August Texas Propane magazine

TexasPropane August 2018

Volume 74 No. 8

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R T H E T E X A S P R O PA N E G A S A S S O C I AT I O N

At the Intersection of Propane & Technology Propane Fuels Space Exploration

How Dynamic Routing, Tank Monitoring and Back Office Software Can Revolutionize Your Business

Are You Ready to Take the Next Step?

Pinnacle Propane is committed to maintaining the legacy you’ve built.

Have you considered selling your propane business but concerns for your customers and employees are holding you back?

At Pinnacle Propane, our values of Customer Service, Integrity, and Safety emphasize providing the best possible experience for our customers and employees.

As a Texas-based company, we focus on providing local service to our customers in the communities we do business and empowering our employees via competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package.

As you think about next steps, let us work with you to develop a fair purchase plan and a seamless transition so that you can relax and enjoy the results of your efforts.

Matt Terry Director, Acquisitions (210) 560-5418

Bill Webb Senior Vice President, Acquisitions (936) 329-1440

For more information and a confidential assessment of your business, whether retail propane or cylinder exchange, and wherever you are in the United States, call us today.

Pinnacle Propane is now part of the SHV Energy family. SHV Energy is one of the world’s leading propane distributors and has over 16,000 employees and operates in more than 20 countries. As part of the 121 year old Dutch privately owned SHV Holdings, SHV Energy is committed to working sustainably with communities, stakeholders and policy makers.

www.pinnpropane.com

Pinnacle Propane is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

TexasPropane August 2018

8408 North IH 35 Austin, TX 78753 512-836-8620 or 800-325-7427 512-834-0758 fax E-mail: info@txpropane.com www.txpropane.com

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R T H E T E X A S P R O PA N E G A S A S S O C I AT I O N

TPGA staff Bill Van Hoy Executive Director bvanhoy@txpropane.com Jackie Mason Education & Marketing Regulatory & Legislative Affairs jmason@txpropane.com Debbie Simpson Executive Assistant Membership Meeting Planner Publication Coordinator dsimpson@txpropane.com Propane Service Corporation

Debbie Simpson 800-392-0023 dsimpson@txpropane.com

Features At the Intersection of Propane & Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 How Dynamic Routing, Tank Monitoring and Back Office Software Can Revolutionize Your Business.

Mission to Mars: How Propane Supports Efforts of the Mars Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 PERC Summer Council Meeting Recap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Publisher

Kim Scheberle Account Manager/Managing Editor Sail House Publishing 512-346-0892 kscheberle@austin.rr.com

Departments Highlights from Headquarters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 New Member. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 TPGA Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Joanne Pantaze Advertising Sales 512-273-2639 jpantaze@pvco.net

Business Beat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Kiki Pantaze Art Director 512-924-7566 kpantaze@pvco.net

Inside the Industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Marketing Minute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Safety Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 People in Propane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Classified Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Propane with Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Highlights from Headquarters

How Newer Technologies Can Help Your Business Bill Van Hoy TPGA Executive Director Hopefully you’ve just returned to your offices after another epic TPGA Convention & Expo. I hope you are refreshed with new ideas, new contacts and new strategies to use going into our busier winter months.

While August always seems light years away from cold weather, we’ll be closing in on fresh winter weather before we know it.

(I’m crossing my fingers.)

This issue features information about how technology can specifically help streamline your business efforts. None of these technologies (dynamic routing, tank monitoring and back office software) are brand new. But they are continually

being enhanced, allowing marketers to grow what can be done with them. For example, routing technologies continue to evolve. Make sure you know what these items can do you for. While upgrading any technology always comes with a cost, you might find the return on investment worth it.

Also, make sure to note on your calendar the World LP Gas Forum. This international conference will be happening in Houston this year October 2-4. It’s a really unique opportunity to attend a world class event in our backyard.

2018 CROSSROADS SPONSORS Golf Tournament Targa Resources Expo Lounge Midstream Transportation PERC Convention Bags Enterprise Products Lanyards Keyera Energy President’s Cocktail Reception Bishop Energy Casino Party Quality Steel Westmor Industries Cordell Insurance Ladies Excursion Green’s Blue Flame Gas

New Member

Marketer HOWDY PROPANE SERVICE Ganado, TX

AFFINITY PARTNERS BASYS • Lone Star Energy Group

2017-2018 TPGA Board of Directors President: John Walter, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109 President Elect: Jack Walzel, Tri-Co Propane, 254-642-3885 Secretary: Harris Baker, Pinnacle Propane, 512-306-0073 Treasurer/Finance Chair: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444 District 1 Director: Jim Vines, Cooper Propane, 903-785-5242 District 1 Alternate: Open District 2 Director: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444 District 2 Alternate: Open District 3 Director: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001 District 3 Alternate: Open District 4 Director: Mark Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946 District 4 Alternate: Allen Wells, Baygas, 281-332-2660 District 5 Director: Open District 5 Alternate: Open District 6 Director: Omar Garcia, Mr. G Propane, 956-581-1063 District 6 Alternate: Open District 7 Director: Steve Smith, Smith Gas, 830-393-2533 District 7 Alternate: Sharon Seal, Bell Hydrogas, 210-533-7103 District 8 Director: Jack Walzel, Tri-Co Propane, 254-642-3885 District 8 Alternate: Rodney Sladek, Fayetteville Propane, 979-836-7044 District 9 Director: Bill McCullough, Butane Gas, 800-242-69010 District 9 Alternate: Brad Quisenberry, Gene Harris Petroleum, 888-336-4474 District 10 Director: Josh Nowlin, McCraw Propane, 9003-583-7481 District 10 Alternate: Sam Fox, McCraw Oil, 469-261-1148 District 11 Director: Steve Adams, Hardwick LPG, 254-647-3402 District 11 Alternate: Open District 12 Director: Open District 12 Alternate: Laci Jo Stone, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109

