When Altogas, Inc., began designing its new Red Arrow Transfer Terminal in Benton Harbor, MI, USA, it aimed big, hoping to achieve an unheard of 1,000 gallon-per-minute flow rate, which would require LPG pumps of the highest quality. To help accomplish this ambitious goal, the company installed Blackmer® LGL Series Sliding Vane Pumps from Gas Equipment Company to drive the unique LPG-transfer operation.

3" LC Turbine Meter Max Flow Rate - 700GPM (Custody Transfer Approved)

It's a basic tenet of negotiation: always ask for more than you can possibly hope to receive. Even with that in mind, when Scott Tonkin proposed a 1,000 gallon per-minute LPG throughput rate for Altogas, Inc.'s new Red Arrow Transfer Terminal in Benton Harbor, MI, USA, even his bosses were forced to do a double-take when considering their Operations Manager's seemingly pie-in-the-sky flow-rate goal.

Kevin Pruitt, Director of Integrated Systems for Gas Equipment Co., Dallas, TX, USA, the firm that supplies Altogas with its LPG-handling pumps and equipment, stated, "I received a phone call from Scott and he threw out a flow rate that scared the heck out of me-he wanted 1,000 gallons per minute," marveled Pruitt. "My first reaction was, 'Scott, I don't want to promise you I can do that and under-deliver.' He said, 'Will you work with me to try to get there?', and I said, 'Absolutely, I would.'"

 CLICK HERE for the Red Arrow Transfer Terminal Case Study 

CLICK THE IMAGE for VIDEO  Blackmer® LGL Pumps Meet Red Arrow Transfer Terminals' Unique Flow Requirements

"TECH Topic"

Regulatory Notice

Did you know that the inspection requirements for DOT cylinders vary depending on if they are filled where they are used (stationary use) versus if they are "in transportation"?

Subsection 5.2.3, Cylinders Filled on Site at the Point of Use, (2011 ed.) of NFPA 58 addresses the need to inspect stationary cylinders and provides a method to recertify cylinders filled where they are used.  Cylinders not "in transportation" are not subject to DOT regulations for recertification; however, they are required to be recertified by NFPA 58.

DOT cylinders in stationary service, that are filled on-site at the point of use and, therefore, are not under the jurisdiction of DOT, but shall comply with one of the following criteria:

1. They shall be re-qualified in accordance with DOT requirements.
2. They shall be visually inspected within 12 years of the date of manufacture and within every 5 years thereafter, in accordance with 5.2.3.2 through 5.2.3.4.

All personnel must be trained and qualified to perform inspections.  Training shall be documented in accordance with Section 4.4.

Visual inspections shall be performed in accordance with the following:

1. The cylinder is checked for exposure to fire, dents, cuts, digs, gouges, and corrosion.
2. The cylinder protective collar (where utilized) and the foot ring are intact and are firmly attached.
3. The cylinder is painted or coated to minimize corrosion.
4. The cylinder pressure relief valve indicates no visible damage, corrosion of operating components, or obstructions.
5. There is no leakage from the cylinder or its appurtenances that is detectable without the use of instruments.
6. The cylinder is installed on firm foundation and is not in contact with the soil.
7. A cylinder that passes the visual examination is marked with the month and year followed by the letter E.
8. The results of the visual inspection are documented, and a record of the inspection is retained for a 5 year period.

Rinnai is launching a rebate campaign for its tank-less water heaters, boilers and direct-vent furnaces to save consumers cash and give its propane retailers who are Rinnai dealers an added avenue to boost their gallon sales.

The rebates available range between $50 and $100, and the campaign period is July 1 to Sept. 30, 2013. Propane retailers who are not Rinnai dealers but are interested in offering the rebate campaign can attend a training class to gain eligibility. The product training schedule is available at www.rinnai.us.

Gas Equipment Company is kicking off the debut of its YouTube Channel: 

Gas Equipment Company TV

The GEC YouTube channel will be used to post useful how-to, introductory, product, and training videos.