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- 1. Propane Autogas Jackson, Wyoming Larry Osgood Consulting Solutions, LLC Rocky Mountain Propane Association April 17, 2015 A Safe, Economical, and Environmentally Friendly Option for Fleet Vehicles
- 2. Valuable Information to Help Emergency Responders Prepare for Potential Propane Autogas Incidents Additional Resources to Help You Understand and Evaluate Propane-Autogas-Fueled-Vehicles Propane Autogas Fleet Owners Share Their Stories and Experiences Agenda Successful Fleet InitiativesSuccessful Fleet Initiatives Emergency Responders: What You Need to Know Emergency Responders: What You Need to Know ResourcesResources Discussion of the Economical, Environmental, and Safety Benefits of Propane-Autogas-Fueled Vehicles Propane Autogas: The Smarter Vehicle Alternative Propane Autogas: The Smarter Vehicle Alternative
- 3. Agenda Valuable Information to Help Emergency Responders Prepare for Potential Propane Autogas Incidents Additional Resources to Help You Understand and Evaluate Propane-Autogas-Fueled-Vehicles Propane Autogas Fleet Owners Share Their Stories and Experiences Emergency Responders: What You Need to Know Emergency Responders: What You Need to Know ResourcesResources Discussion of the Economical, Environmental, and Safety Benefits of Propane-Autogas-Fueled Vehicles Successful Fleet InitiativesSuccessful Fleet Initiatives Valuable Information to Help Emergency Responders Prepare for Potential Propane Autogas Incidents Additional Resources to Help You Understand and Evaluate Propane-Autogas-Fueled-Vehicles Propane Autogas Fleet Owners Share Their Stories and ExperiencesSuccessful Fleet InitiativesSuccessful Fleet Initiatives Emergency Responders: What You Need to Know Emergency Responders: What You Need to Know ResourcesResources Discussion of the Economical, Environmental, and Safety Benefits of Propane-Autogas-Fueled Vehicles Propane Autogas: The Smarter Vehicle Alternative Propane Autogas: The Smarter Vehicle Alternative
- 4. Agenda Valuable Information to Help Emergency Responders Prepare for Potential Propane Autogas Incidents Additional Resources to Help You Understand and Evaluate Propane-Autogas-Fueled-Vehicles Propane Autogas Fleet Owners Share Their Stories and Experiences Emergency Responders: What You Need to Know Emergency Responders: What You Need to Know ResourcesResources Discussion of the Economical, Environmental, and Safety Benefits of Propane-Autogas-Fueled Vehicles Successful Fleet InitiativesSuccessful Fleet Initiatives Valuable Information to Help Emergency Responders Prepare for Potential Propane Autogas Incidents Additional Resources to Help You Understand and Evaluate Propane-Autogas-Fueled-Vehicles Propane Autogas Fleet Owners Share Their Stories and ExperiencesSuccessful Fleet InitiativesSuccessful Fleet Initiatives Emergency Responders: What You Need to Know Emergency Responders: What You Need to Know ResourcesResources Discussion of the Economical, Environmental, and Safety Benefits of Propane-Autogas-Fueled Vehicles Propane Autogas: The Smarter Vehicle Alternative Propane Autogas: The Smarter Vehicle Alternative Skipping today, info at www/autogasusa.org
- 5. Agenda Valuable Information to Help Emergency Responders Prepare for Potential Propane Autogas Incidents Additional Resources to Help You Understand and Evaluate Propane-Autogas-Fueled-Vehicles Propane Autogas Fleet Owners Share Their Stories and Experiences Emergency Responders: What You Need to Know Emergency Responders: What You Need to Know ResourcesResources Discussion of the Economical, Environmental, and Safety Benefits of Propane-Autogas-Fueled Vehicles Successful Fleet InitiativesSuccessful Fleet Initiatives Valuable Information to Help Emergency Responders Prepare for Potential Propane Autogas Incidents Additional Resources to Help You Understand and Evaluate Propane-Autogas-Fueled-Vehicles Propane Autogas Fleet Owners Share Their Stories and ExperiencesSuccessful Fleet InitiativesSuccessful Fleet Initiatives Emergency Responders: What You Need to Know Emergency Responders: What You Need to Know ResourcesResources Discussion of the Economical, Environmental, and Safety Benefits of Propane-Autogas-Fueled Vehicles Propane Autogas: The Smarter Vehicle Alternative Propane Autogas: The Smarter Vehicle Alternative