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District 13 Director: Open District 13 Alternate: Open District 14 Director: Open District 14 Alternate: Open District 15 Director: Don Heinrich, Slaton Gas, 806-828-6501 District 15 Alternate: Open District 16 Director: Open District 16 Alternate: Open Past President: Ben Wood, Northwest Propane, 972-247-6121 Past President: John Kelly, Kelly Propane, 940-586-1208 Past President: Todd Dorris, Roadrunner Energy, 830-278-5317 Past President: Doug Maclay, United Propane, 972-225-2347 Vice President: Allen Wells, Baygas, Bay Gas, 281-332-2630 Vice President: Matt Terry, JP Energy Partners, 210-560-5418 Vice President: John Gordon, Bob’s Fuels, 325-647-3619 Sr. Vice President: Mark Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946 Sr. Vice President: Bill Collins, Collins Propane, 972-442-1078 Sr. Vice President: Joe Green, Green’s Blue Flame Gas, 713-462-5414 Assoc. Supplier Service Director: Rusty Walker, Marshall Young Insurance, 817-645-9155 Assoc. Supplier Service Alternate: Don Hankins, Alamo Corporate Group, 817-615-8393 Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Director: Jimmie Grant, Martin Gas Sales, 713-851-6155 Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Alternate: Anna May Etheredge, Bishop Energy, 940-665-4672 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Director: Mark Smith, Leran, 512-318-1840 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Alternate: Jim Diehl, Squibb Taylor, 214-357-4591 Assoc. At Large Director: Tracy Wells, Gas Equipment Company, 214-638-8018 Assoc. At Large Director: J.R. Anderson, Gas Equipment Company, Nominating Chair: Doug Maclay, United Propane, 972-225-2347 NPGA Director: Jim Bishop, Bishop Energy, 940-665-3457

Featured

At t h e Int erse c tion o f P ro pane & Tec h n ology How Dynamic Routing, Tank Monitoring and Back Office Software Can Revolutionize Your Business

By Kristen Card

I

n the June issue of Texas Propane, we covered the high-riding world of propane-fleet technology – telematics, collision-mitigation systems, forward-looking cameras, and electronic logging devices. But wait – there’s more! Oh, yes, if there’s one thing the new millennium isn’t lacking, it’s a continuous stream of jaw-dropping, mind-blowing, dayum-that’s-cool technology – and the propane business is among the myriad industries benefiting. From delivery-route optimization to back-office synchronization, there is a speedily evolving solution for every facet of propane marketing.

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August 2018 •

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Featured the number and location of tickets, as well as the estimated gallons of propane going out for the day – offering the opportunity to better balance the routes between drivers.

Other operational streamlining features frequently found in today’s dynamic routing technology include: • real-time perpetual inventory – alerts dispatcher whenever a driver is getting low on propane, so he can proactively steer the truck toward a refill; • in-vehicle navigation – gives drivers turn-by-turn directions and real-time route corrections; • GPS tracking – lets dispatchers, operations managers or customers track the status of deliveries in real time, and facilitates prompt assistance to So let us offer a few more for you to ponder and explore for drivers experiencing breakdowns or other issues; and your business, if you haven’t already. Your return on investment can • geofencing – lets dispatchers set an alert whenever a driver climb pretty high when a technology provides more competitiveis within a specified distance of his next stop. ness, more productivity, more security, and more ease – along with Additionally, with real-time mobile technology, dispatchers just a little more dayum. can create tickets on the fly – like adding an emergency will-call stop in the middle of the day. The back-office can accept the ynamic routing – also called route optimization or request and update all tickets in real time in the field, immeroute planning – is diately notifying drivers all about efficiency. about the change.

Today’s dynamic routing “With our cloud-based “If I receive a gas-leak call, I can pull up software is getting smarter software, for example, if I a real-time view and find the team member who is closest. all the time – which is sayreceive a gas-leak call, I can ing something, because it’s pull up a real-time view Even if it’s a delivery driver, I can just have him go by, already stunningly smart. Not and find the team memonly can this software provide ber who is closest to the shut the tank off, and secure the system until a service tech delivery drivers with the fastcall,” Caney notes. “Even if can respond. It really closes that gap.” est paths to their many stops it’s a delivery driver, I can and final destination, but it just have him go by, shut can also use GPS technolthe tank off, and secure ogy to map those paths while the system until a service taking into account real-time traffic, collisions, construction, and tech can respond. It really closes that gap. We’re hoping to go even weather that might affect delivery. further with some of our higher-maintenance customers; we’re “Great routing technology maps the most cost-effective route,” considering texting alerts, where our dispatcher can text the cusexplains Sean Caney, Propane Operations Manager at Douglass tomer when our driver is approaching – like, Your driver, Tony, is Distributing in Sherman. “It saves time, reduces fuel use, helps en route. Will you please make sure your dogs are put up?” keep your drivers and equipment utilized, enhances your cus“Whether it’s loose dogs or locked gates, this will help us easily tomer-service levels, and controls costs.” clear the everyday hurdles our drivers run into.”

Using dynamic routing software, dispatchers can assign trucks Dynamic routing technology means every route you give your to drivers and optimize their routes, often accounting for comdrivers is accurate and optimized, so they have all they need mercial and truck routes designed to support the height, weight, to be punctual and productive. It provides your team with the and hazmat cargo of propane delivery vehicles. Many software flexibility to act quickly on customers’ desires, and fulfill them products also provide a bird’s-eye view of all routes – showing in the moment.

D

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Featured

T

ank monitoring uses wireless data networks to transmit fuel-level readings to backoffice software, instantly giving companies the exact level of propane within every customer tank.

Tanks can be filled too often or can become empty, and both conditions are costly to the propane marketer, the customer’s needs, and the company-client relationship. Remote monitors help the supplier schedule deliveries to fill tanks as necessary – and not too frequently or too late. This sort of managed filling can provide substantial delivery savings, help avoid out-of-gas costs, and significantly improve the customer relationship.

“With tank monitors, you can tell the customer when they’re at 20 percent, rather than them calling you when they’re system? Maybe their kids are home from college and using more empty,” asserts Josh McAdams, Vice President of McAdams Prohot water. Or the customer says, No, we haven’t made any changpane in east Texas. “We’re in a rural area, so our drops are kind of es, so we send a service tech to check the lines, and find there’s a far apart, and with every out-of-gas call, you also have to conduct leak. Or, it can go the other way – the customer who typically a leak test, so it can be extremely time-consuming. Fewer trips uses 200 gallons is now using only 50. When we call, they say make a huge cost difference for us. Likewise, we want to get the their furnace went out, so they switched over to a heat pump. biggest bang for our buck when we do go out, and tank moniSo we can either switch them to a smaller tank or help guide toring lets us know when them toward other uses for the tank is at 10 percent – propane.”

