Diesel Power Helps Deliver Vaccines for the Holidays and Beyond

Refrigerated trucks will be essential to Operation Warp Speed

Most people don't give much thought to what's involved in delivering food to our neighborhood grocery shelves. It's some kind of magical process that we take for granted, though farmers and cattle ranchers have never taken it for granted. Every cog in the distribution chain wheel knows they are just a cog but also integral to a bigger whole: feeding our nation's families.

The same applies to energy transfer. How energy gets created and how it gets distributed are things most of us don't give much thought to. Fortunately there are people who do all that thinking for us, so that we can recharge the batteries on our laptops, iPhones and other devices every day.

This week I saw a story in the Diesel Technology Forum about the role diesel will play in getting Covid under control and our nation working again. The article begins with a paragraph about the strain this pandemic had put on the trucking industry this summer simply to keep the food supply going. The second paragraph notes that getting Operation Warp Speed up to speed, rolling out 300 million vaccines to our entire population, is going to be a challenge but that our nation's diesel-powered haulers are already preparing to play their role, do their part.

The author states that our nation's trucking network "is up to the challenge thanks to diesel power, keeping critical supply chains moving for decades and most recently, ensuring essential goods are available during the pandemic. Today, the fleet of commercial vehicles is predominantly powered by diesel engines and fuel with nearly all – 97 percent – of the fleet of tractor-trailers being powered by diesel."

The two approved vaccines have special handling criteria that present special problems. For example, typical "reefer trucks" (refrigerated trucks) only have to keep frozen foods at a temperature below freezing. These vaccines must be maintained in extremely cold temperatures, and that extreme cold chain must not be broken.

The reliability of diesel transport trucks is one reason the fight against Covid needs our trucking industry. In addition, only diesel trucks have the range and capacity to make the long distance deliveries they have to make. 

No other fuel or technology type has a more extensive global goods movement network of trucks, trains, ships and planes that will meet this challenge all the while continuing to deliver essential goods and the expected increase in online shopping for gifts for the holiday season. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) alone is ready to deliver more than 28 million packages per day between Dec. 16-21 and will average 20.5 million packages per day through the remainder of the year.

As I noted above, we take a lot for granted and seldom appreciate the shipping industry the way we should. Add in FedEx and UPS numbers, and the mind-boggling efficiencies that have been developed in order to make fast, accurate deliveries is something that did not happen overnight. We've come a long ways from the Pony Express. 

You can read the full story here.

Related Links
Safe and Efficient Transport: Why Choose A Refrigerated Truck?
The Impact of Refrigeration (History Magazine)

Blue Flame Diesel Oil: Buy Now Before the End of the Year

Oil rig photo by WORKSITE Ltd. on Unsplash

The price of oil has certainly been herky-jerky this year. Pandemic shutdowns in the spring resulted in a sharp decline in fuel prices to the extent that it was more profitable for many oil companies to leave it in the ground than pay to extract and transport it.

Prices at the pump declined as well, which was appreciated by those who were still on the road even though a lot of us were on the sidelines for a spell. By mid-summer, though, crude futures recovered to their target base of $40 and climbing, which helps keep oil companies solvent and truckers on the road. Then again, downstream fuel and oil prices are impacted. 

Apparently oil companies are not losing sleep over that short term hit and things are feeling pretty hopeful going forward. 

In the meantime, however, I saw some news from Champion that came across the wire today. The company has announced a price increase, which means that December might be a good time to stock up for 2021. Here's the story:

Champion Oil Announces MWD Price Increase Effective 2021  

(Clinton, MO 12.08.20) Champion Oil, a major player in development and manufacturing of semi-synthetic and full synthetic motor oils, announced that effective January 1st, 2021 there will be a price increase for Master Warehouse Distributors (MWD) and Private Label Customers.

 

“Champion attributes the increase to a number of factors, one being the recent round of base oil posting increases”, said Karl Dedolph of Champion Brands in Clinton, MO. “In addition, higher freight rates, corrugated packaging, and high demand for resin, caps and bottles due to the massive new/increased demand for cleaning/disinfecting products, which has caused the prices for those commodities to spike. And as is the case with nearly all businesses during the pandemic, the high cost to maintain safe operations and keep plant staffing levels sufficient to run as efficiently as possible.”

