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Record truck sales bring new technology to Aussie roads

Record truck sales bring new fuel saving technology to Aussie roads

Transport fleets are increasing their rate of adoption of fuel-saving technologies – and enjoying the benefits in fuel economy – according to the annual fleet study in the USA.

Australia has already seen trials of innovations like platooning, and our Truck Industry Council (TIC) says investment in new vehicles and their accompanying new technology is up in 2018.

***New offerings like the Man TGX D38 are bringing latest fuel efficiency technology to Australian transport fleets.***

What US transport fleets are doing with fuel-saving technology

The North American Council for Freight Efficiency’s (NACFE) 2018 Annual Fleet Fuel Study, which looks at the adoption of products and practices to improve freight efficiency among 20 major North American fleets, found the overall adoption rate for 85 currently available technologies grew from 17 per cent in 2003 to 44 per cent in 2017, with economic benefits totalling more than $636 million across the fleets in 2017. Fleet vehicles that were latest models were delivering up to 4.25kpl.

Let’s put the survey in context. In the United States, fuel costs over the past decade have fluctuated from around 20-40 per cent of the total cost of operating a commercial vehicle. While fuel-saving technologies have increased, barriers to adoption have included a lack of data about performance gains and a lack of confidence about the payback on investment.

Investment in proven technologies that let fleets do the same amount of business while spending less on fuel are a promising option, but the needs of operators are vastly diverse. The NACFE research aims to provide the information the industry needs by gathering information around the purchases of 20 fleets that involve any of the 85 relevant technologies.

The 2018 report found fleets that successfully adopted the technology tried to make the new specifications their norm, recognising that implementation was not always easy and involved a change management process including driver and technician training and new suppliers.

“Continuing to make investments in technologies that improve fuel efficiency makes good sense,” a senior executive at one of the large US carriers told NACFE.

“Given the historic volatility of oil prices, it’s a safe bet that we’ll see the price of diesel go up, (and) fleets that have improved their fuel economy will be at a competitive advantage when that happens.”

Technologies that had the largest gains in adoption rate were cab extenders, lower viscosity engine oil, shift to neutral, direct drive transmission, in-cab cameras, high efficiency alternator, engine start-stop for HVAC, trailer tail fairings, trailer solar panels, two-speed/modulated cooling fan clutch, two-speed/variable speed water pump and trailer lift axle. Smaller fleets were higher adopters of cab insulation, tyre pressure monitoring and wide-base tyres.

The Australian story – a bumper year for truck sales

The good news in Australia is that truck sales results for 2018 suggest a record investment in new trucks, with their accompanying fuel saving features. This year’s January to June result – with 19,970 heavy vehicles delivered – smashed the previous mid-year peak and bodes well for a more fuel-efficient industry.

Truck Industry Council (TIC) President Phil Taylor says it’s the first step in a long road– the average age of Australia’s truck fleet is 14 years for trucks above 3.5t GVM, compared with seven years in Western Europe, and the TIC argues adoption is being slowed by technical restrictions which mean we are out of step with global dimensional and axle mass limits, making it expensive to import some vehicles without expensive modifications.

“We need regulators to work more closely with truck manufacturers, the companies developing these technologies, to develop processes that could see the streamlining of new regulation development and introduction in Australia,” Phil says.

“Most importantly, we need these new technologies and features to filter through our nation’s truck fleet far more quickly than is currently happening, and that can only be achieved with a newer, younger truck fleet.”

Consider upgrading fuel storage and systems

If new vehicles are not yet an option, managing fuel quality through storage and monitoring fuel use through fuel management systems are proven options to improve fuel efficiency.

Poorly managed diesel fuel is responsible for about 80 per cent of engine failures in the transport industry, and in a time critical environment these failures can cost a business much more than the price of engine repairs.

Find out more about keeping fuel costs down from the fuel storage specialists at www.festanks.com.au

Trucking & Logistics

Farmers stay resilient in face of drought

Australia’s 135,000 farmers are tightening their belts as the severe drought gripping the eastern states deepens and forecasts point to a dry, hot spring and summer – but it’s not all bad news.

While the Rabobank rural confidence index survey signals an expected drop in positive sentiment across regional Australia over the past three months – with 100 per cent of NSW and much of Queensland and Victoria in drought – it shows most farmers believe their businesses are well-equipped to weather the storm.

More than 93 per cent of around 1,200 farmer surveyed around Australia said they will remain viable for the next year even if the big dry continues or an El Nino event develops.

