A new product to help prevent diesel and bio-diesel fuel gelling in cold weather was announced by Hugh Goulding, president of E TIP Inc. The launch of the new product adds to the range of products for security, safety and maintenance.

Cold conditions often affect fuel flow during start-up and in daily operations. When it is cold enough to cause gelling in the fuel over-the-road trucks, heavy machinery, automobiles, generators and other equipment that must operate in low temperatures can become disabled. The gelling plugs the filter preventing passage of the fuel.

The only solution is to replace the filter or warm up the fuel until it flows again. This sometimes requires towing the equipment to an inside location or bringing a heater to the equipment site. Fuel filters for bulk tank dispensing pumps also can be affected.

The universal filter preheater is a thin, flexible, silicone/fiberglass heating pad that easily wraps around the metal filter housing to maintain full contact and to evenly transmit heat quickly through the metal of the filter housing helping to avoid the risk of fuel gelling. It converts the metal filter housing into the heating element. It is an electric blanket for the fuel filter housing. Springs and nylon ties hold it in place

When it is time to change the filter element, the universal filter preheater is easily released for transfer to the new filter housing. Fuel gelling and related problems are avoided, according to the manufacturer.

Drawing 85 watts, the preheater is available in several voltages: direct current 12v and 24v, and alternating current 120v and 240v and a dual grid model combining the option of powering with direct current or alternating current in the same universal filter preheater. Measuring 4 by 7 in. (10 by 18 cm) it is designed to fit a diameter of 2.5 to 4 in. (6.3 to 10 cm) (circumference of 8 to 12 in. (20 to 30.5 cm)). The Universal Filter Preheater carries a three year warranty.

The standard engine oil and hydraulic peel and stick fiberglass/silicone preheaters also are being used to warm fuel tanks. At 120V, they stick to the outside of the tank and warm the fuel overnight. No cutting or welding is necessary, just thoroughly clean off the mounting area and stick it on.

For information, visit www.etipinc.com.

Today's top stories

Growing Interest in Construction Careers Among Younger People Means Jobs Filled, Deadlines Met

Larry Young Paving Tackles Grade-Separated Interchange in Texas

Caltrans, Crews Working to Repair Highway Landslides

FIRSTGREEN Industries Launches ROCKEAT Electric Skid Steer Loader

'Tiltrotator Effect' Increases as Energy Consumption Goes Down

VIDEO: Birmingham, Ala., Awarded $14.5M Fed Grant to Revitalize Its 'Black Main Street'

Pettibone Celebrates 75th Anniversary of Cary-Lift

Fay Preps Way for Pittsburgh International Airport Modernization Project