SWANNANOA, N.C. — Alliance AutoGas has unveiled a pump that is designed to remove propane autogas from tanks when service or repairs are needed.

The Autogas Evacuation Pump is the first of its kind in the U.S., according to the supplier.

The evacuation pump is equipped to evacuate a tank filled with 44 gallons of propane in 1.5 hours, including zero vapor pressure.

A fleet may transfer fuel from the vehicle fuel tank being serviced to another propane vehicle, a refueling station, or a separate LPG storage tank. The pump and process also allows the propane to be put back into the tank.

Some key benefits of the pump for propane school buses include:

•    Complete air operation, reducing any ignition sources for safety. (A commercial twin piston or scroll type air compressor will be needed to operate the pump at its optimum performance levels.)
•    Rugged pneumatic wheels that allow ease of movement over rough, off-road surfaces.
•    A visual flow indicator that allows a user to visually monitor the transfer of propane during the evacuation process.
•    An optional vapor flaring mode to allow flaring by trained propane professionals and technicians.

Alliance AutoGas has installed over 800 refueling facilities in the U.S. and Canada, and in the past year, Alliance AutoGas members collectively displaced 45 million gallons of gasoline and produced $70 million in fuel cost savings for the 550 fleets they service, according to the supplier. In addition, Alliance has converted or participated in supplying propane to more than 10,000 propane vehicles, including school buses, across North America.  

The Autogas Evacuation Pump is available through Alliance AutoGas or propane equipment suppliers.

To learn more about the Autogas Evacuation Pump, contact David Kennedy, director of AutoGas design, at (828) 329-3529, DaKennedy@AllianceAutoGas.com, or email blossmanservices@blossmangas.com.