ENERGY
What we can learn from a winter like we’ve had
For the last several years, we
have blended our fuels to withstand
temperatures of 30 degrees below
Fahrenheit, all the while saying, “It’s
not like we need it, but just in case we
do...” With this year’s cold weather, we
needed it.
Quay Zander
Energy Manager
(952) 466-3727
What did we learn from the
extreme cold this year?
[email protected]
Blend your fuel in tanks and vehicles
well before cold weather hits. Blending down from B20 to B5
in time for the coldest temperatures can be a challenge. For
instance, it is common to fi nd equipment and vehicle tanks
that still contain half of a tank of B20. Once that is topped off
with B5, the fuel is B12.5% bio. While it might not be a problem
most of the year, it could be when the cold weather hits.
Filling your vehicle’s and equipment’s tanks at night will
help keep moisture out of the fuel tanks. When warm fuel in
the tank cools in the frigid overnight air, condensation collects
on exposed tank surfaces. Therefore, topping off is always
good.
Make sure you fi ll up with a true “Winter Diesel.” At both
of our convenience stores in Waverly and Cologne, we off er a
Winter Diesel that is a blend of 70% #2 dyed diesel, 30% #1
dyed diesel, and a very special additive package. Some winter
blends can cause you a loss of power because they only contain
more #1 diesel. Some blends only contain an additive. These
blends can fail and cause costly repairs to your vehicles and
equipment. Even if the pump is labeled “Winter Diesel,” ask for
details about the blend before fi lling up.
Using a fi lter on fuel storage tanks prevents particulates from
entering your fuel source and damaging equipment. When
selecting a storage tank fi lter, consider the micron level: the
lower the micron number, the smaller the particles it will fi lter
out. Conventional fi lter media are 30 microns, 10 microns, and
2 microns. Ask us which micron level is best for your needs.
Mid-County Coop wants to remind you that biodiesel
changes from 5% to 20% April 1.
Thank you to our customers who shovel and clear their
driveways and pathways for our fuel and propane drivers. Your
courtesy and attention to detail makes the job safer and keeps
our drivers on schedule!
Did you know? Five fun facts about Mid-County Energy
Do you know how many tanks Steve has fi lled in the last
fi ve years?
13,540 tanks! That’s an average of 2,708 per year, and 226
per month!
Have you ever wondered how we know where all of our
trucks are during the day?
Most Fuel & Agronomy units at Mid-County contain GPS
(Global Positioning System) units that update their location
every 15 seconds. Back at the shop, we can watch our drivers
move across the map on a display screen.
Wondering the fuel and gasoline capacity (in gallons) at
Mid-County?
535,000 gallons!
What may be the most interesting delivery?
A propane delivery to a home on Lake Minnetonka Big Island
is our most interesting delivery. The driver takes the truck onto
a barge to get to the island. Loading on and off the boat is an
interesting challenge!
Guess how many storage tanks Mid-County has for fuels,
propane, and lubricants?
58
Spring is on the way and the local parade season will soon be in full
swing. The Mid-County Coop parade truck may show up at your local
town parade. You can’t miss this fully restored, red and white, 1941
International fuel truck complete with original fuel valves, fuel con-
tainers, and plenty of Mid-County Coop logos and signs. Keep an eye
out for us at your town parade and be sure to give us a wave!
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www.midcountycoop.com