The Fuel Pulse Show

When an emergency hits, utilities don't really have the option of shutting down and waiting for things to get back to normal. In fact, that's when keeping the power on, the water flowing, and the wastewater systems operating becomes even more important. And that means your emergency preparation has to work in the real world, not just on paper.

Host Erik Bjornstad looks at the questions you need to be considering: Is your backup fuel actually good? Can your generators handle a full load? Do you have enough fuel if deliveries can't get through for several days? Those are the kinds of questions utilities need to answer now—before the emergency arrives.

All this and more on this episode of The Fuel Pulse Show Podcast.

• Why backup fuel needs attention throughout the year, not just when an emergency is approaching

• What can happen to fuel that sits in storage for months at a time

• Why starting your generator isn't enough to know that it will actually do its job when you need it

• What utilities should be looking for when they test generators under a real load

• How to figure out how much fuel you really need to get through a multi-day outage

• Why remote substations, pump stations, lift stations, and other out-of-the-way sites are easy to overlook

• Some of the ways utilities can protect critical equipment from floods, storms, wildfires, and other emergencies

• Why you want your fuel suppliers and backup delivery plans lined up before an emergency happens

• How mutual-aid networks can help when your own resources aren't enough

• What tabletop drills can tell you about weaknesses you may not realize are in your emergency plan

• Why good documentation matters, both during an emergency and after it's over

• How mapping your fuel tanks, generators, and other critical equipment can make it easier for your people to respond when something goes wrong

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

"Your job doesn't stop when the power goes down. In fact, your job actually ramps up when the power goes out."

"It's not just about whether the generator starts. It's about whether it will hold up under full load, whether it transfers cleanly, powers critical systems, and runs long enough to do its job."

"When disaster hits, you need to know that your system's gonna run, your system needs to run, and your people need to know the plan."

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – Emergency preparedness and continuity planning resources

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Emergency preparedness information for water and wastewater utilities

• Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (WARN) – Mutual-aid resources for water and wastewater utilities

• North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) – Reliability and emergency preparedness standards for electric utilities

• NERC EOP-005 – System Restoration from Blackstart Resources

• NERC EOP-011 – Emergency Operations

• America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) – Requirements and guidance related to risk assessments and emergency response planning for water systems

• Utility mutual-assistance programs – Resources for obtaining personnel, equipment, and other assistance during major emergencies

00:00 – Emergency Preparation Is About Keeping Critical Services Running When the power goes out or another emergency hits, the job of a utility doesn't stop. It actually becomes more important. Erik introduces eight practical areas utilities should be looking at now to make sure their fuel, backup power, equipment, and people are ready when they're needed most.

04:45 – Start With the Fuel Backup generators are only as reliable as the fuel feeding them. Erik discusses why stored diesel can become the weak link in an emergency plan, including water, sediment, microbial contamination, and fuel degradation, and why utilities should be testing fuel in main tanks, day tanks, and remote locations on a regular schedule.

08:45 – Don't Just Start the Generator—Test the Whole System A generator starting up doesn't necessarily tell you whether it's ready for an emergency. Erik explains the importance of testing generators under full load and making sure the entire system works together, including automatic transfer switches, critical equipment, SCADA and communications systems, pumps, lift stations, and other essential operations.

19:40 – Make Sure You Actually Have Enough Fuel How long can your generators run if the power stays out and fuel deliveries can't get through? Erik looks at calculating fuel needs based on actual generator loads and realistic burn rates, building in a safety margin, and planning for outages that may last several days rather than several hours.

28:35 – Find the Weak Spots Before the Emergency Does Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other disasters can expose vulnerabilities that are easy to overlook during normal operations. Erik talks about hardening critical infrastructure, protecting tanks and generators, and identifying vulnerable equipment and locations before the next emergency makes those decisions for you.

32:40 – Have Your Fuel Delivery Plan in Place Ahead of Time During a widespread emergency, everybody may be trying to get fuel at the same time. Erik discusses why utilities should have primary and backup suppliers, emergency delivery arrangements, clear site information, and established relationships in place before an emergency happens—not while they're already in the middle of one.

37:25 – Use Tabletop Exercises to Find Problems With the Plan A plan can look great on paper and still fall apart when people actually have to use it. Erik explains how tabletop exercises can help utilities walk through realistic scenarios, find gaps and bad assumptions, clarify responsibilities, and turn what they learn into actual improvements.

