Over the past 150 years, the evolution of technology has had a positive and lasting effect on every industry in the world, including the liquefied petroleum (LP) Gas industry. Led by individual innovators and company developments, the production, transportation, and delivery of LP Gas is safer, more reliable, and more efficient than ever before.
The birth of the LP Gas industry can be traced back to the early 1900s, when propane was first identified by industrial chemist Walter Snelling of the U.S. Bureau of Mines. It didn’t take long for Snelling to figure out how to produce LP Gas on a larger scale, and it caught on quickly as a viable heating source. The rapid growth of the industry paved the way for other industrial companies to enter the fold and make an impact—from equipment manufacturers to truck corporations to delivery services. For nearly a century, Hannay Reels has been integral in ensuring safe and effective LP Gas delivery by setting the standard for LP Gas hose reels.
As technology continued to advance across delivery and operations, Hannay kept up with the latest trends, refining its reel design and making innovations that improved quality and reliability. Hannay has pushed boundaries and consistently modified even the smallest details to ensure LP Gas customers have the right equipment for the job. Today, the U.S. is the largest producer of LP Gas in the world, and Hannay continues to play an important role.
LP Gas is regularly used for residential and commercial heating, agricultural applications, and a variety of other consumer needs, including cooking, grilling, and fueling automobiles. Bobtail tankers (also known as rigid tankers) are the most common means of LP Gas transportation for bulk deliveries. These tanks use a pump and hose reel attachment to dispense the gas. Hannay’s LP Gas reels were developed with durability, reliability, and ease of use in mind to streamline delivery.
The highest usage of LP Gas normally occurs during the winter months. With extreme cold, freezing rain, and blowing snow, the distribution of LP Gas is often a difficult and challenging endeavor. Hannay reels help make the task easier, even in the toughest environments. When companies have the right reel, they can deliver LP Gas effectively, despite harsh weather conditions. Proper hose handling is key and can mean the difference between a safe delivery or a disaster. With more fuel hose protection and control, delivery is not only safe—but it is also seamless.
In taking a closer look at Hannay reels, the SBPBGMB/SBPBGMT Series are constructed with polished aluminum for a lightweight, corrosion-resistant design and are fitted with a split-bronze bearing on the inlet side. As a result, removing the swivel joint is no longer necessary to replace the bearing. Bearing replacements can be completed in the field in just a matter of minutes, saving time and money. Operators need steady and firm control when handling hoses but also require efficiency to keep up with consistent demand. With various power-rewind capabilities, like electric or direct drive hydraulic, hoses are unfurled quickly and wound back in a timely manner, reducing tangles or snares.
Hannay LP Gas reels are also equipped with Guidemaster® technology, which boosts operator safety and productivity. Guidemaster® gives operators more control when handling the hose, allowing them to extend the hose in any direction and to the desired length with confidence. With explosion-proof rewind control and a weather-resistant cover integrated right into the handle, Guidemaster® reduces time and energy spent maneuvering the hose by hand while protecting from harsh winter elements. These innovations and reel improvements have helped transform the delivery of LP Gas, increase productivity, and ensure higher safety standards across the industry.
LP Gas is an important part of everyday life. From turning on the stove to heating a home, U.S. consumers rely heavily on LP Gas delivery. It takes quality equipment and dependable service to get the job done right, and the advancement of technology continues to be a central part. While delivery automation is the next technological wave to impact the LP Gas industry, pioneering companies like Hannay remain a steadfast player in the field.
