Product 7

Mark Lant of PRoGARM

Opinion

Flame retardant or arc flash resistant?

Mark Lant, technical expert at ProGARM, talks us through the differences between flame retardant and arc flash resistant PPE, and why you should always know the difference.

News

New remote control enhances popular fuel metering system

Following a design collaboration with ALMA, MechTronic was delighted to announce OptiControl, a new wireless remote control which supports and enables the complete management of the OptiMate delivery process. Launched as part of the recent industry Expo, run by UKIFDA, the remote control offers enhanced operational capability for the OptiMate metering system which was originally launched 5 years ago at the same event. OptiControl enables drivers to completely manage the delivery process as well as remaining at the point of delivery without needing to return to the vehicle. This, the latest remote from Mechtronic, shows in real time the delivery flow, compartment, current quantity and preset volumes. Drivers are also able to perform product/compartment line changes and adjust preset deliveries as required. A range of benefits It is a lightweight, handheld remote that can be fastened on the arm of the driver, if required, and is ATEX approved. The OptiControl remote is also fully rechargeable in the truck cab, with a dedicated socket. It features a large LCD screen and provides a range of additional benefits.

News

New product offers financial certainty to fuel suppliers

Specialist trade insurance broker, Attis Credit Solutions, has partnered with BondAval to bring MicroBonds to the UK fuel market. This cutting-edge product will provide S&P A-rated certainty to fuel suppliers into forecourts and is instantly accessible to buyers and suppliers who can purchase the security via the BondAval platform to meet their contractual security obligations without requiring any cross collateralisation. The MicroBond provides 100% cover, on demand with no excess. Claims for non-payment are payable, typically, within days rather than weeks. Suppliers receive investment-grade certainty that their retail clients will pay for their fuel per the terms of their contracts, while drastically reducing the friction and time involved in the security onboarding and renewal process. The BondAval platform takes only a matter of minutes to produce a MicroBond, a process that would otherwise take weeks or even months. Paul Martin, co-founder and co-MD of Attis Credit Solutions said: “Providing certainty to a CFO/FD is a powerful tool. Doing it with no time cost whilst also freeing up tied capital for the buyers is a real game-changer. The BondAval platform is cutting-edge, and we look forward to working with the team to see it deployed across the UK fuel market”. Tom Powell co-founder and CEO of BondAval said: “Working with Paul and his team is a real pleasure. Their insight, experience and expertise mean they truly understand the challenges in the fuel market, and opportunities which we can bring to market together. We’re excited to start building a long-term partnership”.    

News

OMJ expands product range

The Oil Market Journal has greatly expanded its product offering to help clients to future proof their business for the low carbon economy. In addition to providing oil prices, OMJ now also provides a wide range of prices for sustainable fuels as well as pricing for power, gas and emissions.

Review

Commercial Fuel Solutions launches unique system

Commercial Fuel Solutions has launched a brand new software platform today, at the first virtual UKIFDA EXPO. The platform, owned and operated by Commercial Fuels Solutions Ltd, allows users to compare local fuel prices within their specific region, with the aim of connecting Commercial Fuel Solutions’ ever increasing customer base with reputable fuel suppliers. Users will be able to compare local suppliers of diesel, gas oil, kerosene, petrol, HVO, biodiesel, aviation and marine-grade fuel. Telling us more about this service, Robin Futcher, managing director, Commercial Fuel Solutions Ltd, said: “Typically, fuel and oil price site look to obtain customers when they are ready to buy fuel and often target domestic users. Not only does our system target commercial users, who require significantly larger volumes of fuel, but our system also introduces products to prospective customers continually during their visit to our website. This ensures that both users’ brand and price is kept at the top of their minds. “For example, when a potential customer visits our website, they could be looking for anything ranging from a replacement fuel filter to perhaps a consignment of AdBlue. In either instance, they may not even be looking to order fuel. But during their visit, they would be able to access all fuel prices available in their area, with the most competitive rates predominantly displayed at the top of every page on our website.” In addition to the lead capture function of the site, once reliable relationships have been established with fuel vendors, personal introductions can be made to some of Commercial Fuel Solutions’ larger, legacy customers, who often have annual fuel requirements, exceeding millions of litres. The perks of using this software platform does not stop with the vendors however. Robin shares some perks that customers can expect too: “There will be instances where the customer may not need the fuel yet but finds the price attractive, in this instance, they are able to request a quotation where our platform captures not only their contact details but also obtains the expected requirement date and storage tank capacity. “Ultimately this means that the customer can either place an order for fuel at the price indicated, or if they prefer, they can request a quote to refer to when they are ready to receive a delivery.” Concluding the system launch, Robin says: “Over 92% of our web traffic is from either natural search or returning visitors. We are so confident in our systems ability to vend fuel at minimal cost that we are offering free trials for a 3-month period to UKIFDA members who include renewable fuels within their product offering. “There is no other system like this available anywhere. Sign up today, before your competitors do.” Find out more about how to sell on this platform here.  