Rabobank Australia CEO Peter Knoblanche said farmers across the country are showing great resilience and adaptability to manage their businesses through worsening drought conditions.

“Parts of central and western Queensland have been in drought for seven years with only sporadic short-term relief, while the whole of NSW is drought-declared and its reach is spreading into South Australia and Victoria,” he said.

“(But) the outlook for Australia’s ag sector is fundamentally very sound, with strong commodity prices – particularly for lamb, bee, wool and cotton and, more recently, grain – ensuring the majority remain in overall strong positions.

“Farmers have managed through droughts before and have put in place the infrastructure and systems to try to mitigate the impact as best they can. That is not to say it isn’t extremely challenging, especially in areas where it has been so prolonged.”

Western Australia was the only state that bucked the trend, with improved conditions meaning 48 per cent of the state’s farmers were expecting an increase in gross farm incomes.

Farmers in Tasmania and Western Australia were more likely to be planning to increase investment in their farm business.

New drought assistance measures announced

Meanwhile, while farmers in some areas are celebrating their first taste of rain in a long while, the Federal Government has appointed a new national drought co-ordinator and increased direct assistance and concessional loans to $1.8 billion.

Under the next phase of drought assistance:

The Drought Communities Programme will be expanded and receive an additional $75 million to help support 60 councils in drought-stricken areas, funding local community infrastructure and other projects, such as emergency water supply.
Primary producers can immediately deduct (rather than depreciate over three years) the cost of fodder storage assets, such as silos and hay sheds used to store grain and other animal feed storage, making it easier for farmers to invest in and stockpile fodder. The deduction will be available for storage assets first used or installed ready for use from August 2018.
The instant deduction is in addition to the $20,000 instant asset write-off already available for small businesses to support capital investment in infrastructure. The write-off is one way farm businesses can take measures to improve cost-efficiency, including upgrading farm fuel storage to maximise efficiency and reduce farm fuel costs.
The Government is doubling the amount a farmer can borrow in low-interest loans to $2 million and increasing the total amount available for these loans to $500 million in any one year. These loans will assist with financing immediate needs such as purchasing feed and fodder. The first five years of these loans will remain interest only. Farmers with existing government loans will also be able to refinance to take advantage of the interest-only concessional period.
An additional $23.7 million will be provided to improve drought resilience by extending the Great Artesian Basin bore capping program that plugs abandoned bores and replaces free-running channels with new water-efficient piping.
There will be a special drought round under the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund that will provide up to $72 million for water infrastructure in drought-affected areas.
An additional $2.7 million will be provided to allow the Bureau of Meteorology to develop new finer scale regional weather and climate guides, helping farmers make decisions about crop planting and stocking levels by better understanding their local climate risks.

NSW freight changes support hay transport to drought-affected farmers

In NSW, the State Government has taken action to change freight dimension allowances to reduce prices for farmers forced to look further afield to source cattle feed.

The change will allow eligible vehicles transporting hay to travel under notice and without a permit with loads 2.83m wide and up to 4.6m high on approved roads.

Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey, said for vehicles that weren’t eligible the process for obtaining a permit would be made easier.

NSW is also offering a transport subsidy of $20,000 per farm business to cover 50 per cent of the full cost of freight up to a maximum of $5 per kilometre and 1,500km per journey.

Farming

Fuel security review to report this year

New mandatory reporting laws for petroleum stockpiles support better fuel security

2018 Fuel Security Review for Australia

Regular readers of our blog will know fuel security is an issue we’ve been monitoring for some time.

A while ago, we highlighted the potential for a major shortage in an interactive infographic.

This year, as part of the Federal Budget, the Australian Government announced it would be fast-tracking a review of liquid fuel security.

The review, which is due to release results by the end of this year, will look at issues including the resilience of our liquid fuel supply chains to withstand disruptions internationally or within Australia.

Liquid fuel including petrol, diesel and jet fuel accounts for 37 per cent of Australia’s energy use, including 98 per cent of transport needs.

Earlier this year Senator Jim Molan raised concerns about Australia’s fuel supply potentially being affected by conflict in the Middle East.

“At the moment, from my estimations, in relation to petrol we have something between 19 to 24 days,” Senator Molan told 2GB in April.

“In relation to diesel we have something between 12 to 17 days and in relation to aviation fuel… we’ve got something like 17 to 19 days.”

The comments follow an August 2017 report from the Department of Environment and Energy showing that while Australia produces its own crude oil, around 75 per cent of local production is exported and refined overseas.

