Squeezing the grid: the increase in the demand for electricity has strained the utility industry's ability to deliver power as reliably as it once did

On Aug. 14, 2003, the largest blackout in North American history left more than 50 million people in nine states and parts of Canada in the dark. Only $180 million of the losses were insured, according to Insurance Services Office Inc., in part because many business interruption policies don't cover power outages.

That left consumers and businesses on the hook. The blackout cost the United States between $4 billion and $10 billion, according to the Electric Consumer Research Council.

For the most part, the nation's power grid is reliable. "The power grid is still a fairly reliable system--about 99.99 percent reliable, in fact," says Daniel O'Neill, a director with Atlanta-based Navigant Consulting, which advises companies on utility transmission/distribution reliability. "However, as our reliance on electricity continues to increase, it is arguable that we, as a nation, are expecting even greater reliability. As such, the grid needs to become even more reliable."

More competition in the electric power industries has resulted in thinner profit margins for many energy providers, leading producers to invest less in upgrading the power grid. In addition, the demand for power has gone up According to the U.S. Department of Energy, total U.S. electricity use in 1975 was about 1.8 trillion kilowatt-hours, while investment in transmission capacity was about $6 billion. By 2000, usage almost doubled to more than 3.5 trillion kwh, while investment had dropped by roughly two-thirds to just over $2 billion.

The utility industry plans to spend an additional $4 billion to $7 billion over the next five years to upgrade the power grid, according to research conducted by GF Energy, a Washington, D.C.-based utility industry consulting firm.

"In general, the nation's power grid has historically been reliable and has been working well," says Roger Gale, CEO of GF Energy. "However, like everything else, it has served its time, and we are now in a new era that depends on centralized systems, not a decentralized system such as is the ease with the existing power grid."

To address the needs of their employers, O'Neill suggests that risk managers conduct assessments to determine the requirements for continuity of service. Assessments should cover all three segments of the power grid.

The first segment is power production, or the wholesale energy market. The second segment is the transmission lines that move energy from production to local distribution of the electricity. The last segment is the local power distribution network. That's where local utility companies take high-voltage energy and deliver it in low voltages to homes and businesses.

EXPOSURES COME IN FOURS

Risk managers should consider four areas when assessing exposure to power outages: redundant systems, diesel-powered backup generators, third-party risk partners and hydrogen fuel cells. Many companies already have one or both of the first two systems in place.

* Redundant Systems. "The first line of protection is dual or redundant distribution feed from the local utility company, including automatic throw-over switches," says O'Neill. In such cases, if one feeder line fails, service is automatically provided by a second line. "This is common in hospitals and other facilities where power is particularly critical," he says. Redundant systems may be more readily available in some areas of the country than others. Large cities are more likely to have redundant systems than rural areas.

* Diesel Generators. These are economical ways to back up a portion of your power needs. Denver Water takes full advantage of this basic technology. The utility has three major operational areas of concern when a power outage occurs: the administrative complex, the water treatment plants and the network of pump stations that pump water to about 30 percent of the city. "We frequently lose electrical power in the Denver area either due to heavy, wet snows or lightning strikes," says Jim Crockett, Denver Water's manager of risk and benefits. To ensure backup power, the department relies on diesel generators. A 2-megawatt stand-by diesel generator serves the administrative complex. It has a 4,000-gallon capacity, which can be refueled by the utility's own diesel fuel, or from deliveries. The utility has also installed 1-megawatt to 2-megawatt stand-by diesel generators at its pump stations. Plus, each water treatment plant has a 2-megawatt stand-by diesel generator."

* Third-Party Risk Partners. According to GF Energy's Gale, commercial and industrial customers need to manage their power risk issues by working with utility companies willing to share risks. "These are companies that are willing, for example, to take the fuel volatility risk for natural gas, to help companies manage their loads more effectively by shifting loads," he says. This is a growing business, according to Gale. Constellation Energy in Baltimore, for instance, offers risk-managed contracts for commercial and industrial companies. That allows risk managers to breathe easier, knowing that they have a partner sharing the risk for power dependability

Ecom introduces stationary engine emissions analyzer

Designed for stationary engine applications such as generator or compressor sets and boilers, Ecom America Ltd. has introduced a wall-mounted emissions monitoring and reporting system designed for unattended operation.

The new Ecom stationary engine emissions analyzer (SEEA) is designed to measure [O.sub.2], CO and N[O.sub.x] in the exhaust gas of up to four diesel or natural gas engines, as well as gas turbines or boilers at preset intervals.

Besides the standard system, SEEA is also available in a low N[O.sub.x] version capable of measuring single-digit N[O.sub.x] applications with 0.1 ppm resolution, said Drew Wilson, president of Ecom, Gainesville, Ga.

"The SEEA provides operators of stationary engine installations with a recognized means of automatically monitoring and recording the exhaust emissions of their engines," Wilson said.

The SEEA system is built around the Ecom A Plus analyzer, which has been tested under EPA's ETV verification program. Operators can program the system to periodically sample each of the four exhaust ports and temporarily store the emissions data in a spreadsheet until it can be downloaded to a host PC. The data can be retrieved via USB link, dial-up, or it can be automatically sent, via email, to a designated e-mail address The analyzer's NEMA 12 housing is designed to be mounted in a climate-controlled space in close proximity to the engines being monitored. The 0.25 in. sample lines are routed from each engine exhaust system to sample connections located on the top of the analyzer housing. The system is powered by 120 Vac 60 Hz and measures 20 in. x 20 in. x 10 in.

The test sequence begins with the SEEA turning on and initializing, and then selecting the first engine exhaust port. A sample of gas is drawn over a user-defined time and frequency. The SEEA then automatically switches over to the rest of the engine ports, repeating the sequence.

All of the data, Ecom said, is time stamped, and includes engine identification and location information for review and analysis. The system then goes into standby mode until the next measurement cycle. Specific measurement and cycle times are user programmable.

The system is designed for unattended operation and requires minimal periodic maintenance and calibration, Ecom said, with the calibration generally determined by the installation's specific operating permit.

The system has an alert lamp to provide visual identification of filter change or fault, and alerts are also available as part of the reports for remote notification of engine or analyzer problems

Bukh-Farymann expands with emissions compliance, new sales partners

After a period in administration, the builder of Farymann brand diesel engines is well and truly back in business. With a new senior management team and trading under the new name Bukh-Farymann Diesel GmbH, the engine builder based in Lampertheim, Germany, is part of a larger, Danish-owned group with strong engine interests. In fact, the company, a specialist in single-cylinder diesels, now sees itself well beyond the consolidation stage and is developing what it sees as its core products, including certification of engines to Tier 2 of North America's EPA off-highway emissions legislation and Stage 2 of the EU's NRMM directive.

"We are part of an organization based in Aabrenraa, Denmark, which also includes the builders of Bukh Diesel and Callesen Marine Diesel engines and we are now the official source of all the products and services previously offered by Farymann Diesel GmbH," noted Bukh-Farymann Managing Director Rainer Smermer. "The Bukh group is a world leader in manufacture of lifeboat engines. It also produces marine engines for standard applications, which is a market long served by Farymann diesels. Thus, there are obvious synergies between our single-cylinder diesels and the other engines made in the group. As a result, the Lampertheim works--with its technical resources--is now home to a company-wide engine development center for all its diesel engines."

In terms of products, the company is concentrating on its well-established 290 cc displacement vertical cylinder diesels, the air-cooled 18D and water-cooled 18W (bore 82 x stroke 55 mm), as well as the 709 cc, air-cooled horizontal cylinder, low-profile type 43F (bore 95 x stroke 100 mm). The 18D and 18W are offered with ratings from 6.1 to 6.9 hp at 3600 rpm, while the standard rating of the 43F diesel is 14.75 hp at 3000 rpmWith the emphasis on these engines, we aim to expand on the traditional applications of Farymann brand engines, like small construction equipment, including building site dumper trucks, vibration plates and drills, etc., small generator sets, the propulsion of small boats and onboard power supply on larger craft," said Stuermer. "Naturally, Tier 2/Stage 2 emissions compliance for our engines is central to our plans, and hence our 18D, 18W and 43F diesels are presently in the process of certification."

It was the popularity of these engines--and especially the horizontal cylinder 43F with its overall height of only 14.5 in.--which maintained the company as a going concern, reported Sales Manager Walter Knitel. "Our customers kept faith with Farymann diesels and continued ordering, and it was this which allowed us to come through to the point where we are now ready to expand our offering again," he said. "Of course, the 43F's extremely low profile makes it a unique selling proposition and a very difficult power unit to replace in its applications."

The upgrading of the Bukh-Farymann engine range takes two forms--the 18D, 18W and 43F diesels will be offered in Tier 2-compliant versions and responding to demand from customers, the company will also present the 43W diesel, which is a water-cooled version of the 43F engine.

Arnold Schoenbeck, senior manager of development, outlined measures taken to attain Tier 2 compliance. "We have increased injection pressure, optimized the angle and spray pattern of the injectors and changed the combustion chamber shape via a new form of piston bowl," he said. "At the same time, with applications such as building site dumper trucks in mind, we have also made modifications to give our engines a more flexible range of engine speeds.

"In power generation applications on the other hand, where we enjoy an excellent position with OEMs of smaller generator sets, we will be making our engines available using an electric governing system from Governors America Corp. which allows switching between 50 and 60 Hz frequencies."

In step with these development projects--as engine development center for the whole Bukh group--investments are being made in new equipment, including new test stands for emissions measurements.

"We have also formed a new application engineering task force," Schoenbeck reported. "The aim is to be faster in developing new solutions for existing customers and to respond faster to demand from potential new customers."

At the same time, Bukh Farymann is also revising its sales arrangements. "Our important markets are North America and Central Europe and we are currently looking for new sales partners all over the world. We are presently refining our arrangements in North America to better take advantage of the considerable potential of this market for our engines. There are chances for the right organizations to enter into collaborations," Knitel concluded

Claim that gasoline cars could beat clean-diesels on 'global warming' stirs more public debate

Controversial claims by Stanford University researcher Mark Jacobson that cars with diesel particulate filters (DPFs) can still cause more net "global warming" emissions than gasoline cars continue to stir debate.