- 6. Propane Autogas: Economical, Environmental, and Safety Benefits
- 7. Propane Autogas: A Smarter Vehicle Alternative • Propane-autogas-fueled vehicles have existed for over 100 years • Approximately 24 million propane-autogas-fueled vehicles are in operation around the globe • Propane autogas is the most widely used alternative transportation fuel in the world
- 8. Propane Autogas: The Smarter Vehicle Alternative Why the increased interest in propane-autogas-fueled vehicles? Economical Environmentally Friendly Safety AdvantagesDomestically Produced
- 9. Economical • Costs less per gallon than gasoline or diesel fuel • Lower maintenance costs • Incentives available for fleet use
- 10. Economical Data provided by: ThyssenKrupp Elevator Americas Vehicle savings of ~$2,300 per vehicle fueled with propane autogas in 2014. This represents a 41% savings in fuel costs. Fuel Type Miles per Year Gallons Price per Gallon Annual Fuel Cost Gasoline 25,000 1850 $3.00 $5,550.00 Propane Autogas 25,000 2180 $1.50 $3,270.00 Savings $2,280.00
- 11. Environmentally Friendly Propane-autogas-fueled vehicles emit 17 percent fewer greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than gasoline-fueled vehicles. Emissions Comparison Gasoline-fueled Vehicle emissions Propane-autogas-fueled vehicles 12% fewer carbon dioxide emissions 20% fewer nitrogen oxide emissions 60% fewer carbon monoxide emissions
- 12. Rocky Mountain Gas Production & Consumption Gross Production vs. Total ConsumptionColorado gas production has grown over 1.5 Bcf/d since January 2005 while total consumption has remained relatively flat and below production levels.Bcf/d Source: Encana Fundamentals, EIA, DI Desktop EXPORTEDVOLUME
- 13. Source: Encana, EV Maps USA Natural Gas Liquids Major NGL Pipelines Mont Belvieu Conway Sarnia Marcellus Western Canada Hobbs South LA Skelly Medford Midwest Primary Hub Secondary Hub Flow Direction Bakken West Rockies Existing Pipeline East Rockies Planned Pipeline
- 15. Overall Supply Potential for LPG • NA supply potential for propane as additional autogas is about 10 Billion Gallons per Year • About energy equivalent to US ethanol use • About 5% of overall vehicle fuel use • Additional 4 BGY w broader spec LPG • Synthetic LPG from all liquid syn-fuels processes such as FT & MTG • Bio LPG from NExBTL Neste bio-diesel HVO process • 20BGY biomass to DME
- 16. Flammability Range Among alternative fuels, propane has the narrowest flammability range Safety Advantages of Propane Autogas
- 17. • Requires a higher temperature to ignite than gasoline or diesel fuel • Does not puddle – vaporizes and dissipates into the air • Cannot be accidentally ingested Safety Advantages of Propane Autogas
- 18. • Built-in safety devices and shut-off valves • Propane tanks are 20 times more puncture-resistant than gasoline tanks Safety Advantages of Propane Autogas
- 19. Propane-Autogas-Fueled Vehicles Meet Strict Set of Rules and Requirements • The Department of Transportation • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration • Environmental Protection Agency
- 20. Propane-Autogas-Fueled Vehicles Meet Strict Set of Rules and Requirements • American Society of Mechanical Engineers • National Fire Protection Association • Underwriters’ Laboratory
- 21. Technology Enhancements Changing Perceptions • Performance level equal or greater than gasoline- and diesel-fueled vehicles • Better system integration • Highly trained mechanics
- 23. Successful Fleet Initiatives Raleigh (N.C.) Police DepartmentPortland (Ore.) School District Zion (Utah) National Park
- 24. Successful Fleet Initiatives Portland, Oregon School District