 

Why the price increase? https://jobbersworld.com/2020/10/20/why-the-price-increases/

 

It should be noted that Champion Oil, who manufactures primarily synthetic and semi-synthetic motor and engine oils, is not in a direct parallel or correlation with crude oil pricing volatility. The development in creating the base stocks and additives for these oils is a very arduous and expensive process and only in a very small part associated with crude oil.

 

There's little doubt today that synthetics are now superior over conventional mineral based products in almost all scenarios. They feature resistance to high temperature oxidation, good film strength, lower volatility, stable viscosity, improved cold-flow and extended drain interval opportunities.  These properties ultimately result in better operation and life expectancy of engines, gears and other equipment.  This is especially true under harsh or extreme operating conditions.

 

About the company: Champion Brands, LLC, is a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 645 years. Champion also produces and blends over 350 products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and lubricants for the racing, automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, and specialty markets. For more information call Champion at 660-890-6231. Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO, or go to http://www.championbrands.com

A Diesel Engine That Runs On Ethanol?

Photo by Katherine Volkovski on Unsplash

A Norfolk Daily News story last week announced that a Chicago company, ClearFlame Engine Technologies, has been developing an ethanol-based fuel that can power diesel engines. We're not talking E-85. We're talking about ethanol itself. If this is true, it's quite the breakthrough.

Before getting into the story, I would note that using ethanol as fuel for diesels has many challenges.  According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, there are many technical barriers to the use of ethanol in diesel fuel. 

The Milestone Report begins by citing the reasons ethanol was considered for fuel in the first place. The NREL cited these benefits of Ethanol-diesel blends:

 • Displacement of imported petroleum with a domestic and renewable resource.
• Significant lowering of diesel particulate matter emissions.
• Possible improvement in cold flow properties imparted by the ethanol.
• Possible improvement in fuel lubricity imparted by the emulsifier additives. 

 The challenges, however, are many. They include:

• Low flashpoint of this fuel. E-diesel cannot be safely handled like conventional diesel but must be handled like gasoline. This may necessitate some modifications to storage and handling equipment, as well as vehicle fuel systems. Some stakeholders believe that this fact limits the market for e-diesel to centrally refueled fleets, estimated to represent some 5 billion gallons of diesel fuel annually. If the market is limited to fleets, E-diesel represents a potential market for fuel-grade ethanol of several hundred million gallons.
• Obtaining OEM warranty acceptance. Currently engine manufacturers will not warrantee their engines for use with e-diesel because of concerns about safety and liability, as well as materials and component compatibility. A large body of test data acquired in close cooperation with the OEM’s will be necessary to address this issue.
• EPA fuel registration requirements. As a non-baseline diesel fuel, e-diesel will be required to undergo Tier 1 and Tier 2 emission and health effects testing, a time consuming and expensive process. In addition to these major concerns there are issues related to quantifying the stability, water tolerance, and other fuel properties of e-diesel.

* * * 

In light of these objections to increasing the percentage of ethanol in blended e-Diesel, it surprised me to read that a company has been working on a 100 percent ethanol fuel for diesels. The Norfolk Daily News article is  titled Tech Company Develops Diesel Engine That Runs On Ethanol.

BJ Johnson, co-founder and CEO of ClearFlame Engine Technologies, says their mission is to decrease tailpipe emissions and build a low-carbon future.

“What our solution allows is to maintain all of the performance, fuel economy, torque, and practicality of the diesel engine design, but without the need for any diesel fuel and replacing it with 100 percent renewable ethanol. Which not only lowers your fuel cost, but also drastically lowers your emissions.”

Johnson said that "if just 20 percent of U.S. diesel trucks converted to ClearFlame technology, carbon reduction would eclipse 40% and ethanol demand would double." 

* * * 

It is interesting to see the variety of approaches that are being explored to bring us a cleaner future. I always feel like it's too early to tell what route will take precedence over the others. It's like VHS and Beta all over agin, except that instead of a choice between two options, we still have a multitude of competing concepts in the works. Only time will tell.

Key Links

Milestone Report: Technical Barriers to the Use of Ethanol in Diesel Fuel

Tech Company Develops Diesel Engine That Runs On Ethanol

Abstract for a research paper on Diesel-Ethanol Blends

Champion Featured in Global Diesel Engine Oil Report

Champion Oil, producer of the Blue Flame Diesel Oil that we're always chattering about, is featured in new 2020 Global Heavy-Duty Diesel Market Report. 