Jacobson's initial claims (based on certain assumptions about diesel car emissions, measurement methods, and regulatory limits) were first contradicted last year by University of Minnesota's renowned engine combustion particle scientist David Kittelson (see Diesel Fuel News 9/16/02, Ps,. 1/7/02, P1 3), who pointed out the excellent carbon-trapping efficiency of diesel particulate filters (DPFs).

Reducing "black carbon" from combustion could have a greater short-term impact on reducing "global warming" than simply reducing carbon dioxide ([CO.sub.2]), which takes many decades to have much impact on climate change, recent scientific studies indicate.

But in another presentation this month to a California Air Resources Board (CARB) "international vehicle technology symposium" on cutting climate-change emissions from vehicles, Jacobson now cites other recent studies about vehicle particulate matter (PM) emissions. By his calculations, these data supposedly that show gasoline cars can have an advantage over diesel cars on to Jacobson compares the average miles per gallon of the latest gasoline/electric hybrid cars (Honda Insight, Toyota Prius) versus the Volkswagen Golf, Jetta and Beetle diesel cars. However, the "Insight" is a tiny, two-seater vehicle, and the Prius is smaller than some diesel cars cited in the comparison.

Nor do these hybrids deliver the torque, highway mileage, and highway acceleration performance of the larger, new-generation diesels -- and larger gasoline hybrids have yet to emerge, or show they can out-perform diesels in larger vehicle categories.

What's more, the possible emergence of diesel-electric hybrids (much better on fuel economy/[CO.sub.2] than gasoline hybrids) is left out of the "gasoline beats diesel" claims.

Still, adding a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) trap for upcoming Tier 2/LEV-2 emissions limits would further penalize diesel's average fuel economy (due to hydrocarbon reductant for NOx/PM trap regeneration), thus making the gasoline-electric hybrid even better on both [CO.sub.2] and particulate matter, Jacobson claims.

However, while NOx/PM trap regeneration might represent a few percent fuel penalty, diesels still have an overwhelming fuel-economy (and hence [CO.sub.2]) advantage over gasoline.

What's more, in a 2001 study for Swedish National Road Administration comparing 45 diesel and gasoline cars, the DPF-equipped diesels regularly beat gasoline on PM emissions. "If diesel manufacturers choose to equip their models with particle filters, the diesel cars will definitely emit fewer ultrafine particles than cars with spark-ignition direct-injection engines," that study found. What's more, the PSA/Peugeot DPF-equipped diesel often beats the gasoline cars on PM number emissions, not just mass emissions, that report found.

A separate study in 2002 by Europe's Ecotraffic found that the DPF-equipped PSA car produced only a small fraction of the PM emissions of its gasoline car counterpart.

Another presentation to the same CARB vehicles/climate change symposium likewise undercuts sweeping claims that gasoline or gasoline-hybrid cars would beat diesel on total global-warming impact.

New generation diesel cars can have an average 3 6-42% fuel economy advantage over gasoline cars, implying about a 20-25% [CO.sub.2] reduction (minus some DPF regeneration fuel penalty), Ford Motor researcher Matti Maricq showed at the CARB symposium. DPFs and ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel reduce both soot and sulfate PM emissions, while improved catalysts can also reduce hydrocarbons that could nucleate to form PM, he said. Hence the "black carbon" (BC) impact of clean-diesels on "global warming" would be greatly diminished.tal "global warming" impact

Hot Water Pressure Washer has compact, portable design

Featuring 4 evenly balanced tubed pneumatic tires, gas-powered SUV stands 39 in. high and weighs less than 400 lb. It incorporates brass manifold; single-piece, all-steel frame; and Landa pump with 3 ceramic plungers. Models SUV3-20124 and SUV3-24124 deliver cleaning power of 2.5 and 2.7 gpm max pressure of 2,000 and 2,400 psi, respectively. Their 6 and 7 hp Subaru engines, coupled with Super-Duty Regulator, produce constant supply of 12 Vdc power for diesel-fired burner used to heat water.

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Landa, North America's largest manufacturer of industrial pressure washers, has enhanced its super-compact, gasoline-powered SUV line of hot water pressure washers by upgrading to the Landa pump with a 7-year warranty.

The Landa pump, with its three ceramic plungers, increases the average expectant life of the high-pressure pumps for these models to 2,500 hours-matching the average life of the 6 and 7 HP engines used on the two SUV models. In addition to its market-leading 7-year warranty on the oil end of the pump, the Landa pump has a lifetime warranty on the brass manifold. It is also engineered to produce the same amount of water flow as other tri-plunger pumps but at a 10% lower RPM, which adds life to the pump's long-term operation.

The two models of the self-contained, super-compact, SUV pressure washer features 6 and 7 HP Subaru engines that are coupled with Landa's proprietary Super-Duty Regulator to produce a constant supply of 12V DC power for the diesel-fired burner used to heat the water. It also eliminates the need for a battery or generator.

The SUV, which stands only 39-inches high and weighs less than 400 lbs., is ideal for on-site cleaning where electricity is not available. The two models-SUV3-20124 and SUV3-24124-deliver cleaning power of 2.5 and 2.7 GPM (gallons per minute) and 2000 and 2400 PSI (pounds per square inch) of pressure respectively.

SUV's ruggedness is also found in its heating coil made of Schedule 80 steel pipe with 5-year warranty, energy-efficient Beckett burner system with Clean Cut oil pump; vibration isolators to absorb vibration from engine and moving parts, extending the life of the pressure washer; rugged, single-piece, all-steel frame made of 1-inch square steel tubing; and four evenly balanced tubed pneumatic tires for all-terrain maneuverability

Redesigned gen-sets for North and South America

With Power-Gen International, Orlando, Fla., as its platform, generator set manufacturer Triton Power is launching a redesigned version of its Triton Generator line to be distributed by its North and South American supplier, Americas Generators. The Miami-based supplier will stock a range of the 30 to 2000 kW gen-sets featuring Tier 1 and Tier 2 John Deere and Cummins engines, Deep Sea control panels and a new sound attenuating cabinet enclosure option.

"The company (Triton Power) is the fifth largest gen-set manufacturer in the world," said Eric Johnston, senior vice president at Americas Generators. "Since they're located in Istanbul, Turkey, they have no representation in the U.S., or for that matter in North or South America. So we're the distributor for the entire line using a network of dealers."

With more than 35 models in the Triton series, Americas Generators stocks 100 to 200 units in the 30 to 1000 kW range at its Miami facility to supply North and South America. Application of these models according to Johnston is, "everything from a hotel to a restaurant, to a hospital to a factory and everything in between. It's anything wherever backup power is needed or even continuous power in some locations." Powering the generators' 30 to 2000 kW ac output range are John Deere and Cummins diesels rated 59 to 3000 hp. Units with outputs from 30 kW to 264 kW are equipped with John Deere 3029, 4039, 4045, 6068 and 6081 engines rated 59 to 317 hp, depending on model. This offering includes a 2.9 to 6 L, inline, four-cycle platform in three to six cylinders.

The high-end of the generator series, 110 to 2000 kW, features Cummins 6BT, 6CT, LTA, NT8, QSX, KTA, VTA, QST and QSK engines rated 170 to 2000 hp. The 5.9 to 60.2 L Cummins engines are inline, four-cycle engines with six to 16 cylinders. Both Tier 2 options are fitted with Donaldson air cleaners and a RAZA tropical cooling radiator and fan.

Throughout the series, the engines are teamed with a Stamford Newage UC or HC series alternator package. The four-pole generator end incorporates a double-layer concentric stator winding. Triton produces the entire line as three-phase units with the option of single-phase in the 30 to 100 kW range. Siemens breakers are used across all models.

Each generator is fitted with a Deep Sea 730, 740, 5210 or 5220 control panel, depending on application requirements. The Deep Sea 740 and 5220 panels act as an automatic mains failure control module. The module monitors the mains supply and automatically starts the generator during a mains failure or via remote computer access. The control also monitors operational status and fault conditions by shutting the gen-set down and indicating failure on the provided LED display. Additional system monitoring is provided by the module for alternator voltage, engine speed, oil pressure, engine temperature and battery output.

Standard options on the generators include an automatic starting system, removable fuel tanks, catch basins to handle fluid overflow, exhaust silencers and steel bellows, battery, chargers and ,jacket water heaters. Additional options include opened or enclosed systems, automatic fuel filling systems, remote radiators, engine oil heaters, low fuel alarms, oversized alternators, automatic transfer switches and trailers, as well as the newest option, a sound-attenuated weatherproof cabinet. The new cabinet is constructed of 14-gauge steel with motorized intake louvers and gravity discharge louvers which are intended to reduce air resonation.

Sound attenuation when equipped with the cabinet is between 67 and 73 dB(A). Overall dimensions of the generators when enclosed are 82.6 in. x 33.5 in. x 56.3 in. (l x w x h) at 30 kW and 480 in. x 96 in. x 102 m. (l x w x h) at 2000 kW. Weights range from 2248 lb. to 47,123 lb.

Triton manufactures the Triton Generator line at its 250,000 sq.ft. facility in Istanbul. Americas Generators' 30,000 sq.ft. Miami facility, Triton said, allows it to store generator models equipped with the most commonly selected options such as batteries, block heaters, battery chargers and mainline circuit breakers. Additional accessories are also located at the facility including fuel tanks, trailers, transfer switches and parts, allowing the company to customize each unit to the required specifications of each application, said Triton

The triumph of the "tin horse." - diesel locomotives

In the 19th Century, the railroads revolutionized U.S. industry. In the 20th Century, the diesel locomotive revolutionized the railroads--and the revolution continues.

"The diesel locomotive came onto the scene as a new tool at the very time when our railway system was badly in need of just what such a tool had to offer," wrote H. L. Hamilton, founder of Electro-Motive Co., in the September 1956 Centennial edition of Railway Age. "The effect this new tool had is now very apparent."