- 25. Successful Fleet Initiatives Portland, Oregon School District • Portland School District has used propane-autogas-fueled buses for more than 30 years • Owns and operates about 75 buses • In addition, First Student owns and operates a large fleet for the school district
- 26. Successful Fleet Initiatives Portland, Oregon School District “As you can imagine, when you operate as many fleet buses as we do in a large city like Portland, occasionally, accidents are going to happen. I’ve been here for six years and I don’t know of any propane autogas safety issues that we’ve ever encountered as the result of an accident. These buses and their fuel tanks are extremely durable.” Eric Stewart, Fleet Service Coordinator Portland, Oregon Public School District
- 27. Successful Fleet Initiatives Raleigh, North Carolina Police Department Image Courtesy of City of Raleigh
- 28. Successful Fleet Initiatives Raleigh, North Carolina Police Department • Between 2011 and 2012, the Raleigh Police Department purchased 20 bi-fuel vehicles for its fleet • The police department views propane autogas as a safe, cost-effective fuel that helps them serve and protect their community “When we started looking into replacing our patrol cars, we had certain criteria that needed to be met. First and foremost, they needed to be safe.” Doug Brugger, Police Captain Raleigh, North Carolina Police Department
- 29. Successful Fleet Initiatives Zion National Park, Utah
- 30. Successful Fleet Initiatives Zion National Park, Utah • In 2000, Zion National Park instituted a propane-autogas- fueled shuttle bus service • Fleet of 32 buses and 23 passenger trailers • The National Park Service uses propane-autogas-fueled vehicles to reduce pollution
- 31. Successful Fleet Initiatives Zion National Park, Utah “Not only are these buses better for the environment, they’re safe. We transport approximately 3.4 million people with them each year and they’ve proven to be as durable as gasoline- or diesel- fueled busses.” Jack Burns, Concessions Management Chief Zion National Park, Utah
- 32. Emergency Responders: What You Need to Know
- 33. Emergency Responders: What You Need to Know “Propane vehicles, if they’re handled and maintained properly, are very safe and they offer a lot of benefits to fleet users. However, since the fuel has different characteristics than gasoline or diesel, it’s important to understand those differences.” James Mays Jr., Vice President and Interior Firefighter, Sheridan Fire Department, New York
- 34. Propane Properties • Tasteless, colorless, and naturally odorless • Propane manufacturers add odorant (ethyl mercaptan) • Capable of being either liquid or gas; in ambient conditions, it is a gas • Flammability range of 2.2 percent to 9.6 percent • Approximate ignition temperature of 920 degrees Fahrenheit • If liquid propane leaks, it will vaporize and dissipate into the air (will not puddle)
- 35. Propane Properties • Stored and transported as a liquid (under pressure) and can vaporize under the proper conditions • Vaporizes at approximately -44 degrees Fahrenheit • One cubic foot of propane will boil off (expand) into 270 feet of vapor • If liquid propane contacts skin, immediate frostbite results
- 36. Vehicle Identification • Propane identification decals are mounted on the lower right rear of the vehicle (above the bumper) • Decal is black, diamond shaped with a luminous light silver or white border, and with the word “PROPANE”
- 37. Vehicle Components • Fuel tank • Fuel tank mounting and bracket system • Fuel system and line
- 38. Fuel Tanks • Built in several shapes and sizes • Installed in a variety of locations (depending on the type of vehicle) • Vehicles may have more than one tank • Tanks rated for 312 psig • Pressure-relief valves vent to outside of vehicle • 20 times more puncture-resistant than a gas tank • Equipped with manual shutoff, excess flow, and automatic closure features
- 39. Fuel Tanks • The location of manual shutoff valves are typically marked on many vehicles
