The Fuel Pulse Show

In this episode of the Fuel Pulse Show, host Erik Bjornstad delves into the basics of long-term diesel fuel storage. He explains that diesel fuel begins to degrade almost immediately after refining due to unstable molecules and environmental factors like heat, oxygen, water, and microbial contamination.

Bjornstad discusses various tests to assess fuel health, including water and sediment, oxidative stability, and microbial testing. He recommends removing water and biomass, eliminating microbial contamination, and using fuel stabilizers to slow degradation.

The episode emphasizes the importance of early intervention and regular maintenance to extend the life of stored diesel fuel, providing valuable insights for fuel storage management.

• The chemical processes that occur in stored diesel fuel
• Factors that accelerate fuel degradation during storage
• How to assess the health and stability of stored fuel
• Key tests for evaluating fuel condition, including water and sediment, oxidative stability, and microbial tests
• Methods to slow down fuel degradation and extend storage life
• The importance of removing water and biomass from stored fuel
• Why addressing microbial contamination is crucial for fuel stability
• The role of fuel stabilizers in preserving fuel quality
• Best practices for maintaining stored diesel fuel over long periods
• The significance of early intervention in fuel storage management

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "Heat speeds up all of those chemical reactions linked to degrading the fuel. This kind of process always happens faster in hot weather than cold weather."
• "Using a fuel stabilizer is an essential step to stopping the oxidative and other chemical reactions that, if left unchecked, will result in stored fuel degradation."
• "Even if you could avoid every single one of these, you would still have reactive precursor molecules already in the fuel that would start to attack healthy fuel molecules virtually from day one."

• ASTM 975 (referenced in relation to the water and sediment test)
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

00:00 - Introduction and episode topic 00:59 - What happens when fuel is stored 01:59 - Factors that speed up fuel degradation 03:59 - Ways to assess fuel health and stability 05:59 - Key tests for evaluating stored fuel condition 07:59 - Methods to slow down fuel degradation 09:59 - Conclusion and recap

This episode of the Fuel Pulse Show introduces a "Back to School" series, focusing on the differences between modern Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) and older diesel fuels.

Host Eric Bjornstad explains how sulfur content in diesel fuel has been drastically reduced over the past 35 years due to environmental regulations. While this change has improved air quality, it has also led to new challenges in fuel management. ULSD is more prone to water absorption, microbial growth, and instability.

It also contains small amounts of biodiesel and has a lower aromatic content. The episode highlights the importance of understanding these changes for proper fuel storage and engine maintenance.

• The history of diesel fuel sulfur content regulations
• The definition and characteristics of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD)
• How ULSD differs from older diesel fuels in terms of water absorption
• The presence of biodiesel in modern diesel fuel and its benefits
• The impact of lower aromatic content on microbial growth in ULSD
• Why modern diesel fuel is less stable than its predecessors
• How ULSD is more susceptible to cold flow gelling in winter

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "In a span of about just 15 years, they reduced sulfur emissions by 99.7 percent from 5,000 down to 15 PPM."
• "ULSD fuels have bigger water problems than diesel fuels in the past. And it's directly tied to removing the sulfur."
• "While that has made it much better for the environment, the resulting fuel has more problems than before."

• Clean Air Act regulations
• Renewable Fuels Standard
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

00:00 - Introduction to the Fuel Pulse Show and the "Back to School" series 00:58 - History of diesel fuel sulfur content regulations 02:23 - Introduction to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) 02:55 - ULSD's increased problems with water content 04:48 - Biodiesel content in modern diesel fuel 06:44 - Lower aromatic content in ULSD 08:13 - Decreased stability of modern diesel fuel 09:15 - ULSD's increased susceptibility to cold flow gelling 10:00 - Recap of ULSD's characteristics and challenges

This episode discusses the effects of prolonged hot weather on stored fuel and offers preventative measures. Heat accelerates fuel degradation, increases water buildup, and promotes microbial growth.

The host recommends three key steps to combat these issues: 1) Regularly check for water in storage tanks and remove it promptly. 2) Treat fuel with a stabilizer early in summer to slow degradation. 3) Conduct microbial testing, preferably using ATP By Filtration methodology, at the beginning and end of summer. If elevated microbial levels are detected, treat with biocide. These proactive steps can help maintain fuel quality and prevent costly problems in hot weather conditions.