The dieselization of the U.S. railroad industry cannot be traced to a single event, a single type of locomotive, or a single supplier. Many railroads resisted dieselization until their steam fleets became quite long in the tooth, but economics and market conditions, according to William L. Withuhn, curator of transportation at the Smithsonian Institute, forced them to eventually dieselize. Thus, dieselization can be viewed as market-driven, rather than railroad-driven. The actual transformation from steam to diesel (specifically, diesel-electric) took place over the greater part of three decades spanning the mid-1920s to the late 1950s.

* Early efforts. Central Railroad of New Jersey No. 1000, a 60-ton, 300-hp boxcab diesel-electric switcher developed by American Locomotive Co. (ALCO), General Electric (GE), and Ingersoll-Rand (IR), which entered revenue service in 1925, is regarded as the first commercially successful diesel locomotive. It served CNJ's Bronx Terminal for 32 years. Shortly after CNJ's purchase, the Baltimore & Ohio acquired a similar unit, which was placed in service at the 26th St. yard in Manhattan. No. 1000 now resides at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore.

No. 1000, while uncomplicated and unglamorous compared to the superpower steam locomotives being built at the time, was a harbinger of things to come. Oliver Jensen, in The American Heritage-History of Railroads in America, wrote about the advantages of No. 1000 and the diesels that have followed it: "At first, this power was used entirely in switching operations, for which the diesel was ideally suited; it developed maximum power in starting and at low speeds, and it did not have to waste time in taking on huge amounts of water. When new, it spent less time than its steam counterpart undergoing repairs. One did not start a little fire and build it into a big one; one pushed a self-starter."

The development of the "tin horse," as Jensen termed the diesel locomotive, goes back much further than No. 1000. The heart of the diesel locomotive, the diesel powerplant itself, got its name from Dr. Rudolph Diesel, a German scientist and inventor who devised an internal-combustion engine based upon the concept of compression ignition of fuel.

Dr. Diesel was not alone in the development of this type )f powerplant. Charles Ackroyd Stuart obtained an English patent on a compression-ignition engine in 1888, four years before Dr. Diesel. The English firm Hornsby and Company began manufacture of a compression-ignition engine in the 1880s; the design was acquired by the DeLaVergne Refrigerating Machine Co. in 1891, which used the technology to power compressors for a growing refrigeration industry.

Dr. Diesel, meanwhile, began licensing his technology to several German, English, and U.S. firms, which took his basic concept and tried to improve upon it. Many met with failure, but among the successful firms was the Diesel Motor Co. of America, New York, N.Y., founded in 1898 by Adolphus Busch (of Anheuser-Busch Brewing Co., St. Louis, Mo.).

In 1911, Busch, along with Dr. Diesel and the Swiss firm Sulzer Brothers, formed the Busch-Sulzer Brothers Diesel Engine Co., St. Louis, which became one of the largest manufacturers of stationary and marine powerplants in the U.S. The company, however, did not produce a diesel locomotive powerplant until 1935, when it provided a 10-cylinder unit for an Illinois Central locomotive built by GE.

Irrigation agreement for Iveco motors: engine supply agreement with Rainbow Irrigation continues Iveco's North American market growth

Iveco Motors of North America Inc., a Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT) company, has announced an engine supply agreement with Rainbow Irrigation Systems, Fitzgerald, Ga., to power a line of Rainbow's centrifugal irrigation pumps.

"Our customers are very concerned with their applications' fuel consumption levels," said Jamie Mann, co-owner of Rainbow. "After researching and testing engines, we realized that Iveco's fuel consumption rates are significantly lower."

With Over 200 dealers in North, Central and South America, Rainbow distributes between 250 to 300 irrigation pump sets a year. Rainbow also manufactures construction, dewatering and hard hose traveler applications, as well as a line of Deere-powered irrigation pumping units, a line of irrigation power units, Deutz-powered irrigation generator sets from 5 to 25 kW, and a line of standby gen-sets from 10 to 300 kW.

Rainbow, said Jaime and Terry Mann, is a highly vertically integrated manufacturer which includes manufacturing its own line of centrifugal pumps. Currently, many of the company's pump and gen-sets go to agricultural dealers, as well as into rental applications. While pumps sets for irrigation are the company's primary product range, in recent years Rainbow has begun to expand into a variety of industrial and construction markets for all its product ranges.

Rainbow will be installing Iveco's NEF 4NA, NEF 4TC, NEF 4TAA, NEF 6NA and NEF 6TAA in its centrifugal irrigation pump sets, which will be used for agricultural irrigation, turf irrigation and industrial applications. The centrifugal irrigation pumps will also have the option of being clutch-mounted or direct-drive.

The NEF 4TC has a gross power output of 99 hp at 2300 rpm, the NEF 4TAA is rated 126 hp at 2300 rpm and the NEF 4NA produces 80 hp at 2300 rpm.

The NEF 4TC and NEF 4TAA are both turbocharged, four-cylinder, inline diesel engines, with the NEF 4TAA being aftercooled. The NEF 4NA is naturally aspirated, four-cylinder, inline diesel. All of the NEF engines have a mechanical injection system and a displacement of 4.5 L.

The NEF 6TAA and NEF 6NA are both 6.7 L, six-cylinder, inline diesels. The NEF 6TAA is a turbocharged, aftercooled diesel with a mechanical injection system and is rated 173 hp at 2300 rpm. The NEF 6NA is naturally aspirated with a rotary pump and produces 109 hp at 2500 rpm.

The activities of Iveco Motors of North America, together with all the other activities around the world, converged in March 2005, in the Trucks & Industrial product line of Fiat Power-train Technologies (FPT). The new sector of the Fiat Group integrates all the group's capabilities and expertise in engines and transmissions.

Iveco Motors of North America began official operation in Carol Stream, Ill., in January 2004. Now entering its third year as an engine supplier for the North American markets, Vincenzo Perrone, vice president and general manager said, "since we started, we have developed good and even growth in every sector in which we are present." Perrone said that for 2005, Iveco Motors of North America finished 40% ahead of its target sales in the power generation, industrial and marine markets.

The company has established a network of 22 engine distributors throughout North America and has established a spare parts distribution warehouse, managed by NewStream Enterprises, in Springfield, Mo., to support its engine applications. "This allows us to provide our customers a faster and more efficient delivery of spare parts in the North American marketplace," Perrone said.

Iveco also signed an exclusive agreement with Impco Technologies Inc., to use Impco's Eclipse low-pressure natural gas fuel system on Iveco's NEF gas engines. Production of the NEF 5.9 L natural gas engine began in November 2005 for use in power generation and industrial stationary applications.

Caterpillar Dealer Identity: Customer Loyalty and an Extraordinary Partnership

Caterpillar is an organization that has fine-tuned its brand and knows its value in the marketplace. The dilemma is giving that value and the associated relationships with customers a dear presence across an international network of independent dealers. Martin Gierke probes the issues surrounding this problem and describes what Caterpillar is doing to partner the corporate brand effectively with the companies that actually sell and service its products.

A relatively small number of events in 2004 quietly marked a significant milestone for Caterpillar Inc. -the 100th anniversary of the technology that led to the formation of the company. The story of Caterpillar dates back to the late nineteenth century, when Daniel Best and Benjamin Holt each experimented with ways to fulfill the promise steam tractors held for farming. Prior to the merger that formed Caterpillar Tractor Co. in 1925, The Holt Manufacturing Company and C.L. Best Tractor Co. had individually pioneered gasoline-powered track-type tractors (Figures 1,2, and 3).

In 1931, Caterpillar created a separate engine sales group to market diesel engines to other original equipment manufacturers. This group was replaced in 1953 with a sales and marketing division to better serve the needs of a broad range of engine customers. Today, Caterpillar is a leading player in the diesel engine and power generation markets. Engine sales now account for approximately one-third of the company's total sales and revenues. Cat engines power everything from onhighway trucks, buses, ships, pleasure boats, and locomotives to earth-moving, construction, and material-handling equipment. Through generating systems, Cat engines supply power to areas inaccessible to utility power grids, including off-shore oil drilling rigs, remote mines, and isolated communities. Cat generator sets provide emergency power to hospitals, schools, factories, office buildings, and airports. Caterpillar is also the leading supplier of industrial gas turbines through its subsidiary, Solar Turbines Inc., which was purchased in 1981. In 1963, Caterpillar and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. formed one of the first joint ventures in Japan to include US ownership. Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd. started production in 1965 in a new facility at Sagamihara, 28 miles southwest of Tokyo. Renamed Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd. in 1987 to reflect an expansion of the original agreement, the joint venture today is the number-two maker of construction and mining equipment in Japan. In early 2003, Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi announced plans to expand into the Asian region.

Following a boom period in the 1970s, the worldwide recession of the early 1980s forced Caterpillar to look at long-term changes to lessen the adverse impact of future economic downturns. Among the changes was a $1.8 billion facility modernization program launched in 1987 to streamline the manufacturing process. Caterpillar also diversified the product line to meet a greater variety of customer needs and to reduce sensitivity to economic cycles.

To better focus on critical product and service areas, Caterpillar made several organizational changes during the 1980s. In 1983, Caterpillar Leasing Company was expanded to offer equipment financing options to its customers worldwide and was renamed Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation. The Caterpillar Tractor Co. changed its name in 1986 to Caterpillar Inc.-a more accurate reflection of the enterprise's growing diversity. In 1990, Caterpillar reorganized into business units, with each accountable for its own results. The company continues to fine-tune the organization, which today includes more than 25 business units.

Caterpillar products are manufactured in 50 US facilities and in 65 other locations, including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, The Netherlands, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Poland, Russia and South Africa. In addition to manufacturing, customers around the globe are served by worldwide Caterpillar facilities focused on marketing, research and design, financial products, and training.

Caterpillar is well known for its product support capability, and an extensive network ensures that Cat dealers are able to deliver parts when and where they are needed. A manufacturing and transportation logistics network supports the needs of internal Caterpillar customers, while Caterpillar Logistics Services Inc. builds on the global distribution expertise of the parent company to provide customized distribution solutions for nearly 50 external clients. Cat Logistics operates more than 95 offices and facilities in 25 countries on six continents.

