CleanFUEL USA Announces Availability of Mass Flow Meter Technology

Meets Vast Global Demand for Mass Flow Meters in Propane Autogas Refueling Dispensers

Showcases Technologically Advanced Products at World LP Gas Forum, Booth #3

MIAMI, FL – WORLD LP GAS FORUM CONFERENCE AND EXPO –– October 27, 2014 – CleanFUEL USA, an industry leader in propane autogas technology, today announced the addition of mass flow meter technology to its technologically advanced line of propane autogas refueling dispensers. Global demand is high for mass flow technology, the most advanced meter technology in the world, and CleanFUEL USA is offering immediate availability for the first time in the United States and worldwide.

“The United States lags behind in meter technology adoption and CleanFUEL USA is shifting that with our offering of the mass flow meter and its vast benefits, a game-changer for fleets considering or already utilizing propane autogas,” said Curtis Donaldson, founder and managing partner of CleanFUEL USA.

“We heard often from our global customers how the mass flow meter was improving their operations and bottom line, and we are pleased to meet that international demand, and to bring mass flow meters in propane autogas dispensing to America for the first time,” he added

Mass flow meter benefits include no moving parts, greatly reduced maintenance, remote diagnostics and lifetime calibration – all at an affordable incremental cost. Together with automated process control and state-of-the-art communication interfaces (fieldbus systems), the meter offers 99.9 percent accuracy, as opposed to the 96 to 98 percent accuracy offered by other metering options, and a flow rate of 0 to 18 gallons per minute. Sourced by Endress+Hauser, a global leader in measurement instrumentation, the mass flow meter is now available in all CleanFUEL USA refueling dispensers, including the  P2000, 6000 and 7000 series.

On Display at World LP Gas Forum

CleanFUEL USA’s P7000 and 2000 series dispensers with mass flow meter technology and eCONNECT, the industry’s first complete fuel network management system for electronic dispensers, will be on display in Miami at World LP Gas Forum in booth #3 from October 27-30, 2014.

About CleanFUEL USA:

CleanFUEL USA, the nation’s first developer of liquid propane fuel injection systems, is a leading manufacturer of propane autogas dispensers and refueling infrastructure. Headquartered in Georgetown, Texas, with an engineering division in Wixom, Mich., CleanFUEL USA celebrates more than 20 years of innovation. Setting industry standards with a complete alternative fuel solution, CleanFUEL USA products offer unsurpassed economic and environmental advantages. Learn more at www.cleanfuelusa.com.

Connect on Twitter (@CleanFUELUSA), Facebook (facebook.com/CleanFUELUSA), YouTube (youtube.com/CleanFuelUSA1) and LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/cleanfuel-usa).

###

Contacts

Gina Manassero

(512) 553-2387

gtmanassero@gmail.com

Crystelle Markley

CleanFUEL USA

(512) 864-0300

crystelle.markley@cleanfuelusa.com  

LP Gas: Stepping Up (and down)

See original article here, pages 45-47

LP Gas/Vital Signs [In the know: Propane Autogas]

See original article here, page 24

Freightliner taps PIthon engine

See original article here, page 19

BPN: Freightliner Looks to Enter Propane Fueled Shuttle Bus Market

CleanFUEL USA showcases propane autogas refueling technology at Southeast Alternative Fuels Conference and Expo

GEORGETOWN, Texas –– October 21, 2014 ––

Who: CleanFUEL USA, an industry leader in propane autogas technology (Booth #106)

When: October 22-24, 2014

Where: Southeast Alternative Fuels Conference and Expo, Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh, NC

What: CleanFUEL USA, in booth #106, will showcase its PRO 6100 refueling dispenser featuring eCONNECT, the propane industry’s first fully integrated fuel management system. eCONNECT allows fleet managers to economically monitor and control fuel inventories faster and easier than ever before with real-time data insight, flexible report storage and remote access capabilities.