47:05 – Document What You're Doing Good documentation isn't just about compliance. Erik discusses keeping accurate records of fuel testing, generator testing, maintenance, emergency exercises, corrective actions, and other preparedness activities so utilities know what has been done, what still needs attention, and what they can demonstrate afterward.

52:05 – Map Your Critical Fuel and Backup-Power Infrastructure When something goes wrong, people shouldn't have to rely on memory to figure out where critical equipment is located. Erik looks at digitally mapping fuel tanks, generators, shutoffs, transfer switches, and other important assets so employees, contractors, and emergency responders can quickly find what they need.

55:15 – Build the Plan Before You Need It Erik wraps up the eight recommendations with the larger point behind all of them: emergency preparation needs to happen before the emergency. You need to know the equipment will run, the fuel will be there, and your people understand the plan well enough to carry it out when things don't go the way you expected.

Host Erik Bjornstad outlines seven critical recommendations for hurricane season preparation, focusing on emergency backup fuel systems.

Key areas include testing fuel quality every 3-6 months, conducting full generator load tests, securing adequate fuel inventory (96 hours for healthcare facilities), hardening infrastructure against storm damage, coordinating vendor deliveries through priority systems like DIRS and TSP for telecom, training staff through tabletop drills, and maintaining comprehensive documentation for compliance.

The episode targets healthcare and telecom sectors specifically, emphasizing that preparation must happen now during the calm period before hurricane season intensifies, using real-world examples like Hurricane Maria's impact on Puerto Rico's telecommunications infrastructure.

• Emergency Fuel System Fundamentals - How to establish proper fuel quality testing protocols and understand the critical importance of testing emergency backup diesel fuel every 3-6 months for water contamination, microbial growth, and fuel degradation.
• Generator Load Testing Best Practices - The difference between simple startup checks and comprehensive full-load testing, including healthcare industry requirements for monthly 30% load tests and annual 4-hour full load tests.
• Industry-Specific Compliance Requirements - Healthcare facilities' obligations under NFPA 99 and NFPA 110 standards, including the mandatory 96-hour fuel supply requirement and CMS documentation standards for emergency preparedness.
• Telecom Infrastructure Protection Strategies - How to implement proper testing for battery backup depletion scenarios and ensure seamless switchover from UPS to generator systems without service interruption.
• Priority Registration Systems for Emergency Response - The critical importance of DIRS and TSP registration for telecom operators and how these systems provide government-backed priority for fuel deliveries and infrastructure repair during disasters.
• Infrastructure Security and Theft Prevention - Post-storm security considerations and the reality of equipment theft from telecom sites, with over 4,000 reported incidents in just three months of 2024. Effective Emergency Planning Through Tabletop Drills
• How to design and conduct scenario-based training exercises that expose hidden vulnerabilities in emergency response plans before real disasters strike.
• Comprehensive Documentation Strategies - Essential record-keeping requirements for both healthcare and telecom sectors, including automated monitoring systems and NOC-level reporting tools for regulatory compliance and operational optimization.

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "You have got time to prepare, but the time to prepare is right now, you do not want to let that get away from you as much as the temptation might be for that to happen."

• "This kind of thing or these kinds of things like whether your entire power redundancy chain works as opposed to just the generator, that can really only be confirmed under this kind of full load test scenario, and this is the time for you to make it happen. This is the calm before the upcoming storms."

• "Tabletop drill is a really useful tool that exposes the hidden points, the hidden choke points where a hurricane can take your system offline and then gives you a chance to fix them ahead of time when it still costs nothing but time."

• NFPA 110: Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems
• NFPA 99: Health Care Facilities Code (96-hour fuel requirement)
• Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) - Organization providing hurricane forecasts
• NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) - Reference for average hurricane season data
• Bellicide
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