The new Global Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Oil Market Research Report (GMR) includes current API CK-4 and FA-4 Categories. The study provides information on market trends and development, drivers, capacities, technologies, and on the changing capital structure of the market. One of the key players profiled in the study is Champion Oil, a.k.a. Champion Brands, LLC.

The GMR provides lubricant organizations with a deep focus on market intelligence, data analytics, and social intelligence, by skilled industry professionals. By combining and analyzing relevant data, they provide a comprehensive understanding of the market and today’s business climate demands for various lubricants and applications.

The history, trends and forecast report covers the history and growth strategies for the lubricant future, industry convergence, technologies, company capabilities, and market trends. The GMR study covers premium conventional, full-synthetic, synthetic blend & higher mileage oil for heavy-duty/off-road trucks, light duty diesel trucks, high-tech diesel engines, and newer diesel cars, etc.

Some of the key lubricant manufacturers involved in the GMR are:  Exxon-Mobil, Shell, Chevron, Champion Brands, Total S.A., Royal Purple, Valvoline, Castrol & Kendall Motor Oils

Global regions, market sizes, and end users are analyzed as well as segment markets by types, applications and oil companies. The GMR includes specific segments by Type and by Application. Each type provides information about the production during the forecast period of 2015 to 2026. Application segment also provides consumption during the forecast period of 2015 to 2026. Understanding the segments helps in identifying the importance of different factors that aid the market growth for full-synthetic & synthetic-blend plus applications for Off-Road Equipment, Light Duty & Heavy-Duty Truck.

The 2020 Global Diesel Engine Oil Market Research Report is available here for $2,900. 

According to the Canaan Mountain Herald the Diesel Engine Oil market report is an up-to-the-minute compilation of statistically verified facts related to world market share, government legislation, current trends, futuristic plan and more.  

Some of the questions addressed in the report include:

1.    What is the expected market size by the end of the forecast period?
2.    What are the major factors initiating the global Diesel Engine Oil market growth?
3.    What are the latest developments and trending market strategies that are influencing the growth of the Diesel Engine Oil market?
4.    What are the key outcomes of the Diesel Engine Oil market developments?
5.    Who are the key players in the market?
6.    What are the opportunities and challenges faced by the key players?

For a more comprehensive description of the report, read this article in the Herald.

 

December Special for Champion Distributors

Champion has recently announced a December special for their diesel engine oils. Distributors will get 10% off the company's 275 gallon tote pricing, plus Free Freight. 

A lot of people don't realize Champion offers 4 different lines of diesel engine oils: Premium Heavy-Duty, All Fleet-T, Blue Flame and Ultra Fleet.

For diesel enthusiasts, oil is the lifeblood of their equipment. Oil's responsibilities are many. They include reducing friction, cooling, cleaning and sealing, as well as protecting moving parts. Because it is treated as a commodity the important roles it plays are often overlooked. 

For many enthusiasts, the Blue Flame is still burning. They want a brand they can identify with, so Champion is looking to expand its distribution to meet demand.

HERE ARE THE DETAILS

10% Off MWD Pricing on 275 Gallon Totes and Free Freight.

One tote is the equivalent of Five 55-Gallon Drums.

For more details on this offer or to become  Champion Distributor yourself, 

Contact kdedolph@championbrands.com or call 660-890-6231

Champion Brands, LLC, originally Lowe Oil Co. founded by Ralph Lowe in 1956, is a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 60 years. Champion also produces and blends more than 300 products including fuel, brake fluid, oil and engine additives and lubricants for the automotive, heavy truck, agricultural and specialty markets.

Champion Brands understands the complexities of doing business in today’s market and is always looking for new and better ways to make your company more efficient and increase your bottom line. Quality products are more than a commitment at Champion; their standards define the way they do business.

Their headquarters, located in Clinton, Missouri, just 75 miles southeast of Kansas City, is ideal for timely, cost-effective service and distribution. Champion’s 450,000 square foot plant accommodates more than one million gallons of bulk storage with convenient rail siding.

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Have a great weekend, and enjoy the ride.