Propane marketers are also finding so we get the biggest posThe wifi-enabled realsible fill without running to time visibility offered by remote tank monitoring a better way to empty.” propane tank monitors not Tank monitors also help only helps suppliers turn forecast fuel use than the traditional K-factors propane marketers track will-call customers into auand degree-days methods. the location of the tanks tomatic deliveries, but also themselves; serialized asset integrates with other smart tracking automatically updevices in the home, letting dates tank locations. homeowners track their own fuel use, providing greater safety “You can choose the tank and the customer, and when the serand homeowner confidence. vice tech comes, the system moves the tank in real time from your “Of course, we still need to monitor the monitors,” Caney yard to the customer’s location,” McAdams affirms. “All tanks are quips. “But overall, it’s a great technology.” 515 identified by serial numbers, so it really helps when inventory he back office is the front-running catalyst for bringcomes around. Our propane tanks are our largest assets, so it’s ing all this technology together and making it work for important to be able to track them.” propane marketers. Back-office software must integrate Propane marketers are also finding remote tank monitoring a with whatever technologies are being used for tank monitoring better way to forecast fuel use than the traditional K-factors and and dynamic routing, as well as telematics, collision mitigation, degree-days methods. electronic logging, and other functions. Once all these sync up, “I really like the forecasting, and the anomaly alerts,” says today’s back-office technology can slice and dice the information Caney. “When we’re notified that a customer used 200 more galany which way you want, providing propane suppliers with inlons than projected, we can take a second look, maybe give them depth information about their company and customers, as well as a call and say, Hey, we’ve seen a notable increase in your propane some potentially surprising insights. use the past few months; have you made some changes to your

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Featured “Management solutions by design are terrific tools for improving your business’ efficiency and profitability,” attests Caney. “They move your office toward paperless-ness, which reduces the need for physical space for records storage. And many of them have powerful reporting features.”

Reporting functionality is typically found in businessintelligence software – management programs designed to not only record all the data put into it, but also analyze it to help companies make decisions based upon realtime information and trends.

Most business-intelligence systems offer: • a visual dashboard – top-line data at a glance; • a company “report card” Many modern back-office solutions are web-based, so noth– an overview of company performance; ing needs to be installed locally, and the information is available • extensive analytics – information gathered, organized, and to anyone with the company’s login info, wherever they may be. presented in usable ways; Because this software is integrated with all the other technologies • strengths and struggles – where the company is excelling the business uses, almost all data comes into the system in real or being challenged; time, and either automatically or with just a few clicks – hand• trends – identification and evaluation of potential problems keying is practically a thing of the past. and opportunities; and Back-office personnel can use dynamic routing to assign and • graphic summaries – analytics as easy-to-understand optimize routes, which they dispatch to drivers with a single spreadsheets, graphs, and charts. click. Then, they can track route progress as it happens, and Whatever technology you’re currently using or considering can monitor a wide variety for the future, go boldly of operational factors, ininto this brave new world cluding time spent on-site, – there are seemingly limfuel consumption, vehicle itless options, the bulk of Today’s back-office technology can slice and dice maintenance, and driver which will make your work behavior. Drivers can capeasier, faster, more accurate, the information any which way you want, providing ture customer e-signatures less exhausting, and ultipropane suppliers with in-depth information about to validate their visit, and mately more successful. following every completed “When I came to work their company and customers, as well as some stop, an invoice can be auhere ten years ago, our outtomatically submitted for side offices didn’t even have potentially surprising insights. office staff to verify, then internet or email,” McAdsend along to the customer; ams remembers. “My main if a credit card has been put goal was to get our technolon file by the customer, then it can be charged immediately and ogy up-to-speed, and I can tell you, our drivers were extremely the transaction is complete. Finally, at day’s end, the office team apprehensive. But within two months of switching to tablets and can receive shift reports electronically from all drivers. automation, they were hooked.

Modern management software makes company communica“And for owners, the old days of mainframe and hand-keying tions fast and easy – from emailing invoices, statements, and letters, tickets and having to go around in person so you can keep a to texting works orders to service technicians or delivery orders to hold on everything are over,” he concludes. “Now you can see drivers, to messaging interoffice memos via an internal e-system. almost everything that’s happening from your smartphone or Most management technology also includes modules for accounttablet – which can mean a little bonus time with the family. ing, budgeting, pricing, proposals, quotes, credit, and collections.

That’s worth it.”

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Business Beat

How e-invoicing Saves Time and Money

By Matt Clark

Given all the technology that is available today, it is mind-boggling that there are still companies sending out invoices in paper form. Yet survey after survey shows that many businesses still adhere to this inefficient and unnecessary process “at least some of the time.”

But businesses that have turned to e-

invoicing report faster processing time, reduction in paper use and the ability to take advantage of early payment discounts.

Is e-invoicing right for your company?

The volume of purchase orders, the number of invoices and the dollar amount of those invoices will help you determine if

you should switch from manual invoicing to an electronic method.

When making the switch to electronic invoicing, you will need to create business rules surrounding the invoice.

If, for example, one of your rules is that the invoice must match the amount of the original purchase order, any invoice that falls outside that parameter will be kicked out by the system and sent back to the person issuing the invoice.

That person is then tasked with correcting the invoice so that it complies with terms laid out in the business rules. Once the invoice is corrected, it is resubmitted and can be paid. With the proper business rules in place, all invoices come in 100% correct. This relieves staff of having to track down disparities between purchase orders and invoices.

Faster processing is an obvious incen-

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tive for switching to electronic invoicing.

Think about the time your accounting staff spends opening invoices that have been sent by mail and then transferring the information into your ERP system. Electronic invoicing is so much more efficient, allowing you to either reduce head count or better utilize the people currently working in your accounts payable department.

Consider partnering with an outside supplier that can handle e-invoicing for you. When selecting that partner, look for one that has some longevity in the space and also has experience with your ERP system. Ask for a list of references and ask those references how their supplier tailored the program for their specific operations.

When it comes to invoicing, it’s time to cut out the paper.