Thomas Built Buses, in booth #209, will showcase its Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus featuring a Liquid Propane Injection (LPI) fuel system from CleanFUEL USA in the Ride and Drive portion of the show. The C2 offers school districts numerous benefits, including a reduction in emissions, lower fuel prices and exceptional power. The Ride and Drive will be held on Wednesday, October 22 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Brooke McWhirter, channel manager, School Bus Market with CleanFUEL USA will speak at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, during a breakout session entitled, “Passionate About Propane” in room 306A.

About CleanFUEL USA:
CleanFUEL USA, the nation’s first developer of liquid propane fuel injection systems, is a leading manufacturer of propane autogas dispensers and refueling infrastructure. Headquartered in Georgetown, Texas, with an engineering division in Wixom, Mich., CleanFUEL USA celebrates more than 20 years of innovation. Setting industry standards with a complete alternative fuel solution, CleanFUEL USA products offer unsurpassed economic and environmental advantages. Learn more at www.cleanfuelusa.com.

Connect on Twitter (@CleanFUELUSA), Facebook (facebook.com/CleanFUELUSA) and YouTube (youtube.com/CleanFuelUSA1).

###

Media Contacts:
Gina Manassero
(512) 553-2387
gtmanassero@gmail.com

Crystelle Markley
CleanFUEL USA
512.864.0300
crystelle.markley@cleanfuelusa.com

Watch the archived Third Thursday webinar featuring Thomas Built Buses

Come hear more about why the propane autogas C2 is an excellent choice for your fleet!

 
As district budgets are tightened and environmental standards become as much of a public mandate as they are governmental, fleets are switching to alternative-fueled school buses to improve their image and their transportation budget. Thomas Built Buses is excited to expand their alternative fuel offering with its propane-fueled Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus, now in full production.

 

Built upon the popular Saf-T-Liner C2 model, the propane-fueled C2 provides outstanding maneuverability, state-of-the-art driver ergonomics and the greatest visibility among all Type C buses - with zero sacrifices in style, performance, safety or comfort. Under the hood, the propane-fueled C2 comes complete with an Allison 2300 PTS Series transmission, an 8.0 liter engine provided by Powertrain Integration and a fully-integrated CleanFUEL USA Liquid Propane Injection fuel system.

Watch the archived webinar and view the presentations here. 

CFUSA September Newsletter

Read our September Newsletter here!

Business Fleet: Going Green With Propane

See original article here.

Medium-Duty Fleets Look for Alternative Drivetrain 'Holy Grail'

Looking for the right alternative-power drivetrain and application can be a frustrating project for fleet managers of medium-duty trucks; however, a presentation on a hybrid and electric technology for trucks offered a peek at the “right” application for a quicker return on investment (ROI).

Odyne Systems, ALTe Technologies, and Navigant Research discussed changes and updates in the area of alternative drivetrains.

Evolution of Alternative Drivetrains
An alternative-power drivetrain involves a variety of power sources in combination with or separate from internal combustion to provide power to a vehicle.

“The good thing about government incentives was that fleet managers tested this technology and discovered that it’s really about the right fit or application for each drivetrain technology,” said Lisa Jerram, senior research analyst at Navigant Research.

Jerram noted that 2008-2012 saw a surge in deployments of hybrid-electric and battery-electric trucks and vans in the U.S.; much of it supported by government funding. “The deployments were medium-duty delivery vans and trucks, service vehicles, utility trucks, and other various applications,” she said. “Some learned that these just weren’t the right fit. Hybrids and electrics still carry a significant price premium and need to be in the right duty cycle and driving conditions to optimize their benefits.”

As the alternative powertrain market matures for compressed natural gas (CNG), for example, it’s still early for the pure electric and plug-in hybrids, medium-duty vehicle market.

“Our customers don’t want any science projects. Customers want payback in seven to eight years,” noted Darren Post, president and CEO for ALTe.