Green power taking hold in South Carolina

Green power purchase programs continue to take hold in the United States for a variety of reasons, some of which include more economical and technically advanced methods for harnessing and generating renewable energy, as well as an increased willingness of utilities to address public demand for power produced from renewable energy sources. One of the more popular and cost-effective methods of generating green power is the use of gases produced as a result of natural decomposition of waste at landfill sites.

While capturing landfill gases for use in power generation is nothing new, the sophistication of the gas collection and cleaning systems has evolved over the years. Santee Cooper, South Carolina's state-owned electric and water utility, started its green power purchase program in 2001 with the opening of the 2.2 MW Horry County generating station near Conway, S.C. This was followed by the opening of the 5.4 MW Lee County generating station, dedicated in April 2005 in Bishopville.

And in March of this year, Santee Cooper commissioned a 5.5 MW gas turbine generating station in Richland County. All three projects are fueled by gas from adjacent landfill sites. As the largest power provider in South Carolina, Santee Cooper directly serves more than 150,000 residential and commercial customers in Berkeley, Horry and Georgetown counties and generates the electricity distributed to more than 665,000 customers in all 46 counties by the state's 20 electric cooperatives. Santee Cooper also supplies power to 31 large industries, the municipal utilities in Bamberg and Georgetown, and the Charleston Air Force Base. With a diverse fuel and energy supply that includes predominantly coal-based generating assets, the company also has a mix of nuclear power, hydro power and gas-fired combustion turbines, as well as its nascent green power initiatives.

Green power is offered to residential customers in blocks of 100 kWh each. Because it costs more to produce green power than by conventional means, a $3 premium is charged on a customer's electric bill. Commercial customers are offered green power in blocks of 200 kWh each for a $6 premium.

"We know that the landfill gas is the best option in South Carolina for what's called a renewable energy source," explained Elizabeth Kress, principal engineer of capital projects for Santee Cooper. "We have started with the landfill gas and we have a plan in place to go out to 11 different landfill sites across the state and develop those landfills into projects. We will now have four of the 11 after June."

The state is growing at a tremendous rate, which makes planning for future energy needs critical. South Carolina's population is increasing about 3 to 4% annually and the state is expected to have five million residents by 2025. Santee Cooper's growth rate in its direct serve area has averaged 3% over the past five years.

"We've taken our renewables program in the order of least cost first," Kress said. "We're looking at the other renewable resources out there to see what does make sense. So we're assessing all the resources out there, including other types of biogas, solar and wind, but we know the landfill gas is a good option so Santee Cooper has moved ahead strong with that.

"The premium paid for green power is being used to reinvest into other green power projects."

The Lee County generating facility was recently recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) as a 2005 LMOP Project of the Year. Other team members recognized include GE Jenbacher, the supplier of the generator sets, and Allied Waste, the operator of the landfill. The Lee County plant is expected to grow to 12 units, producing 21.6 MW by 2010. Santee Cooper expects to have a total of 54 MW of green power online by 2012.

The Lee County generating station, Santee Cooper's second green power generating facility, was dedicated in April 2005 and consists of three 1800 kW GE Jenbacher gas engines for a total output of 5400 kW. The LEANOx J616GS gas engines, manufactured at GE Jenbacher's facilities in Austria, drive 4160 V Kato Engineering generators at 1800 rpm through Eickhoff speed increasing gearboxes. The engines have N[O.sub.x] emissions of 0.5 g/bhp-hr under normal operating conditions.

Other major components at the Lee County site include Woodward SPMD synchronizing systems, Thompson Technology generator breakers, SEL generator protection relays, Eaton Cutler-Hammer motor control centers, Silex silencers, radiators from Sutton Stromart and vibration isolators from Getzner. The ExxonMobil Pegasus gas engine lube oil flows through Tranter plate frame heat exchangers.

Regenerative exhaust filters clean up Virginia power plant: reducing visible smoke in growing area goal of $1.1 million project

Like many electrical power plants built in pre-emissions times, the VMEA Generation Plant in Manassas, Va., was originally built in a remote area, literally "out in the country." Built in 1990, the 24 MW plant has 16 Caterpillar 3516A-powered generator sets providing peak electrical power for the city of Manassas and the other VMEA members, all nearby municipalities. The 12,600 sq.ft. plant is owned by the Virginia Municipal Electric Association (VMEA), a seven-member purchase power group.

Over time, the area around the plant has been developed, said Jamie Hester, generation supervisor for the power plant. An industrial park is now close by, and more recently a highway bypass routes thousands of people past the plant daily.

With environmental concerns becoming increasingly important for such facilities and a top priority for the City of Manassas Utility Dept., a two-year study was conducted by Aegis Environmental, Richmond, Va., to reduce visible smoke from the VMEA Generation Plant.he result was a $1.1 million project to install 16 regenerative exhaust filter/silencer systems at the plant. Manufactured by CleanAIR Systems, Santa Fe, N.M., the first filter/silencer was installed as a pilot project in late 2005. Results from the pilot installation showed a 90% reduction in visible emissions. The remaining 15 filter/ silencers were due to be installed by the end of April.

Founded in 1993, CleanAIR is an integrated manufacturer of complete emission control systems for almost all types of engines for both mobile and stationary applications.

For the VMEA installation, the CleanAIR filters are a custom-designed regenerative exhaust filter and silencer package specifically designed to fit into the same installation envelope as the exhaust silencers they are replacing. CleanAIR took a flat "race track"-type silencer design and redesigned and repackaged it to fit the vertical installation required at VMEA.

The regenerative exhaust filters at the VMEA plant are part of CleanAIR's Permit Filter system. A catalyzed diesel particulate filter verified by CARB for Level 3 (greater than 85%) particulate matter reduction on emergency standby generators, the Permit Filter system also reduces emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and odor by greater than 90%, said CleanAIR's Daniel Serrano.

He said the design of the Permit Filter controls PM by removing particulates of carbon from the engine's exhaust. The filter is made of a cordierite ceramic honeycomb with thousands of parallel channels. To control the flow of exhaust gas, 0.5 in. long plugs are placed in the end of half of the channels, forming a checkerboard pattern.

Plugs are also placed in the other end of the filter to form the same checkerboard pattern, offset by one. This checkerboard arrangement of plugs forces the exhaust gases through the porous, thin ceramic honeycomb walls. When the gases carrying the carbon particles flow through the fine pores of the walls, the carbon particles are filtered out of the exhaust gases.

Serrano said the process of particulate matter collection begins as soon as an engine is started and continues while the engine is operating. As the carbon particles are collected on the ceramic walls, the backpressure of the system increases. The filter substrate has a catalyst coating that allows the filter to regenerate by oxidizing the trapped particulate into gases, mostly C[O.sub.2], that can pass through the filter.

Regeneration occurs when the exhaust gas temperature increases enough to initiate the oxidation of trapped particulate in the filter, with those temperatures varying depending on the sulfur content of the fuel.

CleanAIR also said that the catalyst coating reduces CO and HC. As the exhaust gases come in contact with the catalyst, a chemical reaction takes place that oxidizes the gases. The oxidation process turns carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons into water and carbon dioxide.

The Permit Filter catalyzed diesel particulate filter is packaged with the race track-type silencer that CleanAIR redesigned for the vertical installation required at VMEA. The filter/ silencer package is housed in a 304 L stainless-steel shell and achieves a sound attenuation of 27 to 35 dB(A), the company said.

Serrano said typically the filter package can be incorporated into a variety of configurations depending upon the specific application requirements.

The most basic configuration is a packaged filter with cones on both inlet and outlet ends. Typical sound attenuation for this design is 12 to 20 dB(A). Replacement muffler designs are used for applications where space is too tight to add the filter separate from the existing muffler. Special inlet or outlet configurations, or brackets can be used that will allow the filter to replace an existing muffler

Atlas Copco adds 25 kW gen-set

Atlas Copco, through its Atlas Copco Compressors Inc. business, has recently begun production on the new 25 kW QAS 30 generator set. The new gen-set is positioned at the lower range of its 15 to 288 kW QAS series generators and is targeted primarily at the rental market.

The new unit joins the John Deere-powered 25 to 120 kW portion of the QAS series and is powered by a 2.4 L four-cylinder Deere 4024TF270 turbocharged diesel engine rated 43 hp at 1800 rpm. QAS units at the top (144 to 288 kW) and bottom (15 to 35 kW) end of the QAS series are equipped with MTU Detroit Diesel and Yanmar engines, respectively. On the QAS 30, Atlas Copco has paired the Deere engine with a high capacity fuel filter/ water separator, Donaldson two-stage air cleaner and API radiator.

Electrical output is provided by a Newage BCI 184 G alternator that delivers 25 kW (31 kVA). The alternator has 12 leads, class H insulation with marine impregnation and operates at 1800 rpm at 60 Hz. A brushless excitation system and three-phase sensing automatic voltage regulator (AVR) are also integrated into the drive, which Atlas Copco said provides rapid response to load changes and optimizes starting capabilities.

The control panel for the generator is protected behind a lockable door with gauges for oil pressure, coolant temperature, fuel level, running hours and engine speed/frequency. A Hobut voltmeter and ampmeter are integrated into the terminal along with a Merlin Grien potentiometer and Red Dot GFCI receptacles. Remote start/ stop is standard, along with LED indicators for high coolant temperature, low coolant level, low oil pressure, overspeed, overcrank and undervoltage, plus a warning indicator for charging system failure.

The panel also incorporates three-pole circuit breakers with high and low voltage operation, which Atlas Copco said offers protection against overload and short circuiting. Quick fix electrical connections can be made at the terminal board while a lockable voltage selector configures the generator's phase and voltage output. There is also an emergency stop button which shuts down the engine and trips the main circuit breaker.

The QAS 30 has a zinc-treated enclosure with a powder-coated paint finish to resist corrosion. Dimensions on the unit are 81 in. long, 38 in. wide by 47 in. high when skid-mounted. Dry weight is 1970 lb. Atlas Copco has lined the enclosure with foam for sound attenuation and added flexible isolators, which keep transmitted vibration from the powertrain to a minimum. Airflow circulation was also engineered to provide a reduced noise level throughout the unit, bringing the noise emissions on the QAS 30 to 63 dB(A) at 23 ft. and 75% load.

