in March and heard from the state's top government leaders on issues of importance to the industry. They then informally...

Navistar changes name; demonstrates technology.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... In a nod to its past, Navistar International Corp. has changed the name of its operating company to International Truck and Engine Corp. The new identity traces its origins to 1914 when the International brand was first used on the company's...

Griffith Consumers honors Schaeffer.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Griffith Consumers Co., a division of AllEnergy Marketing, has honored John A. Schaeffer posthumously with its coveted Meritorious Service Award. Schaeffer, who passed away last October, was cited for his lifetime devotion and service to the...

Southern Company and Utility.com in partnership.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Southern Company Energy Marketing and Utility.com have announced a partnership to provide Southern Company Energy Marketing's wholesale electricity to Utility.com's customers via the Internet. Through this agreement, Southern Company Energy...

More than 25,000 attend AHR Expo.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... There were 25,399 registered attendees at the AHR Expo in Dallas in February, surpassing pre-show attendance estimates by over 25 percent. In addition to the attendees, there were 19,682 exhibitor personnel, representing the 1,044 exhibiting...

NFPA and WFCA to jointly develop fire code.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The National Fire Protection Association and the Western Fire Chiefs Association have signed an agreement to jointly develop a harmonized fire code that integrates NFPA 1, Fire Prevention Code, and the Uniform Fire Code, the two most widely...

Help wanted.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The shortage of good service technicians is a chronic problem in the heating oil industry. It's no secret that techs are sometimes courted like free-agent ballplayers by dealers desperate to fill their personnel needs. A number of dealers have...

Technicians set for NAOHSM Convention.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Other than magazine articles and shop talk, and perhaps an occasional phone call or e-mail, oil heat technicians rarely get the chance to "bare their heating souls" before one another and gain first-hand knowledge of what other technicians...

Oscar Bock dies at 100.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Oscar Bock, founder and honorary chairman of the board at Bock Water Heaters, passed away Feb. 16, at age 100. Bock Water Heaters, Madison, Wis., is the oldest water heater company in the United States. Mr. Bock had 25 patents and many...

ASHRAE announces program for 2000 Annual Meeting.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Indoor air quality, advances in refrigerants, and energy efficiency are featured in the technical program for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers' 2000 Annual Meeting, June 24-28, in Minneapolis at the...

Car Care World Expo expands educational program.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Spurred by the growth of the car-care industry and explosion in the number of car-wash operators adding additional facilities, Car Care World Expo, presented by the International Carwash Assn., has updated its educational offerings to keep up...

Certified Propane Training available through associations.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Certified Propane Training, a 20-hour CD-ROM and workbook-based propane-training program, can be made available through state associations and state PERCs. Certified Propane Training was developed by 12 retail propane marketers and Propane...

Fuel Price Index May 2000.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2000... Fuel Price Index May 2000 CURRENT CHNG FROM CHNG FROM PRICE LAST MONTH LAST YEAR CASH/SPOT PRICES (DAILY AVERAGE) UNLEADED GASOLINE ...

Inspection mirrors for burner adjustments.
May 1, 2000... Hago offers a full line of inspection mirrors, including mini (1-1/4" x 2-1/8"), standard (2-1/2" x 4-1/4") and round (4-1/4" diameter). All are made of optical-grade stainless steel and feature chrome-plated handles that telescope from 10-1/2...

Degree-day meter optimizes deliveries.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The Johnson Fuel Demand Meter goes beyond simple high/low degree-day measurements that often lead to errors, poor service and increased delivery costs. Without changing present degree-day delivery systems, dealers can install a Johnson meter...

Pipe-thread sealant in lightweight bottles.
May 1, 2000... Slic-Tite Pipe Thread Sealant Paste has a new lightweight package. The new plastic bottles are lighter in weight and easier to carry. They won't dent or rust, and are recyclable. Slic-Tite is a premium thread sealant with more Teflon particles...

