Dantec has announced the completion of a £30,000 investment to increase capacity on its production line. The new line will increase manufacturing capacity by 30% in both 75mm and 100mm bore hoses, significantly reducing lead times. The project is being built using the in-house expertise of Dantec’s maintenance engineer Eugene Smit and is being overseen by works manager Ian McGillivray. The company’s composite hoses are used to transfer petrol, oil products, chemicals and liquefied gases. This year, turnover at the Wirral-based firm rose to £5.6m and sales to the Middle East doubled. The mayor of Wirral, councillor Gerry Ellis and mayoress Margaret Ellis opened the new facilities at the firm’s works on Tarran Way, Moreton. Jon Loach said: “Dantec knows that growth in the competitive global market can be driven by investment at home. As we target potentially lucrative export markets like the USA, Middle East andAsia we are promoting job creation through investment on a local level. We are keen to increase our sales and turnover by working with export partners to improve performance and are optimistic that we will grow again this year.” The company is launching a fresh transatlantic campaign after signing a major deal with Texas agency True North Works to promote Dantec in the USA. Managing director, John Laidlaw, said: “This partnership will play a crucial role in our fresh strategy aimed at driving growth, profile and reputation across the USA. There are more than 800 fuel storage terminals in America compared to around 650 in the whole of the EU. Despite being a mature market it is dominated by weaker products. This presents a terrific opportunity for Dantec.” Over the past 12 months the company has seen its attitude to expansion bear fruit, by announcing a trebling of sales in the marine sector. www.dantec.com

Q8Oils has reacted to customer demand for a high performance but cost effective low SAPS commercial oil with the launch of Q8 T904 10W-40. The oil has been developed due to new technology from one of the company’s additive suppliers, which has allowed Q8Oils to provide a cost effective low SAPS commercial engine oil that covers both ACEA E6 and E7 applications. The oil has been designed for EURO 4 and 5 diesel engines equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) or catalytic after-treatment systems, operating on low sulphur diesel fuel whilst under severe heavy-duty conditions. The benefits of the newly launched oil include minimised DPF plugging, protection for catalytic after-treatment systems, excellent protection against bore polishing and cam wear, prolonged oil drain intervals and reduced maintenance costs. The product provides quick lubrication after cold starting, thus limiting engine wear and engine fouling due to the reduction of combustion soot. Kevin Duncan, technical manager at Q8Oils, said: “The launch of this new engine oil illustrates Q8Oils’ dedication to both product innovation and responding to the needs of our customers. We are pleased to offer a new cost effective solution to the many customers needing to supply engine oil for EURO 4 and 5 diesel engines.” www.q8oils.com.

The Hytek website is now fully updated with 90 new products Following on from the successful launch of Hytek’s 2012 product catalogue, the website has now been fully updated with over 90 new products including a 200 litre storage tank, adblue concentration checker, mobile diesel dispenser and hi speed rotary hand pump. The Hytek website makes ordering products much easier, after the company made an effort to develop a simple, swift and smooth online system which can be used 24 hours a day.   Once a customer has created an online account and it has been approved (usually within 24 hours), the entire catalogue of products is available to browse. Login is for trade accounts only, giving these customers access to a wider range of information, including prices.  www.hytekgb.com.

TXD sliding vane pump from Blackmer Blackmer has extended the product warranty and performance assurance on its TXD Series sliding vane transport pumps. The standard warranty—which applies to models TXD2, TXD2.5, TXD3, TXD1220, TXD1225 and TXD1230 —has been lengthened to 60 months from installation or 66 months from purchase. In addition, the performance assurance has been extended from one to two years from installation, or 30 months from purchase. While there are many competitive copies available worldwide that attempt to duplicate the TXD pump, the company believes that none can match the quality of Blackmer’s American-made TXD pumps. The extended warranty and performance assurance are also set to inspire greater confidence in the product from customers.  TXD pumps can be configured to efficiently handle many types of products, such as fuel oil, diesel, kerosene, gasoline, avgas, jet fuel, biofuels, ethanol, petrochemicals, light lube oils and solvents. TXD Series pumps provide fast, quiet, trouble-free operation in transport applications, and have excellent self-priming and dry run capabilities. More details are available from authorised Blackmer distributors.www.blackmer.com

Trending and analysis software from Filtertechnik Filtertechnik has launched the new PC9001 online particle monitor with instant LED readout, computer interface and trending software. The product is ideal for real time fuel contamination analysis, and can be used as an alarm to provide notification of any changes, or start clean up filtration units to start operating. The benefits include a high level of accuracy, an easy installation and integration into an existing control system, and a flow rate of 0.5l per minute. The system can provide an early warning sign for rise in contamination, component wear, filter and seal failure, water ingress, oil oxidation and cavitation. The unit is also ideal for trending contamination levels over time or as a permanent record of cleanliness test results. Trending software is free, and supplied with each product purchased.

