February 2008 - E&S host major technical seminar on Microbial contamination of fuels & Stage 2 VR testing

E&S Environmental Services Ltd

PRESS RELEASE

E&S host major technical seminar - Microbial contamination of fuels & Stage 2 VR testing

Over 40 delegates from all over the UK representing most of the countries leading oil company and hypermarket brands, plus pump manufacturers, bio-fuel blenders, wetstock management companies, industry associations and others, attended a major technical seminar in Oxfordshire on 19th February 2008, hosted by E&S Environmental Services Ltd.

The seminar covered two of the current key topics concerning petroleum retailers with E&S being at the forefront of both in understanding the issues, and offering solutions to customers. Two of the companies' distinguished Technical Advisors led the presentations - Dr. Philip Nathan (advisor on fuel chemistry and bacterial contamination) and Professor Robert Bridges (advisor on leak detection and loss control issues).

Dr. Nathan, a renowned expert in his field, made the presentation on Contamination and Control of Stored Hydrocarbon Fuels, its causes, effects and solutions. Philip is a prominent scientist with specialist knowledge of biochemistry, advises the petroleum industry on fuel quality issues and is a Research Fellow at the University of London. He divides his time between Europe and the Far East and flew over from Thailand specially to address delegates.

Professor Bridges, founder and owner of MassTech and recognised by the international oil industry as the leading authority in his field, led the presentation on issues surrounding Stage 2 Vapour Recovery. Special emphasis was placed on the difference over Stage 1b and how the new tests were to be conducted, under what protocols, the fine pressure tolerances involved, and demonstrated a new dispensing nozzle currently being evaluated in the US.

Besides being treated to two most informative presentations, delegates took excellent advantage of the resident experts during the time devoted to open discussion, with many questions answered, theories expounded and fresh ideas given. It was indeed a rare event for such a diverse gathering of the UK oil industry to be able to question such leading professionals in their chosen fields, and all agreed it was a most worthwhile and rewarding experience.

The growing use of bio fuels and the switching to ethanol based petrol are just two issues that have produced additional challenges to maintain fuels in pristine condition - for both suppliers and retailers. The industry, through such a seminar, is increasing its collective knowledge on the causes of microbial contamination in fuels, its detrimental effects on quality, and coming up with solutions.

Food for thought was provided by Nobby Clarke, Chairman of E&S, who felt the future design of service stations would have to change to facilitate the easy removal of free water from storage tanks, plus changes to the tanks design and internal finish. "We will have to consider treating retail fuels in just the same meticulous way as we currently store and maintain aviation fuel" he said.

Peter Barlow of the Petrol Retailers Association complemented E&S on its initiative in gathering together so many relevant people to examine the 'microbial issue' and that it was encouraging that the subject was being openly discussed and solutions shared.

Ewan Alexander of Greenergy provided an insight on the issue from a blenders perspective; while Phil Lambeth of BP, Pat Treanor of Total and Jeff Simms of Sainsbury's, among many representing oil and hypermarket majors, also expressed their thanks for what was seen as a valuable contribution to the debate.

Lastly, Nobby Clarke thanked all delegates for attending and re-iterated E&S's commitment to providing workable and cost effective solutions to fuel storage and dispensing problems.

Contact:
Andrew Clarke
E&S Environmental Services Ltd
Unit 10 Viscount Court Ind Est
Brize Norton
Oxon OX18 3QQ

Tel: 01993 852419
Fax: 01993 852152
Email: Andrew@eandspumps.co.uk
Web: www.eandsgroup.co.uk