• How prolonged heat exposure affects stored fuel
• The impact of temperature on fuel evaporation and composition
• Why hot weather increases water buildup in fuel tanks
• The connection between heat, water, and microbial growth in fuel
• Three key strategies to protect fuel during hot weather
• The advantages of quantifiable microbial testing methods
• Why ATP by Filtration is recommended for microbial testing
• How to approach microbial testing if you can't afford specialized equipment
• The importance of proactive fuel management in hot weather

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "Heat affects fuel by affecting its evaporation, changing the fuel's composition, accelerating fuel instability, increasing water buildup in the fuel, and by making microbial contamination markedly easier to develop."
• "Microbial contamination is killed by adding biocide to the contaminated fuel. It is not killed, it is not solved, by removing water, contrary to what some in the industry might want to say."
• "Doing ATP by filtration methodology requires a specialized piece of equipment called the Illuminometer. If we had to name a downside for ATP by filtration, the start-up cost could be a little higher."

• Biocide
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

Introduction [00:00:00] Recap and Context [00:01:00] - Follow-up to the previous episode on hot weather and fuel - Focus on practical implications and protective measures Effects of Heat on Stored Fuel [00:02:00] - Increased evaporation rate - Changes in fuel composition - Acceleration of chemical reactions in fuel Water-Related Issues [00:10:00] - Increased water dissolution in fuel at higher temperatures - Cycle of water absorption and release due to temperature changes - Specific concerns for ethanol-blended gasoline Microbial Contamination [00:14:00] - Link between heat, water, and microbial growth - Explanation of how microbes thrive in fuel systems Best Practice Recommendations [00:16:00] 1. Regular water checks [00:17:00] - Using tank stick and water paste - Importance of immediate water removal 2. Early fuel stabilization [00:20:00] - Adding stabilizer at the beginning of summer - Options for late treatment 3. Microbial testing [00:22:00] - Importance of quantifiable results - ATP by filtration methodology - Alternative testing options Timing of Microbial Testing [00:29:00] - Recommendation to test at the beginning and end of summer Summary and Conclusion [00:30:00] - Recap of main points - Importance of proactive planning and commitment to fuel management Closing Remarks [00:32:00] - Call to subscribe and rate the podcast

This podcast episode discusses the impact of hot weather on fuel storage. The host, Eric Bjornstad, examines recent heat waves and record-breaking temperatures across the United States, citing specific examples from 2020 to 2023.

He explains how scientists measure and document extended heat periods, looking at factors like consecutive days above threshold temperatures and nighttime lows. The episode also delves into how researchers determine historical temperature data using methods like ice core samples, tree rings, and coral reef analysis.

This information sets the stage for a future discussion on how extreme heat affects stored fuel and best practices for mitigating these issues.

• The significance of recent heat waves and record-breaking temperatures
• Examples of extreme heat events from 2020-2023 across the U.S
• How scientists measure and document extended periods of heat
• The concept of "long period high temperatures" and its importance
• Methods used to estimate historical temperatures
• The scientific basis for claims about record-breaking global temperatures
• Introduction to how heat affects stored fuel (to be discussed in Part 2)
• The importance of considering sustained heat, not just daily highs
• The impact of nighttime temperatures on overall heat assessment
• How climate change discussions relate to fuel industry concerns

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "More than 200 places in the United States didn't just set their high temperature records, they set their records for it being hotter for longer than at any point in their particular histories."
• "The point is, temperatures everywhere and in every part of the United States, the evidence seems to show that those temperatures are getting hotter."
• "If you think about it, the nighttime temperatures and the high minimum temperatures, those aren't just important from an academic exercise standpoint. They're important for practical public health purposes because cooler nighttime temperatures typically provide relief from the daytime heat."

• https://community.wmo.int/en/climate-data-and-monitoring
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

[00:00:00] Introduction to the Fuel Pulse Show podcast and the episode topic [00:01:00] Discussion on the impact of hot weather on stored fuel [00:02:00] Addressing the debate around global warming and climate change - Mention of 2023 as the hottest year on record - Countering narratives on social media [00:03:00] Explanation of the difference between isolated heat waves and global temperature trends - Discussion of the Dust Bowl phenomenon in the 1930s [00:04:00] Recent heat records and trends - Last eight years being the warmest on record - Pacific Northwest heat dome of 2021 [00:06:00] Examples of extreme heat events in various U.S. locations - Phoenix's 53 consecutive days over 110°F in 2020 - California's heat waves in 2020 and 2021 - Death Valley's record temperatures [00:08:00] Explanation of "long period high temperatures" - Over 200 U.S. locations setting records in August 2023 [00:10:00] Scientific methods for documenting extended heat - Maximum temperature records - Consecutive days above threshold temperatures - Nighttime and high minimum temperatures [00:13:00] Addressing claims about historical temperature records - July 2-3, 2023, claimed as hottest days in 100,000 years [00:16:00] Introduction to paleoclimatology and methods for estimating historical temperatures - Ice core samples - Tree ring analysis - Coral reef examination [00:20:00] Additional methods for studying past climate conditions - Sediment core samples - Isotope analysis [00:23:00] Wrap-up and preview of Part 2 - Upcoming discussion on how heat affects stored fuel - Best practices for addressing heat-related fuel problems [00:24:00] Closing remarks and call for subscriptions and ratings

Episode 52 of the Fuel Pulse Show discusses recent gas stove regulations controversies. Host Eric Bjornstad breaks down the Department of Energy's proposed efficiency standards for appliances, including gas stoves.