OPW Fueling Components EMEA has announced that the first fueling nozzles, breakaways and hoses off its AVANCE product family have come off the production line at its European manufacturing facility in Prague. Following extensive consumer research, the new-generation nozzle and system solution will increase profitability, decrease service and maintenance costs for operators, and protect customers and the environment during the refilling process. The multi-plane AVANCE swivel breakaway has been designed to rotate 360 degrees around its axis and 70 degrees from side to side, offering superior customer convenience and safety. “We recently featured the new product line up at the Automechanika show in Frankfurt, and the response was extremely positive,” said Fred Hess, director of sales & marketing. “Based on the feedback we received, it is clear that the innovative OPW AVANCE is setting a new standard for fueling nozzles worldwide in regards to safety, customer comfort and durability.” OPW Fueling Components has  obtained a gloval licensing agreement with Petroman to produce and market all components of the the Total Vapour Solution vapour-recovery system. The company has also  reached an exclusive long-term sales and marketing agreement with Veyance Technologies, the manufacturer of Goodyear Industrial Hose, to act as the sole sales and marketing channel for Veyance Technologies petroleum dispensing hoses and other related products in Europe. www.OPWGlobal.com

Cleanupoil.com has published the latest edition of its list of oil spill contractors. The website says it has been working for the last ten years to compile this information which is published in a book titled – The Little Black Book of Oil Spill Contractors. The 6th edition has just come off the press and follows 12 months of revisions and updates. The book contains contact information for over 1,000 organisations that provide some form of emergency oil spill response support and spans 155 pages. www.cleanupoil.com

Keyfuels has achieved an ‘Excellent’ rating for its customer service, ranking in the top 10% of all businesses for delivering a first class service offering. The fuel card and fuel management solutions company joined several other leading service providers and blue chip organisations in achieving the very best customer service ratings.  The ratings were carried out independently by the Customer Service Network (CSN), which calculates a company’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) and is recognised as the worldwide standard for measuring, understanding and improving customer experience. Pete McCarthy, service and operations director at Keyfuels, commented: “Being recognised in the top 10% of businesses is an outstanding achievement for Keyfuels, particularly as we were up against specificUKservice companies.  “The ‘Excellent’ rating is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional service levels to our customers and one which our staff should be very proud of.  Ultimately, Keyfuels is a people business.  We work hard to develop a partnership approach with our customers to ensure they are getting the best service from us.” He added: “Keyfuels NPS has increased by nearly 15% in the last 12 months, which has taken us from a ‘Good’ to ‘Excellent’ benchmark.  This has been achieved by investing heavily in staff development and training, which included using an external training provider to deliver courses on customer service excellence for all operational employees.” www.keyfuels.co.uk

MiX Telematics marketing and operations director, Steve Coffin MiX Telematics has launched a new generation of its dashboard-mounted RIBAS display.  The new unit’s functionality has been extended to include Green/Amber/Red status lights.  These lights reflect the current driving-style, telling the driver when he or she is driving correctly, when a pre-programmed operational parameter is in danger of being exceeded and when a parameter has been exceeded.  The green status light, which takes the form of a MiX Telematics logo at the foot of the display unit, indicates that a vehicle is being driven correctly.  In such circumstances, this is the only light illuminated on the display. The amber and red status lights are incorporated into the icons appearing alongside the RIBAS letters, each of which stands for a pre-programmed operational parameter where:R = over RevvingI =  excessive IdlingB = harsh BrakingA = harsh AccelerationS = over Speeding Whenever a parameter comes close to being exceeded, the amber light illuminates, alerting the driver to a potential problem and thereby allowing corrective action to be taken.  The amber light is intended purely as a warning sign; no record of an infringement is made against the driver by Fleet Manager at this time.  However, should the amber warning be ignored and the parameter exceeded, the infringement is recorded by Fleet Manager and the red light illuminates. “Since its introduction four years ago, RIBAS has helped revolutionised the fuel returns and safety records of fleets nationwide,” says MiX Telematics marketing & operations director Steve Coffin.  “Key to this has been the system’s impact upon drivers’ awareness of how well or otherwise they are performing behind the wheel.  Operators have confirmed to us time and again that RIBAS has proved itself in service as a simple yet effective means of securing a safe and efficient driving style.”

