Hot fuel is not a gas
By jmara
Tuesday, August 7th, 2007 at 3:10 pm in General.
Photo: Mathew Ingram
California motorists are losing 3 to 9 cents a gallon on gas that is warmer than standard and hence contains less energy, watchdog groups claim - and a U.S. senator has introduced legislation that aims to provide a solution.
Senator Claire McCaskill, (D-Mo.), has introduced a bill requiring automatic temperature compensation at retail fuel pumps. The Owner-Operated Independent Drivers Association, a truck drivers’ group, Friday applauded the move.
“The senator deserves high marks for standing up for consumers and small businesses,” said Todd Spencer, the organization’s executive director.
Here’s the deal: Gasoline is supposed to be sold at 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but on hot days, it’s hotter. When gasoline heats up, it expands, losing about 7/10ths of a percent of BTUs for every 10 degrees in temperature, according to Dennis Johannes, director of the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Division of Measurement Standards. For the complete story, check out this Oakland Tribune article.
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August 10th, 2007 at 9:36 am
I as shocked to read that not one journalists has caught on the the new tren in oil, and that is abotic oil. Gone is the belief where oil will deminish, and up is the finding that the opposite is ture. The price of oil will still skyrocket, as India and China dig deeper into the world’s economy!
November 5th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
I switched to NaturalGas. 128 octane, less pollution, cheaper, and commute-lane exempt. It’s becoming more available [3 public stations in Oakland] and a CNG Hybrid is already a Car Show reality. Since the underground tanks are pressurized, temperature changes are minimal. Gasoline tanks are underground and sealed, but the pressure change is really there. Fuel up early in the morning or at night when it’s cooler. You’ll save money, fuel, and air quality, as there will be less evaporation. It won’t make a difference with Hydrogen as much, either. If we ran around on alcohols [like ethanol] the problem would be worse. What do they do in the East and South in the summer when it’s 80o F at 3:00 AM? Pollute more and get less for their $. Enjoy being in California!