He explains the rulemaking process and debunks exaggerated claims about banning existing gas stoves. The episode clarifies that new rules only affect future models, with 97% of current gas stoves already meeting standards. The host examines the political rhetoric around the issue and parallels past debates over car safety regulations. He argues that, like seatbelts, these efficiency standards may initially face resistance but will likely be accepted as beneficial over time.

• The background of recent gas stove regulation controversies
• How the federal rulemaking process works for new regulations
• The actual content of the Department of Energy's new appliance efficiency standards
• Clarification on misconceptions about "banning" existing gas stoves
• The potential energy savings and environmental impact of the new standards
• How political rhetoric can distort the reality of proposed regulations
• Parallels between current appliance efficiency debates and past car safety regulation debates
• The difference between regulating new products vs. existing ones in homes
• How public perception of government regulations can change over time
• The balance between consumer choice and government efforts for public good
• The specific efficiency improvements required for gas furnaces and stoves
• How to critically evaluate claims about government overreach in regulations

• "One of the things that we like to do here on the Fuel Pulse Show podcast is to try and cut through the hyperbole to get at the substance of things, and that's what we want to do on this issue."
• "People dislike the government telling them what to do. There, I said it. People don't like the government telling them what to do. People don't like thinking that the government is telling them they must do something."
• "Considering some of the things already in place that might have been viewed at the time as government overreach, but now that we got those things, we would look at them and it would be fair to ask, are those things really such terrible evils?"

• Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Department of Energy
• Administrative Procedures Act (APA)
• Clean Power Plan (as an example of a long Notice of Proposed Rulemaking)
• Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975
• CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act (proposed legislation)
• SMART Energy Efficiency Standards Act (proposed legislation)
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

00:00 - Introduction to the Fuel Pulse Show and episode topic 01:00 - Discussion of polarized media landscape in the US 02:00 - Overview of recent controversies surrounding gas stove regulations 03:30 - Explanation of health concerns related to gas stove emissions 05:00 - Introduction to the Consumer Product Safety Commission 06:30 - Breakdown of Richard Trumka Jr.'s comments on potential gas stove regulations 08:00 - Statistics on gas stove usage in the US 09:30 - Detailed explanation of the federal rulemaking process 17:00 - Example of a long Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Clean Power Plan) 21:00 - Clarification on the Department of Energy's actual proposals for appliance efficiency 24:00 - Explanation of energy efficiency standards for refrigerators 27:00 - Discussion of new standards for gas furnaces and water heaters 30:00 - Analysis of political reactions to the proposed regulations 33:30 - Breakdown of the final rules and their actual impact on gas stoves 38:00 - Comparison of original proposals to final rules 41:00 - Debunking myths about banning existing gas stoves 44:00 - Overview of the administration's stated purpose for new regulations 46:00 - Discussion on why people oppose efficiency regulations 48:00 - Historical parallels with seatbelt and CAFE standards 52:00 - Analysis of how public perception of regulations changes over time 54:30 - Conclusion and call to action for listeners

In Episode 051 of the Fuel Pulse Show Podcast, Elizabeth Connelly discusses the challenges and future trends of electric vehicle (EV) adoption, focusing on charging infrastructure and heavy-duty transportation.

She highlights the need for faster charging solutions, particularly for heavy-duty trucks, and anticipates societal acceptance of longer charging times as infrastructure improves.

Connelly emphasizes the importance of electrifying commercial vehicles due to their significant contribution to emissions and the potential cost savings for businesses.

She also touches on the role of government policies in achieving net-zero goals and the complementary role of hydrogen fuel cells and plug-in hybrids in the transition to electric mobility.