Matt Clark is the Chief Operating Officer for Corcentric, a procurement and finance company that helps companies reduce expenses and improve working capital by optimizing how they purchase, pay, and get paid. He is responsible for setting and steering Corcentric’s strategic vision, which has experienced record growth since its

founding. Matt has been with the company since 2004.

Matt is an adviser and guest lecturer for the University of Maryland’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program, and is an active member of Vistage Chief Executive Group, which provides peer-to-peer mentor-

ing for DC area business leaders. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland.

This article reprinted with permission from Fleet Owner magazine. For more information please visit www.fleetowner.com.

Watch for the NEW PSC e-Commerce website to be launched in the coming months.

August 2018 •

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Featured

Mission to Mars: How Propane Supports Efforts of the Mars Society

By Judy L. Marchman

Have you ever dreamed of being an astronaut and traveling to Mars? Research into the Red Planet has revealed that it could be more similar to Earth than you think. Recent revelations by NASA’s Curiosity rover even found propane molecules in the sedimentary rocks.

Sojourns to the moon and the current International Space Station aside, we still have a long way to go to make such interplanetary travel and living possible.

For the past 17 years, though, the Mars Society has been working toward such a goal at its Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) near Hanksville, Utah, thanks to a dedicated coalition of scientists, professors, engineers, and space enthusiasts.

And propane has been served in various roles in the facility’s operations.

The Utah station was established by the Mars Society in 2001 to support the organization’s mission of Earth-based re-

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search toward furthering exploration and eventual settlement of Mars. The remote high desert terrain serves as a stand-in for the Martian surface. The first such space analog facility, the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station in Canada, also owned and operated by the Mars Society, was established in 2000.

“What I love about this project is that it combines science and vision. That’s why I am still here 20 years later,” said Dr. Shannon Rupert, director and program manager for the Mars Desert Research Station. Rupert, a professor who holds a Ph.D. in ecology, has been involved with the Mars Society since 1999 in various capacities including serving at the MDRS on early crews as a biologist and commander. She became the station’s director in 2009, serving in that role remotely before moving onsite in 2016.

Six-person crews man the station for

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two- to three-week field visits in an immersion experience of a simulated mission on Mars. The field season for the MDRS runs approximately from October through May each year. Since its founding, more than 192 crews have lived at the station conducting research, maintaining its systems, and exploring the surrounding “planet-scape” in full spacesuits. Anyone can volunteer to be part of a crew, which often includes researchers, engineers, and college students from all over the world who have come to experience what life might be like on another planet. The crews receive support from the MDRS management team as well as from Mission Support volunteers.

“We also have a remote Mission Support team of people all over the world who communicate with the crews each day, handling their reports and needs and giving them information and support,” Rupert said.

Featured

The MDRS campus consists of six structures: the two-story crew living habitat (the Hab), which, at only 8 meters in diameter, also includes the extravehicular activity (EVA) prep room and exterior air lock for spacesuit simulations; the Robotic and the Musk observatories; the GreenHab; the Science Dome, a functional microbiological and geological lab; and the Repair and Maintenance Module. All of the structures, except for the Robotic Observatory, are connected via a system of aboveground tunnels to allow crew to move among the structures while maintaining the simulation.

Finding Reliable Power

To run efficiently, the station requires a reliable source of power, and in 2016, a 15-kilowatt solar-powered system that feeds a 10-kilowatt battery bank became the primary power source. A 12-kilowatt diesel generator unit is used for backup.

In the station’s early days, however, the campus used 7-kilowatt gas generators, so reliability was a little tricky.

“We started off with small, disposable gas-powered generators that would sometimes only last a few weeks before needing replacement,” Rupert said.

In 2002 the station received a significant power upgrade thanks to the donation of a 20-kilowatt generator set by Generac Power Systems.

The generator set was a customized unit fueled by liquid propane and was mounted on a small flatbed trailer for added mobility around the station’s campus.

“The new Generac system is famous for its reliability and will be able to run for nearly a week between refuelings,” Mars Society President Dr. Robert Zubrin commented at the time on SpaceDaily. com. “One thing we have learned from our mission simulations to date is that the last thing you want a Mars mission crew to be is power-poor.”

The genset contained a four-cylinder

Generac engine and a 1.5 liter Mitsubishi long block that was modified with Generac-designed fuel delivery and cooling systems. It also did its job very well, almost too well for the facility’s size and needs.

“The 20-kilowatt system was overkill but I loved it,” Rupert said, adding that several years later, due to a fire in the unit, they decided to go with the smaller, 12-kilowatt diesel unit, and then the solar unit. As for an actual mission to Mars and what a sustainable power source would look like there, researchers aren’t sure what that would look like yet. “The assumption of our program is that whatever the actual power source is, it will be stable, safe, and not limited,” Rupert said.

Heating the GreenHab

Even with the station’s change in primary power to solar, propane still serves a vital role on the MDRS campus.

“All of our heating is with propane,” Rupert said. “I have a propane heater…well,

two…in my trailer; the Hab is heated with propane and so is the GreenHab. Cooking and water heating is also by propane.”

The campus is served by a 1,000 gallon propane tank, and Amerigas in nearby Green River, Utah, comes out about four times a field season to refill it. In fact, crew members must check water and fuel levels, including propane, each day to include in their reports.

The station’s greenhouse, the GreenHab was first used as a water recycling system before being converted to a greenhouse in 2011. The facility burned down as a result of an electrical fire in December 2014, but thanks to a crowd-funding campaign that raised more than $12,000, a new GreenHab was constructed in 2016.

The new building is a 12-foot by 12foot structure that houses both conventional and aquaponic growing systems as well as space for crop research studies. Aquaponics combines hydroponics (cultivating plants in a soil-less environAugust 2018 •

Texas Propane

15

Featured

ment) with raising fish or other aquatic animals in tanks. Propane heat helps with climate control in the GreenHab, particularly for plants that are sensitive to colder weather. Broad-spectrum lights also are available for extra light during the winter months.

16

“One person on each crew is responsible for the GreenHab and they can have others help with the work,” Rupert said. “We do not grow enough food for the crews and that is not the goal.” She pointed out that the GreenHab is primarily for use as a research facility for crew projects but

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

that the food that is grown in supplemental in nature and helps with crew morale.