“In addition, domestically produced grades of crude oil are generally not as well suited for use by local refineries as those sourced from other countries,” the report said.

We know our fuel consumption is heavily reliant on imports, with South Korea supplying 27 per cent of Australia’s refined product imports by volume in 2016-17, closely followed by Singapore with 26 per cent. Japan supplied 14 per cent, Malaysia 10 per cent and China 8 per cent.

The executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Peter Jennings, told the ABC’s Fact Check a lack of refineries and fuel farms meant Australia would not have the capacity to store large quantities of fuel.

“We would not be able to actually keep much in-country stock because our fuel farms are now so decrepit and falling out of service that we wouldn’t have the capacity to store it all,” Mr Jennings said.

“It would take several billions of dollars to get us to a point where we’d have the storage capacity.”

In May 2018, Australian Petroleum Statistics show Australia had a 28 day stock of petroleum at current consumption levels.

The fuel security review now being undertaken will consider how fuel is used in Australia, threats to supply and the potential impact of liquid fuel disruptions to dependent sectors of the economy.

The Review will consult with key stakeholders and is inviting feedback.

Find out more at https://www.energy.gov.au/government-priorities/energy-security/energy-security-assessments/liquid-fuel-security-review

Fuel Security

Reducing Farm Fuel Costs – Tractor Tips for Broadacre Farmers

Broadacre farming is a fuel-intensive business. In fact, the fuel used to run farm vehicles represents more than one third of the energy consumed in the NSW agricultural sector (Energetics 2013).

If you’re a large-scale farmer, you’ll know six figure fuel bills are common, and getting the greatest fuel efficiency from your farm vehicles is critical. The NSW Farmers farm Energy Information Program AgInnovators says for the average broadacre farmer in NSW, fuel costs are one of the top three direct cash costs.

Factors that influence fuel use can be as varied as the type of fuel used, equipment maintenance schedules, the machinery you use and how you buy, measure and store your fuel. AgInnovators says efficient operation and set-up of tractors can save broadacre farmers up to 15 per cent on fuel costs.

Choose your tractor carefully

Much of the information available when buying a tractor is geared to the US and European markets, so if you want to optimise your fuel efficiency it’s important to do some homework based on your operational requirements. The most important rule is to match your tractor horsepower to equipment or loads. Tractor expert Mark Francis says the area of power ratings requires serious professional advice. The key steps to estimating your tractor power needs are:

Identify your priority critical field operation
Estimate the time you will have to complete the priority task
Fine the work rate (hectares per hour)
Determine the width of the implement required
Determine soil resistance
Determine the power required at the drawbar
Determine PTO power required
Adjust for further considerations.

Buy the right tyres

Will you buy bias ply or radial ply tyres for your vehicle? Radial ply tyres were introduced in the 1940s and can make a difference of 6-14 per cent in traction, fuel efficiency and reduced wheel slippage. You should also consider tyre size. As a rule of thumb it’s a good idea to err on the side of the larger tyres that work for your machine and your operation, because this will allow you to maximise traction and efficiency by employing a wider range of pressures.

Analysing performance – getting wheel slip right

Extras like a radar can be valuable tools in improving fuel efficiency. For example, a radar can help determine the tractor’s forward speed and compare it against tyre rotation, allowing you to better calculate wheel slip and make the most of performance.

On the paddock, wheel slippage helps realign soil particles and the right balance is important. Too much wheel slip uses more fuel and reduces tyre life. Too little will increase wear, reduce drive-train life and potentially waste fuel if there is too much ballast and the tractor is pulling excessive weight. The operator’s manual is a good guide here, and NSW Farmers also has an excellent information guide.

The tractor ballast balancing act

You can make great improvements to fuel efficiency by adjusting the weight of your tractor according to the task it’s performing. Standard weight distribution should be about 60-40, with 60 per cent of the weight on the rear axle. If you’re ploughing and are not getting the right wheel slip, adjusting the weight is critical to ensuring maximum fuel efficiency.

Get your tyre pressure right

Farm machines perform many different tasks and can operate under a wide range of loads, speeds and ground conditions. Inflating tyres to optimal pressure can make a huge difference to fuel inefficiency – up to 30 per cent. In general, tyre pressures should be lower in the paddock and higher on the road. Check your tractor manual to get your pressures right, and make sure staff get in the habit of adjusting. For a radial tyre, at least two tyre lugs should be firmly in contact with the ground.