• The current and future state of EV charging technology, including fast charging for heavy-duty trucks.
• Societal acceptance of longer charging times and the impact of improved infrastructure.
• The significant role of commercial vehicles in emissions reduction and the potential for cost savings.
• Challenges and strategies for electrifying heavy-duty transportation, including trucks and buses.
• The influence of government policies and regulations on EV adoption and net-zero goals.
• The potential and limitations of hydrogen fuel cells in road transport.
• The benefits of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles as a transitional technology.
• Comparative analysis of EV adoption trends in different global markets, including the U.S. and China.
• The importance of total cost of ownership for businesses in transitioning to electric fleets.
• The role of consumer behavior and expectations in the shift towards electric vehicles.

• "As battery size grows to cover longer driving distances, the cost and weight of the battery increase, which can cut into the amount of payload the truck can carry."
• "The commercial vehicle segment might move faster to electrification than personal transport because as soon as it starts making business sense, businesses get a competitive edge if they go electric."
• "Electric vehicles are going to be possible in most segments and are the most affordable zero-emission option, but hydrogen fuel cells may still play a role in hard-to-electrify segments like long-haul trucking."

• International Energy Agency (IEA): An intergovernmental organization that provides data, analysis, and policy recommendations on energy-related topics. IEA Website
• U.S. Department of Energy's Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office
• Clean Energy Ministerial's Electric Vehicle Initiative
• Tesla Supercharger Network
• Elizabeth Connelly - IEA - LinkedIn
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

[00:00:00] Host introduces the episode and Elizabeth Connelly from the IEA, focusing on the challenges and future trends of electric vehicles (EVs). 1. EV Charging Technology - [00:01:00] Discussion on the current state of EV charging technology. - [00:01:30] Elizabeth explains the development of ultra-fast chargers for heavy-duty trucks and the importance of megawatt-scale chargers. 2. Societal Acceptance of Charging Times - [00:02:00] Addressing concerns about the longer charging times compared to refueling with petroleum. - [00:02:30] Anticipation of societal norms changing to accept longer EV charging times. 3. Infrastructure Improvements - [00:03:00] Importance of increasing the availability of charging stations. - [00:03:30] Future vision of widespread charging infrastructure at rest stops, malls, and workplaces. 4. Heavy-Duty Transportation - [00:05:00] Importance of electrifying medium and heavy-duty trucks and buses. - [00:05:30] Challenges in electrifying long-haul trucks due to battery size and weight. 5. Technology and Strategies for Truck Electrification - [00:06:00] Advances in battery energy density and megawatt-scale charging. - [00:06:30] Strategies for charging trucks during mandated breaks and the phased approach to electrification. 6. Commercial vs. Personal EV Adoption - [00:08:00] Discussion on the commercial vehicle segment's potential to move faster towards electrification. - [00:09:00] Benefits of EVs for businesses in terms of cost savings and competitive edge. 7. Government Policies and Net Zero Goals - [00:11:00] Role of government policies in reaching net-zero emissions goals. - [00:12:00] Challenges of price parity between EVs and conventional vehicles in the U.S. 8. Public Charging Infrastructure - [00:14:00] Addressing public concerns about the availability and reliability of charging stations. - [00:14:30] Encouragement of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles as a transitional solution. 9. Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Synthetic Fuels - [00:16:00] Discussion on the role of hydrogen fuel cells in long-haul trucking and other hard-to-electrify segments. - [00:17:00] Potential for synthetic fuels in reducing emissions, despite high costs. 10. Government's Role in EV Adoption - [00:18:00] Discussion on government mandates and public health benefits of regulations. - [00:19:00] Comparison to past public health regulations like seatbelt laws and building codes. Conclusion - [00:20:00] Host wraps up the episode, thanking Elizabeth Connelly for her insights. - [00:21:00] Mention of additional resources in the show notes, including the IEA report and links to EV-related information. - [00:21:30] Encouragement for listeners to subscribe, share the podcast, and tune in to the next episode.

In Episode 50 of the Fuel Pulse podcast, Elizabeth Connelly discusses various aspects of electric vehicle (EV) trends, focusing on global policy impacts and market shifts toward EV adoption.

She highlights how countries like China have achieved price parity between EVs and conventional vehicles through aggressive policies and integrated supply chains.

The discussion also covers shifting from purchasing incentives to infrastructure support, like public charging stations, as markets mature.

Connelly emphasizes the importance of smart charging and grid integration to handle the growing demand for EVs and suggests that governments must proactively plan to avoid bottlenecks in EV adoption.

