The Fuel Pulse Show is a podcast dedicated to helping vehicle, engine, and operations people that rely on fuel to get their job done. We will talk with experts from every area of the fuel industry and discuss how to deal with the many issues business operations encounter with fuel. But this isn't just about fuel - it's also about the things that use it and all the ways we use it, too. Each episode features an interview with an expert or thought leader, discussing topics like fuel standards, ...
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Host Erik Bjornstad outlines seven critical recommendations for hurricane season preparation, focusing on emergency backup fuel systems. Key areas include testing fuel quality every 3-6 months, conducting full generator load tests, securing adequate fuel inventory (96 hours for healthcare facilities), hardening infrastructure against storm damage, …
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In Episode 74 of the Fuel Pulse Show podcast, host Erik Bjornstad discusses predictions for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. He explains how hurricane seasons are measured using named storms, hurricanes, major hurricanes, and the Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) index, which accounts for both storm intensity and duration.After reviewing forecast…
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In Episode 73 of the Fuel Pulse Show podcast, host Erik Bjornstad tackles a common misconception in fuel storage management: that quick turn fuel systems are immune to microbial contamination. He explains how microbes can flourish in both slow turn (fuel stored for months or years) and quick turn systems (fuel cycled within days or weeks), as conta…
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Erik Bjornstad continues the discussion on diagnosing generator problems, focusing on when and how to test fuel before accepting a technician's diagnosis that "bad fuel" is causing your generator failures. The episode covers proper fuel testing procedures, sampling techniques, visual inspection clues, and how to interpret lab results to save potent…
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This episode explores common generator problems and challenges the automatic assumption that fuel is always to blame. Erik Bjornstad outlines a systematic approach to diagnosing generator issues, presenting four key diagnostic steps: checking fuel filters, examining fuel lines, inspecting valves, and looking for additional filters. The episode emph…
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In Episode 70 of the Fuel Pulse Show, Erik Bjornstad provides a comprehensive analysis of the upcoming winter weather forecast across different U.S. regions. Following last year's unusually warm winter, meteorologists predict varying conditions: the South and Lower Midwest expect above-average temperatures until February, the Northeast and Upper Mi…
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Host Erik Bjornstad discusses solid biocide sticks (also known as bug sticks) and their use in fuel management. While these sticks offer the apparent advantages of easy handling and convenient dosing, they face significant limitations.The episode explores six major problems with solid biocide sticks, including their lack of approval for on-road fue…
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068 - Back to School - Interpreting Sample Results
13:40
13:40
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13:40This episode of Fuel Pulse Show focuses on interpreting fuel test results, particularly for stored fuel samples. Host Erik Bjornstad guides listeners through various testing methods, including both ASTM D975 standard tests and predictive tests.The episode covers critical measurements like distillation temperatures, API gravity, cloud point, flashpo…
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067 - Back to School - Fuel Sampling Part 2
11:37
11:37
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11:37This episode explores proper fuel sampling techniques and locations for different types of fuel testing. Erik Bjornstad explains how contaminants concentrate at tank bottoms, making sampling location crucial for accurate test results. He details specific sampling heights for different tests, introduces the bacon bomb sampler, and provides guidance …
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This episode explores proper fuel sampling techniques as part of effective fuel maintenance. Erik Bjornstad discusses the critical aspects of where and how to take fuel samples to ensure accurate testing results. He explains that sample location significantly impacts test outcomes, with different tank depths containing varying levels of contaminant…
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In this episode, Erik Bjornstad explains the comprehensive process of fuel polishing. He covers when to polish fuel based on test results, particularly the ASTM water and sediment test. The episode details two main methods: inline and off-site polishing, with a focus on the sweep, treat, and circulate methodology. Bjornstad provides specific guidan…
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064 - Back to School - USLD and Corrosion
11:22
11:22
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11:22In this educational episode, Erik Bjornstad explores the relationship between biodiesel and corrosion in fuel systems. He explains that while pure biodiesel (B100) can have corrosive properties, the common low-percentage blends (B2-B20) used in today's diesel fuel don't pose significant corrosion risks. The episode clarifies that modern fuel system…