[00:00:00 - 00:05:00] Introduction and Context Setting - Welcome and host introduction - Recap of previous episode's 2025 Atlantic hurricane season predictions - Discussion of ACE Index differences between prediction groups - Transition from "how bad will it be" to "how to prepare" [00:05:00 - 00:08:00] Recommendation #1: Fuel Quality Testing - Emergency backup fuel quality requirements - Testing frequency: every 3-6 months for water, microbial contamination, and degradation - Healthcare sector: NFPA 110 compliance requirements - Telecom sector: Increased testing frequency due to smaller storage tanks [00:08:00 - 00:14:00] Recommendation #2: Full Generator Load Testing - Healthcare requirements: CMS and Joint Commission standards (30 minutes at 30% load monthly, 4-hour annual test) - Telecom testing protocols: Simulating full site failure including battery depletion - Power redundancy layers: Grid → UPS → Diesel generator - Load testing procedures for telecom facilities [00:14:00 - 00:18:00] Recommendation #3: Secure Sufficient Fuel Inventory - Multi-day outage planning - Healthcare sector: NFPA 99 requirement for 96-hour fuel supply - Netflix "Pulse" series example of fuel shortage scenario - Telecom priorities: Keeping tier one hubs online [00:18:00 - 00:21:00] Recommendation #4: Infrastructure Hardening - Protection against flooding, wind, and debris damage - Healthcare: Elevating day tanks and transfer pumps - Telecom security concerns: Post-storm theft prevention - 2024 statistics: Over 4,000 theft reports from telecom sites in three months [00:21:00 - 00:27:00] Recommendation #5: Vendor Coordination and Priority Systems - Multiple fuel vendor contracts - Healthcare coalitions and mutual aid agreements - Telecom registration systems: DIRS (Disaster Information Reporting System) and TSP (Telecommunications Service Priority) - Hurricane Maria 2017 case study: Major vs. smaller carriers' recovery experiences [00:27:00 - 00:35:00] Recommendation #6: Training and Tabletop Drills - Scenario-based training for system failures - Tabletop drill methodology and participants - Step-by-step emergency response planning - Challenging assumptions and documenting findings [00:35:00 - 00:43:00] Recommendation #7: Documentation Requirements - Comprehensive record-keeping for audits and reviews - Healthcare: CMS documentation requirements for fuel testing, generator logs, inventory monitoring - Telecom: NOC (Network Operations Center) level reporting tools - Automated alerts and monitoring systems [00:43:00 - 00:45:00] Episode Conclusion and Summary - Recap of seven key recommendations - Call to action for preparation - Podcast subscription and rating request - Closing remarks

In Episode 74 of the Fuel Pulse Show podcast, host Erik Bjornstad discusses predictions for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. He explains how hurricane seasons are measured using named storms, hurricanes, major hurricanes, and the Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) index, which accounts for both storm intensity and duration.After reviewing forecasts from major institutions, including Colorado State University and the University of Arizona, the consensus indicates a near-normal to slightly above-average season with approximately 15 named storms expected. Differences in predictions largely stem from varying assumptions about sea surface temperatures.

Bjornstad compares these predictions to 2024's active season, which ranked in the top 20 historically with an ACE index of 161.6, and previews the next episode, which will focus on hurricane preparation strategies for critical infrastructure industries.

• How hurricane seasons are measured and classified using named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes
• The significance of the Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) index and how it's calculated
• Current predictions for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season from multiple meteorological organizations
• How sea surface temperatures influence hurricane activity forecasts
• Comparison between upcoming predictions and recent hurricane seasons
• Historical context of significant hurricane seasons and notable storms
• The importance of hurricane preparation for critical infrastructure industries
• Why many named storms never make landfall in the United States

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "Hurricane season starts usually on June 1 and runs through November 30th and before June. All through that first part of the year, we start getting predictions about whether we should expect the coming season to be good, bad, or ugly."

• "The ACE index reflects this or confirms, makes us see that this idea that how bad a storm is isn't just reflected in something like, well, how, you know, what is its maximum wind speed. It really matters for saying how powerful a storm is. It really matters, not just if the winds are strong, but how long they are strong for."

• "The predictions are, it's not going to be a quiet season. It may not end up being as busy or as, as bad as the seasons were in 2017 or 2024, much less, you know, 2004, 2005, all of which were, shall we say, historically active hurricane seasons."

• Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) - Organization providing hurricane forecasts
• NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) - Reference for average hurricane season data
• Bellicide
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

00:00:00 - 01:00 - Introduction to the Fuel Pulse Show podcast with host Erik Bjornstad, explaining the show covers all aspects of fuel for professional and personal use.

01:00 - 02:00 - Introduction to the topic: expectations for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, mentioning the first predictions from four organizations (Tropical Storm Risk, Colorado State University, University of Arizona, and North Carolina State University).