- 40. Fuel Tank Durability “Propane tanks are more durable than gasoline or diesel tanks. If in the rare instance a tank were to get punctured as the result of an accident, it doesn’t mean that the vehicle would explode like you might see in a Hollywood movie.” James Mays, Jr., Vice President and Interior Firefighter Sheridan Fire Department, New York Click link below to play video http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=jAI12LtFkjw
- 41. Fuel Tank Mounting & Bracket Systems • Fuel tanks can be mounted inside or outside of a vehicle › Typical exterior mounts include: – Pickup truck bed – Under a flat or stake bed of a truck – Along the frame rails of a truck or bus › Typical interior mounts include: – Trunk of a passenger car (e.g., taxi and police car) – Rear of a van, minivan, or SUV – Must be installed with protective enclosure to prevent leaks to passenger compartment • All tanks must be protected to prevent damage from objects encountered on roadways
- 42. Fuel Tank Mounting & Bracket Systems • Exterior mount on pickup truck bed Images courtesy of Roush CleanTech Enlarged View
- 43. Fuel Tank Mounting & Bracket Systems • Exterior mount on DRW cabin chassis Images courtesy of Roush CleanTech Enlarged View
- 44. Fuel Tank Mounting & Bracket Systems • Interior mount in van Images courtesy of Roush CleanTech Enlarged View
- 45. Fuel Tank Mounting & Bracket Systems • Larger vehicles and buses may have bracket systems › Buses utilize a bracket system that provides added protection › Tanks located between bus frame rails
- 46. Fuel Systems and Lines • Three types of fuel systems 1. Vapor fuel injection system – Propane stored in tank in liquid form – Relatively low pressure of 10-200 psi – Passes through fuel line to engine, converted to vapor by a heat exchanger/regulator – Vapor mixes with air and enters combustion chamber – Similar to a traditional vehicle carburetor system
- 47. Fuel Systems and Lines 2. Liquid port fuel injection system – New and popular technology – Liquid propane is injected into the intake port – Improves engine durability and power output 3. Direct Injection – Liquid propane is injected into the combustion chamber – Improves engine efficiency and power output increased Image courtesy of Roush CleanTech
- 48. Fuel Systems and Lines • Propane autogas fuel lines are typically routed through the vehicle in the same location as the original factory fuel lines • Fuel lines are typically made of stainless steel to handle the varying temperatures and pressures of liquid propane • An automatic shutoff valve prevents the flow of fuel to the engine when it is not running, even if the ignition switch is in the “on” position
- 49. Vehicle Refueling • Distinct differences in propane autogas dispensing systems › Sealed systems › Operate under higher pressure • Above-ground storage • Tanks filled to 80% to allow expansion • Pump/dispenser uses standard 110/220V electrical
- 50. Approaching and Assessing a Vehicle Incident “It’s difficult to change a perception without first understanding the facts. Through public education and quality training, emergency responders and citizens in our communities can see the benefits of propane autogas and understand that it is safe.” Mark Holloway, Volunteer Fire Chief West I-10 Fire Department, Texas
- 51. Resources
- 52. Propane Autogas Resources www.propane.com This Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)-sponsored website provides information on the several different types of propane-autogas-fueled vehicles (and other types of propane equipment), fueling with propane autogas, adoption incentives, and propane autogas webinars. http://www.propanesafety.com This PERC website provides information and training dates for the Propane Emergencies program. http://www.afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/propane.html The U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center website delivers information on various alternative-fueled vehicles, including those fueled by propane autogas.