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063 - Back to School - Fuel Stability and Fuel Stabilizers
9:11
9:11
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9:11This episode explores the critical role of fuel stabilizers in maintaining stored fuel quality. Host Erik Bjornstad discusses why petroleum fuels naturally degrade over time, the chemistry behind fuel degradation, and how stabilizers work to prevent deterioration. The episode provides practical advice on when and how to use fuel stabilizers effecti…
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062 - Back to School - Detecting and Solving Microbe Problems
9:43
9:43
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9:43This episode continues the Back to School series, focusing on identifying and treating microbial contamination in fuel systems. Erik Bjornstad discusses both indirect and direct methods for detecting contamination, emphasizing the importance of proper testing and treatment. The episode provides practical guidance on addressing contamination through…
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061 - Back to School - Why Fuels Get Microbe Problems
7:26
7:26
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7:26In this episode of the Fuel Pulse Show's Back to School series, host Erik Bjornstad discusses the increasing problem of microbial contamination in modern stored fuels. He explains why today's ultra-low sulfur diesel fuels are more susceptible to microbial growth than older fuels, highlighting the role of water accumulation and fuel composition chan…
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In this episode, Erik Bjornstad interviews Matt Leuck from Neste about renewable diesel. They discuss the properties, production process, and potential benefits of renewable diesel compared to conventional diesel and biodiesel. Matt explains that renewable diesel is a drop-in replacement for fossil diesel, with superior performance in areas like ce…
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059 - Back to School - Diesel Cold Weather Treatment
12:20
12:20
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12:20In this episode of the Fuel Pulse Show, host Erik Bjornstad continues the "back to school" series, focusing on preventing winter gelling problems in ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. He discusses two main solutions: anti-gel chemical packages and kerosene dilution. Bjornstad explains how cold flow improvers work by keeping wax crystals dispersed and su…
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In this Fuel Pulse Show podcast episode, host Erik Bjornstad delves deeper into the complexities of diesel fuel gelling. Building on previous discussions about cloud point and cold filter plug point temperatures, Bjornstad explains how temperature patterns, not just absolute temperatures, affect fuel gelling. He presents four common temperature sce…
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In this episode of the Fuel Pulse Show podcast, host Erik Bjornstad explores diesel fuel's behavior in cold temperatures. He explains the fuel's composition, focusing on paraffin wax molecules and their role in cold weather problems. The episode covers key concepts such as cloud point and cold filter plug point, detailing how paraffin wax crystalli…
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056 - Back to School - Long Term Fuel Storage
11:19
11:19
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11:19In this episode of the Fuel Pulse Show, host Erik Bjornstad delves into the basics of long-term diesel fuel storage. He explains that diesel fuel begins to degrade almost immediately after refining due to unstable molecules and environmental factors like heat, oxygen, water, and microbial contamination. Bjornstad discusses various tests to assess f…
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This episode of the Fuel Pulse Show introduces a "Back to School" series, focusing on the differences between modern Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) and older diesel fuels. Host Eric Bjornstad explains how sulfur content in diesel fuel has been drastically reduced over the past 35 years due to environmental regulations. While this change has improve…
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This episode discusses the effects of prolonged hot weather on stored fuel and offers preventative measures. Heat accelerates fuel degradation, increases water buildup, and promotes microbial growth. The host recommends three key steps to combat these issues: 1) Regularly check for water in storage tanks and remove it promptly. 2) Treat fuel with a…
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This podcast episode discusses the impact of hot weather on fuel storage. The host, Eric Bjornstad, examines recent heat waves and record-breaking temperatures across the United States, citing specific examples from 2020 to 2023. He explains how scientists measure and document extended heat periods, looking at factors like consecutive days above th…
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Episode 52 of the Fuel Pulse Show discusses recent gas stove regulations controversies. Host Eric Bjornstad breaks down the Department of Energy's proposed efficiency standards for appliances, including gas stoves. He explains the rulemaking process and debunks exaggerated claims about banning existing gas stoves. The episode clarifies that new rul…
