LP Gas, February 2014
NEWS BRIEFS Continued from page 10 Ferrellgas AmeriGas settle consumer protection case in California Ferrellgas and AmeriGas agreed to pay a total of 18 million in civil penalties and costs in an unlawful business practices case in California according to a news release from Ventura County District Attorney Gregory D Totten that also cites six additional district attorney offices In 2008 facing rising costs the companies reduced the volume of propane in their grilling cylinders from 17 pounds to 15 pounds shortening grilling time by between 60 and 90 minutes the release states The reduced weight was displayed on cylinder labels but not on cage signs it adds Prosecutors alleged the companies filled tanks in a manner that was deceptive to consumers and made statements in advertisements and on product placards that were misleading the release states Ferrellgas and its cylinder exchange division Blue Rhino paid 1 million in penalties while AmeriGas and cylinder exchange division AmeriGas Cylinder Exchange paid 800000 According to the release the companies agreed to post notices on propane cylinder enclosures informing consumers of the actual amount of propane in the tanks Blue Rhino has maintained throughout this investigation that its prominent net weight disclosures were legally sufficient Ferrellgas said in a prepared statement Although not mentioned by the district attorneys the net weight of each tank was displayed prominently on the outside of Blue Rhino cages and visible to consumers before purchase Nevertheless Blue Rhino intends to cooperate with the district attorneys request that consumers have even more information at the point of sale AmeriGas responded only by saying We do value our customers and we seek to provide them with value and reliable service Boilers recalled because of carbon monoxide risks About 26000 gas fired hot water boilers from U S Boiler were recalled because of an air pressure switch that can fail to shut down the burners when a blockage is present in the vent system In addition nearly 200 gas fired hot water boilers from New Yorker Boiler were recalled for the same reason According to separate press releases both failures allow the boilers to emit excessive amounts of carbon monoxide and pose hazards to consumers P k j Variable frequency drive VFD has many features and benefits Easily converts single phase source to three phase service Slow start up feature eliminates flow surges Variable motor speed capability maximizes pump performance Motor overload protection minimizes potential damage Pre programmed at 60 Hz with 4 second ramp up speed Magnetic starter not required minimizes installation costs Standard remote switch available 12 LPGas February 2014 www LPGasmagazine com
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