Use adaptive Driving

In Europe, research has shown using methods like gear up, throttle down make a huge difference. Proper gear selection and throttle operation can save you up to 20 per cent in fuel efficiency. Basically, gear up throttle down means using the highest gear the machine will allow without overloading the engine, and decreasing the throttle. This is particularly effective when the tractor is underloaded. The tractor should be running at 80 per cent load for maximum efficiency.

Modern diesel engines are most efficient between 1400 and 1800 rpm. It’s a good idea to run the engine at around 1600 for best results.

Maintain, maintain, maintain

A solid program of preventative maintenance can save a world of hurt. Be sure to maintain a schedule that includes lubricating grease fittings daily, draining and refilling the transmission every 100 hours, replacing the fuel filter every 500 hours, changing the crankcase oil and filter every 100 hours, checking belt tension every 250 hours, checking batteries and checking and adjusting brakes monthly.

Document your tractor fuel efficiency

Make a fuel management plan – basically this means answering the when, where and what of fuel usage. Good fuel use records can help keep track of fuel use on different jobs or under different conditions.

Litres per hectare is the key measure when costing production of your crop.

Electronic fuel management systems can help you monitor and note when there are changes in fuel efficiency. Ideally, you should take note of factors including date of use, time elapsed, where the work was completed and over what area and amount of fuel consumed.

It’s also important to record data and keep receipts for fuel deliveries, keep log books for your tanks and ensure gauges are in good working order. Keeping accurate records helps minimise the risk of theft and aid early identification of leaks.

Get your storage right

In the past, the cost of purchasing compliant fuel storage tanks and installing bunding to ensure compliance with state regulations has made large-scale fuel storage cost-prohibitive for some farmers. Keeping tanks clean and maintained to protect fuel integrity has also been an issue. Fortunately, new products including fully-transportable self-bunded tanks not only make it possible to change your refuelling location depending on the job, but also dramatically reduce the cost of being environmentally compliant.

Ask the experts at FES about the right tank and pump options for your business.

Farming

Autonomous Truck Refuelling: The Robot Revolution

Autonomous Truck Refuelling - hero image

Autonomous Truck Refuelling: The Robot Revolution

TAKE a flight up to any mine across the country and its clear the industry has seen a massive shift in technology over the last five to 10 years.

Automation has disrupted the way the majors and juniors are doing business and having an impact on their bottom line, not to mention significantly improving safety.

In the WA Pilbara alone, three-storey high trucks are driving themselves around across Rio Tinto, FMG, and BHP’s iron ore mines, drills are now autonomous and the trains hauling the ore from pit to port are beginning to operate without a driver– instead run by a team in a remote operations centre more than 1000km away. (crazy, right?).

Rio Tinto was one of the first players to enter the automation game. Now, driverless vehicles are becoming synonymous with the mining industry. And while it may take a while for the cash-strapped juniors to get there, from what we hear it’s just a matter of time.

So what’s the next step for automation, beyond driverless trucks?

You may have heard of the buzz word Industry 4.0 (also known as the fourth industrial revolution) incorporating cyber-physical systems and the Internet of Things into mines. There’s also an emerging trend in robotics that will drive further efficiencies across operations, namely autonomous truck refuelling technology.

Truth is, there are still a number of challenges that exist with current refuelling methods. First up, the current process involves a handful of risks to staff who are working around the truck’s wheel base (where there can be potential fuel spillages). Manual fuel stations are also generally located a long distance from the mining pit, meaning there can be up to an hour a day in lost production time—bad news for miners that are working around the clock to meet their production guidance.

It is clear autonomous truck refuelling is the next natural step in the automation chain to add even more value to an operation.

Autonomous truck refuelling: How it works

In a nutshell, autonomous truck refuelling technology involves a robotic arm that removes the manual aspect of hooking up a truck to a diesel tank to refuel. The good news is that the technology is already readily available.

There are a small group of innovators, both here and abroad, that have pioneered solutions for existing autonomous haulage systems.

Australian-based Scott Automation + Robotics is one example. The technology company has developed Robofuel; an automated refuelling system that can be paired with an ABB or KUKA robots and self bunded fuel storage tanks to remove the manual aspect of refuelling. Robofuel uses an innovative vision sensing and detection system to locate the position and orientation of the truck’s fuel tank.