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051 - Electric Vehicle Trends with Elizabeth Connelly - Part 3
22:44
22:44
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22:44In Episode 051 of the Fuel Pulse Show Podcast, Elizabeth Connelly discusses the challenges and future trends of electric vehicle (EV) adoption, focusing on charging infrastructure and heavy-duty transportation. She highlights the need for faster charging solutions, particularly for heavy-duty trucks, and anticipates societal acceptance of longer ch…
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050 - Electric Vehicle Trends with Elizabeth Connelly - Part 2
30:11
30:11
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30:11In Episode 50 of the Fuel Pulse podcast, Elizabeth Connelly discusses various aspects of electric vehicle (EV) trends, focusing on global policy impacts and market shifts toward EV adoption. She highlights how countries like China have achieved price parity between EVs and conventional vehicles through aggressive policies and integrated supply chai…
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049 - Electric Vehicle Trends with Elizabeth Connelly - Part 1
22:05
22:05
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In this episode of the Fuel Pulse Show, Erik Bjornstad provides a detailed update on the aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore. He covers the immediate impact on the port, the extensive salvage operations, and the progress made in removing the wreckage. Erik discusses the insurance and funding challenges, the political res…
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On today's show, we'retalking about the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season that starts June the 1st.They're predicting one of the busiest and worst hurricane seasons that we'veseen in the last 100 years because of a combination of conditions that typicallyare only seen in the worst hurricane years. So we'll talk about why they think it's going to b…
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This episode of the Fuel Pulse Show podcast delves into the critical aspects of maintaining fuel quality and storage systems. From understanding the intricacies of fuel degradation to implementing effective storage solutions, the episode provides valuable insights. It explores the impact of environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, o…
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045 - Fuel Polishing Considerations with Brian Hartley (Part 2)
42:48
42:48
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42:48We're back for the second part of my conversation with Brian Hartley, the owner of Diesel Dialysis and expert in all things fuel polishing and fuel storage. (If you haven't already, make sure to listen to the first part of our conversation!) In this episode, you will hear about the importance of fuel maintenance, how tank design is key when it come…
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044 - Fuel Polishing Considerations with Brian Hartley (Part 1)
24:17
24:17
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24:17Today we are joined by Brian Hartley, owner of Diesel Dialysis, for a two-part conversation on fuel maintenance—particularly fuel polishing. Brian has many years of experience in the field and has seen how fuel maintenance (or lack thereof) can impact how effectively people are able to do business. He has some great insight to share when it comes t…
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One of the subjects I talk about often on this podcast is what the different diesel fuel properties and tests mean from a property standpoint. The D975 tests are important because, together, they represent the critical benchmarks for quality and performance within the diesel fuel industry. Ensuring fuels meet specific criteria is crucial, so on tod…
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042 – Microbial Myth – Cleaning Out Biomass
32:08
32:08
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32:08Here on the podcast, we've been talking about the big problem of microbial contamination in stored fuel in tanks. In this episode, I'll be addressing the cleaning of biomass and everything that entails. There are misconceptions that lead people astray when dealing with biomass correctly in their stored fuel, so be sure to listen in to hear about th…
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Quite a few myths are going around the fuel industry when it comes to microbes in fuel and how to deal with them properly. In previous episodes of this series, I tackled myths connected to things like filtering, cold weather, and more. In this episode, you will hear all about the myths surrounding the testing and sampling of microbes in fuel. You c…
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This week's episode is the third in the series of shows where I focus on the half-truths, myths, and misconceptions in the fuel world regarding microbes. In past episodes, I talked about the relationship between water and microbes, as well as how cold weather can affect microbes and how you deal with them. This time, you will hear about a myth that…
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Do you know all the signs that point to the need to use anti-gel in your fuel? We are well into the cold temperatures that start to make gelling in your fuel a real issue, so today, I'll be sharing some ideas on how you can monitor your fuel to combat gelling, as well as important answers to common questions about fuel in cold weather. You can find…
