National Petroleum News (NPN) has been the independent voice of the petroleum industry since 1909 as the opposition to Rockefeller’s Standard Oil. So, motor fuels marketing and retail is not just a sideline for us, it’s our core competency.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/25410
MARKETING & SUPPLY BY DEBRARESCHKE The need is small now, but the demand will only grow MOBILE FUELING AND DEF last year requiring all new diesel-engine vehicles sold in the U.S. to include equipment to treat the exhaust emitted by these cars and trucks, which will lower the amount of potentially harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) released into the atmosphere. The SCR technology works by injecting small quantities of T diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) into the exhaust upstream of a cat- alyst, which then converts to ammonia in the exhaust stream and reacts with NOx over the catalyst to form harmless nitro- gen gas and water. In short, the process converts NOx into two components found naturally in the air we breathe. DEF specifically is a 32.5 percent solution of chemically pure Urea and 67.5 percent demineralized or deionized water. It is a stable, non-toxic solution and is not considered by the Department of Transportation to be a hazardous substance. DEF is stored in a tank located on the car or truck; the size of these tanks vary, beginning at 4 gallon capacity going up to 28 gallons for on-road vehicles. Initial estimates have DEF consumption rates ranging from 2 to 3 percent, but this will be affected by engine make and model. Since DEF has to be on the vehicle, it creates a new challenge and new market for the mobile fueling industry. DEF should eventually be made available in bulk at all truck stops in the U.S., but for those with fleets,it opens up another need to be serviced. Mobile fueling is an attractive option for those with fleets. The process eliminates the time wasted in having individual drivers either visit retail or cardlock sites and it offers a way to efficiently control theft. For those operators without a tank or convenient places to fuel up, it’s almost a necessity. Now with the SCR technology, if marketers haven’t already figured out how to provide DEF in mobile fueling, they need to very soon. “Our customers have identified DEF as a logistical chal- lenge going forward,” said John Faris, III, marketing manag- er for Oilmen’s Truck Tanks.“However, many see it as a great opportunity to solidify relationships with fleet owners by providing them with one supplier for multiple products. Refuelers that have the ability to supply DEF will position 12 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 O MEET THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Agency’s 2010 emission standards, most diesel engine manufacturers have adopted something called Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology. The EPA mandate went into effect themselves to gain market share over time. Our forward- looking customers have embraced this new product and are working with us to get the equipment they need before the demand outpaces their capacity.” To offer a mobile fueling solution for DEF delivery, Oilmen’s Truck Tanks, Inc. has introduced a stand-alone, dedicated DEF pumping system with tank. “We first started developing DEF equipment solutions over two years ago,” he said. “We were very fortunate to be able to access the experience and equipment lines of our sis- ter company OEC Fluid Handling, which is our industrial equipment division.” The system is perfect for retrofitting to existing equip- ment and gives the operator the ability to top-off DEF tanks along with the other fuels that are being dispensed. DEF tanks from 75 to 100 gallons (space permitting) can be installed inside or outside of the cabinet. “Oilmen’s Truck Tanks formally debuted the nation’s first Weights and Measures approved DEF truck tank at the 2010 Mid-America Truck Show,” he said. “We now have Weights and Measures approved warehouse pumping systems, mobile skid units, cabinet mounted systems for trailers or truck tanks, and complete DEF compatible truck tanks.” Jubitz Mobile Refueling now offers DEF, available in bulk, for delivery in 2.5 gallon jugs, 55 gallon drums, 275 or 330 gallon totes, and for servicing fleets, truck-to-truck. The company works in the Portland/Salem area of Oregon. “We’ve been offering the service about six to nine months,” said Cori Johnson, co-general manager for Jubitz Fleet Fueling. “DEF is still in its early stages, so it’s not a huge need right now. But we do have a handful of customers that we either fill up their trucks for them or fill their drums.” Johnson said mobile fueling is a great option for those operators who have their fleet in one location. “We can pro- vide wet hosing 24-7,”she said. Plus, it saves the money of pay- ing a driver $15-25 an hour to fuel up his or her own vehicle. With the economy still trying to pick up steam following the recession, many businesses have been slow to buy new trucks with SCR technology, but the demand is likely to grow and Jubitz is preparing to expand its DEF offerings. “Right now we are looking to offer DEF at our Pacific Pride locations,”said Johnson.“Also,we are looking into designating a specific DEF truck to accommodate the growing need. Because NPN Magazine www.npnweb.com