How can I find out about the technical characteristics of the CEPSA products?

CEPSA has developed exclusive formula heating and motor fuels through its intense effort to provide latest generation products. To consult the technical characteristics of the products, see our on-line catalogues.

What by-laws must I apply to set up my petroleum product storage installation?

Petroleum installations are governed by Royal Decree 2085/94 of 20th October that approves the Regulations on Petroleum Installations. These Regulations provide general rules and Complementary Technical Instructions (CTIs (ITC)) which establish the specific technical specifications that guarantee the safety of persons and property according to the state of the art from time to time. The following CTIs are now in force:

• ITC MI-IP 01 "Refineries". Establishes the technical specifications to be complied with by petroleum installations used for refining, storage and distribution of liquid carbohydrates and fuels.
  
• ITC MI-IP 02 "Storage facilities". Establishes the technical specifications to be complied with by liquid petroleum storage centres for bulk distribution:
  
  1. To other storage facilities
  2. To facilities fuelling vehicles
  3. To storage facilities for consumption on the same premises.

It is also applicable to storage and supply facilities for aviation fuel and installations to store and supply fuel to ships

• ITC MI-IP 03 "Storage installations for consumption on the same premises". Applicable to:
  
  1. Fixed industrial installations (incineration furnaces ....)
  2. Installations for storage in mobile recipients for industrial use
  3. Heating and air conditioning systems
  4. Fixed installations for internal use
  5. Supply to internal means of transport
  6. Supply to non vehicular machinery

• ITC MI-IP 04 "Installations to supply vehicles". Sets the technical specifications applicable to installations to supply vehicles.

What technical requirements of Diesel A must be taken into account and why?

The cetane number, the water and sediment content, its behaviour at low temperature and oxidation stability are the most important characteristics that show the quality standard of a fuel.

Firstly, the cetane number provides us an evaluation of the ignition capacity of the fuel in a motor, the most being the most significant feature in relation to low temperature starting.

The cetane number must fulfil the recommendations provided by motor manufacturers for each type of service. A higher cetane number than required does not improve efficiency or operation of the motor. At present, the specification for the cetane number is a minimum of 51.

The water and sediment content is an important feature as these contaminants may contribute to block the filters and cause damage in the injection system.

Operation at low temperature is measured by the capacity of the fuel to flow and to be pumped through the filter system without causing blockage due to the presence of the paraffin compounds that form at low temperatures. This behaviour of diesel at low temperature may be estimated by determining the point of obstruction of the filter when cold (POFC) for which a maximum of -10ºC is specified in the winter period.

Lastly, the stability to oxidation measures the tendency of diesel to rubber and sediment formation from oxidation in the presence of air. Low oxidation stability diesel contains insoluble particles that may block the filters, form deposits in the combustion chamber and damage the components of the injection system.

What are the limitations on use of Diesel B, according to Act 38/1992, on Special Taxes?

• With Discounted Special Tax.
  
  Use of Diesel B as a fuel is authorised for:
  
  1. Devices and motors of special vehicles that have not been authorised to travel on public roads and land, that is, which do not have a Road Licence, and thus a licence number. A special vehicle is considered that defined as such in Addendum 2 to Royal Decree 2822/1998 of 23rd December, that approves the General Regulations on Vehicles.
  2. Motors in tractors and agricultural machinery, authorised to travel on public roads and land, used in agriculture, including horticulture, husbandry and forestry.

• With exemption from the Special Tax.
  
  Use of Diesel B as a fuel is authorised for:
  
  1. Transport segment: use as aviation fuel, except for private recreational aviation, in sailing, including fishing, with the exception of private recreational sailing, and railway transport.
  2. Cogeneration: Use in production of electricity and cogeneration of electricity and heat.
  3. Other segments: dredging operations on navigable channels and ports. Construction, modification, tests and maintenance of aircraft and vessels.

What means of payment are there for discount diesel?

For diesel acquired from a retailer, that is, at a pump point of sale, such as Service Stations or Co-operatives, discount diesel cards or discount diesel cheques must be used.

On the other hand, when the supply is made at the customer's home, through duly authorised retail Operators or distributors, any means may be used, except for discount diesel cheques or cards.

What is the most appropriate heating system for a condominium?

Diesel central heating systems provide condominiums numerous advantages:

• Boilers for collective homes are pressurised and provide very superior performance to those in individual use.
• The cost of maintaining a condominium installation is cheaper, and requires less verification and control operations on the safety system, in addition to not having any ventilation restrictions.
• There is the possibility of installing a diesel central heating system with individual consumption that, in addition to the convenience and saving provided by the system, allows control of consumption by each neighbour to be controlled at the same time.