“This information is used to couple the fuel nozzle with the tank. Fuel spillages are minimised through the controlled coupling and pumping, mitigating the risk of environmental contamination,” Scott Automation + Robotic said.

robofuel-robotic refuelling arm — *Robofuel is suited to all commercial fuel nozzles and receivers with no additional equipment required on the vehicle. Image: Scott Automation.*

Robofuel has been proven to increase productive hours and the efficiency of trucks, all while reducing on-site costs. And, if you’re not already convinced, in 2016 the technology was nominated as a finalist in the Australian Mining Prospect Awards in the Innovative Mining Solution category alongside heavyweights such as Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Enerpac.

Check out the below demonstration of the truck refuelling technology in action. Impressive stuff!

International company Rotec has also developed a Robotic Fuelling System (RFS) of a similar scale. Its system connects in 75 seconds, has a 300 gallons per minute fuel rate, and can disconnect in an impressive 30 seconds, and is made up of a horizontally placed delta robot with three driving mechanisms mounted on a sub frame that moves six arms.

Productivity gains, reduced risk

According to McKinsey & Company the deployment of data analytics, robotics and other technologies will unlock between $290 billion and $390 billion in annual savings for producers in 2035.

Autonomous truck refuelling technology will be one of the key contributors to these cost savings, and is now being trialled and tested across mine sites globally.

The Benefits of Autonomous truck refuelling

Increased productivity and cost savings with refuelling stations located closer to mining activities, enabling trucks to complete one additional cycle per shift.
Ability to refuel without local operators coming in contact with live autonomous vehicles.
Safer working environment.
Minimised spillages and exposure to hazardous liquids.
Greater refuelling speeds of up to 300GPM.
Flexibility: stations can easily be relocated and hooked up with fuel farms or mobile tankers.
Reliability through climate control and ingress protection systems.
Easy to operate and monitor for drivers, and fully automated for autonomous trucks.

Just ask the team at Gina Rinehart’s $10 billion Roy Hill mine in the Pilbara. The mine has been testing an in-pit robotic refuelling device at the project since 2016.

“The truck drives up to the device and a robot opens the door of the sea container,” Roy Hill chief executive Barry Fitzgerald told The Australian Financial Review.

“It then undoes the fuel cap, connects the fuel hose and fills the truck. We see some timing benefits in the sense it can fuel trucks at about a third of the time, also occupational health and safety issues in not handling the hoses, and it gives us greater flexibility to move it around the pit.

“My view about autonomy and robotics is that it is a fact of the way of the future.”

Integrating autonomous truck refuelling with your existing system

You’re now familiar with the benefits, but how do you introduce a new system like this into your existing operation?

It’s really quite a simple process. One of these bad boys can be bolted into an existing flexible fuel storage system, like our self-bunded tanks. In fact we have been supplying self bunded tanks to the mining sector for years.

Autonomous Truck Refuelling set-up — *Image: Scott Automation.*

With more than 100 years combined experience in the diesel fuel game, we are excited by the opportunities in the autonomous truck refuelling space and can’t wait to work with more mines to meet their fuel storage needs, and partnering with METS companies developing this new technology.

Join the conversation: What’s your thoughts on autonomous truck refuelling? Have you or do you know of a company already using this?

Mining

Fuel Storage Challenges In Remote Locations

Remote control – getting fuel storage right in remote locations

When you’re a regional council or a transport business operating in a remote location, fuel usage is a significant cost.

Our experience working with remote operations means we know where your pain points are, and we can help you design solutions that are right for you.

Broadly, some of the most common problems our remote customers face relate to fuel theft and inefficient refuelling logistics.

Think creatively – explore the latest fuel storage options

Losing fuel by theft from your tank or your vehicle is a common problem.
Many operators try to run fuel levels down at the end of every day to minimise the attraction for would-be thieves, but fuel storage has come a long way and the range of fuel theft solutions available is as extensive as the different needs of remote operations.

If you want to make a positive change that will help contain fuel costs and boost your bottom line, a good starting point is your fuel storage tanks. It may seem obvious, but this is an area where upgrading to newer solutions can have a huge impact.

For example, we’ve worked over the last several years with a local council covering a region of 94,000 hectares in outback Australia. When they first came to us, their fuel storage systems consisted of old-style, single skinned tanks in frames mounted to semi-trailers. While the trailers could transport the tanks to their various work locations, they were then there for the duration of the job – often several months. What’s more, the tanks weren’t secure and could easily be drained by thieves.

Upgrading to our aboveground fuel storage tanks that are self bunded and fully transportable meant not only was the fuel far more secure in dual-walled environment with lockable access hatches, but the tanks could easily be transported between work sites and left on-site while the truck and trailer went back into the fleet, maximising use of their equipment.