Testo has lower-priced analyzer.(portable combustion efficiency analyzers)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Testo has a new line of lower-cost portable combustion efficiency analyzers. The Companion models are economically priced automatic analyzers designed to save time and money. They are said to be perfect for daily oil burner efficiency tuning,...

Mean Green cleans fuel oil spills.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Mean Green is a multi-purpose product used to clean oil spills from concrete and turf, for heavy-duty degreasing, cleaning parts and any type of heavy equipment. It can also be used to steam clean and pressure wash. It is biodegradable,...

Oil meters for flow measurement.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Istec offers precision oil meters for low flow measuring in pipe sizes 1/4-inch to two inches. All meters are also available with pulse output for remote reading. These meters have a high pressure rating so they can be installed directly into...

Leak detector in new container.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Big Blu Leak Detector is now available in an 8-ounce container that incorporates a telescopic dauber with a user-friendly cap handle. Brush On Blue has outstanding leak-detection properties, and is non-toxic, biodegradable and oxygen-safe. The...

Recovery machine for all refrigerants.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The new Fluoro Tech Model FM3500 HP recovers all types of refrigerants, including high-pressure R-410A. The unit, weighing only 32 pounds, is said to recover refrigerants 25 percent faster than competitive models. It features an oil-less...

Mechanical insulation repair coating.(Tough-Coat)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Vac System Industries has introduced Tough-Coat mechanical insulation repair coating that is formulated with EPA-registered preservatives for use in HVAC systems. It is designed to enhance and repair mechanical insulation (both duct liner and...

Portable flue gas analyzer.(Eurolyzer)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The new Eurolyzer flue gas/combustion analyzer is said to be affordable, small and easy to use for carbon monoxide safety and efficiency testing of furnaces and boilers in residential and small commercial heating systems. It has a large dual...

New clamp with ratcheting jaw.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The Craftsman ratchet clamp is the first clamp that features ratcheting-jaw action. The lightweight resin clamp ensures that finished surfaces won't become marred even under high pressure. The two-inch V-groove jaws spread pressure evenly...

Combustible gas leak detector.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The CD 200 combustible gas leak detector includes a gooseneck probe to access tight areas. The bright LED mounted on the sensor tip allows the technician to see the source of the leak to help plan repair strategy. The adjustable alarm features...

Hercules degreasers are fast-acting.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Hercules' Citrus Foaming Degreaser and Fast Dry Degreaser have been introduced. Citrus Foaming Degreaser is a pleasantly scented foaming cleaner that emulsifies and washes away grease, oil, soot and most other dirt from hard-to-reach places on...

Pipeline viewer finds problems.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The Professional Pipeline Viewer is a portable black-and-white mini-camera system for inspecting pipes and ducts. It comes standard with 100 feet of video push cable, a nine-inch high resolution black-and-white monitor, and a lightweight,...

New copper-crimping system from Ridge Tool.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The ProPress System is a new copper-crimping system designed as a replacement for the traditional sweat method of connecting copper tube. The system consists of an electro-hydraulic tool with interchangeable jaws that crimp 1/2- to two-inch...

Leak detection kit for A/C systems.(Spectroline LK-100GS for air conditioning systems)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The Spectroline LK-100GS leak detection kit makes it easier to pinpoint all leaks in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. The heart of the kit is the patented Titan TL-100/12 UV/Blue leak detection lamp, which features the latest...

Compact cable splicer's kit.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... A complete compact cable-splicer's kit containing a cable-splicer knife and electrician's scissors is available from Klein Tools. The tools are contained in a leather holder for belts up to two inches wide. The five-inch electrician's scissors...

Time, temperature and humidity instruments.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Cooper Instrument Corp. has a full line of time, temperature and humidity instruments. Its latest catalog lists full product specifications, including weights and measures, with product close-ups and application shots. Two indices are included,...

Adjustable wrenches have extra-wide jaws.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... A new line of extra-wide opening adjustable wrenches has been introduced by Wright Tool Co. The jaw openings are 20 percent wider than normal with no weight added to the tool. The jaw openings open to the maximum allowable by ANSI standards....