02:00 - 05:00 - Explanation of what a typical hurricane season looks like, covering the three to four key elements in hurricane season predictions: average number of named storms (14), hurricanes (7), major hurricanes (3), and the ACE (Accumulated Cyclone Energy) index (70-110 units).

05:00 - 08:00 - Detailed explanation of how the ACE index is calculated for individual storms and entire hurricane seasons, using sustained wind speeds expressed in knots.

08:00 - 11:00 - Discussion of historical ACE index records, including the highest recorded in 1933 (258.6), and notable recent years like 2004/2005. Description of Hurricane Ivan (2004) which had the second-highest single-storm ACE index at over 70.

11:00 - 14:00 - Predictions for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season from different organizations: Tropical Storm Risk (average season), Colorado State (above average), University of Arizona (normal), with varying predictions for named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes.

14:00 - 16:00 - Analysis of differences in ACE index predictions (ranging from 110 to 155 units) based on assumptions about sea surface temperatures.

16:00 - 18:00 - Comparison with the 2024 hurricane season, which was more active than usual with 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes, 5 major hurricanes, and an ACE index of 161.6, including notable storms like Hurricane Barrel, Milton, and Kirk.

18:00 - 19:00 - Preview of the next episode on how to prepare for hurricane season, particularly for critical industries like healthcare and telecommunications that need reliable emergency backup systems and fuel supplies.

In Episode 73 of the Fuel Pulse Show podcast, host Erik Bjornstad tackles a common misconception in fuel storage management: that quick turn fuel systems are immune to microbial contamination.

He explains how microbes can flourish in both slow turn (fuel stored for months or years) and quick turn systems (fuel cycled within days or weeks), as contamination resides not just in the fuel but in biofilms on tank surfaces.

The episode outlines practical steps to prevent and address microbial growth including regular sampling, biannual testing, water removal, and proper biocide treatment with EPA-registered products.

• The difference between quick turn (high turn) and slow turn (low turn) fuel storage
• Why quick turn fuel tanks are not immune to microbial contamination
• How microbes establish biofilms on tank surfaces regardless of fuel turnover rate
• The consequences of ignoring microbial contamination (clogged filters, tank corrosion)
• Practical steps to prevent and address microbial growth in fuel storage systems
• Why water removal alone is insufficient to eliminate established microbial contamination
• The importance of using EPA-registered biocides for effective treatment

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "The issue isn't just the fuel, the issue's also with the tank and the storage system itself... The chance of problems developing does not rest simply on the fact that the fuel gets used up and keeps getting changed quickly. It matters more that the tank itself does not change."
• "Microbial contamination doesn't need the same fuel sitting in there undisturbed for months... All it needs is water and opportunity, and that they're going to get that both in a quick turn and a slow turn situation."
• "The reality is that simply removing the water out of a system will not eliminate microbial contamination if microbial contamination is established in your tank. It will not go away simply if you remove the water. That is a myth that has had been held over from multiple decades in the past."

• Bell Performance testing kit
• Bellicide
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

[00:00:00] Introduction to the Fuel Pulse Show podcast and host Erik Bjornstad [00:01:00] Overview of businesses that rely on stored fuel (police, fire, utilities, telecoms, data centers, hospitals, fleets, agriculture) [00:02:00] Seasonal shifts in fuel management concerns from winter to spring/summer [00:03:00] Definition of quick turn (high turn) fuel users - fuel moves quickly through tanks [00:04:00] Introduction to the myth that microbial problems don't affect high turn fuel [00:05:00] Explanation of why quick turn fuel is not immune to microbial contamination [00:07:00] Examples of businesses using stored fuel and importance of fuel quality [00:08:00] Detailed explanation of low turn vs. high turn fuel usage patterns [00:10:00] Discussion of common misconception about quick turn fuel and microbes [00:12:00] Key insight: microbial contamination exists on tank surfaces, not just in fuel [00:14:00] How biofilms form and persist regardless of fuel turnover [00:15:00] How fuel drops can stir up and spread existing microbial contamination [00:17:00] Consequences of ignoring microbial contamination: clogged filters and tank corrosion [00:19:00] How to prevent microbial problems in quick turn tanks [00:21:00] Step 1: Regular fuel sampling with proper equipment (bacon bomb sampler) [00:23:00] Step 2: Biannual microbial testing using TP by filtration method [00:24:00] Step 3: Water removal and biocide treatment if contamination is found [00:26:00] Importance of using EPA-registered biocides for effective treatment [00:28:00] Closing remarks and subscription information

Erik Bjornstad continues the discussion on diagnosing generator problems, focusing on when and how to test fuel before accepting a technician's diagnosis that "bad fuel" is causing your generator failures.