- 53. Propane Vehicle ROI Savings Calculation • US DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center Vehicle Cost Calculator http://www.afdc.energy.gov/calc/ • Roush CleanTech Propane Autogas Vehicle Calculator http://www.roushcleantech.com/popup/CleanTechSaving sCalc.htm • AmeriGas Autogas Propane ROI Calculator http://www.amerigas.com/autogas/calculator.html
- 54. Propane Autogas Vehicle Resources http://www.collinsbus.com The Collins Bus Corporation website provides information about the many buses it manufactures, including the first developed Type A NEXBUS school bus fueled by propane autogas. http://www.roushcleantech.com Calculate your emissions savings with propane autogas, view products, and learn why propane autogas is the fuel choice for progressive companies such as ROUSH. http://www.blue-bird.com The Blue Bird website contains information about the different types of buses it manufactures and the affordable green solutions its propane-autogas-fueled buses offer.
- 57. Please contact us with any further questions or comments: Rocky Mountain Propane Association Larry Osgood LDOGood1@aol.com 719 487-0080
Editor's Notes
- For 100 years, vehicles powered by propane autogas have been a popular choice in countries around the globe. In fact, with approximately 24 million propane-autogas-fueled vehicles in operation today, propane autogas is the most widely used alternative transportation fuel in the world. Today, more and more users in the U.S. are discovering the benefits of propane-fueled vehicles. In terms of power, performance and safety, propane cars, trucks and buses are equivalent to their gasoline and diesel-fueled counterparts.
- Propane is plentiful, affordable and produced right here in the U.S. In addition, it is a safe, economical and environmentally friendly alternative to gasoline and diesel fuel. That's why school districts, municipalities, police departments, taxi services and many other organizations are switching to autogas vehicles.
- It costs less to refuel with propane. In recent years, propane autogas has been priced more than a $1.00 per gallon lower than gasoline and diesel fuels. Since propane burns cleaner, other costs – such as maintenance – are also reduced. Fewer oil changes per year means more savings to the user. In addition, federal and state incentives are available to fleet users to convert their vehicles to propane.
- ThyssenKrupp Elevator Americas is the largest producer of elevators in North America and one of the leading elevator companies in the world. Their propane-autogas-fueled fleet currently consists of 45 vehicles in five U.S. cities including Detroit, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Phoenix. Most of the vehicles are service trucks and vans. In Phoenix alone, the company saved over $52,000 in fuel costs with their fleet of 18 propane-autogas-fueled vehicle in 2012. ThyssenKrupp anticipates saving over $300,000 in the next six years with their current Phoenix fleet. The company is extremely pleased with the performance and fuel savings of these vehicles. In fact, they have a goal to expand their propane autogas fleet to 300 vehicles by 2015.
- Sometimes, a picture says it all. Environmentally speaking, propane autogas is better than gasoline.
- This slide shows Colorado gross production and total consumption for natural gas from January 2005 to December 2012. It includes production from Gas, Oil, and CBM wells. Key Message: While gas production in Colorado has grown since January 2005 by approximately 1.5 Bcf/d, consumption has remained relatively flat and noticeably below production levels.
- Propane autogas will only burn with a fuel-to-air ratio between 2.2% and 9.6%. Among alternative fuels, propane autogas has the narrowest flammability range. The flammability range of propane autogas is comparable to that of gasoline and diesel fuel.
- Propane autogas requires a much higher temperature to ignite. For example, gasoline and diesel fuel will catch fire at temperatures as low as 495 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas propane autogas requires a temperature of at least 920 degrees Fahrenheit to ignite. Unlike gasoline and diesel fuel, if propane autogas leaks, it does not puddle, but instead vaporizes and dissipates into the air. Since propane autogas is released from the tank as a vapor, it cannot be ingested like gasoline, diesel, or alcohol fuels.
- Propane engine fuel systems are fitted with safety devices and shut-off valves that function automatically if the fuel-line ruptures. Propane tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant than gasoline tanks, which means they are more durable in an accident. Plus, propane tanks can withstand up to four times the pressure when compared to a gasoline tank.
- Many organizations such as the Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration develop and implement codes, standards and regulations regarding the crashworthiness of all vehicles. These regulations are constantly reviewed, updated, and improved to make sure all vehicles meet safety standards. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates vehicles emissions to ensure that better, cleaner vehicles are on the roads.