Plants are grown during each field season only and what is grown may depend on what each crew’s particular research studies or goals are. For this year’s season, Rupert said, the big crop was cherry tomatoes, which were a big reward for the crews.

“We also grow greens, lots of lettuce, Swiss chard, kale, and kitchen herbs,” she added.

“This year we also tried beans and peppers— not so rewarding, carrots (slow-growing), and cucumbers (really nice for the winter but not so good when it starts getting hot.”

From scientific experiments to field exploration to observatory work, all within the confines of a simulated mission to Mars, the MDRS, its management team, and its crews continue to look toward a future when mankind living on Mars becomes a reality—and propane is doing its part to help them live that dream today.

If you’re interested in volunteering for the 2018–19 field season or want to learn more about the MDRS, visit mdrs. marssociety.org.

Marketing Minute

12 Social Media Tips for Small Businesses

By Dale Harris pany. They don’t want to be updated on your family parties or see all your vacation pictures.

It’s more professional to have everything separate. This will make your business seem much more legitimate.

4. Add a Time Budget to Your List of Social Media Tips for Small Businesses

Did you know that the average social media user spends 135 minutes every day on social media platforms? As a small business owner, this means that this is a great way to reach your potential and current customers.

But if you haven’t done much social media marketing before, it can be hard to know how to get started. You have so many things on your plate and this can seem like too big of a project to undertake.

The truth is that there are actionable things you can do starting now to begin your social media marketing efforts. And they will pay off!

We’ve compiled the 12 social media tips for small businesses that you need to get started.

1. Always Engage with Your Audience

When it comes to social media, always remember that it is a two-way street. You will have the ability to send out content but your audience will also be able to comment, leave questions, and send direct messages.

You want to provide great customer service in these situations by quickly responding to all comments and messages.

Make sure you set up notifications in your social media apps so you always see when someone engages with your posts.

You’ll also get negative comments from

18

time to time from frustrated customers.

Always respond in a positive and helpful way because other people will see your responses.

2. Consistency is Key

One of the biggest questions small business owners ask when starting out with social media is how often they should post. Well, the truth is that there’s not one answer.

Every industry is different and companies have found success with all different types of publishing schedules. The biggest thing is to be consistent.

It’s all about balance. You want to post enough so you stay at the top of your audience’s mind, but you never want to be annoying.

Also, remember that every social network has different norms for posting. On Twitter, it’s totally okay to tweet multiple times a day. On Instagram, though once or twice is better.

3. Separate Your Business and Personal Accounts

This may seem obvious, but far too many companies don’t follow this simple advice. Always keep your business and personal accounts separate.

This way, your followers or subscribers will only see content related to your com-

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

If you use social media for personal use, you’re probably familiar with how easy it can be to waste time scrolling your news feed.

One second you’re just opening your app and 30 minutes later you look up and realize how long it’s been. While this is fine on your personal time, you don’t want this to happen during the work day when you have a lot of other projects to get done.

Instead, create a social media time budget. Pick a time every day to check your accounts, post new content, and to respond to comments.

5. Take Advantage of Your Bio

Almost every social media network has a bio section. This is where you can display a little information about your business and your contact information. Don’t let this space go to waste!

You should include the following: •Your logo •A short description of what you do •Your phone number •A link to your website •Your address is necessary 6. Utilize Visuals

Visuals like photos and videos will make your posts much more engaging. In fact, one study found that tweets with images earned up to 18 percent more clicks, 89 percent more favorites, and 150 percent more retweets.

So whenever you can, include a photo or video content with your posts 7. Remember the 80/20 Rule

Speaking of your content, here’s another thing you should keep in mind. 80% of

your posts should provide something of value to your followers.

This valuable content could include an infographic, video interview, or blog post.

It’s okay if the other 20% is more selfpromotional. This can include information about current offers, new products, or other company changes.

8. Show Some Personality

In everything you do on social media, remember that it’s a good thing to show some personality. This is where you can humanize your brand.

Don’t get stuck in the rut of using only formal corporate language and instead let your walls down a little.

It’s great to have a sense of humor. You can also show some behind the scenes pictures or videos about your business here.

9. Learn from the Best

One way to get started with social media is to learn from those who are more experienced. Spend some time on your chosen platforms and follow other brands in your industry. What do they do that’s successful?

Also study some of the biggest brands in the world like Coca-Cola, Nike, or Apple. How do they use social media?

You can learn a lot from watching.

10. Don’t Be Confrontational

Even though you should have fun with your social media, you shouldn’t ever be confrontational. On your business accounts, never attack your competitors or vent about your industry.

Avoid political issues as much as possible and don’t engage in confrontations with customers who leave negative comments.

And if you have employees posting for your company, make sure they are welltrained in these areas as well. You don’t want your brand image tarnished by inappropriate social media activity.

respond to people’s comments. It’s very easy to notice when a computer-generated response is used.

If they’re not that great, make some adjustments and keep testing. It’s important to not give up. A lot of social media marketing is trial and error.

So brainstorm some ideas on how to improve and try them out!

12. Test, Evaluate, and Adjust

With any marketing campaign, you should always evaluate your results and then adjust them. Look at the number of clicks and the number of page visits.

For most businesses, the biggest metric to notice is conversions. Whether you want leads or sales, you should pay attention to your results.

Now that you’ve read through these social media tips for small businesses, what’s next for you?

It’s time to pick your favorite tips and try them out. And before you know it, you’ll be a social media marketing pro.

A re Y ou

GAMBLING W ith your insurance?

Other propane owners have come to our agency to cover their insurance bets: 1) Most tell us they have no idea what companies insure their industry and are surprised to learn there are multiple options available; 2) Many have discovered a gap in coverage after meeting with us; 3) Some have grown frustrated with the lack of timely response and personal service from their current agent.

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“We chose Marshall Young as our insurance agent because of the personal service, value and the ability to meet all of our insurance needs. When we need anything we get immediate and personal service with just a phone call.”

— John Walter Schneider Distributing

11. Don’t Over-Automate

Social media automation software is a great tool you can use. It can help you schedule your posts out in advance and get detailed metrics on your results.

This can be really helpful for your overall social media strategy.