What’s more, moving from old-style cylindrical tanks at their depots meant they could significantly increase their storage capacity without increasing their storage footprint.
Finally, fuel theft was reduced because, after all, it’s a lot harder to break into a fuel tank that’s double-skinned and has lockable access doors. Using a modern, integrated fuel management system that can monitor usage to the litre also makes it easy to identify and address problems early.

Act logically – getting the logistics right

Once you’ve considered the tanks you’re using, the next step is to look at the location of your storage and your fuel management systems.

If your vehicles have to travel long distances to refuel, that’s an inefficient use of time, fuel and plant resources.

There’s a human resources element too – when you’re covering large distances and have fuel stored at one or two sites, sending somebody out to read fuel levels and monitor usage can be a significant task.

Talking to an expert about the best solution to suit your workflow can help you find new ways to maximise efficiency and minimise waste.

Using a combination of fixed fuel storage at depots or bases, with mobile tanks that can be dropped at remote work sites and moved to meet work requirements, is often a good choice. And with the introduction of modern level gauging systems that can monitor fuel levels remotely, it’s now easier than ever to monitor fuel levels and usage at all your storage locations without the expense of manual checks on site.

Ask us about a solution for your business

Whatever your business, if you’re working in a remote environment there’ll be challenges.
With more than 100 years combined experience in the fuel industry, our technicians are experts in remote refuelling solutions and can work with you to plan the best solutions for your operation.
Call us on 1300-651-391 or get in touch here.

Council Logistics Fuel Storage

Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids Standards

Changes to AS1940:2017 and what this means for you?

Are you up to date with changes to fuel storage regulations?

Australian Standard 1940 (Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids) was formally updated in August 2017. This change is important, because the standard forms an important reference for our State and Territory fuel storage legislation.

Significant changes include:

Self Bunded Tanks: The maximum capacity of self-bunded tanks has been increased to 200,000 litres for combustible liquids on mine sites, allowing more economical storage of fuel on site and creating greater opportunity for flexible fuel storage options.
Liquid levels in tanks: AS1940 now limits a tank’s Safe Fill Level to no greater than 95 per cent of tank capacity. For above-ground flammable liquid tanks over 5,000 litres, or 25,000 litres for combustible liquid, a high-level alarm is now required.
Spill response: A spill response kit is now a mandatory requirement for sites handling Class 3 flammable liquids. The kit should consist of “some or all of absorbent pads, booms, loose absorbent and contaminated waste bags that are packed in a readily identifiable reuseable weather-resistant container and are compatible with liquids stored”.

Can I still store flammable product in above-ground tanks?

The short answer is yes. Standard Category 3 above-ground self-bunded diesel tanks can also be used to store Flammable Product like motor spirits, but there are specific signage and venting requirements. If you’re ordering a tank for this purpose, it’s important to let us know so we can supply the correct tank for your application.

You can find detailed information about the storage of flammable liquids in AS1940-2017.

The key points you need to be aware of are:

Identify the hazardous area: The biggest difference between on-ground Diesel Storage (combustible) and motor spirit storage is the hazardous area that it creates. Basically, this is the area in which an explosive is present in quantities large enough to require special precautions for the construction, installation and use of potential ignition sources.
Choose a location: When choosing a location for above-ground flammable storage there are many legislative requirements. Location of your tank will need to adhere to the tables outlined in the Standard. Special circumstances may be granted if tanks or firewalls can be built to maintain a Fire Rating Level of 240/240/240.
Electrical installation: Electrical installation requirements are particularly stringent in flammable storage, and must comply with AS3000. All electrical equipment within a hazardous area must have correct explosion-proof connections and fittings. It is always good practice prior to any installation to have a Hazardous Area Zoning completed by a competent person as per AS60079.10, to ensure the correct equipment is assigned and approved for that application.
Signage: This is a key aspect of flammable storage. All signage must be upgraded to comply with regulations.
Hatches and vents: AS1940-2017 requires that explosion-proof hatches and PV vents be fitted to flammable storage tanks. The size of these will vary according to tank storage volume.
Dispenser: When storing flammable liquids, the dispenser needs to be mounted remotely from the tank due to the Hazardous Area Zoning around the tank.

Ask the fuel experts

There’s no substitute for experience. When it comes to storing flammable liquids safely and in compliance with the Australian Standard and State and Territory regulations, getting the right advice from the start can save you money, reduce risk and give you peace of mind.