- Organizations such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, National Fire Protection Association, and Underwriters’ Laboratory all have important roles shaping safety requirements for propane vehicles and their components. ASME is responsible for rules governing vehicle tanks and piping. NFPA develops and implements codes and standards for propane vehicle systems safety, and UL tests and certifies vehicle components.
- Over the past decade, technology enhancements have significantly increased the performance and favorable perception propane vehicles hold among users. Today, OEMs such as Roush, Blue Bird, Collins, Nexus and others have enhanced system integration, and ultimately, delivered greater performance.
- Across the country, there are many success stories about propane autogas usage in fleet applications. Next, a few fleet owners will share their experiences…
- For almost 30 years the Portland School District has transported students to and from school in safe propane autogas school buses. Today, the school district owns and operates approximately 75 of these types of buses, mainly transporting special needs students to and from schools throughout the district. In addition, an independent contractor, First Student, owns and operates a large fleet of propane-autogas-fueled buses used for the school district’s general transportation requirements. Recently, First Student added 89 Collins small school buses (Type A) and 86 Blue Bird conventional school buses (Type C) to its fleet, making it one of the largest propane autogas fleet owners in the country.
- Let’s look at this a little bit closer. When parents send their kids to school on a bus, their top priority is safety. Talk to any parent and they’ll tell you that they won’t put their child in a vehicle that isn’t safe. The fact that the school district has been using propane vehicles for more than 30 years says a lot in terms of how safe they are and how much the community believes in them.
- A patrol officer’s mission is to serve and protect. The type of vehicle they drive helps them do that. In Raleigh, Captain Doug Brugger says that because police officers drive in all sorts of conditions and in a variety of situations, accidents are inevitable. Over the past year or so, Raleigh has experienced its share of collisions and, according to Captain Brugger, damage to their propane-autogas-fueled vehicles was comparable to what he’d expect with gasoline-powered vehicles. Coupled with fuel cost savings, the purchase has been a rousing success for the department.
- The Zion National Park propane-autogas-fueled fleet consists of 32 buses and 23 accompanying passenger trailers. These vehicles displace approximately 5,000 motor vehicles, and their emissions, daily during peak tourist season. The National Park Service is committed to using alternative fuels such as propane autogas to protect their park environments. These vehicles are helping to reduce air, land, and noise pollution within the parks. The National Park Service safely operates vehicles fueled with propane autogas in other famous areas, including Glacier National Park in Montana, and Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky.
- Propane is tasteless, colorless, and odorless in its natural state. Ethyl mercaptan, which is an organic compound, is added to the gas to provide an odor; in this case, one that is similar to rotten eggs, to help warn of gas leaks. Propane autogas will only burn with a fuel-to-air ratio between 2.2% and 9.6%. Among alternative fuels, propane autogas has the narrowest flammability range. The flammability range of propane autogas is comparable to that of gasoline and diesel fuel. Propane autogas requires a much higher temperature to ignite. For example, gasoline and diesel fuel will catch fire at temperatures as low as 495 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas propane autogas requires a temperature of at least 920 degrees Fahrenheit to ignite. Unlike gasoline and diesel fuel, if propane autogas leaks it does not puddle, but instead vaporizes and dissipates into the air.
- In a vehicle, propane autogas is stored in the tank as a liquid. Propane vaporizes at approximately -44°F. The heat for vaporization comes from the surroundings. One cubic foot of propane liquid will boil off into approximately 270 cubic feet of vapor. As a result, even a small leak can lead to a flammable mixture of propane and air. If liquid propane contacts skin or any body part, immediate freeze burn results.
- Emergency responders should look for these identification decals at the scene of an accident to help establish the vehicle’s fuel type. The decal will always be mounted on the lower right rear of the vehicle above the bumper.
- By understanding vehicle components, you will be better prepared to assess, inspect and react after a vehicle incident. A few basic components of a propane-autogas-fueled vehicle that you need to know about include the vehicle fuel tank, the tank’s mounting and bracket system, and the fuel system and line.