However, be careful to not over-automate. Don’t let your automation software

401 N. Ridgeway Drive, Cleburne TX 76033 | 817-645-9155 MEMBER

August 2018 •

Texas Propane

19

PERC News

PERC Summer Council Meeting Recap At the meeting the July 11-12 in Minneapolis, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) introduced its elected officers for the term ending July 2019: Chairman: Robert Chalmers, Meritum Energy Holdings (San Antonio) Vice Chairman, Marketers: Robert Freeman, Freeman Gas (Spartanburg, S.C.) Vice Chairman, Producers: Kasib Abdullah, BP (Houston) Treasurer: Randy Doyle, Blossman Gas (Ocean Springs, Miss.)

Secretary: Daniel Dixon, AmeriGas (Florence, Ala.) About the New PERC Chairman from Texas

Prior to his role as PERC Chairman, Rob joined the PERC Council in 2013 and has been involved in the PERC Executive Committee for the past 4 years holding the role of secretary, treasurer and most recently vice chair of mar-

keters. Rob also served the task force to hire the new CEO upon Roy’s retirement.

Rob is the co-founder of Meritum Energy Holdings, a propane and fuel distribution operating in Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana. Prior to co-founding Meritum Energy Holdings in 2015, he was SVP of Corporate/Business Development-NGL for JP Energy Partners.

Prior to joining JP Energy, he was a Managing Director at FTI Consulting specializing in the energy sector.

The Council approved chairmen and vice chairmen of the three working groups that make up the Advisory Committee: Market Development and Outreach Working Group: Harris Baker, HBH Gas Systems (Austin, Texas), chairman, and Emily Willis, Blossman Gas (Swannanoa, N.C.), vice chairwoman. The Marketing, Development and Outreach is one of three of PERC’s Advisory Committees that strives to promote programs that benefit a variety of industries including

fleet vehicle management, landscaping, residential and commercial building, agriculture, and material handling.

About the New Working Group Chairman from Texas

Mr. Baker has worked with LP, LPG and LNG for Distributed and Back-Up Generation, energy solutions for greenfield and brownfield development, generators and other applications for migration to well-head gas, autogas, Central Community Gas Distribution Systems, and Alternative Energy platforms for over 40-years. He serves as President of HBH Gas Systems; Chairman of PERC’s Marketing, Development and Outreach Advisory Committee, Chairman of Clean Cities Coalition’s Lone Star Clean Fuel Alliance, and is an officer on the Executive Committee of TPGA, and Board of Directors for the Propane Council of Texas.

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Research and Technology Development Working Group: Kenton Sonnenburg, CHS (Inver Grove Heights, Minn.), chairman, and Chuck Strawn, Red Seal Measurement (Greenwood, S.C.), vice chairman.

The Research & Technology Development Working Group of the Council’s Advisory Committee recommends and oversees initiatives that advance the development of propane utilization equipment to open new markets for propane; and pursue research to improve safety and efficiency, to expand supply, and to address technology needs in the transportation, storage, handling, and use of propane.

Safety & Technical Training Working Group: Jay Hilliard, Revere Gas (Hartfield, Va.), chairman, and Jeff Shaffer, Shaffer’s Bottled Gas (Hooversville, Pa.), vice chairman.

The Safety & Technical Training Working Group provides leadership, vision, and resources for ongoing safety and training efforts.

The Council approved the following funding requests: Docket 21634: 2018 Corporate Communications $950,000 Docket 21631: 2018 Website Consolidation & Re-design $475,000 Docket 21633: 2018 Integrated Marketing Communications $3,100,000 Docket 21638: 2018 Marketer

Boiler, $45,000 Docket 21658: 2019 Propane Safety & Training Conference in San Antonio, $47,800 Docket 21635: Carbon Management Information Center Consortium 2018, $50,000 Docket 20876: Change Order: Establishing Service Life for ACME Transfer Hose Couplings, $20,700

Sales Training Program Development $450,000 Docket 21740: 2018 Propane Industry Workforce Recruitment, $250,000 Docket 21344: 2018 Material Handling Outreach & Marketing, $300,000 Docket 21630: Safety & Training Materials Compliance Update Review, $42,250 Docket 21600: Light Commercial/ Residential DG-Enabled SmartWatt

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CALLIE STEWART Marketing Representative o / 713.381.4586 m / 832.264.4775 CBStewart@eprod.com BRIAN WILKIN Senior Manager, Wholesale Propane o / 713.381.3923 m / 832.803.2304 BDWilkin@eprod.com

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Texas Propane

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Safety Talk

Personal Risk Assessment Safety Meeting derstand while performing a task, stop and get help.

USE THE CORRECT TOOLS AND WORK TECHNIQUES: 3 Make sure you have

Being safe at work is a right and responsibility of all propane personnel. To ensure the safety of you and those around you, it is essential that you perform a personal risk assessment before starting any task. This will help you determine what precautions you need to take and prevent possible accidents or injuries.

SURVEY YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND REMOVE POTENTIAL HAZARDS:

As you prepare for your task, ask yourself: 3 Is the equipment heavy? Can it tip over? Can I slip and fall or injure myself in any way?

3 Will I be safe in completing this on my own, or do I need help with this job?

3 If something were to fall, tip, catch fire, etc., would I be close enough to be affected?

3 What is the worst that can happen?

If you believe the task could cause personal injury, secure tools to help reduce or eliminate your risk. Always determine the safest way to do the job before you begin.

CONFIRM YOUR TRAINING IS SUFFICIENT:

If you have not been trained to perform a task, do not attempt it. In every situation, confirm: 3 Have I been trained to safely do this job?

3 Am I confident I have the knowledge and skills to perform this task?

If you are not comfortable with the task you are to perform, talk with your supervisor. If you discover something that you don’t un-

22

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

the right equipment to do the job and that it is in good working order.

3 Once your work equipment is ready, determine what personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary to do the job safely and use it.

3 Make sure you understand the proper techniques to employ for any given scenario. This includes getting in and out of the cab; getting onto and off of the truck bed; moving cylinders, materials, and equipment; and walking and working on various surfaces.

Any issues encountered as you go through these checklists should be addressed prior to carrying out any task.