Available as either a skid- or trailer-mounted unit, the QAS 30 has 110% fluid containment, the company said. Skid-mounted units are capable of full-shift operation without refueling, which according to Atlas Copco is 25 hours at 100% load. Trailer units include an auxiliary fuel cell that extends operation to 24 hours.

Standby power for engine production plant - generator sets at Kohler Co.'s plant in Hattiesburg, MS

When Kohler Co. established its new engine manufacturing plant in Hattiesburg, Miss., the company, through its Generator Div., planned on installing an emergency standby power system. The new plant's layout would also include plans to parallel with the utility for peak shaving and curtailable-rate savings.

Opened in January 1998, the production facility in Hattiesburg currently assembles Kohler's Command single-cylinder, vertical shaft engines. The air-cooled, four-cycle gasoline models are the mainstay of the company's product line and are used in a variety of consumer and commercial mowing equipment. The engines are also used to power agricultural, construction and recreational equipment, as well as selected models of Kohler generators.

Mississippi Power Co., the local utility, worked closely with Kohler's management and facilities engineering group to develop a standby generating system that would benefit both the company and the utility. With these guidelines, Kohler Power Systems began designing and manufacturing the generator sets and necessary paralleling switchgear. The final installation called for two generator sets operating in parallel with one another and the utility grid.

Each of the generator sets is housed within Pritchard Brown sound-absorbing, weatherproof enclosures with exhaust air ducted upward to aid in reducing the sound level near the sets. The enclosures incorporate 2500 gal. sub-base fuel tanks and 3 in. of acoustic insulation. Harco round pancake-style silencers were selected so they could be placed within the low-profile enclosures to further improve installation aesthetics. The silencers were also insulated to reduce the heat build-up in the enclosures.

The generator sets were installed in a courtyard near the plant and are positioned at a 90 [degrees] angle so the intake air is drawn from the side away from the plant, further reducing noise. Each enclosure is 33 ft. long, 13 ft. high and 12 ft. wide.

Two utility power lines were brought in underground through the courtyard to matched pad-mounted transformers that step down the utility voltage of 12,470 V to 480 V to match both the generated voltage and the plant utilization voltage. All synchronization and paralleling occurs at the 480 V level.

Kohler's paralleling switchgear contains two utility main circuit breakers, a main bus tie circuit breaker, two generator output circuit breakers, two tie circuit breakers that serve to isolate the generating system totally from the utility - if necessary - and 16 distribution (feeder) circuit breakers that distribute the power to the various areas of the plant. Power factor correction capacitors will ultimately be used as Kohler's engine plant expands in its production capability and more production machinery is added. These will be automatically added to maintain an overall plant power factor in excess of 95 percent.

Kohler Power Systems' engineers designed the switchgear, produced all the necessary drawings to build the assembly, and assisted in manufacturing the switchgear. The switchgear incorporates Cutler Hammer DSII drawout breakers. The generator sets and switchgear were systems-tested at Kohler's Wisconsin facility prior to installation at the Hattiesburg site.

The gen-sets' digital controllers, the Kohler Decision Maker 340, maintains communication among the generator sets, paralleling switchgear, and outside communication links. With the Decision Maker 340 controllers and operator interface terminals on the switchgear, together with PLC controllers in the switchgear, a communications system was implemented, allowing the generator sets and switchgear to be monitored locally and from Kohler's generator plant in Wisconsin. Synchronizing, load sharing and load transferring are accomplished using Woodward DSLC, and MSLC digital synchronizers and load controls. Utility intertie protective relaying is combined in a Beckwith multifunction relay.

Tier 4 off-highway rules set: it starts in 2008, with new standards phased in through 2015; the age of aftertreatment dawns

The diesel emissions box is now officially small; make that very, very small. On May 11, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officially announced the Clean Air Nonroad Diesel Rule, or Tier 4 off-highway to the rest of us. It also, almost officially, inaugurates the age of aftertreatment since most engine manufacturers, as it stands today, said it will require some sort of device after combustion to meet these new and very stringent standards (see accompanying tables).

Standards for new diesel engines will be phased in starting with the engines under 25 hp in 2008, and move up the horsepower charts until all but engines over 750 hp have to meet both N[O.sub.x] and PM standards in 2014. Off-highway engines over 750 hp will have one additional year to meet these new emissions standards.

Tier 4, said EPA, is expected to cut emission levels from construction, agricultural and industrial diesel-powered equipment by more than 90%. The rule, EPA said, complements the Clean Diesel Truck and Bus Rule announced December 21, 2000, which will place a fleet of heavy-duty trucks and buses on American highways that will be 95% cleaner than today's trucks and buses. On-highway compliance requirements take effect with the 2007 model year.

Maybe most importantly to the engine community, EPA also said the new rule will also remove 99% of the sulfur in diesel fuel by 2010, resulting in dramatic reductions in particulate matter from all diesel engines. By EPA's estimate, diesel fuel currently contains about 3000 ppm sulfur. The new rule will cut that to 500 ppm in 2007 and 15 ppm by 2010.

"We are going to make that burst of black smoke that erupts from diesels a thing of the past," EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt said. "We're able to accomplish this in large part because of a masterful collaboration with engine and equipment manufacturers, the oil industry, state officials, and the public health and environmental communities."

EPA's release announcing Tier 4 noted that, "the non-road rule represents an unprecedented commitment and collaboration that included the White House, EPA, the Office of Management and Budget, the environmental community, states and local governments, engine and equipment manufacturers, refiners, technology companies, and other groups and associations."

And in fact, most of the responding press releases from engine manufacturers acknowledged this cooperation.

Low hanging fruit - Top Dead Center - shakeout looms in hot electric generator market

There is little doubt that power generation is going to be one of the baseline engine markets for at least the rest of this decade and likely beyond.

The fundamentals are simple. Our need for quality electricity has passed absolute. If the power goes out, most businesses grind to an expensive halt. Rebooting a data center, or not being able to run CNC machines, cash registers or just plain old computers, means business doesn't happen. We don't need power, we require and demand it, and at a high quality level.

Because the power available from utilities appears to be finite for now, it has lead to the growth in what many are calling distributed power or distributed generation. A definition that is ever changing.

Originally linking existing standby sets together electronically to provide additional kW or MW without adding new units, distributed power is now seen as almost any generator set not operated by a utility. Distributed to the point of use.

Last year was a pretty decent year for power generation, at least through June. California's perceived power woes had manufacturers tossing engines and generators of all sorts into truck trailers and sending them over the Rockies as fast as they could be built. With the advent of plug and play controls, a generating system became a fast moving reality.

Where the scenario becomes familiar is in some of the grandiose numbers and projections being thrown around. Optimism has zoomed past high to crazy People are getting into the business that couldn't spell EPG a year ago. The smell of money is in the water.

One company was billing itself at a recent show as a "leading manufacturer of power generation enclosures and systems." Close scrutiny revealed that a year ago they were making metal outbuildings for farms, but an order for 16 large gen-set enclosures on a rush basis put them into the EPG system and elevated them to "leading manufacturer" status.

Gen-set packagers are coming out of the woodwork. Skid, engine, generator, controls, business plan. Silencer manufacturers are making catalysts for gen-sets, catalyst manufacturers are making silencers. All to meet the EPG boom.

It's dot.com and equipment rental II. The same unbridled enthusiasm, the same price and margin crushing competition. In some cases, the same people. All, of course, supported by a well researched, infallible "business model."

How diesels powered storm cleanup efforts - diesel-powered equipment used to rebuild North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Fran

ight towers, tub grinders instrumental in recovery operations after Hurricane Fran; "the diesel's finest hour"

When a natural disaster such as a hurricane strikes, simple commodities such as electricity and lighting become critical requirements for search and rescue operations. Then once the immediate demands are met, the emphasis shifts to questions of cleanup, restoration and reclamation.

It is interesting that in all of these cases, the diesel engine has become a key factor. Indeed, times of crisis are often the diesel's finest hour, as everything from small portable gen-sets to air compressors to massive machines used for search, rescue, recovery and recycling are more often than not powered by diesel engines.

A good example is when Hurricane Fran ravaged the state of North Carolina in September of last year. The killer storm came ashore at night, taking out the utility power grids almost immediately. Literally thousands of diesel-powered machines were immediately pressed into emergency service, providing power and light where needed. Months later, more diesel-powered machines were still at work for cleanup and reclamation activities.

Since Fran did the majority of its destruction before dawn, the most pressing need was for illumination. Untold numbers of people were rescued by the light supplied from truck- and trailer-mounted portable light units. Property damage was reduced because temporary repairs were made to damaged or threatened structures by crews using the same type of lighting.

Later on, portable light systems played an integral role in the cleanup operations, which went on continuously for nearly four months.

The storm roared ashore at Topsail Beach, N.C. The eye of the storm crossed that area about the time the first winds were whipping upon Raleigh, 135 miles inland. By the time Fran moved into Virginia and Washington, D.C., the winds had subsided somewhat. But in the meantime, North Carolina had been buffeted to the tune of more than 28 lives and $4 billion.

In Wake County, rescue and recovery operations were underway before the storm winds stopped. Hundreds of thousands of downed trees, some hundreds of years old, took out all electricity. This was especially true in the city of Raleigh where damage exceeded $9.2 million.

In the period that followed, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was assigned the enormous task of coordinating recovery operations. In one storm-related irony, the Corps of Engineers' Robert Cagle, who was appointed area recovery engineer in charge of the Wake County area, lost part of his house and all his garage in Wilmington, N.C., to the storm's fury.

One of the Corps' first projects was to assemble private contractors and subcontractors to do the actual cleanup work. At the forefront was Phillips & Jordan, Inc., a large, nationally-known land-clearing company that had done similar work following Hurricane Andrew in South Florida. The company has also participated in other smaller hurricane restoration work.