- ASME motor fuel tanks for propane-autogas-fueled vehicles are built in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the type of vehicle. These tanks are used in all fleet applications including cars, pickup trucks, vans and buses. All vehicles must have a tank rated for a working pressure of 312 psig. Tanks are installed in a variety of places, such as in a car trunk, a pickup truck cargo bed, or underside of a school bus. All tanks are equipped with a valve (or combination of valves) in the liquid outlet connection that has manual shutoff, excess flow, and automatic closure features. The valve assembly prevents the flow of fuel when the engine is not operating, even if the ignition switch is in the “on” position. The vehicle pressure relief valve must be vented to the outside of the vehicle and all “fittings” must be vented to the outside if the tank is an enclosed area such as a trunk.
- Tanks in all propane autogas vehicles are constructed from carbon steel in accordance with a code developed by ASME. As previously noted, they are 20 times more durable than gasoline and diesel tanks, and can withstand up to four times more pressure. Play video
- Fuel tanks can be mounted inside or outside of a vehicle. Outside mounts, or open vehicle installations, are placed in a location on the vehicle that exposes the tank to the outside air with no possibility of enclosure. Vehicles that have open mount configurations include pickup trucks, school buses, transit and shuttle buses. Inside mounts, or enclosed vehicle installations, may be located inside the passenger compartment or the trunk of a vehicle. Vehicles that have inside mount configurations include passenger cars, vans, minivans, and SUVs. The tanks must be installed with a protective enclosure that is gastight with respect to the passenger compartments and to any space containing radio transmitters or other spark-producing equipment. All tanks, valves, and connections must be protected to prevent damage due to accidental contact with stationary objects or from stones, mud, or ice and from damage due to an overturn or similar vehicular accident.
- Primary chassis that goes in most propane school busses. Large propane capacity. Note: DRW is an acronym for dual rear wheels.
- Bracket systems help hold the propane autogas fuel tank in place. In school buses, propane fuel tanks are located between the bus frame rails, which provide added protection to the tank and thereby, increased safety to the passengers. In addition, propane-autogas-fueled school buses are required to meet all conventional bus safety standards plus additional standards required for alternative-fueled vehicles.
- There are two types of propane systems: Vapor fuel injection and liquid fuel injection. In a vehicle that uses a vapor system, the fuel is stored in the tank in liquid form (in low pressure form of 150 pounds per square inch) and by passing through the fuel line to the engine, it is converted into a vapor by a regulator or vaporizer. It then becomes metered and mixed with air that is filtered, and finally enters the combustion chamber, where it is ultimately burned and converted to power. This is very similar to how older gasoline powered vehicles with carburetors operate.
- Liquid propane injection engines, a more recent and popular technology, do not vaporize the propane. In this type of system, liquid is injected into the combustion chamber. Users of liquid injection systems have praised its ability to overcome cold starting issues, as well as fostering a more reliable system in terms of engine durability and power output.
- Although in some ways, the physical act of refueling a propane vehicle is similar to refueling a gasoline or diesel vehicle, there are some distinct differences. Propane dispensing and vehicle fuel systems are sealed systems and operate under higher pressures than other liquid fuels. Tanks are only filled to 80% of capacity to allow for expansion. An overfill protection device located in the fuel tank ensures that the fill will not exceed 80% of capacity.
- Propane has been a trusted source of home heat for more than 100 years. Since 1999, propane has positioned itself as “Exceptional Energy” emphasizing the added comfort propane delivers to homeowners. But in recent years, new technology has made propane an appealing alternative to gasoline and diesel for applications such as vehicles, mowers or other off-road equipment. U.S. propane production has skyrocketed, making the fuel truly American-made. At the same time, homeowners have become more conscientious about making energy decisions that are good for the earth, and good for our country. As a result, PERC began a research project in 2013 talking to a variety of end users and marketers about how to best position propane to increase consideration. This July, the council approved moving forward with a new brand identity for propane, anchored by the tagline “Clean American Energy.”