Who are the DFOG members?

The Diesel Fuel Oil Group (DFOG) is a forum of nuclear power plants and industry diesel fuel representatives formed for the exchange of technical information and proactive resolution of issues relating to the procurement, long-term storage, and use of diesel fuel in emergency diesel generators (EDGs).

In what ways has DFOG contributed to the industry?
Recent DFOG contributions to the industry include:

• Producing an industry guidance document which provides recommended actions for stations to be ready to accept B5 biodiesel blend fuel (2019),
• With the CY, developed a Nuclear Industry Standard Procedre (NISP) for alignment of Diesel Fuel Oil Programs, CY NISP-301 (2018/2019),
• Developed a DFO Primer as a training resource for new personnel and a reference for DFO program staff (2019),
• Provided guidance on 10-Year fuel tank cleaning maintenance activities, including operating experience from stations who have completed tank cleanings and input from industry experts (2018),
• Funded and provided a Diesel Fuel Training class for industry members at the 2017 DFOG meeting,
• Provided collaborative and technical support for EPRI’s most recent Biodiesel study (2015-17),
• Developed “Fit for Use” statistical controls guidance for small labs (2015),
• Provided a presentation at an INPO webcast regarding eventual introduction of biodiesel into the major pipelines and the potential impacts of this change to the nuclear industry (2015),
• Issued a letter to the industry to alert stations of the impending introduction of biodiesel to the major pipelines and the potential impacts of this change to the nuclear industry (2014), and
• Provided a FLEX Fuel Quality Guidance document to alert the industry of the need to establish a fuel quality management system for Flex equipment (2014).

 

What are the benefits of Diesel Fuel Oil Group membership?
Membership in the DFOG provides the following benefits:

• Participation in the annual DFOG meeting, which includes sharing of OE, training sessions, tours of facilities, support from industry DFO experts and regular attendance by the NRC.
• Access to the DFOG website and listserv for DFO related resources and timely answers to DFO questions.
• The use of the DFOG's DFO Chemistry Data Storage and Trending database.
• Access to technical reports summarizing discussions and resolutions of DFO technical issues.
• Support provided by industry DFO experts including ASTM board members, fuel tank maintenance, fuel quality, lab testing, National Biodiesel Board and microbiological control.

What is the DFOG's DFO Chemistry Data Storage and Trending database?

The DFO Chemistry Data storage and trending system is a comprehensive diesel fuel quality database which enables the nuclear industry to track and trend changes in diesel fuel quality on a plant-by-plant basis, regional basis, and national basis. The database is stored on the DFOG's MPR Share resources website. Data and trend plots are available to members at any time.

How often does the group get together?

The group gets together once a year for detailed technical discussions. Teleconferences are held twice a year. DFOG members are in daily contact through an internet listserv maintained by MPR Associates. The DFOG list server currently has over 100 subscribers.

Where does the group meet?

The location of each future meeting is selected by the members at a location near one of the DFOG member plants or near a facility that the DFOG wishes to tour. Past meeting locations have been Vallejo, CA, San Antonio, TX, Kansas City, MO, and Nashville, TN. See the News tab for the location of the next meeting.

If I want to join the group, whom do I contact?

You can contact:

Mark O’Connell – moconnell@mpr.com – 703-519-0564

Robert Langhans – rlanghans@mpr.com – 703-519-0595

Amy O'Neil – Amy.O'Neill@constellation.com – 315-791-3752

Harvey Taylor – hgtaylor@southernco.com – 706-848-6640

Do I have to pay a fee to join the group?
A nuclear station may join as an individual site for an annual fixed fee of $7,500/year. Nuclear stations under one utility (or alliance) may choose to join as a group.The annual fixed fee is between $7,500 and $20,000 per utility, based on the number of stations operated by the utility.