Portable lighting was the first essential for nighttime waste collection and reduction. The Corps of Engineers' emergency procedures manual set forth the minimum amount of light required for safe working areas under various conditions, requiring a minimum of 3 ft. candles of illumination at any general outdoor work site. Extra lighting was required in office areas and where equipment maintenance and repairs were being made at night.

An immediate call went out to construction equipment rental companies in the Raleigh area to round up all available lighting units. The Hertz Rental Corp. and Resco Rents operations in Raleigh both responded. Resco supplied more than 40 Coleman light towers and 100 pieces of other equipment, machines ranging from skidsteer loaders to wheel loaders. The equipment came from 16 various Resco locations, some from as far away as Kentucky.

Hertz supplied 30 Ingersoll-Rand light towers to Phillips & Jordan in the Wake County area and provided 200 pieces of heavy equipment in the Raleigh area alone. Some of this equipment came in from as far away as Michigan and Texas just for the Hurricane Fran cleanup.

The majority of the light systems utilized were Ingersoll-Rand Model L6 and L8 portable light towers. The L6 units are powered by Kubota D905 BG diesel engines, which drive Leroy-Somer 6 kW generators powering four 1000 W metal halide (MH) lights. The L8 units are driven by Kubota D1 105BG diesels, which drive 8 kW Leroy-Somer generators supporting four 1500 W lights. The masts supporting the lights telescoped up to 30 ft. high.

Each of the Phillips & Jordan collection and reduction sites had between 5 and 12 self-contained light towers. "The Ingersoll-Rand portable light towers were lifesavers," said Randy Perkins of Ashbrift, Inc., a grinding subcontractor to Phillips and Jordan. "They turned night into day. We would have been hard pressed to do our night work safely without them

Commercial and industrial used generator

Auxiliary power supply Specialists Generator Associates , are to introduce new section on their website for used and second hand diesel generators. Due to increasing customer demand, Generator Associates have announced they will soon launch a new section on their easy to use website, specifically focused on used and second hand diesel and gas generators. Generator Associates specialise in the supply of new and used generators, but will soon be able to communicate availability of used generators to their clients at the touch of a button, by detailing various generators online.

They will have a range of high quality generators available online at outstanding prices.

Not to mention details of the range of new generators they advise on, supply, finance, install and maintain from world leading generator manufacturers SDMO and Pramac.

Generator Associates are the power supply specialists the professionals call when they need independent and expert advice on how to solve their power supply needs.

They help a range of industrial and commercial organisations including providing generators for data centers, telecommunication centers, banks, production facilities, retail outlets and hotels.

The industrial and commercial generators they provide are helping keep British and International organisations running when they suffer from mains power failures.

Whether it is a new or used generator you require, www.generatorassociates.com will provide some excellent solutions to your generator needs.

For those who cannot wait for the upcoming used and second hand generator section on the website, call Generator Associates today to solve your power supply needs.

Guide to choosing your next UPS and generator

Generator Associates, the power supply specialists, offer some practical advice on what to consider when choosing your next generator and UPS. As you probably know, downtime is not an option for any data centre, bank, hotel or industrial factory. Loss of power means loss of working machinery, lighting, heating and importantly profit and customer satisfaction.

Generator Associates have used their 20 years of experience in the industry, to provide some useful points for consideration when choosing your next backup or standby generator.

Some noteworthy comments: Generators are more practical for standby power systems due to their cost, size and weight.

Generators are the best option when anything more than half a day's power is required.

Generators can be used on their own, but multiple generators can be synchronised and their output joined.

Generators can be combined with a UPS to enable an automatic change over when there is a mains power failure.
Points to consider when deciding upon your new generator: Do you want a diesel generator or gas.

Diesel generators are common in the industry because diesel is low cost, stable over time, and has low flammability.

Where will the generator be located - inside or outside.

Does this impose any size restrictions on your generator or UPS choice.

What items do you need to power, and what is the required power in total.

Do you require automatic change over.

Are there any restrictions on exhaust emission or noise.

Does the new generator or UPS system need to work with existing standby power systems.

Many business professionals do not have the time or desire to spend time working through all these options.

This is what Generator Associates does.

They help busy professionals who know they have a power supply problem, but do not know (or want to know) the technical details of how to solve it.

Generator Associates are experts and will assess their client's situation and provide a rapid solution, saving them time and money.

Whether it is a diesel or gas generator you require, Generator Associates provide a range of new and used generators for supply and hire.

Diesel generator for automotive parts manufacturer

Generator Associates, the specialists in generator hire, sales, supply and leasing, have just delivered two 1100Kva diesel generators to provide 2.2mw of power for a new production plant in the UK. The generator system included control panels, switching, fuel tanks and a complete maintenance package for the years to come.

Generator Associates also arranged delivery of fuel to power the new generators, and took on entire project management for these highly satisfied clients.

The large automotive parts manufacturer took advantage of the leasing services offered by Generator Associates, meaning they received an exceptional power supply solution at a low fixed monthly rental.

The client required a bespoke generator solution because their national mains electricity network provider were unable to upgrade power supply needed for their new production facility, without the massive cost of building a new electricity substation and laying high capacity cables.

Generator Associates sales and leasing options provided the excellent alternative of a diesel generator system, which would provide all the primary electricity required to completely power the new facility to the exclusion on the mains supply.

The clients choose Generator Associates because of their reputation for quality supply and sales, rapid response and technical expertise.

Project Manager for the manufacturing firm said, 'Generator Associates have been efficient and quick to respond from the start'.

'They responded within 2 hours of our initial enquiry and provided their first quotation within 24 hours'.

'Not to mention their site visit within the first 48 hours'.

'No one else responded as quickly and comprehensively as Roger and the team at Generator Associates'.

'We felt like their priority and they took on our power supply problems as their own'.

'My life was made easy as they gave expert technical guidance, excellent costings and importantly friendly advice'.

'Their generator and UPS leasing option is a real benefit'.

The clients senior production manager praised Generator Associates saying 'they have done all that they promised they would do - everything'.

'Their team were even on site the night before installation, talk about being on time'.

'What more could we want'.

Generator Associates provided new generators, fueling, and project management for this client, who were delighted with the professional and personal service provided.

Another generator system provided on site, on time, on cost - As always.

Whether it is a diesel generator hire, sales or rental you require, Generator Associates provide a range of new and used generators to exceed your expectations.

Diesel Generators

Fuels such as gasoline, diesel, propane or natural gas basically power home generators. Some models also have multi fuel capabilities and run on gasoline, propane or natural gas. The choice of the fuel will depend on the availability of the fuel in times of emergency, fuel consumed per kilowatt of power produced, maintenance of the generator and the comparative risk of storing the fuels.

Diesel generators consume comparatively less fuel per kilowatt of electricity produced and more fuel-efficient than generators powered by natural gas or gasoline. For every gallon of fuel consumed, diesel generators run 2 or 3 times longer than gasoline engines. Diesel generators do not require frequent maintenance, as is the case with gasoline generators and are designed to run continuously for long hours. Most generators come with a water-cooled engine with a speed of 1800rpm. This ensures the engines durability, and at the same time, makes it the most dependable of all the other types of generators.

Unlike gasoline generators, diesel engines are safe as they work on the principle of direct injection and have no spark plugs, which keep them relatively safe from potential fire. Diesel has a longer shelf life, and being the least flammable source of fuel, can be stored for more than a year.

Diesel is available at most of gas stations and can be conveniently carried in cans. However, diesel generators are hard to start in cold weather; emit more smoke and are noisy. Home diesel generators may cost anywhere between $1000 for 4KW to $9000 for a 15 KW depending upon the quality, wattage rating and voltage rating. Diesel generators for industrial use are available in the range of 500KW to 2000KW

Electric Generators

Electric generators are used to supply power to homes, commercial and industrial establishments when there is a disruption of power. It is also used in places where there is no supply of electricity. Electric generators come in a wide variety of models, size, and prices. Choosing the right electric generator depends upon an individual’s need. A homeowner first has to identify the appliances to be powered by the generator. The total wattage required to run these appliances has to be added up, including the starting wattage requirement of some of the appliances such as refrigerators. This makes up the total wattage power required from the generator. Lights and other smaller appliances require 120 volts of power, whereas appliances like electric stoves and driers require 240 volts. It should be checked whether the generators have the necessary voltage ratings.

There are few features that have to be considered before buying an electric generator. First, make sure to check to see if the engine has an overhead valve. An engine that comes with an overhead valve start easily, last longer and is less noisy. Second, check whether the engine has a cast iron sleeve in the cylinder to protect the engine from early wear and tear. In addition to this, electric generators come loaded with many convenient features such as electric start, power switch to alternate between 120 and 240 volts, low oil shut down that shuts the engines when the fuel in the tank reaches a certain level and an hour meter to show the duration of time the engine has been running. Electric generators are generally powered by gasoline, diesel, propane or natural gas. There are inexpensive but have a short life. Diesel generators are fuel-efficient, have a longer life but are relatively expensive. Propane and natural gas generators are best suited where fuel is ready available.

Emergency Generators

The disruption of power for substantial lengths of time can occur at any time due to hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, snowfall and other natural calamities. Having emergency backup power in such situations is not only essential for hospitals and commercial establishments but also in homes to run critical appliances like lights, refrigerators, heaters and medical equipment.

There are basically two types of generators that can be used in an emergency: portable and permanent standby generators. The main difference between the two is their output power and price.

In times of emergencies, portable generators provide the most economical way of supplying back up power. Appliances are directly plugged into the generator using the recommended extension cord or alternatively are connected to the home wiring system using a transfer switch. The generators come with an electric start or a pull start and loaded with many other features including the GFCI receptacles.

Portable and permanent generators come in varying sizes and types. There are some generators that supply 120 volts while others come with a 120 to 240 volts supply. Determining the right size and type of generator is important. This depends on the individual house owner’s need for power in emergencies. A portable generator can provide power to run some basic electrical appliances like lighting, furnaces, televisions, refrigerators and water well pumps. Normally, for most homeowners a portable generator of the capacity of 5000 to 6000 watts may be sufficient. Portable generators may cost $600 or more depending upon the quality and type of generator.