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This week, I'll be continuing the conversation about microbial myths that are common in the fuel industry—and that can cause expensive mistakes. In this episode, you will hear about how microbes work in cold weather. Microbial growth does tend to happen more in the warmer months, so it is often thought that microbes can't grow in cold weather, but …
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Today, we're going to continue our discussion about the properties of your stored fuel, including why those properties matter, what problems could arise if any of those properties fall out of line, and what (if anything) you can do about it. When it comes to the health of your diesel fuel, acidity can be a great thing to test for, so in this episod…
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Anyone who deals with stored fuel knows that microbial contamination is something they're probably going to have to handle. Some know this is important, while for others, it's more of an afterthought. Even so, it can be hard to sift through all of the information out there and know what to do and when to do it, so in this episode, I'll talk about s…
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Knowing when to treat your fuel to avoid temperature-related gelling is key. In this episode, I'll explain what you need to know about temperatures, timing, and components involved in deciding when and how to treat. You will learn about what cloud point is, how to find that for your fuel, and what that means for your treatment process. You can find…
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When checking on your stored fuel, you can't just take a look in the tank. You'll have to take a sample from the tank to examine. In today's episode, we'll be talking about the fact that taking care of today's fuel involves more things than it used to. I'll refresh you on the hybrid fuel care approach and discuss how tank sampling is a key element …
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On today's episode, we're going to be talking about the weather and the relationship between seasons with extreme temperatures. In the last episode, I discussed weather as it relates to hurricanes, but those don't necessarily affect the entire country as temperature does. Temperatures, especially on the extreme side, have quite an impact on most pa…
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Are you ready for hurricane season—and do you know how to find and use the hurricane data that's out there? It's important to understand how hurricanes work and how to interpret the data around them, so today I'm sharing the new storm predictions, what has changed, and what it all means for you. You can find show notes and more at: www.bellperforma…
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Is a little D975 all you need in order to know the status of your fuel? In this episode, I'll be talking about this thing called ASTND975, or the standard specification for diesel fuel oil. There's a common myth associated with D975, and you will get a chance to understand what that myth is and why you need to be careful to not fall into the trap t…
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Today we are continuing our exploration of fuel testing, focusing specifically on water and sediment analysis. Annual fuel testing is crucial to ensure your fuel meets the required specifications for safe usage. In this episode, I'll share the implications of failing water and sediment tests and the common causes behind such failures. You can find …
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Whether you're a fuel professional or just curious about the intricacies of fuel specifications, this episode will explain everything you need to know about this topic, specifically focusing on flash point. We unravel the mysteries of annual fuel testing and explore which tests are essential for different situations. You can find show notes and mor…
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Electric vehicles offer numerous benefits over traditional gas-powered cars and trucks, including lower maintenance and fuel costs. Imagine never having to pay for gas again, as electric vehicles eliminate the need for frequent refueling. This transformative shift in the automotive industry is becoming increasingly evident, with the year 2023 poten…
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027 - How To Solve a Microbe Problem (Part 2)
1:04:59
1:04:59
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1:04:59Welcome to part 2 of our series on solving microbe problems. In this episode, we delve into the crucial steps that follow water clean up in your tank, as discussed in part 1. The focus now shifts to effectively eliminating as much biomass and biofilm as possible. Understanding the significance of these terms becomes paramount, as biofilm harbors it…
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026 - How To Solve a Microbe Problem (Part 1)
48:11
48:11
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48:11Fuel is the lifeblood of many industries, but with great power comes great responsibility. Unfortunately, keeping microbial contamination at bay is one of the biggest challenges that businesses and professionals in the fuel industry face today. Due to changes in fuel composition over the years, it has become easier than ever for microbial contamina…
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