The episode covers proper fuel testing procedures, sampling techniques, visual inspection clues, and how to interpret lab results to save potentially thousands in unnecessary fuel replacement costs.

Erik emphasizes the value of proper diagnostics and consulting with true fuel experts when generator technicians (who often lack fuel expertise) blame fuel quality for system issues.

• Why generator service technicians often blame fuel for problems when they can't find mechanical issues
• The specific properties of diesel fuel that can legitimately cause generator problems (flashpoint, cetane rating, viscosity, lubricity)
• How to properly sample fuel for testing without contaminating the sample
• Why pulling samples from the "dead bottom" of tanks provides misleading results
• How to use a "bacon bomb" fuel sampler to get diagnostically functional samples
• What visual inspection can (and cannot) tell you about fuel quality
• Why gasoline contamination in diesel is hazardous
• Which laboratory tests provide the most valuable diagnostic information
• How to interpret fuel test results to make informed decisions
• When to consider consulting with a specialized fuel expert

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "Most of the generator service technicians, they know a lot about generators. They do not know that much about fuel. Most of them that conclude that the condition has to be due to a fuel problem, they don't really know enough to say that for sure, to make that diagnosis for sure."
• "Before you commit to dumping thousands of dollars worth of stored fuel over a technician's hunch like this, you need to take some diagnostic steps to confirm whether the fuel actually is bad and is causing the problems that they think it is."
• "If all of the tests come back in spec, then that means your fuel's normal. Your fuel meets the minimum requirements in all of the areas that have been determined by the industry to have to do with supporting the minimum operating functions of your engine and your generator and not contributing to component damage."

• Bell Performance testing kits
• ASTM D975 specifications
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

[00:00:00] Introduction and recap of Part 1 [00:02:00] Why generator technicians blame fuel problems [00:04:00] What kinds of problems can out-of-spec fuel cause? [00:05:00] Combustion characteristics and their impact [00:06:00] Fuel lubricity ratings and biodiesel impact [00:07:00] Particulate contaminants and filter problems [00:08:00] Real-world example: municipality generator problems [00:10:00] Debunking filter damage claims from fuel [00:11:00] EPA registration of fuel treatments [00:13:00] Importance of fuel testing [00:14:00] Third-party laboratory testing explained [00:15:00] Which tests to use based on suspected problems [00:17:00] Proper fuel sampling techniques [00:20:00] Using a "bacon bomb" fuel sampler [00:22:00] Visual inspection - clear and bright fuel [00:24:00] Gasoline contamination in diesel fuel [00:26:00] ASTM mission-critical test slate [00:29:00] Understanding fuel test results [00:31:00] When to consult mechanical experts [00:33:00] Closing remarks and contact information

This episode explores common generator problems and challenges the automatic assumption that fuel is always to blame. Erik Bjornstad outlines a systematic approach to diagnosing generator issues, presenting four key diagnostic steps: checking fuel filters, examining fuel lines, inspecting valves, and looking for additional filters.

The episode emphasizes the importance of proper diagnosis to avoid unnecessary expensive solutions like fuel disposal or part replacement.

Special attention is given to detecting microbial contamination through various signs and testing methods. The host stresses that while fuel can be the culprit, other factors should be investigated before reaching that conclusion.

• The systematic approach to diagnosing generator problems
• Four key diagnostic steps for troubleshooting generator issues
• How to identify signs of microbial contamination in fuel systems
• The true costs associated with fuel disposal and system repairs
• Why fuel isn't always the culprit in generator failures
• Methods for testing and confirming microbial contamination
• The importance of proper diagnosis before expensive solutions

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "The fuel is bad isn't actually the right answer to the problem."

• "If you have evidence of microbial contamination, it's never a question of if it's going to lead to a future problem. It is always a question of when is that going to happen."

• "Most of the generator service technicians who conclude that the condition's due to a fuel problem, they actually don't know that much about fuel, but they'll blame the fuel anyway because it's the easiest thing to do."