A new range of anti-theft alarms has just been unveiled at the Oil & Renewable Energy Show  by Dunraven Systems. The range from the suppliers of Apollo ultrasonic oil level monitors,   offers oil users a choice of four different anti-theft technologies. A transmitter has been optimised to monitor variances in the level of fuel inside each tank. It screws on easily, with no specialist equipment required. A long life lithium battery is supplied as standard, with an operational life of up to 10 years. In the event of a theft being detected, the transmitter unit sends an encrypted signal to a remote receiver unit. Managing director, Gerry Jones said: “The issue of fuel theft has probably never been higher on the agenda of homeowners, householders, fuel distributors and heating oil technicians alike. Recognising that no two fuel storage installations are the same, we’ve launched no fewer than four ways of combating fuel theft, providing the marketplace with a choice of technologies and systems instead of a compromise.” The company also announced broadband and GPRS versions of its RMS remote tank monitoring system. The new broadband plugs into existing consumer broadband hubs, while the GPRS option relays data to a modem in the customer’s premises and in turn to the fuel distributor.  www.dunravensystems.com

Fairbanks has been awarded a three-year wetstock management contract by Shell.Fairbankswill partner Tokheim as part of the contract, to deliver its services to more than 3,000 petrol stations, in 25 countries, across three continents.  A combination of hardware and software applications will provide automatic, real-time data to a team ofFairbanksanalysts. This will enable the delivery of detailed statistical inventory reconciliation (SIR) analysis of wetstock data to Shell. It will also help the company to benefit from improved wetstock protection and reduce the potential for fuel loss incidents. Fairbanks director, Steve Jones, commented: “We’re delighted that Shell has chosenFairbanks. We feel we provide something truly unique and valuable to the marketplace; a suite of remote wetstock management services combined with a dedicated team of analysts that add value and insight to our client’s data. “Shell employs a number of systems across its global networks and Fairbanksis well equipped to provide a service that works to meet Shell’s current and future business development ambitions. www.fairbanks.co.uk  

Cameron Forecourt has expanded its customer support team by appointing Ellie Nieuwenhuizen as telesales administrator, aiming to boost continued growth in the commercial sector.

The company’s new flash evaporation plant is helping it to exceed stringent PFO legislation M2environmental has recently re-branded, reverting back to its original name of Malary. Alongside its core business of manufacturing M2 processed fuel oil, Malary also produces cost effective solutions for hazardous waste streams which historically have been sent to land fill or incineration. To accommodate an anticipated increase in chemists, business and equipment, a new laboratory is currently being built, which will more than double the existing work area. The laboratory was initially installed to provide seven day support to the company’s processed fuel oil production, but in the last six months it has branched out to provide external services. This includes the analysis of processed fuel oil, waste water, used oils, contaminated soils and hazardous waste. Following a £300,000 investment the company commissioned a new PFO evaporation plant earlier this year. By introducing an additional process, Malary can reduce water content in PFO to as little as 0.1%, whilst also improving fuel quality and increasing production capacity. The investment also included the building of a new control room and the commencement of an automation project. Operations director, Peter Oxley, commented: “We’re really pleased with the results which show that the time spent on R&D during 2011 has really paid off. This is a major step for the company, increasing production capacity by more than 25%, and moving us one step closer towards full automation.”

Recently installed – Caldo’s new Alpeco skid Alpeco has recently installed a new bottom loading skid at Caldo Oils’ St Helen’s depot. The company’s main depot was originally fitted with a top loading facility, which although was regularly serviced and maintained, was deemed too old. Managing director, Mike Scott was keen to replace the unit with an analogue installation: “I specifically elected to use an analogue system as I’m a traditionalist. I very much liked the cogs and wheels of our previous system, which lasted more than 30 years, so we’ve no reason to expect any less from the new installation.” Alpeco was awarded the contract to supply and install a brand new bottom-loading skid, equipped with four loading arms and mechanical meters configured for 900 lpm loading rates. Alpeco also provided a finance package through its business finance partner, CBF.  “Although we have a number of depots, we provide all our fuel supplies from the St Helens facility as this is our only wet depot. Alpeco came up with a very good deal through CBF and we believe that it’s much easier to use one source to design, manufacture, install and even finance the whole project,” Mike explained. “Alpeco also offers a very good back up service. This means a lot, as I can pick up the phone certain in the knowledge that they won’t present us with an invoice for something that should have been provided in the first place. Also you can actually speak to someone, which is always a great help.”