• Global Policy Influence on EV Adoption: Insights into how countries' policies shape the electric vehicle market, particularly through incentives and infrastructure support.
• Market Dynamics and Price Parity: Understanding how nations like China have achieved price parity between electric and conventional vehicles and the factors driving this change.
• Transition from Incentives to Infrastructure: Discuss the phasing out of purchase subsidies for EVs as markets mature and the increasing focus on developing public charging infrastructure.
• Smart Charging and Grid Integration: The importance of smart charging systems for efficient energy use and how these can benefit the electrical grid.
• Future Challenges and Solutions: Explain the challenges facing different regions in adopting EV technologies and the anticipatory actions governments need to take.
• Role of Building Codes and Regulations: Learn about the influence of building codes and how they can facilitate the installation of EV chargers, contributing to broader adoption.
• EV Industry Trends: Insights into what major automakers are planning for the future regarding electric vehicles and how governmental standards are influencing these plans.

• "China is a good success story for phasing out purchase subsidies. Last year, about 60 percent of the electric cars sold in China were cheaper than their conventional equivalents based on size class."
• "Charging infrastructure, especially public charging infrastructure, will be critical to enable EV adoption. It's important to think ahead for charging because if you're connecting to the grid, there can be queues for grid connections, and grid upgrades can take a long time."
• "Smart charging can know when it's beneficial to pull energy. If you have vehicle-to-grid capabilities, you can even discharge energy from the vehicle battery back to the grid, which can be beneficial."

• International Energy Agency (IEA): An intergovernmental organization that provides data, analysis, and policy recommendations on energy-related topics. IEA Website

• Global EV Outlook Report: An annual report coordinated and authored by Dr. Elizabeth Connolly, providing insights and data on the adoption and impact of electric vehicles worldwide. Global EV Outlook Report

• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL): An organization where Dr. Connolly previously worked, focusing on vehicle decarbonization, hydrogen, and fuel cell technologies. NREL Website

• COP 28: An important climate conference where countries agreed to work towards targets such as tripling installed renewable power capacity and doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvements. COP 28 Information
• Elizabeth Connelly - IEA - LinkedIn
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

00:00:00 - Host Erik Bjornstad introduces the episode and guest Elizabeth Connelly, an expert in electric vehicle (EV) trends. 00:01:00 - Discussion on maintaining and adapting support for electric cars globally, with a focus on different policy mechanisms such as purchase subsidies and tax rebates. 00:02:00 - Connelly explores how some countries, particularly China, have managed to achieve price parity between electric and conventional cars, leading to a reduction in purchase subsidies. 00:03:00 - The conversation shifts to the importance of investing in public charging infrastructure as markets mature and the role of government in facilitating this transition. 00:04:00 - Insight into how China has scaled EV technologies through integrated supply chains and competitive market dynamics. 00:05:00 - Discussion on consumer perceptions of EV costs in the U.S. and the factors contributing to price parity in China. U.S. Policies and Innovations 00:06:00 - Connelly touches on recent U.S. initiatives like the IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) aimed at promoting domestic EV production and mineral processing. 00:07:00 - The role of geopolitical dynamics, particularly between China and Taiwan, in shaping the global EV market. 00:08:00 - Examination of government actions in different countries to promote EV adoption through policies and regulatory measures. 00:09:00 - Discussion on the challenges and necessary government actions to achieve EV adoption goals, including the need for charging infrastructure and smart grids. 00:18:00 - Explanation of smart charging and its benefits to the electrical grid, including vehicle-to-grid technologies. 00:22:00 - The significance of building codes in preparing for EV infrastructure, with examples from Norway and the EU. 00:24:00 - Overview of EU and U.S. strategies for building out EV charging networks, including distance requirements between chargers and funding initiatives. 00:28:00 - Episode wrap-up and final thoughts on the evolving landscape of electric vehicles. These notes provide listeners with a detailed roadmap of the episode, highlighting key topics and resources discussed.

In this episode of the Fuel Pulse Show, Erik Bjornstad provides a detailed update on the aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore.

He covers the immediate impact on the port, the extensive salvage operations, and the progress made in removing the wreckage.

Erik discusses the insurance and funding challenges, the political responses, and the legal implications for the companies involved.

He also delves into the preliminary findings from the NTSB investigation, exploring the mechanical and electrical issues that led to the disaster. The episode concludes with insights into the ongoing efforts to resolve the situation.

On today's show, we'retalking about the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season that starts June the 1st.They're predicting one of the busiest and worst hurricane seasons that we'veseen in the last 100 years because of a combination of conditions that typicallyare only seen in the worst hurricane years.

So we'll talk about why they think it's going to be so bad and What weatherconditions need to be present for hurricanes to form and grow. And we'll alsotalk about some of the best things that you can do right now to prepare for theworst later so that you're ahead of the game while everyone else is scrambling

You can find show notes and more at: www.bellperformance.com/fuel-pulse-show/047