• Bell Performance testing kits
• ASTM D975 specifications
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

[00:00:00] - Show introduction and overview [00:01:00] - Discussion of seasonal fuel challenges [00:02:00] - Introduction to generator problems and fuel blame [00:04:00] - Common scenario of generator service technician diagnosis [00:06:00] - Why technicians often blame fuel problems [00:08:00] - Cost implications of fuel disposal [00:12:00] - Diagnostic Step 1: Checking fuel filters [00:15:00] - Diagnostic Step 2: Checking fuel lines [00:17:00] - Diagnostic Step 3: Examining valves [00:18:00] - Diagnostic Step 4: Third filter inspection [00:20:00] - Discussion of microbial contamination [00:22:00] - Five signs of microbial growth [00:24:00] - Testing methods for contamination [00:26:00] - Preview of part 2 [00:28:00] - Closing remarks and subscription information

In Episode 70 of the Fuel Pulse Show, Erik Bjornstad provides a comprehensive analysis of the upcoming winter weather forecast across different U.S. regions. Following last year's unusually warm winter, meteorologists predict varying conditions: the South and Lower Midwest expect above-average temperatures until February, the Northeast and Upper Midwest anticipate alternating cold and mild periods, while the West faces early snow followed by rain.

The forecast is influenced by three major factors: La Niña conditions, Polar Vortex patterns, and warmer-than-usual Gulf and Pacific water temperatures. The episode concludes with practical advice for managing diesel fuel in cold weather conditions.

• Detailed regional weather predictions for different parts of the United States
• How La Niña differs from El Niño and affects winter weather patterns
• The role of the Polar Vortex in determining winter temperatures
• Impact of ocean water temperatures on continental weather systems
• Practical tips for managing diesel fuel in cold weather conditions
• Understanding cloud point temperature and its importance
• How to prepare for and prevent fuel gelling problems

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "The winter of 2023 to 2024 ended up being notably warm and mild across much of the United States. In fact, several warmth records were set and you had below-normal snowfall in many regions of the country."

• "When you have a strong La Niña, that gives you more extreme weather patterns... the U.S. might experience colder and stormier conditions than usual."

• "It really just illustrates how interconnected our planet's climate system is where anomalies that happen in one part of the ocean... can lead to significant weather changes that affect an entire continent."

• Winter weather data
• La Nina weather pattern
• Polar vortex meteorological data
• Cloud point temperature guidelines for diesel fuel
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

[00:00:00] - Show introduction and podcast overview [00:01:00] - Introduction to winter weather forecast topic [00:02:00] - Review of Winter 2023-2024 conditions [00:04:00] - Explanation of El Niño and its effects [00:08:00] - Regional forecast overview [00:09:00] - Northeast and Upper Midwest predictions [00:14:00] - Southern and Central Plains forecast [00:18:00] - Mountain West and West Coast outlook [00:21:00] - Three major influencing factors [00:22:00] - La Niña system explanation [00:27:00] - Polar Vortex discussion [00:29:00] - Gulf and Pacific water temperatures [00:33:00] - Regional summary of predictions [00:35:00] - Diesel fuel management tips for winter [00:39:00] - Episode wrap-up and closing

Host Erik Bjornstad discusses solid biocide sticks (also known as bug sticks) and their use in fuel management. While these sticks offer the apparent advantages of easy handling and convenient dosing, they face significant limitations.The episode explores six major problems with solid biocide sticks, including their lack of approval for on-road fuel use, water solubility issues, and potential tank corrosion risks. Bjornstad explains why these limitations make them unsuitable for many non-industrial fuel care scenarios, despite their popularity in specific industrial applications like bulk crude storage and pipelines.

• The history and development of bronopal as a biocide chemistry
• Why solid biocide sticks require specific conditions to work effectively
• The six major problems associated with solid biocide stick usage
• Regulatory limitations on biocide use in on-road fuels
• How biocide approvals work through the EPA's Division of Pesticides
• The difference between industrial and non-industrial fuel storage applications
• Why consistent biocide dosing matters for fuel treatment

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "Nothing is completely good, and nothing is completely bad. Even if you have something that seems to have a lot of problems, there are still always at least some good points that that thing will bring to the table."

• "Applying biocides - that is the biggest key factor for resolving microbial contamination because in order to eliminate a microbial contamination problem, you have to kill the microbes."

• "If a biocide is not legally approved for use in a specific situation... then it's not legal to use it in that situation."