The convenient but safe and secure lock box Hytek is now offering out-of-hours collections. Simply let the company know that you’d like to pick up your order after hours and it will be stored in an outdoor lock box. The steel box is equipped with a high security combination padlock. The combination will be sent by the Hytek team, once it has received confirmation that the order will be picked up. The company’s new 2012/2013 catalogue is to be its biggest yet. The catalogue, which has an extra 14 pages and over 100 new products, boasts more than 12 different product sections. Grouping similar products together in these sections means that the new catalogue is an easy to navigate tool. Many products have remained the same price as last year and in some cases prices have fallen.www.hytekgb.com

New sales coordinator, Pio Ronan Carbery Plastics has confirmed the appointment of Pio Ronan as sales coordinator. Pio has a strong background in sales and customer service and will be responsible for assisting in the development of Carbery sales in Munster and Connacht. Pio said: “I look forward to working closely with customers across Munster and Connacht to grow sales of Carbery products in these areas. Carbery is a well regarded brand across Ireland, with a deserved reputation for the development, manufacture and supply of quality products.” Sales manager Pat Daly said: “Pio will play an important role in the development of our business, as we launch significant new additions in the Carbery range, including our all-new 1000 litres capacity Superslim Bunded Heating Oil Tank.” Carbery has also confirmed the appointment of Jill Turner to the position of sales office manager. A long-serving employee of Carbery, Jill is already known to customers across Ireland and the UK. In her new role, Jill will be responsible for coordinating the provision of Head Office support to customers in all product sectors and geographic markets.”

Fuel wholesaler Palmer & Harvey has reported an average fuel economy saving of 4.7 percent during a field trial using Mobil Delvac flagship synthetic engine and drivetrain lubricants, and Mobilube gear oils. The introduction of fully-synthetic, high performance lubricants has helped to improve the fuel economy of Mercedes-Benz, Iveco and DAF trucks. The field trial was initiated as part of Palmer & Harvey’s ongoing commitment to improve its sustainability performance.  Four trucks were selected to participate in the trials from the company’s Dunfermline distribution centre. Fully-synthetic lubricants replaced conventional mineral based products in the engine, transmission and rear axle of two Mercedes-Benz 1823 Atego trucks, one Iveco 180E23 and a DAF CF 85.  Mobil Delvac 1 LE 5W-30 was used in the Mercedes-Benz and Iveco trucks, and Mobil Delvac 1 5W-40 in the DAF engine.  Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 was used in the transmission and rear axle of all four vehicles. Tthe fuel economy performance of the vehicles was monitored over a five month period.  Significant fuel economy benefits were achieved across all four vehicles, with the DAF demonstrating a 4.9 percent reduction in fuel consumption. “The results reported by Palmer & Harvey demonstrate the significant benefits that could potentially be gained by using fully-synthetic, fuel-efficient lubricants in a vehicle’s engine and full drivetrain,” said Steve Crawley, UK& Irelandcommercial vehicle lubricants manager, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties.   www.mobildelvac.co.uk.

OPW Fueling Components has launched significant developments to its website. A new “How To” video library has been developed, while a new mobile site is now operational. The news comes as OPW Fueling Containment Systems celebrates its 15th anniversary in the underground piping business. Nearly 60 new videos have been created in the library, and have been designed to assist with the day-to-day operation of OPW’s most popular Fuel Control and Tank Gauge systems and their components, as well as answer common questions related to their operation. Curt Frederick, technical support group manager for OPW Fuel Management Systems, said: “The creation of this easy-to-use ‘How To’ library of videos is further proof of our steadfast commitment to furnishing our customers with the technical-support tools that help make their operations as streamlined and efficient as possible.” The new mobile version of the site has been designed for streamlined, user-friendly navigation to provide relevant information with speed and accuracy. It includes resources for distributors, technicians and site owners, and gives easy access to reference information including distributor locations and technical documents. OPW president, David Crouse, said: “Smartphones and tablets are becoming more and more prevalent in our lives and we are proud that OPW is able to make use of this technology to offer a leading-edge productivity tool that should be an invaluable resource for our customers.” www.OPWGlobal.com.