The new standard now applies to all service stations and bulk fuel facilities as well as other sites where flammable and combustible liquids are stored. If you’re not sure whether you’re still compliant, call our expert team at F.E.S. TANKS.

Fuel Storage

High-tech fuel saving solutions for big rigs are on the way

When it comes to disruption, big rigs are a big target.

The road transport industry is one burdened by high fuel, labour and safety costs – but that could be set to change as Silicon Valley disruptors increasingly focus on new ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency. And the changes are coming soon to a highway near you.

Last year, the WA Government approved truck platooning trials in the state in conjunction with Silicon Valley innovators Peloton Technology.

The technology creates a form of convoy where all vehicles are in constant communication to synchronise speed, braking and positioning. The lead truck assumes control of the platoon through vehicle to vehicle communication, and depending on the trailers used and the gap between vehicles, which can range from 1.5 seconds to 0.6 seconds, the reduction in drag can realise fuel savings of up to 12 per cent.

It’s a promising advance – particularly in Australia, where lengthy truck routes between urban centres make the potential benefits even more pronounced.

Addressing the trucking industry pain points now

As Peloton Technology founder Josh Switkes told Trucks.com, entrepreneurial interest in trucking is growing and game-changing technology is closer than you might think.

Switkes had worked with Volkswagen and the venture-backed start-up Tula, mostly looking at advancements around cars, when by chance he read some statistics around trucking.

“I was blown away by the statistics about money spent on fuel and labour costs and crashes,” Switkes told Trucks.com.

“And I wrote that down because it really struck me.”

That interest led him to gather a team and start Peloton in 2011 then set out to gain a better understanding of the industry and what changes could help transport companies in the short-term. They started by going to trucking shows.

After talking with fleet owners and suppliers, he and his co-founders took what they’d learned and focused on platooning technology to reduce drag and boost fuel efficiency.

Their idea was to create systems that would control braking and acceleration, so fleet owners could benefit from fuel savings and reduced crashes while still keeping a human behind the wheel.

Six years down the road, testing has shown the front vehicle in a two-truck platoon using Peloton’s software increases its fuel efficiency by 4.5 per cent, while the rear vehicle has a 10 per cent improvement.

In April this year, Peloton raised $60 million in venture capital, led by telematics pioneer Omnitracs. Volvo Group Venture Capital is also among investors.

The semi-autonomous driving technology is expected to be on the market within months, with 2018 tipped to be the first full year of sales.

Volvo is already working with Peloton to integrate the technology into its trucks, and regulators are expected to welcome the technology because it will support greenhouse gas emissions targets.

You can watch a demonstration of platooning in action below.

Peloton Platooning B-Roll: Utah from Peloton Technology on Vimeo.

For more information about keeping fuel costs down in the trucking industry, get advice from the fuel storage specialists at www.festanks.com.au

Trucking & Logistics

New Self Bunded Tank Distributor in Perth, Western Australia

Genset Hire and Sales Australia (GHASA) self bunded tank distrubutor in perth, western australia

Genset Hire and Sales Australia (GHASA) appointed new F.E.S. TANKS distributor

Updated Press Release: Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
Mar 02, 2018, 14:04 ET

The founders of F.E.S. TANKS, Australia’s market leader in self-bunded tanks, are pleased to expand their reach into Perth and across Western Australia through a new distribution agreement with Genset Hire and Sales Australia (GHASA).

The GHASA team, with more than 40 years technical and industry experience in temporary and remote power solutions, are the ideal partners to supply and install the F.E.S. range of high-quality, easily transportable fuel tanks and storage solutions across WA, backed up by on-the-ground local expertise.

Daniel Porter, F.E.S. TANKS’ Business Development Manager said GHASA’s customer focus, technical ability and problem-solving approach made them the right fit for F.E.S.

“Having GHASA as our new WA distributor ensures we have local bunded tank experts available to service customers in Perth and the surrounding western regions,” Daniel Porter said.
“It also ensures greater stock availability in conjunction with a faster service solution – a win for customers in WA.”

GHASA spokesman Chris Nancarrow, said the strong regional experience and credentials of the F.E.S. team, who are experts in developing tailored fuel solutions from metropolitan sites to the most remote areas, informed their innovative product design.

“Like us, F.E.S. TANKS was founded in regional Australia – by a team of experts with extensive practical experience,” he said.

“The tanks they design are built to last, with practical features that make them exceptionally easy to use, transport and maintain – ideal for responding to the challenges of temporary and remote power requirements in WA and across regional Australia.