Is diesel safe?

It is a very safe fuel, as it does not ignite at ambient temperature or cause explosions.

Are diesel heating systems cheaper than other alternatives on the market?

Their heat/price ratio is excellent. With a diesel heating system, standing charge and meter rental required by other energies is saved.

Is installation of a diesel heating system cheaper than that of other heating systems?

Yes, because as it is a safe fuel, it does not need the safety mechanisms that other energies require. The cost of the reform and price of the boiler/burner set is also lower.

Is a diesel heating system convenient and comfortable?

The availability of ones own tank to store the fuel guarantees autonomy and heat it the home at all times, without fear of the supply being cut off for any reason, such as works being carried out nearby.The technology also allows the user to choose the temperature and timing of the heating needed in his home.

Is diesel heating ecological?

New diesels, in which CEPSA plays an important role in research and development, reduce contaminating gas emissions. In fact, European studies show that diesel heating is as environmentally friendly as other energies.

Are there financing schemes to facilitate the decision to renew the boiler?

The CEPSA Boiler Renewal Scheme finances up to 100% of your new installation, at preferential interest rates. CEPSA also acts on you behalf to obtain subventions from different official bodies (Local Governments, Regional Governments, etc.).

What future is their for diesel heating systems?

Diesel systems are a guarantee for the future, which is why they are the most widely installed in Europe. These systems include the latest technology applied to heat, providing very high performance, homogeneous, personalised heat, as well as automatic temperature programming that leads to a reduction of the energy bill.Petroleum is an energy of the future, that guarantees the users of diesel heating systems a comfortable, convenient home heating service.

What are the advantages of the new diesel heating systems?

Diesel heating systems are the most used throughout Europe, in individual as well as collective installations.There are many reasons for the user to opt to install this system compared with other alternative fuels such as natural gas, liquid petroleum gas or electricity.We shall now explain the arguments that contribute to these systems being considered the most advantageous.

• Novel systems: The novelty of diesel heating systems is due to joint, ongoing development to harmonise two different technologies: on one hand the new technologies to manufacture boilers, burners, control systems, etc., and on the other hand, the technological improvement in the diesel manufacturing processes, optimising and ensuring the quality of the fuel increases more and more.Thus, high performance boilers, low temperature ones and condensation boilers achieve their objectives thanks to increasingly more desulphurated diesel, with greater calorie power. White line boilers and sealed boilers are achieving high marketing rates due to their perfect integration in any room in the home. This type of boiler generally uses deodorised diesel that does not give off the characteristic smell of the fuel.Lastly, manufacturing more stable diesels allows better storage, for a longer time, even in new recipients of plastic materials that are now allowed under new design regulations.
  
• Safety: In diesel heating system, safety is built into the characteristics of the fuel. Diesel has a flash point above 60ºC, which makes it the safest fuel on the market. That safety also provides savings on maintenance of the installation, as it does not require such rigorous inspection as in the case of gas fuel.Diesel provides heating systems a level of safety that cannot be achieved by any other alternative energy.
  
• Economy: In recent times, energy costs have become an important part of the domestic economy, so it is total for modern homes to assign up to 10% of the family expenses to that item.Adequate choice of the type of energy to use to provide the service the user requires involves, in all cases, assessment of the investment and operating costs and those of the alternatives considered.According to the comparative studies of costs per thermie of different energies, the diesel heating system is proven to be the most economic for individual and collective installations.On the contrary to other fuels, the price of heating diesel does not include fixed costs and rental of the meter, which are repercussed, to a greater or lesser extent, according to the number of homes linked to a centralised installation, in the price per thermie.
  
• Independence: The diesel is stored in your condominium, avoiding supply cut-offs and providing the maximum autonomy. It also has a competitive price as it competes on a free market.
• Convenience: Installation of a single boiler and control elements, such as an ambient thermostat, guarantees the maximum convenience.
• Environment: Heating diesel is a clean, environmentally friendly energy. The sulphur content responsible for SO2 emission pollution has been decreased over the years to its present content, which is practically trace. The rest of the main contaminant emissions NOx, CO, CO2, hydrocarbons or particles, are practically the same as in gas fuels.
• Market: The liquid fuels market is an open market on which the price, quality and service are variables which are managed to achieve competitiveness. All the preceding considerations prove that heating diesel, nowadays, is THE MOST COMPETITIVE ENERGY for heating and sanitary hot water systems.

Who takes care of maintenance of my heating installation?

We provide you the professionals of the CEPSA National Network of Installation and Maintenance Companies, who take charge of everything required by your heating system.