Gasoline powered generators are the most familiar among portable generators. There are models that are powered by diesel, while some models available have multi fuel capabilities that run on gasoline, propane or natural gas. Gasoline powered generators are the least expensive but have a relatively shorter life span and require frequent maintenance.

Diesel generators are expensive. They are fuel-efficient, require less maintenance and have a longer life. However, diesel generators are hard to start in the cold season. Using propane or natural gas powered generator is the best alternative if the fuels are readily available. These generators are expensive but require less maintenance and burn cleaner.

A permanently installed generator can power up critical systems in homes automatically within 10 to 20 seconds of loss of power -- even in the absence of the house owner, Permanent generators are connected to the home wiring system through the transfer switch. The transfer switch automatically starts the generator in case there is disruption of power. As soon as normal electricity is restored, the transfer switch automatically shuts down the generator. Most of these generators run on natural gas or LP. The same gas used for home appliances can be utilized to fuel the generator. The size of the generator will depend upon the number of systems the house owner wants to power up during emergency. A generator in the range of 8000 to 17,000 watts will be sufficient for a homeowner seeking to install permanent generators. Permanent generators cost $5000 to $10000. Whatever the type of generator, every generator should provide 60 hertz power for proper performance of any electronic equipment.

Generators

Generators are used for the generation of electric power. There are basically two types of generators: standby generators and portable generators. Generators ensure that most of the essential appliances can be run whenever there is a power outage. Standby generators provide backup power in homes and offices and are permanently installed outside the house or office building. They are plugged into the electric circuits or home wiring. Standby generators can automatically detect disruption in the usual electric supply and begin supplying power within a few seconds. Portable generators are usually used in places where there is no supply of power or the need for power is less such as on construction sites camps. These generators are sufficient for lighting and to run appliances like televisions, refrigerators, sump pumps and furnaces.

Generators are available in varying size and output power. The choice of buying the right type of generator depends upon a number of factors such as the wattage capacity, voltage ratings, fuel type, fuel efficiency, noise level, portability and price.

Generators for home use most often run on fuels such as gasoline, diesel, natural gas or propane. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Gasoline is inexpensive and easily available. Gasoline generators gives the most power per weight unit but require frequent maintenance. It is also noisy, emits harmful carbon monoxide and the engine wears faster than diesel, propane or natural gas generators.

Diesel is easy to acquire but is comparatively more expensive. Diesel generators require less maintenance and are fuel-efficient. Its disadvantage is that it is noisier, emits more smoke and smells, and harder to start in cold weather.

Propane is expensive and is feasible for homeowners who already have a storage tank to store propane. Propane generators require less maintenance, has no condensation and no problem starting up in cold weather like the gasoline generators. However, propane gas or natural gas generators consume more fuel per kilowatt of power produced than diesel generators. Natural gas generators are the most convenient to use as there is continuous supply of fuel. They can be connected to home gas lines.

A generator should always be used according to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Care should be taken to see that the generator is not overloaded. A heavy-duty extension cord must be used to connect appliances to the generator. A qualified electrician must be called in to install a transfer switch to plug the generator to the home wiring system. Refueling the generator when in operation should be avoided. Spilling of fuel on the heated components may cause fire.

Smaller generators can meet most of the basic power needs of a homeowner. Buying a larger generator will consume more fuel to power the same appliances that a smaller generator could. A 5-kilowatt portable generator can power main lights, televisions, sump pumps and refrigerators. Generators of higher wattage capacity are also available according to the needs of the individual house owner. Commercial establishments may need standby generators having an output capacity of more than 200 KW and supplying three-phase power, that is, 120, 240, 480 volts.

It is always wise to invest in good quality generators. All brands and models of generators are listed on the -- a very convenient way to find the best deal.

Portable Generators

Portable generators are used in homes and in places where there is no power or the need for power is minimum. Portable generators are generally smaller and are designed to use for a few. A portable generator of 5KW has enough power to keep lights, refrigerators, computers and televisions running for 7 to 8 hours. Portable generators are normally powered by gasoline, diesel, propane or natural gas. They are the most popular of all portable generators. Gasoline generators are relatively less expensive but require frequent maintenance and have a shorter life span. Gasoline has a short shelf life and cannot be stored for a long time unless treated with stabilizers.

Diesel generators, on the other hand, are fuel-efficient, consume less fuel per kilowatt of power produced, have longer life and require less maintenance. Diesel can be stored for longer periods of time. However, they are harder to start in cold weather and noisy. Portable generators powered by natural gas or propane is the best choice if available. The generator lasts longer and burns cleaner.

Before choosing a portable generator, the total wattage of all appliances to be powered by the generator must be calculated. This includes the starting wattage required by appliances with motors, such as refrigerators and freezers that use two or three times their normal wattage power to start. The generator should not only meet the normal wattage, but the start up wattage of the appliances. Moreover, the generator must have the necessary voltage ratings to run electric appliances such as the ovens and clothes driers that are rated at 240 volts. A portable generator should have at least two receptacles of 120 volt each. Generators that provide a longer runtime per tank of fuel or having a fuel tank capacity of around 5 gallon of fuel are preferred especially, by people living in areas where power failures are quite frequent.

A portable 7KW generator that can power lights, furnaces, sump pumps, televisions and refrigerators may cost $1000 or more depending upon the quality and the type of generator. For a normal home, an ideal generator would be in 10KW to 12 KW costing around $2700 for 10KW and $3700 for a 12 KW. Portable diesel generators are available for use on construction sites in the range of 200KW and more.

Before operating the generator, read and follow the instructions given in the owner’s manual. Observe the operating and the maintenance procedures strictly for safe and trouble free operation. Avoid putting loads on the generator that exceed the manufacturer’s rating. Also, do not run too many devices at the same time. This trips the generators circuit breakers causing loss of power. The generator must be operated at least twice a year with full load to keep it in working condition. Keep the generator outside the house but never in a garage or in a basement. Carbon monoxide emitted from the generator can be hazardous to health. Use only the recommended extension cords for the generator. Hire the service of a qualified electrician to install a transfer switch if the generator is to be connected to home wiring. Do not refuel the generator when it is under operation. Spilling of fuel may cause fire. The generator should be kept dry and should not be run in wet conditions.

RV Generators

The introduction of RV generators has made it possible for people who use smaller and towable RVs to enjoy the modern amenities of life.

Modern RVs have installed generators behind the drivers’ seat, which provide electrical power. They draw their fuel supply from the engine’s fuel tank and can be operated while traveling. The generator automatically shuts down as soon as the fuel in the tank reaches a certain level.

Smaller RV’s do not come equipped with installed generators, and they need generators specially designed for them. These generators provide sufficient power to run appliances such as television, microwave, air conditioner and refrigerator.

RV’s are normally equipped with a 30amp or 50 amps electrical system. A 4 KW generator can power a 30amp electric system, while a larger generator with a wattage capacity of more than 6500 watts is needed for 50amps electric system.

RV generators are available in varying size and capacities. 5500 to 12500 watts class of diesel-powered generators can run two or three air-conditioners leaving some spare additional power for some other use. 5000 to 7000 watts generators come in models that are gasoline powered, or run on LP. Compact and lightweight generators, run on LP or gasoline and are available from 2500 to 4000 watt. For smaller RVs and conventional truck campers and travel trailers, specially designed gasoline powered generator ranging from 2500 to 4000 watts are available.

Gasoline powered generators are the cheapest. A 5.5 KW generator may cost around $3000, while diesel generators are the most expensive costing around $6000 for a 5.5 KW generator.

Specially designed RV generators produce less noise and are built tough to run for many hours. The latest RV generators have very low noise and vibration level and come with value added features like remote control, electronic ignition, automatic voltage regulator, low fuel alert system and alert systems for overheating.

Generators - A Guide to Purchasing

The diesel generator produces electric energy using the combination of an electrical generator and a diesel engine.

Ships often use diesel generators, to power the electric system and to propel the ship. Wherever the electrical grid is unstable, a diesel generator is used as a back up during supply failure. Even with the best alternative system such as solar energy or wind energy, sometimes the weather may not cooperate and land us in darkness when the main power source fails. To keep our power system running, a backup engine generator may be just the thing. For businesses with sensitive computer networks, or homes with critical medical equipment, a back up power system such as a diesel generator may be necessary even when grid power is available.

The intended power load and the ability to supply the same is the basis for the selection of diesel generators.

High quality gasoline generators and diesel generators will provide reliable backup power to small offices and most homes. When you have a good backup generator sized to support your important electrical equipment and power systems then you need not bother or worry when there is a major supply failure.

Diesel generators can be switched on or off unlike other alternative power sources so there are no need for a dedicated charge controller. The generator can be connected to the main power system through an inverter using the generator’s auto-start feature. Alternatively, it can also be connected to the generator auto-start battery charger.

When buying a diesel generator make a list of the lights and equipment that will be running off the generator. Total the wattage requirements to determine the capacity of the generator. Compare wattage requirement and the price of the generator. If the generator is to be connected directly to the electrical system, then it is advisable to hire a qualified technician to install the transfer switch. Ensure that the generator has adequate storage capacity, longer usage time at a stretch, overload protection and auto shut off facility.

How to Choose a Molybdenum Stock

“What you are really mining is money,” veteran geologist Don Davidson told us during a recent interview about molybdenum. It applies to any mineral, whether gold, silver, copper, uranium or, of course, molybdenum. “All mining, regardless of the commodity, is just really based upon your mining dollars. It’s the value of the particular element and whether it is economic to extract it or not,” he explained.

Despite the shrill forecasts of some analysts who claim we should expect a price correction in base metals, molybdenum is very much in demand. “A lot of people envisioned this flip in the molybdenum price to be a short-term think, but I think with the economies that are rolling in Asia, especially India and China, we are never going to see the old price level again,” Davidson forecast. Another reason why the price of molybdenum could stay high comes as result of BP’s corroded oil pipeline in Alaska. We talked to a few industry insiders who believed BP could have increased the corrosion resistance in their oil pipeline had they added a tiny percentage more of molybdenum to the pipeline. Oil companies are probably going to require more molybdenum to prevent another costly oil spill.