• Belicide (thiosinane chemistry)
• Kethon (isothiazolone chemistry)
• ClearKill (MBO chemistry)
• Compare Bellicide and Clearkill
• Dow Fuel Saver (nitromorphlin chemistry)
• EPA's Division of Pesticides
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

[00:00:00] - Introduction and overview of fuel management [00:02:00] - Discussion of biocide importance in fuel treatment [00:04:00] - Introduction of common biocide types [00:05:00] - Introduction to solid biocide sticks [00:12:00] - History and background of bronopal [00:17:00] - Advantages claimed for solid biocide sticks [00:21:00] - Six problems with solid biocide sticks [00:32:00] - Discussion of engine deposits [00:37:00] - Summary and conclusions [00:40:00] - Closing remarks and show information

This episode of Fuel Pulse Show focuses on interpreting fuel test results, particularly for stored fuel samples. Host Erik Bjornstad guides listeners through various testing methods, including both ASTM D975 standard tests and predictive tests.The episode covers critical measurements like distillation temperatures, API gravity, cloud point, flashpoint, and cetane index, while also addressing water content and microbial testing. Practical solutions for addressing failing test results are provided, making this a comprehensive guide for fuel maintenance professionals.

• How to interpret D975 standard fuel test results
• Understanding the significance of distillation test parameters
• The importance of API gravity measurements
• How to interpret cloud point and cold weather indicators
• The meaning of flashpoint test results
• Understanding cetane index and its impact on engine performance
• The significance of water content testing
• How to interpret stability and microbial test results
• Solutions for addressing various types of test failures
• How to handle multiple failing test scenarios

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "Many of these options are ASTM tests, like those listed in the slate known as D 975. If it passes all the different D 975 tests, there's no reason that the fuel won't work properly if you use it."

• "Microbial testing is also predictive because if you have elevated microbial counts and you don't do anything, there's a very strong probability that they're going to cause problems in your fuel at some point in the future."

• "It's also not uncommon to have multiples of these tests coming back failing at the same time because of common factors that affect multiples of them at the same time."

• ASTM D975 specifications
• Bell Performance testing services
• Cold Flow Improver anti-gel solution
• Supertane cetane improver
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

[00:00:00] - Introduction to episode and Back to School series [00:01:00] - Discussion of different fuel test types and D975 specifications [00:02:00] - Introduction to distillation test requirements [00:03:00] - Explanation of API gravity testing and implications [00:04:00] - Discussion of cloud point and cold filter plug point temperatures [00:05:00] - Coverage of flashpoint specifications [00:06:00] - Explanation of cetane index and its requirements [00:07:00] - Details on total particulate testing [00:08:00] - Introduction to water testing methods [00:09:00] - Coverage of stability testing procedures [00:10:00] - Discussion of microbial testing importance [00:11:00] - Solutions for various test failures [00:12:00] - Addressing multiple failing test scenarios [00:13:00] - Closing remarks and call to action

This episode explores proper fuel sampling techniques and locations for different types of fuel testing. Erik Bjornstad explains how contaminants concentrate at tank bottoms, making sampling location crucial for accurate test results. He details specific sampling heights for different tests, introduces the bacon bomb sampler, and provides guidance on sample handling.

The episode covers testing for physical properties, microbial contamination, and water content, emphasizing that bottom samples (3-6 inches from bottom) provide the best diagnostic value for comprehensive testing. The discussion includes proper container selection and sample preservation techniques.

• How sampling location affects test accuracy
• Proper usage of a bacon bomb sampler
• Best sampling depths for different fuel tests
• Sample handling and preservation techniques
• Container selection for different test types
• Methods for measuring tank depth
• Best practices for comprehensive fuel testing

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "Where you sample from in a fuel tank can have a big impact on the test results that you get from that sample."
• "For stability testing, we prefer a bottom sample for that."
• "A bacon bomb is a non-sparking metal cylinder... probably the most commonly used thing for taking fuel samples in the industry."

• Bacon bomb sampler
• Bell Performance sampling attachments (3-inch, 6-inch, and 12-inch)
• ASTM visual inspection standards
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

[00:00:00] Introduction to fuel sampling best practices [00:01:45] Discussion of sampling locations for different tests [00:02:00] Physical properties testing locations [00:03:00] Microbial contamination sampling [00:04:00] Water and sediment testing requirements [00:05:00] Sampling equipment and techniques [00:05:30] Bacon bomb sampler demonstration [00:08:00] Sample container recommendations [00:09:30] Best practices for multiple tests