If you are not comfortable with the task you are to perform, talk with your supervisor. If you dis-cover something that you don’t understand while performing a task, stop and get help.

Discussion Topics 1. A new task must be completed, but you have not been trained for it. The steps are very similar to other tasks that you perform, and you are confident you can handle this one. Your company is also short-staffed. How do you proceed?

2. Discuss how to determine what PPE is required for various scenarios.

LEARNING ACTIVITY Stage a work environment with a few unusual elements. Have participants conduct their pre-task surveys and review any special issues.

Source: Propane Personal Safety (PERC) For more information about assessing and managing personal risk, visit propanesafety.com.

RS OF 70 YEA ABRICATION CK F U R T K TAN White River Distributors, Inc. has been an industry leader since 1944, with a staff of sales professionals with over 100 years of experience to help make your purchase an easy one. We have tanks 600 to 8000 gallons, your choice of chassis. Build to your specifications. New, used, and refurbished propane bobtails, change-overs, and repairs. Financing available, delivery service available. Trade-ins Accepted. Pick up the phone and give us a call.

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August 2018 •

Texas Propane

23

Inside the Industry

People in Propane Travis Downing passed away in late May 2018. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Michael Augustus Clark, 69, of Wake Village, TX passed away on June 22, 2018. He was employed by Texarkana Propane, a retired teacher and coach, and a Christian. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Marketers can still order tangible safety & training materials and use the PERC Product Catalog located at https://www. propanecouncil.org/productcatalog/ to order physical items like the scratch n sniff brochures.

Last Chance to Apply for the Propane Council of Texas Board of Directors

Paul Dwain Boyd, 90, of Italy, TX, passed away on July 17, 2018, one week shy of his 91st birthday. After farming for 24 years, Mr. Boyd worked for Northern Propane and Ferrellgas for 17 years. After retirement, he worked for another 21 years at the feed store in Italy. He enjoyed gardening, farming the land, tending to animals, spending time with family and friends, and a good game of dominoes. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

New Propane Online Resource Launched

In June, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) launched a new interim online resource catalog for downloadable items https://www.propaneresourcecatalog.com. The temporary site was launched to make PERC items more easily accessible to propane marketers, while PERC works on revamping and merging its site for 2019.

The Propane Resource Catalog site allows propane marketers to visit the catalog and download needed items with just a few clicks. No login required. Downloadable materials can be found on the following segments and subjects: safety, residential, construction professional, agriculture, autogas, landscape and industry.

Marketers can download photography, fact sheets, videos, brochures and more.

The Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) has several board positions coming open in August. All propane marketers licensed with the Texas Railroad Commission and who contribute or whose employer contributes to the PERC assessment are eligible to be members of the ProCOT Board of Directors.

Board positions are 4 years in length.

Positions available beginning in August 2018 include: • Region A (Districts 1-4) • Region B (Districts 5-8) • Region C (Districts 9-12) • Region D (Districts 13-16) • At Large (No regional restrictions) To apply to be considered for the board, please complete the board application for the Council’s review and assessment. The extended deadline is Wednesday, August 15, 2018.

Review regional map and apply at www. procot.org.

Last Chance to Order the 2019 Propane Consumer Safety Tip & Recipe Calendar Orders are due by August 15, 2018

The Propane Council of Texas is taking order for its 2019 Propane Safety Tip & Recipe Calendar for residential consumers.

Branded with your propane company information, the wall calendar includes: 6 months of recipes, 6 months of safety and

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Inside the Industry propane information, and 1 bonus month.

All orders include free shipping.

See our ad on page 27.

Order online at www.procot.org or call (800)325-7427.

Gallon Grower Event: Nursery/Landscape Expo

Interested in getting new leads in a new market? Join the Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) as they market propane commercial mowers and vehicles to 6,000 landscape & nursery professionals on August 16-18, 2018 in San Antonio, TX at the Nursery /Landscape Expo hosted by the TNLA. With increasing ozone action days, higher gasoline prices, and incentives on both the national and state level, now is the perfect time to reach out to this market and educate them on benefits of switching to propane.

To see booth times and sign-up tow work the booth, go to www.fuelingtexas.com.

TPGA Regional Meeting Scheduled – Districts 3 & 4

A TPGA regional meeting has been

scheduled on August 23, 2018 at the Monument Inn Restaurant, 4406 Independence Pkwy, La Porte, TX. Meet & Greet at 6:00p Dinner at 7:00p Agenda: • Conference update • Association happenings • Upcoming legislative session • TPGA Board & Related Committee Meetings/World LP Gas Expo RSVP to Mark Peterson at mwp.bbp@ gmail.com or 281-689-3946.

Update newsletter that the on-demand water heating technology is getting smarter with voice command.

Want hot water? Ask Alexa. Following the trend of appliance manufacturers equipping their products with Internet of Things technology, Rinnai has added Amazon Alexa integration to its Control-R 2.0 tankless water heater model.

The on-demand voice-control feature responds to more than 20 commands, including those asking Alexa to supply hot water to specific fixtures or turn

Tech News: Rinnai Adds Amazon Alexa Functionality to Tankless Water Heaters

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Delivery Service Work Orders Meter Reading Cylinder Exchange 1-800-722-6659 • www.rccbi.com Bird Island, MN • Birmingham, AL • Portland, ME

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Texas Propane

25

Inside the Industry on recirculation. The wireless feature can be managed remotely from a companion app as well, where users can set schedules, turn on away mode, and even change the water temperature.

To learn more about how tankless water heaters can help ensure your customers never run out of hot water while reducing water waste, check out our Ultimate Guide to Tankless Water Heaters at www.propaneresourcecatalog.com.

them for you branded with your b & w logo.

It costs is just slightly over 3 pennies per address with a $45 fulfillment fee for the quarter.

Sign up for the newsletter at http://www. propanecounciloftexas.org/publications.

Fall Propane Living Newsletter Deadline September 10, 2018

Subscribe your customers to the Fall 2018 Propane Living newsletter sponsored by the Propane Council of Texas! The consumer newsletter is a way to remind your customers about seasonal reminders, safety tips, and fall marketing messages.

