073 - Quick Turn v Slow Turn
The Fuel Pulse Show
In Episode 73 of the Fuel Pulse Show podcast, host Erik Bjornstad tackles a common misconception in fuel storage management: that quick turn fuel systems are immune to microbial contamination. He explains how microbes can flourish in both slow turn (fuel stored for months or years) and quick turn systems (fuel cycled within days or weeks), as contamination resides not just in the fuel but in biofilms on tank surfaces. The episode outlines practical steps to prevent and address microbial growth including regular sampling, biannual testing, water removal, and proper biocide treatment with...
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072 - Generator Fuel Problems Part 2
The Fuel Pulse Show
Erik Bjornstad continues the discussion on diagnosing generator problems, focusing on when and how to test fuel before accepting a technician's diagnosis that "bad fuel" is causing your generator failures. The episode covers proper fuel testing procedures, sampling techniques, visual inspection clues, and how to interpret lab results to save potentially thousands in unnecessary fuel replacement costs. Erik emphasizes the value of proper diagnostics and consulting with true fuel experts when generator technicians (who often lack fuel expertise) blame fuel quality for system issues. What You'll...
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071 - Generator Fuel Problems Part 1
The Fuel Pulse Show
This episode explores common generator problems and challenges the automatic assumption that fuel is always to blame. Erik Bjornstad outlines a systematic approach to diagnosing generator issues, presenting four key diagnostic steps: checking fuel filters, examining fuel lines, inspecting valves, and looking for additional filters. The episode emphasizes the importance of proper diagnosis to avoid unnecessary expensive solutions like fuel disposal or part replacement. Special attention is given to detecting microbial contamination through various signs and testing methods. The host stresses...
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070 - Winter Outlook
The Fuel Pulse Show
In Episode 70 of the Fuel Pulse Show, Erik Bjornstad provides a comprehensive analysis of the upcoming winter weather forecast across different U.S. regions. Following last year's unusually warm winter, meteorologists predict varying conditions: the South and Lower Midwest expect above-average temperatures until February, the Northeast and Upper Midwest anticipate alternating cold and mild periods, while the West faces early snow followed by rain. The forecast is influenced by three major factors: La Niña conditions, Polar Vortex patterns, and warmer-than-usual Gulf and Pacific water...
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069 - Solid vs. Liquid Biocides
The Fuel Pulse Show
Host Erik Bjornstad discusses solid biocide sticks (also known as bug sticks) and their use in fuel management. While these sticks offer the apparent advantages of easy handling and convenient dosing, they face significant limitations.The episode explores six major problems with solid biocide sticks, including their lack of approval for on-road fuel use, water solubility issues, and potential tank corrosion risks. Bjornstad explains why these limitations make them unsuitable for many non-industrial fuel care scenarios, despite their popularity in specific industrial applications like bulk...
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068 - Back to School - Interpreting Sample Results
The Fuel Pulse Show
This episode of Fuel Pulse Show focuses on interpreting fuel test results, particularly for stored fuel samples. Host Erik Bjornstad guides listeners through various testing methods, including both ASTM D975 standard tests and predictive tests.The episode covers critical measurements like distillation temperatures, API gravity, cloud point, flashpoint, and cetane index, while also addressing water content and microbial testing. Practical solutions for addressing failing test results are provided, making this a comprehensive guide for fuel maintenance professionals. What You'll Learn: How to...
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067 - Back to School - Fuel Sampling Part 2
The Fuel Pulse Show
This episode explores proper fuel sampling techniques and locations for different types of fuel testing. Erik Bjornstad explains how contaminants concentrate at tank bottoms, making sampling location crucial for accurate test results. He details specific sampling heights for different tests, introduces the bacon bomb sampler, and provides guidance on sample handling. The episode covers testing for physical properties, microbial contamination, and water content, emphasizing that bottom samples (3-6 inches from bottom) provide the best diagnostic value for comprehensive testing. The discussion...
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066 - Back to School - Fuel Sampling Part 1
The Fuel Pulse Show
This episode explores proper fuel sampling techniques as part of effective fuel maintenance. Erik Bjornstad discusses the critical aspects of where and how to take fuel samples to ensure accurate testing results. He explains that sample location significantly impacts test outcomes, with different tank depths containing varying levels of contaminants. The episode covers specific sampling depths, proper port selection, and why dead bottom samples should be avoided. Bjornstad emphasizes that sampling technique directly affects the reliability of test results and their representation of the...
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065 - Back to School - Fuel Polishing
The Fuel Pulse Show
In this episode, Erik Bjornstad explains the comprehensive process of fuel polishing. He covers when to polish fuel based on test results, particularly the ASTM water and sediment test. The episode details two main methods: inline and off-site polishing, with a focus on the sweep, treat, and circulate methodology. Bjornstad provides specific guidance on chemical treatments, filtration systems, and the importance of proper timing and sequence. He emphasizes the need for multiple passes through the filtration system and proper documentation before and after samples. What You'll Learn: How to...
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064 - Back to School - USLD and Corrosion
The Fuel Pulse Show
In this educational episode, Erik Bjornstad explores the relationship between biodiesel and corrosion in fuel systems. He explains that while pure biodiesel (B100) can have corrosive properties, the common low-percentage blends (B2-B20) used in today's diesel fuel don't pose significant corrosion risks. The episode clarifies that modern fuel systems using materials like stainless steel and aluminum are well-equipped to handle these blends. The real concerns with biodiesel additions center around increased water retention and potential microbe growth, rather than corrosion issues that are more...
info_outlineEpisode 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.
What You'll Learn:
- 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
Ideas Worth Sharing:
- "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?"
Resources:
- 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
Show Notes:
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