Smart Stack was developed to flare propane more efficiently and safely, says manufacturer Nova Gas Solutions. According to the company, the Smart Stack is the only approved flare stack in North America. The company says approval from Edison Laboratories took about one year to complete. Among the features of the flaring stack are a lockout switch, smash-button shutdown, high-gas-pressure shutdown,... read more
The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) issued an Aug. 31 letter to members ahead of the winter heating season, reminding them about the new energy environment in which the propane industry is operating and how it is competing with international buyers for the commodity. “As an industry we must adapt, and do so quickly,” the letter states. NPGA’s Supply and... read more
North American petrochemical producers’ increasing use of cost-advantaged natural gas liquids as a feedstock over oil means less propylene is being produced as a coproduct by the region’s steam crackers. This trend is driving greater global need for on-purpose production of propylene, which is a key chemical building block second in demand only to ethylene, according to new research from... read more
Two more rail terminals in Minnesota are now capable of handling more propane, just in time to meet demand for the upcoming heating and crop drying season. CHS announced the completion of an expanded propane rail terminal in Glenwood, Minn. Local officials, political dignitaries and CHS representatives took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Tours of the new facility were also... read more
New emissions regulations taking effect in California have forced the propane industry to react quickly and fast-track the development of equipment used on LP gas transports so companies can remain in compliance. The South Coast Air Quality Management District adopted Rule 1177 on June 1, 2012, for the purpose of reducing emissions associated with the transfer and dispensing of LP... read more
Having abundant hot water in our homes is something we all take for granted. From washing dishes to enjoying a long, hot, luxurious shower, water heaters make our lives much easier and far more pleasant. However, we do pay a significant price for having hot water on demand. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heaters account for 14... read more
The seventh annual Pros4Care golf event supporting the Prostate Cancer Foundation is scheduled for Nov. 17 at Stonebridge Ranch Country Club in McKinney, Texas. This year’s outing begins at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start. Breakfast and an awards luncheon are included with registration. Also, former Major League Baseball pitcher Brad Lincoln will play in the event. The Pros4Care golf... read more
A Cleveland radio station makes light of a meteorologist’s weather forecast by repeatedly playing a sound bite that proclaims temperatures and precipitation have equal chances of being near normal, above normal or below normal. “So it’s kind of a close call,” he says. While technology seems to have made weather forecasts amazingly accurate, few of us take them too seriously.... read more
Solis Capital Partners, a Newport Beach, Calif., private equity firm, is investing in Lehr LLC. Financial details of the investment were not disclosed. Lehr makes a line of propane-powered outboard marine engines in a variety of low horsepower configurations. “Partnering with Solis is a significant step in Lehr’s evolution,” says Bernardo Herzer, founder and CEO of Lehr, in a press... read more
Cavagna Group’s Enerkit line of gas-to-LP gas conversion systems are designed for small engines, such as those in trimmers, blowers, lawn mowers and snow blowers. The conversion systems also apply to freestanding power generators, water pumps and forklifts. Enerkit replaces the carburetor and enables engines to convert to LP gas. In addition, the company says Enerkit provides lower odor emissions,... read more