“We’re pleased to distribute this industry leading product in WA – we know how important local connection is, and we look forward to working with F.E.S. to enhance their presence on the ground in the west and give our customers access to a top quality, Australian designed fuel storage solution.”

Daryl Cygler, Marketing Director of F.E.S. TANKS also had this to add:

“Perth and the Western Australian region is an area of significant importance for growth and opportunities. It is also a massive region that comes with many logistical challenges, and this is where we feel our self bunded tanks can help. Having GHASA as our premium self bunded tank distributor in Perth, Western Australia just makes sense. Not only for us but for wanting customers as well.”

About F.E.S. TANKS

F.E.S. TANKS has fast become the market leader in self-bunded fuel storage tanks in Australia. Established in 2013, their reputation for offering environmentally friendly fuel storage tanks with unique fuel dispensing and management solutions has lead to fast national growth and expansion. F.E.S. TANKS works with industries on the move to provide innovative next-generation fuel storage solutions designed to take business into the future. For more information, please visit https://www.festanks.com.au/.

About GHASA

Genset Hire and Sales Australia are the experts in temporary and remote power solutions. The team has more than 40 years’ experience in power generation, and provides generators, fuel tanks, load banks, service and repairs for customers across Australia, with service technicians on-call 24 hours a day. For more information, please visit http://www.ghasa.com.au

Distributors

Truck emissions? Getting the basics right starts with fuel storage.

semi-trailer on road. Awarenesss around trucking emissions.

Help Reduce Trucking Emissions with Sensible Fuel Storage Solutions

The Australian Trucking Association has weighed in on the Federal Government’s review of climate change policies with a submission focused on making the best use of fuel to support emissions reductions in the transport sector. With one of the oldest trucking fleets in the OECD, the ATA acknowledges low profitability and fuel costs are a significant issue for Australian road freight.

Among other measures, it highlights regular maintenance as a simple way to ensure vehicles continue to meet emissions standards, and argues strongly for maintenance requirements for fuel tax credits to be broadened to include every on-road truck.

We’d argue that getting fuel storage right is at the heart of emissions reduction and vehicle maintenance for transport fleets – here are some of the important points to consider.

Getting the basics right starts with fuel storage

As with anything, an important part of keeping your rig running efficiently and reducing maintenance costs is getting the basics right – and how you store your fuel is one of the often-neglected basics that can make a huge difference to vehicle productivity.

Fuel properties have the greatest effect on the performance of your machinery. What’s more, not only does the health of your fuel storage tank affect the quality of your fuel, but the quality of your fuel also affects the health of your tank.

Water ingress: Old and rusted tanks, or poorly sealed tanks, can allow significant amounts of water into your fuel. Water can also get in if the tank design allows, for example, a build-up in the spill bucket that can rush in when the tank is opened for dipping.
Corrosion: Corrosion in your tank can cause a number of problems. Corrosion in your tank means chemical reactions, and it’s likely to be a precursor to fuel spoilage through phase separation or to microbial growth.
Fuel spoilage can affect your tank by:
- Introducing microbes that create acidic by-products that will corrode your tank.
- Creating a medium for water to be absorbed.

Best fuel storage options for heavy vehicle efficiency

If you’ve got ageing fuel storage systems, things like regular maintenance, dipping your tanks and draining off excess water are critical. Treating your diesel with a biocide is also a valuable preventative measure.

If your tanks are older and you’re looking to replace them with something that will help you maximise your fuel integrity and your fleet efficiency, here are some of the things you should look for:

Meeting Australian Standards and legislative requirements. This is a given – you can find out more about fuel storage legislation in different states here. These days it’s worth looking at self-bunded tank options that give you flexibility, save you money on installation costs and are fully relocatable.
Durable materials to minimise rust and corrosion. Some tank materials and fittings will react with your fuel and reduce its efficiency in your vehicle.
Easy inspection. Ideally, you should choose a tank that allows for safe and easy fuel testing and easy tank maintenance and cleaning.
Choose the right size for your fuel turnover. If you’re in the transport industry, you’ll likely have a steady turnover and your tanks will be filled regularly. Keeping them at the optimum level helps minimise reactions with air and water. It’s worth talking to an expert to determine what tank size will suit you best – don’t just go with what you’ve had in the past. Self-bunded tanks come in sizes up to 110,000-litres.

To find out more about the best options for your fleet, get in touch now at www.festanks.com.au

Trucking & Logistics