New hand-held combustion analyzer.
May 1, 2000... Bacharach's Fyrite Pro is a hand-held combustion analyzer for residential and light-commercial efficiency combustion testing. It provides quick and accurate measurement and display of oxygen, temperature, carbon monoxide and draft. Calculations...

Portable boiler tube cleaner.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The Wils-Away 520 is a compact, electrically driven boiler-tube cleaner. Weighing less than 30 pounds, the unit is portable enough to be carried wherever needed. Complete with drive unit, interchangeable shaft and casing, and a selection of...

Fuel oil pump tester from Sid Harvey.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The Kwik-Check II is a pressure and cutoff tester used to test pump pressure and cutoff of fuel oil pumps quickly and accurately. There is no need to remove the pump from the oil burner. It can be used on all pumps with operating pressures up...

Hydronic cleaner prevents scale.
May 1, 2000... Hydronic Formula #5 is formulated to clean and protect boilers and hydronic heating systems. It prevents formation of scale on heat transfer surfaces, keeps dissolved solids in solution, and frees and lubricates stuck zone valves. It also...

Ignition transformer tester introduced.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... The Dongan Ignition Transformer Tester is a safe, reliable way to quickly check whether those old transformers are still functioning. All leads are insulated and the tester is safely grounded so there is no risk of electrical shock from it. A...

Kit tests fuels for microbes.
May 1, 2000... Bug Alerts is a microbiological test kit designed to test distillate fuels for fungus and bacteria. It is easy to use with no prior lab experience needed. Results are achieved in 72 hours. Kits come complete with everything needed to pull...

Cordless drill has interchangeable battery.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Porter-Cable's new 19.2-volt cordless drill kit has an interchangeable 19.2-volt battery with four other new tools -- a new six-inch cordless circular saw, a cordless drill, a cordless hammer drill and a cordless flashlight. The new drill...

Personal service is still our greatest asset.
May 1, 2000... The keys to success haven't changed in the last 50 years. The story is told of the 75-year-old fuel dealer who, deciding to retire, turned a very successful business over to his son. Many years of training, research and personal experience...

Device allows drivers to "hear" tank filling.
May 1, 2000... An oil-truck driver turned inventor is currently demonstrating a prototype of an audio device that he developed to prevent accidental oil spills when filling customer tanks. Dubbed the Audiovent by its inventor and owner, Pat Frawley, who...

Vehicle "upfits".(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Truck manufacturers offering incentive programs Equipping trucks and vans with toolboxes, bin packages and ladder racks has always been an intricate of part of getting a vehicle ready for work. Commercial businesses have waded through this...

Oil-fired pulse boiler unveiled.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... A new player looks to shake up the marketplace. The Patterson-Kelley unit of Harsco Corp. is set to introduce a radically new commercial boiler-burner package at the 2000 NAOHSM show. Based on "WhisperPulse" technology, it is supposedly the...

Oil heat research in jeopardy again.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Brookhaven budget is still a political football. It's been a rough winter with the price shocks during January and February of 2000. Oil heat research at Brookhaven National Laboratory hasn't been a walk in the park, either. It never is, or...

Stylish & Functional.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Adrian Steel's New Line of Truck Equipment As pickup trucks take on a sleeker, more aerodynamic body, so do the accessories that provide the means of turning it into a work vehicle. Adrian Steel Company, a leading manufacturer of commercial...

Summerizing your fuel storage.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Stored fuel oils can experience corrosion, sludge, and organic and inorganic sedimentation during the off-season. During the heating season, the oil dealer is primarily concerned with the timely supply and transportation of heating oil to...

Service techs do retire!(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... Normally, I would be writing about something technically related to this trade of ours, but perhaps technicians sometimes need to think of other things beside no-heat calls and annual tune-ups. Eventually, we all retire, and when we do, we want...

OSVs: I'm convinced!(Brief Article)
May 1, 2000... H I have to admit that I have been on the fence regarding the necessity for Oil Safety Valves for some time now. Yeah, I have read all the technical specs and all the sales sheets I could stand, and I have read articles by well-respected...