Here's How Diesel Contributes to a Green Future

Photo by Avi Richards on Unsplash

If you're a news junky you probably noticed a spate of articles lately about diesel trucks and pollution. Most of this noise is driven by an EPA report alleging that more than a half million diesel truck owners have either modified or removed their emissions control systems. 

We know it happens. It's unfortunate, however, that these stories (links to the articles at the end of this post) reinforce a one-sided view of diesel power and the strides diesel has made over the past three decades. 

Jack Hunsley is a writer who brings to light the other side of diesel that is not always talked about. The article that first caught my eye was Do not discount diesel's green trucking potential, which appeared in Autoworld magazine's online space this week. EVs, fuel cells and biofuels all have environmental potential, but cleaner diesel technologies could pave the way to a greener future, Hunsley writes.

"Like it or not, diesel has a long-term future in the commercial vehicle sector," he begins. "Regulations and customer interest favor low and zero-emission technology in the long run, but average vehicle lifespan means diesel trucks, whether pure internal combustion engine (ICE) or hybridized, will continue to be bought and operated for years to come."

The author notes that even by 2027 70% of commercial vehicles sold will still be diesel. 

Yes, every car and truck manufacturer is working to produce EVs, but even the best projections don't have electric over-the-road haulers in production mode by 2024. 

One reason diesel engines are favored is their load-carrying power, but another is their longevity, and Hunsley gets it. These are vehicles that are meant to run for 10 to 15 years in order to justify the purchase price. "Developers must continue eking every last drop of efficiency out of diesel technology, " he says.

Yesterday Hunsley did a follow up titled, Still no clear winner in trucking's green powertrain market. This article, also in Automotive World, talks about how all the world's leading truck manufacturers are working on technologies of one kind or another to create clean energy. 

The current scenario reminds me a little of the Space Race. When I was a kid NASA came to our elementary school to put on a show that would inspire young people to imagine a man on the moon, primarily to produce a new generation of engineers and physicists. Over the past several decades we've seen a growing push for breakthrough technologies in the realm of transportation. 

Hunsley's articles are a reminder that Diesel Power is not off the table. It's likely to be here a while during a transition phase and in different forms. A lot of smart people are working on these things. I'm sure we'll see and hear more in the years ahead. 

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RELATED LINKS
Modified diesel pickup trucks causing higher levels of pollution, EPA finds
Original NYTimes story about diesel trucks and the EPA study
Illegal emissions tampering is rampant and apparently a big business

The New Diesel Engine in the Ram 1500 Limited Has Better MPG and Big Torque

This Mike Parris article was forwarded to me a couple weeks ago when it appeared in the WTOP News.  WTOP is an FM radio station out of Washington D.C. with Parris in the enviable position of writing car reviews. Two weeks ago he wrote about a RAM 1500 Limited, highlighting its fuel efficiency and "a big dose of torque." 

Diesel pickups are America's workhorses and Parris begins by reminding us that they are as popular as ever and the RAM 1500 especially so since its redesign. Motor Trend magazine, in fact, named the 2019 and 2020 fifth generation RAM 1500s their Truck of the Year.

This truck is a six-cylinder turbo diesel with a couple of big payoffs. Parris was able to test drive this machine for 700 miles on one tank of gas. For a large four-door luxury pickup, he saw impressive MPG. His overall assessment? "From comfortable leather-covered, heated and ventilated-power seats to tons of space and nifty storage areas, this is a well-planned and executed design." 

The first generation RAM trucks were introduced in October 1980. They featured the Ram hood ornament that was used on Dodge cars from 1932-1954. A lot of automakers utilize nostalgia in their creative efforts to build a cool factor into their vehicles. I find hood ornaments to be one of the coolest parts of going to classic car shows. 

When Parris outlines his pros and cons on the 2020 his positives include the engine options, the luxury interior and its tough "work ready" look. The cons, for Parris, were price related and the fact that it felt "big and heavy in the corners."

Well, to that latter remark, maybe certain decisions were made because it's not a race car. 

There's a batch of photos that accompany this article and if you want to see what a luxury pickup looks like, inside and out, you can find the article here:
Ram 1500 Limited mixes luxury and brawn, adds better MPG with new diesel engine

Meantime, have a great rest of your week and enjoy the ride.

Related Stories
Car and Driver review of the 2021 RAM 1500 
Build and Price a 2020 RAM 1500
This YouTube video calls 2020 RAM 1500 the Rolls Royce of Trucks