Sentinel Systems developed patented radar reversing safety systems after statistics showed that reversing accounts for nearly one-in-four deaths involving vehicles at work. The system limits risk from legal claims for death or serious injury, or damage to property caused by reversing vehicles. A radar sensor is fitted to the rear of the tanker. When reverse gear is engaged this sensor searches for hazards.  If a hazard is detected the system automatically applies the brakes if the vehicle gets too close to the hazard. The full brake application is available via the parking brake airline or directly with the EBS system. A passive non-braking system is also available where a visual and audible warning is provided to the driver on detection of the hazard. This can be combined with the auto-braking system. Walker Municipal Services based inDublinhas been appointed as sole agent for the system inIreland. Andrew Holder, marketing manager for Sentinel Systems said: “It is easy for tanker drivers to get distracted while reversing and accidents can occur. With this system if an obstacle is detected brakes are automatically applied and damage and serious injury are avoided. Tanker operators can save thousands on legal claims.” Over the past 20 years, over 3,000 vehicles have benefited from these radar auto-braking systems. Sentinel Systems offers its own on-site installation service or training Sentinel Systems Ltd are so confident in the quality of their `reverse with radar’ system they are pleased to offer a free no-obligation trial. For more information visit www.radarreversingsystems.co.uk.

TomTom has passed the 200,000 milestone for vehicles managed in its online fleet management system, Webfleet, optimising road operations for more than 16,500 businesses.

A new automatic vehicle recognition system (AVR) has been launched by Cameron Forecourt, which instantly identifies vehicles at the refuelling point. The system uses a tag with a unique code which is attached on or near the vehicle fuel filler to communicate with a transponder mounted inside the fuel nozzle. Information is then passed to the fuel island controller via a radio link, which allows fuelling to commence once a positive ID is received. The German-engineered DervPoint system has been proven in use throughout Europe and is now available in theUKthrough Cameron Forecourt. The system means the driver does not have to enter data into the fuel island terminal, saving valuable time, and the need for a positive ID removes the risk of “ghost” vehicles or containers being filled illegally. Because the ID media and the reader are permanent fixtures on the vehicle and in the fuel nozzle head, the risk of loss or misuse is less than with other types of access devices such as smart cards or keys. The same system can also provide mileage or hours-run information to an additional unit placed in the can, which is powered by the vehicle. “This system takes away the risk of human error or misuse. Unless the unique ID is successfully registered it will not allow fuel to be drawn and it only allows fuelling while the nozzle is in the neck of the tank,” said Martyn Gent, Cameron Forecourt sales and marketing director. www.cameron-forecourt.co.uk

Brigade Electronics has launched a finance lease rental scheme aimed at medium to large truck fleets, in response to the growing number of operators struggling with rising costs and the reluctance of banks to lend money in the current economic climate. With increasing demands placed on contractors to fit vehicle safety devices – including side and rear view camera monitor systems, side sensors, reversing alarms and mobile digital recording systems – initial outlay can be high. Spreading the cost, says the company, can create cash flow benefits and demonstrates a return on investment from day one. Philip Hanson-Abbott, managing director of Brigade Electronics, said: “The payment plan increases customer choice and flexibility, enabling operators to improve safety and efficiency without compromising on quality. We understand the problems operators are facing and are continuously looking for ways to improve our offerings.” Brigade’s finance lease rental scheme is underwritten by Syscap Ltd.       www.brigade-electronics.com

New sliding vane pump from Blackmer Blackmer has announced the availability of the STX2A-DEF Sliding Vane Pump, designed specifically for the transfer of AdBlue. As a result of the 2006 European Euro IV emission-control regulations that limited the amount of nitrogen oxide that diesel-powered vehicles can emit, most new European diesel vehicles feature a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system. AdBlue’s corrosive properties make it incompatible with a wide array of metals, such as carbon steel, copper, zinc, lead and aluminum, or any plastics or metals coated with nickel. If AdBlue is used with any of these materials, trace levels may be found in the fluid, rendering it unusable. In fact, vehicles that use contaminated AdBlue can be susceptible to severe engine and SCR system damage. The new pumps have been designed with 316 stainless steel, which allows them to meet the ISO 22241 material and cleanliness standards that are required for AdBlue-handling applications. They also provide the lower flow rates end-users require—from 60 to 227 lpm (15 to 60 gpm), and push rods for slower pump speeds from 350 to 780 RPM. There is an internal adjustable relief valve and three drain ports which allow draining in any mounting position. For more information visit www.blackmer.com.