News

CTS Piusi range compatible with new fuels

As the official UK agent of Piusi and a leading supplier of fuel equipment to OEM tank manufacturers, Centre Tank Services Ltd (CTS) is happy to announce that all Piusi products for diesel are 100% compatible with HVO, GTL and other paraffinic fuels made according to EN 15940:2019. After months of in-house testing, CTS is also pleased to confirm that its own product range including tank alarms and levels probes is suitable for use with HVO and GTL fuels. This is a great step forward as, with no costly infrastructure changes in terms of storage, handling and vehicles, HVO and GTL are simply “drop-in” replacements for diesel. Given the UK Government’s ambitious emission targets, the future of the fuel industry relies on the uptake of these green liquid fuels over the coming years. Centre Tank Services Ltd hopes to see the adoption of a similar model to the Swedish one, whereby making HVO completely tax-exempt saw a 124% increase in usage. You can find the full statement from Centre Tank Services at www.centretank.com.    

News

Testing fuel for contamination? There’s an app for that.

Following feedback from the industry to improve the speed efficiency of microbial fuel testing, Conidia, one of the principal companies operating in this field, has launched a totally upgraded digital verification tool FUELSTAT® Result. A free, downloadable mobile app, FUELSTAT® allows operators to complete compliance testing on-site without paper and without the need to register, representing a significant productivity improvement and allows users to verify fuel test results and instantly create a professional report that can be immediately printed or emailed from the user’s phone or tablet. The app works alongside the FUELSTAT® test kit. Once samples have been taken and results are ready, the app uses the phone’s camera to read and interpret the results. A record of the last 10 results is kept locally on the phone and the user can add information about location, asset and any additional notes. Myrsini Chronopoulou, research & development manager at Conidia, said: “This is so incredibly easy to use. From taking fuel samples to having the test report ready to send can be completed on site in as little as 15 minutes compared with sending samples to a laboratory, which can take up to 10 days. There are no special skills necessary and, even if the user is not familiar with the test process, the app will guide them.” Stewart Elder, business development at MBG Fuel Test, comments: “The FUELSTAT® Result app really helps to differentiate FUELSTAT® from other products. It is the only on-site digital fuel testing product that gives full results and a complete, professional report in a matter of minutes. Users love the simplicity of use and quick, easy and secure access to detailed information, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding fuel management.”    

News

Alpeco’s new system already in operation

The end of 2020 saw the culmination of a 3-year development program by Sampi in collaboration with Alpeco Ltd.  As a result, Alpeco has announced their brand new TEX FLOW computer which has attained full UK approval and has been successfully undergoing trials with Nolan Oils on its new COBO tanker since September 2020.
OptiMate

News

Contamination prevention from MechTronic

OptiMate, MechTronic’s revolutionary electronic metering system has been built with the fuel oil operative in mind and is designed to be future proof. Using solid state firmware, the latest update provides increased control while performing line changes when switching between hose and bulk deliveries.