According to Jerram, hybrids need to be in heavy usage applications, but not in high speed, long distance applications because they don’t maximize the hybrid system’s efficiency gains. She noted less costly hybrids, such as XL Hybrid’s van line, that are starting to come to market.

“Utility bucket trucks are another promising application area. We are starting to see plug-in hybrids enter this market now. The reason is that the trucks feature an electric power take off (ePTO) to power hydraulics needed while at a work site,” Jerram explained. “This reduces engine idling and is a major fuel saver. The combined fuel savings from the driving and the idle reduction can provide a payback in just a few years. They also offer a benefit of reduced noise onsite, which is good for the workers and for the neighborhood where they are working.”

Hybrids and electrics will continue to face competition from natural gas and propane autogas. 
“Hybrids and electrics offer fuel reduction, emissions, and noise benefits, but users have to find the right fit with the right technology option,” she noted. Read more here.

CFUSA August Newsletter

Click here to read our August newsletter!

NPGA video series highlights propane storage issues

The National Propane Gas Association put together a great series of videos highlighting the supply issues the propane industry faced this past winter.

See the videos below and click here for more information on NPGA.

Propane Exports

With no single resource to tell how much propane is set aside for exporting, NPGA is developing an ongoing inventory trend report that will give the industry important new data to help with supply planning. Armed with this information, marketers will be better able to prepare for and survive future fuel emergencies.

NPGA's goal: Improve supply security and limit market volatility during peak demand periods. NPGA will work to create this policy and present it to congress.

 

Cochin Pipeline

The changes to the Cochin Pipeline this year have changed the delivery of propane throughout the Midwest. Take a moment to learn about the smart supply planning taking place to address the missing supply for the U.S. market.

Improved Data

NPGA is working with governments and private sector partners to get industry members the most up to date supply information available. Take a moment to learn about how they are doing this and what you can look forward to in the future. #PropaneDelivers

An inside look at the 8L engine

Hear from Powertrain Integration's Robert Roehl talking about the new PIthon propane engine built exclusively for the Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 and Freightliner Custom Chassis S2G. The companies displayed the engine and bus at the STN EXPO in Reno.

 

Learn more about the S2G here and the Thomas Built propane-fueled Saf-T-Liner C2 here.

Third Thursday Webinar to feature Thomas Built Buses

September 18th at 10am (CST)

Come hear more about why the propane autogas C2 is an excellent choice for your fleet!

 
As district budgets are tightened and environmental standards become as much of a public mandate as they are governmental, fleets are switching to alternative-fueled school buses to improve their image and their transportation budget. Thomas Built Buses is excited to expand their alternative fuel offering with its propane-fueled Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus, now in full production.

 

Built upon the popular Saf-T-Liner C2 model, the propane-fueled C2 provides outstanding maneuverability, state-of-the-art driver ergonomics and the greatest visibility among all Type C buses - with zero sacrifices in style, performance, safety or comfort. Under the hood, the propane-fueled C2 comes complete with an Allison 2300 PTS Series transmission, an 8.0 liter engine provided by Powertrain Integration and a fully-integrated CleanFUEL USA Liquid Propane Injection fuel system.

 

Click here to register!

S2G Factory Tour

The Freightliner Custom Chassis S2G is the only medium duty truck that includes a factory-installed propane system. Watch the video below or click here for an awesome inside view of the S2G factory line in Gaffney, South Carolina.

Click here for more information on the S2G. 

 

Virtual Tour: Collins Bus plant

Click here to take a spin through Collins Bus Corp.’s South Hutchinson, Kansas, facility to get a glimpse of how the company's Type A school buses are built and tested.

Watch our founder take the ice bucket challenge!