Our discussions with geologists, investors and industry insiders reinforce the notion that the bull market in molybdenum is very much alive and kicking higher. We received an interesting email from Doug Fosbrooke, head of investor relations for Roca Mines, as we were soliciting comments about molybdenum demand. He wrote, “I received a call the other day from a Canadian-based representative of a Chinese moly/steel/metals dealer looking to buy MAX (the name of Roca’s molybdenum mine) concentrates. Even after telling him we had signed an offtake agreement for 100 percent of our production, the party still expressed strong interest in doing business with us. Another Asian dealer, with whom we had been in discussions to provide project financing capital also contacted us in the past week looking for our product.” When a small and soon-to-be-producing molybdenum company is pursued by Asian interests, after it has widely announced that next year’s production has been sold in advance, we feel comfortable in expecting a stable, if not higher, molybdenum price. That should bode well for newly arriving molybdenum producers, such as Roca Mines, which hopes to start mining its MAX deposit in Canada in the fourth quarter. But how can an investor safeguard himself from the potential arrival of other, less known wanna-be producers?

As we did with uranium and coalbed methane stocks, we compiled a list of “molybdenum-specific” tips for investors. For advice on how to separate the good companies from the bad, we turned to geological and engineering experts to guide us. Both Dr. Nick Carter and Don Davidson have several decades of experience in evaluating molybdenum projects. For example, Blue Pearl’s Yorke-Hardy molybdenum deposit was renamed the Davidson deposit in honor of one our experts. Carter and Davidson are both members of the five-man senior exploration board for Roca Mines, which hopes to find additional molybdenum beneath the existing high-grade MAX deposit in British Columbia.

1. Keep your eye on the price of molybdenum. Nick Carter advised, “One of the biggest pitfalls related to molybdenum is price. We’ve seen spikes over the years. The last one was in the 1970s. One of the things you have to watch out for, in terms of molybdenum, is the price. It’s been pretty good the last couple of years and all indications are it’s going to remain, perhaps at these lofty levels.” Huge deposits and good grades are required to withstand lower prices.

2. Find out the average grade of the molybdenum deposit. “If any investor were to phone me and want to buy stock in moly mine, my immediate response would be, ‘Well, what is the grade’?” Carter said. “And if the grade isn’t a little bit better than 0.1 percent, and preferably closer to 0.2 percent, I’d say, ‘Well, you had better think about this a little bit.” Carter explained he liked the MAX deposit because at 2 percent, Roca Mines would yield 40 pounds per ton of molybdenum. At $20 pound, the gross in situ value of the deposit would be $800/ton. Mining and operating costs are said to be less than $100/ton, yielding an operating profit of $700/ton.

3. How deep is the molybdenum deposit? “Usually the deeper you go, the better grade you have to have in order to have material that can be mined for profit,” advised Davidson. “The deeper you go, your expenses can increase. Therefore, you’d generally have to have higher grade at depth.”

4. Is it underground or open pit mining? Davidson discussed Adanac’s deposit in British Columbia, “Because it’s an open pit, your mining costs are much lower.” Carter advised on deposits where average grades run low, “If it’s 0.1 percent, it had better be a big deposit and it had better be open pit, too. We’re not talking underground here. With 0.2 percent, you get a little more option, if you can get something that’s reasonably large and with grades approaching 0.2 percent. Cost of production in many open pit mines should be in the $10 to $11/pound range.”

5. What is the timeline for production? Some companies plan to begin molybdenum production this year or next. Others are looking a few years out. “The price is here now, but three years from now, when your mine’s up and running, the price may be $8,” Carter explained. “Maybe you’re not going to be able to cut it if you’ve got an overall molybdenum grade of 0.1 percent or less.” It is safer to evaluate a molybdenum company on a lower metal price than stretching your expectations by appraising it at the top of the market. “If molybdenum can stay north of $10-12/pound, it should be pretty good times,” Carter noted.

6. How pure is your moly concentrate? Carter advised investors find out answers to these questions: “Is there any copper associated with this molybdenum deposit? And if so, how much copper?” Carter warned, “If there’s something like 0.05 or 0.1 percent copper in the molybdenum system, this could be enough to really screw it up in terms of concentrate sales. There’s not enough (copper) to recover to make any money, and you could have serious problems in producing a moly concentrate that’s going to get you top dollar.” In the Kitsault molybdenum mine, there was significant lead content in the moly concentrate. “They took a serious penalty on that and they had to install a leaching plant to get the lead out of the concentrate,” Carter explained.

7. Does the molybdenum have a contract or offtake agreement with a leading buyer? “The most telling comment with regards to purity of the moly concentrate is: Does this company have a contract?” Carter pointed out. “If they’ve got a contract, you can be pretty sure the concentrate grade is going to be okay. There are specifications outlined in the agreement.”

8. What is the infrastructure like? Carter talked about one company, which he explained was in a remote location, and which he asked we not name. “There’s no electrical power!” he exclaimed. “There’s no hydroelectric, no power lines.” He did talk about how previously, with other mining operations in this area, power was produced by way of diesel-fired generators. “But in today’s world, I don’t think they’ll look at that,” he said. “It’s too expensive.” Big operations will require being on a power grid to function, while smaller ones, such as Roca’s MAX mining operation, can economically operate with diesel generators.

9. Look for hidden problems in a molybdenum mining and processing operation. “Is the processing facility (mill) located nearby?” asked Davidson. “Or will it be trucked hundreds of kilometers?” Other problems an investor should find out about include: (a) workforce availability, (b) the capital costs and payback on those costs, (c) mine permitting, (d) anti-mining activity in the jurisdiction, (e) financing for the project, (f) access to the deposit (can the deposit be accessed at all?), and (g) the company’s market capitalization in relation to timeline for production. Does the deposit have blue sky potential? The Climax started small and became a world-class molybdenum mine.

Future of Energy: Biodiesel Generators

One of the most exciting new fuel solutions presented has to be biodiesel. For all people who have not heard about biodiesel, it is made from a combination of organic oils like corn, canola, or soy oil with other ingredients to produce a fuel that burns similar to diesel fuel used in vehicles. Biodiesel can even be combined with regular diesel to form a combination of the two fuels that is cleaner burning and safer.

Petroleum and oil are both fossil fuels that eventually run out, and with countries like China, India, and others starting to expand their society and add millions of vehicles and other gasoline powered machines, the supply will dwindle much faster. Thus biodiesel, a fuel that is made from organic oils, can be pretty much grown to meet higher supply and demand. This is one of biodiesel's really strong points in that it is a highly renewable resource that also has less emissions so it is safer for the environment. Because organic materials used to make biodiesel can be grown, the farmers are supported by a bigger demand and the dependency on oil can be decreased. These points alone should make biodiesel a very great looking alternative fuel.

Biodiesel is currently being used more and more in all types of applications. Many cities are switching city vehicles and other emergency vehicles to use biodiesel as fuel source, thus decreasing cost and lowering pollution. Some gas stations already offer B20, a blend of biodiesel and 80% petrodiesel, that can be used in most diesel vehicles effectively and safely. Biodiesel can currently be used in most newer diesel engines without the need for major modifications or overhaul of the engine. This allows a quicker onset into the public than other fuel solutions. The abundance of many diesel fueled applications allows biodiesel to be used immediately to help cut costs and help the environment as well. Everything from cars, farm vehicles, generators, and a lot of other machines already can utilize biodiesel.

The future of biodiesel as a major energy source is definitely a great possibility. With more research on ways on developing and better utilizing biodiesel, it's applications will greatly increase. Imagine being able to take cooking oil after frying something up, adding an additive to remove the smell and being able to use that waste oil as fuel for diesel engines. This can be the future of biodiesel and many restaurants that use a lot of frying oil can use this oil to fuel other appliances as diesel furnaces. The future of biodiesel as a major fuel source really depends on the fact that it is highly renewable and the great efficiency possible.

RV Generator "How-To" Preventive Maintenance

When I worked at a RV dealership, every spring our service department was booked with appointments for generators that either wouldn't start, or if they did start they had that all too familiar surging sound. This was a result of letting the generator sit for periods of time without starting and exercising it. Lack of use is one of the biggest problems with generators. In gasoline generators the fuel breaks down and gums up causing hard starting and surging problems. This can happen in as short a period of time as one month.

RV generators are extremely dependable and in many cases will out last the RV if they are properly maintained and cared for. They do not require your constant attention, just some basic maintenance. The first thing you need to understand about maintaining your generator is that they need to be exercised on a regular basis. This applies to gas and diesel generators. Gasoline generators could have fuel related problems in as little as one month of sitting idle. This is one of the biggest problems, but it can easily be prevented if you get in a habit of exercising the generator on a monthly basis.

Some people think that they could avoid this by adding a fuel preservative to the fuel tank and then running the generator long enough to get the preservative through the generator set. You definitely should use a fuel preservative whenever the unit will be in storage, but there are many other reasons to start and exercise the generator on a regular basis. Moisture build up can cause damage to your generator. When you exercise your generator it heats up the generator windings and eliminates this moisture build up. This monthly exercise regime also lubricates all of the engine seals and components and helps to prevent carbon build up.

So, what exactly do I mean when I say exercise your generator? For a gasoline generator I mean that you start and run the generator with at least a 50 percent load for at least two hours every month. It is extremely important that you run it with this minimum rated load. Generators are designed to run with a load placed on them. Our motor home has a 4,000 watt generator so I can either turn the roof air conditioner on in the summer time, which is about 2,000 watts or I can use a couple of small portable electric heaters if it's cold out. It's always better to let your generator run for longer periods than it is for short periods. Check your generator owner's manual for load ratings specific to your unit.

Other maintenance intervals for generators are based on usage. Your generator set will have an hour meter so you can monitor the usage. Consult your owner's manual for maintenance intervals.

The bottom line is, do not hesitate to use your generator and when you do use it put a load on it. A little exercise and preventive maintenance will keep you generator in top operating condition and provide many years of faithful service.