Sign-up to get the newsletters in bulk or have the Propane Council of Texas mail

Complimentary Packages Available for LP Gas Growth Summit

Space remains for retail propane decision-makers to attend the LP Gas Growth Summit, a buyer/seller network-

ing event set for Oct. 24-26 at Reunion Resort in Orlando, Florida. LP Gas’ goal is to help propane retailers improve their businesses and build lasting partnerships with other retailers and industry vendors.

The unique event is based on a series of prescheduled one-on-one meetings between propane retailers and equipment/ service vendors. LP Gas is offering complimentary lodging, meals and golf.

Interested retailer decision-makers should contact LP Gas Editor Brian Richesson at brichesson@northcoastmedia.net or 216-706-3748.

Visit the summit webpage at: http:// www.lpgasmagazine.com/lp-gas-growthsummit/

2019 TPGA Propane Expo & Conference August 9 – 11, 2019 Omni Corpus Christi Hotel

www.txpropane.com

Join us in Corpus Christi, TX for the 2019 TPGA Propane Expo & Conference

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AUGUST 9

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the DATE!

AUGUST 10 Expo Gala

AUGUST 11

TPGA Annual Business Meeting

Watch for more information! facebook.com/Texas Propane Gas Association

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

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linkedin.com/Texas Propane Gas Association

Order Deadline 08.15.18

Order your 2019 Propane Safety Tip & Recipe Calendars  6 Months of recipes  6 Months of propane safety  1 Bonus month  Low cost calendars  FREE Shipping

“The calendar is a good advertising tool with duty to warn info and recipes that my customers can use. To get all of that in one item is a bargain.”

- Bellville Butane

“Our customers look forward to them each year. The calendars are great advertisement as well as a great source of safety information.”

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Order now at www.procot.org

Q?’s: 800-325-7427  pvanhoy@txpropane.com August 2018 •

Texas Propane

27

Classifieds PetroStar Equipment Resources Purchase & Sale Pre-Owned Propane Tanks 5,000 gallons to 120,000 gallons FOR SALE 5,000 gallon, 250 psi, Eaton Metal Fab 18,000 gallon, 250 psi, Westmor - 2007 Contact: Jim Oliver (936) 755-6108 petrostar@pdq.net

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1.1 Introduction to Propane

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DOT/ASME Refueling

2.3 Bobtail Operations and Delivery

3.3 Appliance Conversion

3.8 RV Technician Your place or mine. Call for pricing.

Jack Harrison • 210-680-5096 propanesystems@gmail.com

We are looking for previously licensed L.P. Service Technicians This job will require: Working Outdoors; Working Indoors; Operating equipment such as bobcat, service truck, trailer, trencher, compactor, and hand tools.

CDL Class A license or obtain within 60 days.

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Applicants to work 40+ hours per week.

Experience with propane is a must.

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Cheryl@longhornpropane.com or Latisha@longhornpropane.com, 830-964-2525

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Calendar AUGUST

September

ProCOT Board Application Deadline

8 Fall NPGA TS&S Committee Meeting Baltimore, MD

15 Propane Safety Tip & Recipe Calendar Deadline

3 TPGA Office closed for Labor Day

16-18 Nursery/Landscape Expo ProCOT Booth San Antonio, TX

10 Fall Propane Living newsletter Deadline

22-23 LPG Charity Fund Poker Tournament Tulsa, OK

12 Fall Benchmarking Council Meeting (Groups A-H) St. Louis, MO

23 TPGA Regional Meeting La Porte, TX

19 Fall Benchmarking Council Meeting (Groups I-M) St. Louis, MO

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October

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Texas Propane

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Propane With Purpose

Propane Used to Propel Dream Chaser in Resupplying International Space Station

T

he Dream Chaser Cargo System was chosen by NASA to provide at least six delivery missions to the International Space Station. The Dream Chaser is an American reusable lifting-body spaceplane being developed by Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) Space Systems designed to resupply the International Space Station with both pressurized and unpressurized cargo. The vehicle will launch vertically on an Atlas V, Ariane 5 or Falcon Heavy rocket, and autonomously land horizontally on conventional runways. Potential further development of the spaceplane includes a crewed version, the Dream Chaser Space System, which would be capable of carrying up to seven people to and from low Earth orbit.

Propane Power

On-orbit propulsion of the Dream Chaser was supposed to be provided by twin hybrid rocket engines fueled with nontoxic and storable hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) and nitrous oxide. Unlike solid rockets, Dream Chaser’s hybrid fuel system would allow the motor to stop and start repeatedly and be throttleable. SNC Space Systems was also developing a similar hybrid rocket, RocketMotor Two, for Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo, as a subcontractor to Scaled Composites. In May 2014 their involvement in the program ended after Virgin Galactic elected to replace SNC’s version of RocketMotorTwo, powered by HTBD rubber fuel, with its own internally developed hybrid motor using a polyamide plastic fuel, while continuing to use the same nitrous oxide oxidizer.

After the acquisition of Orbitec LLC in July 2014, Sierra Nevada Corporation announced a major change to the propulsion

30

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

system. The hybrid rocket engine design was dropped in favor of a cluster of Orbitec’s Vortex engines. The new engines would use propane and nitrous oxide as propellants.

Using the nitrous oxide and propane fueled propulsion system allows immediate access to the spacecraft after landing, with only 10-20 minutes needed to exit the runway. This beneficially keeps conflicts with other aircraft using the same area to a minimum.

Moving Forward

On November 11, 2017, the Dream Chaser successfully completed a glide test, after being released from an altitude of 3,700 m and landing at Edwards AFB. In addition to the NASA contract, The cargo Dream Chaser has been selected by UNOOSA for the first United Nations space mission, to allow nations without access to space to fly microgravity experiments. There may be additional missions.

NASA deliveries to the ISS are scheduled to begin in 2019.

MARSHALL EXCELSIOR innovation made simple

Tomorrow’s Energy

R E T S REGI NOW REGISTER AS A VISITOR EXPO ONLY – FREE Visitor days October 3-4, 2018 The Exhibition is open to trade & business visitors at no charge. The Exhibition is the unique show for key LPG companies to present their cutting edge technology, first class equipment and services to the international and regional LPG community. Over 100 vendors in all its aspects of propane will demonstrate their products & equipment.

Visit www.txpropane.com to be taken to the free expo visitor, registration link.

Supported by:

www.worldlpgforum2018.com