This afternoon, founder Curtis Donaldson accepted the ‪#‎IceBucketChallenge‬ to help ‪#‎StrikeOutALS‬! Listen closely, Michael Williams (Texas Education Agency), Eddie Conger (International Leadership of Texas), Stuart Weidie (Alliance AutoGas/Blossman Gas), Joe Thompson (Roush CleanTech), and David Lugar (National Propane Gas Association/AmeriGas Propane)! You have 24hrs to meet the challenge! 

For those interested in making a contribution, please visit the ALS facebook page here: The ALS Association.

Vehicle Service Pros: Propane autogas yields savings and environmental benefits to Illinois’ capital city

As operational and traditional costs continue to rise for municipalities to expand and manage light duty vehicle fleets, the decision to choose an alternative fuel is often easy, as this helps support a city’s economic and environmental goals.

The City of Springfield, IL, desired lower fuel costs, decreased maintenance intervals and longer life of vehicle engines to better utilize taxpayer dollars. As well, it sought to benefit the environment through cleaner vehicle engine emissions and utilization of a domestically produced and abundant fuel source.

As one of 22 municipalities recognized as “top energy performers” in green power, energy efficiency and conservation by the Natural Resources Defense Council’s (NRDC) Smarter Cities Project, it was not surprising when the capital city chose to convert vehicles to propane autogas.

NRDC is an environmental action group. Its Smarter Cities Project develops and promotes approaches to address important specific issues that affect quality of life and the long-term health of cities.

Propane autogas refers to liquid petroleum gas (LPG) when it is used in an on-road engine. Propane autogas is nontoxic, colorless and virtually odorless. An identifying odor is added so it can be readily detected.

ASSISTANCE

Springfield converted 24 police patrol cars and pickup trucks with the help of CleanFUEL USA, an industry leader in propane autogas fleets and fueling infrastructure (www.cleanfuelusa.com). Last year, the company installed an on-site refueling station with its P2100 propane autogas dispenser to fuel the vehicles.

The P2100 is a simple-to-use dispenser with all the electronic functionality of bigger retail dispensers. Plus, it communicates to most fuel management systems.

City leaders structured the pilot program around utilization of both federal and state grants, as well as a public/private partnership with their fuel supplier. In turn, the city paid nothing for the conversions of its first 24 vehicles and the refueling station.

CONCERNS ABOUT COST

“It was obvious to us from the beginning that propane autogas was the best and most cost effective alternative fuel for the type of assets we wished to convert,” says William D. McCarty, finance director for the City of Springfield. “Propane autogas presented the best opportunity to precipitously decrease fuel, capital and maintenance costs, while emitting less greenhouse gases with an American-made fuel.” 

On average, propane has been less than half of the cost of traditional fuel, and the city has experienced significant fuel savings in a relatively short period of time.

The city originally approximated a first annual fuel cost savings of $82,000. It now anticipates slightly diminished planned savings to a level of around $70,000 due to the spike in propane costs this winter and government rebate levels. Yet, city officials expect being back up to predicted savings amounts this coming year and in years to come.

REFULEING SYSTEM

The propane autogas refueling infrastructure was also less expensive than any other alternative fuels’ refueling infrastructure on the market, Springfield’s McCarty says.

While installation took a bit longer than planned, given it was a new concept for the city, it was worth the wait as there was quick adoption, he notes. The fuel dispenser’s operation largely mirrors that of a regular fuel pump – an important piece of the puzzle in getting drivers to warm up to and embrace the alternative fuel.

Another thing that helped with the adoption of the alternative fuel is that propane autogas’ power, acceleration and cruising speed are similar to those of conventionally-fueled vehicles.

“With minimal upfront costs and substantial fuel savings, propane autogas fuel systems and dispensers are excellent solutions for municipalities and other light duty fleets looking to achieve both budget and sustainability goals in a relatively short amount of time,” says Curtis Donaldson, founder and managing director of CleanFUEL USA.

Already the leading alternative fuel in the United States, propane autogas costs an average of 30 to 40 percent less than gasoline and up to 50 percent less than diesel. Vehicles fueled by propane autogas, the lowest greenhouse gas emitting fuel, discharge 20 percent less nitrogen oxide, 60 percent less carbon monoxide and up to 25 percent less greenhouse gases.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE PLUSES

Propane autogas vehicles have lower maintenance costs due in part to the fuel’s high octane rating and clean burning characteristics. The fuel burns so cleanly that it produces considerably less emissions and releases low amounts of combustion by-products, like unburned fuel, carbon (soot) and acids into the motor oil.

When motor oil stays cleaner longer, the intervals between oil changes can be extended. Additionally, the engines themselves often have a longer service life and reduced maintenance costs.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

“Adopting propane autogas technology, with its positive environmental impacts, was simply good public policy given our city’s dedication to enhanced sustainability efforts,” Springfield’s finance director McCarty says.

The community has embraced the adoption, as have surrounding Illinois cities that have reached out for on-site tours and discussions to learn more about Springfield’s conversion to propane autogas for their own deployments.

As far as plans for more propane autogas conversions in Springfield, the city plans to purchase additional propane autogas systems for more vehicles by the end of this year.

Springfield’s original fleet conversion to propane autogas was funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Energy Department’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, an initiative to help displace millions of gallons of petroleum annually. See original article here.

UPS to Reduce Carbon Emissions By 20 Percent

UPS Inc. has set a goal to reduce the carbon intensity of its transportation operations by 20 percent in the next six years, after meeting an earlier goal three years early, the company said.

The company had set a goal in 2013 of reducing overall carbon emissions by 10 percent by 2016. After meeting that goal early, UPS now plans to reduce emissions by 20 percent by 2020.

"As a global logistics company dependent on vehicles and fuel to move nearly 17 million packages and documents a day, sustainability and growth are inextricably linked," said Scott Davis, UPS chairman and chief executive officer. "Our ability to grow our global shipping volumes and reduce total carbon emissions should be a signal to business that it is possible to do more for the environment while also serving more customers and adding more value."

UPS moved 3.9 percent more cargo last year compared to 2012 and at the same time reduced its emissions by 1.5 percent. The company operated 3,647 vehicles powered by alternative fuels, the company said.

In March, UPS announced it would invest $70 million to add 1,000 propane autogas trucks and the fueling infrastructure to support them. UPS also reduced its fuel consumption by 1.5 million gallons through route optimization initiatives.

UPS included the new goal in its "Committed to More" initiative that follows from its 2013 Sustainability Report. View more at the UPS Sustainability website here. See original article here.

 

Amphi school buses are going 'green'

ORO VALLEY, AZ (Tucson News Now) -It is the first day of classes for students in the Amphitheater School District, and something new for students this year - 'green' buses. 

According to officials with the district some 6,000 students ride to school on the bus and soon some will get to take a green one to campus, but they aren't talking new paint color. These newer buses will run on cleaner fuel than diesel. This week the district received two new buses that are fueled by propane. The new propane powered buses also run quieter than conventional diesel powered buses.

The new propane buses are not quite ready for service yet, so they will not be picking up and dropping off students. Officials with Amphi are saying these two new buses are just the beginning, the plan is to replace 15 diesel buses with propane ones. This changeover will save the district on fuel, propane costs fifty percent less than diesel, a change that will save the district some $75,000 in fuel cost for the year. Fuel savings will go back into the general fund, said Amphi officials, which means more money for the classroom. Aside from more money for the classroom, there is another benefit to propane, it is produced domestically.

"This means less dependency on foreign oil," said Marc Lappitt, Director of Transportation for the Amphi Public Schools. "All the propane that we consume is domestically produced in the U.S."

Students will find it difficult to see the difference between the diesel and the propane powered buses, but they certainly will feel it temperature wise.  The air conditioning works better in the propane buses.

District officials are expecting three more propane buses next week, with the ultimate goal of getting them all in service by August 18. See original article here.