Nitrogen Tire Inflation

Tar Heel Green Performance, LLC

Agenda

2. Nitrogen 2. Nitrogen

1. Branick Overview 1. Branick Overview

4. Implementation 4. Implementation

3. Scientific Data 3. Scientific Data

Branick Industries, Inc.

Branick

Branick’s History

Branick was founded in 1917 by Earl Branick

Over 750,000 customers worldwide

Focus on: Nitrogen Systems Tire spreaders Tire inspectors Tire service equipment Under-car tools “Standard of the Industry” 7400

Strut tool

What is Nitrogen?

Nitrogen is the main chemical compound of the air that we breathe… 78% Nitrogen 21% Oxygen 0.9% Argon 0.1% Other Gases

Air contains impurities, such as pollution and moisture. Nitrogen does not.

HAZMAT tested – Non Combustible

TPMS, Spalding, Wheelchair

Michelin supports the use of nitrogen based on its ability to better retain pressure over a period of time. – Michelin technical bulletin, November 2003

www.GetNitrogen.org – All you need to know

Nitrogen GenerationMEMBRANE PERMEATION METHOD

Hollow Fibre

H2O CO2 O2 Ar

Air Nitrogen

Air Nitrogen

Oxygen

Dalton’s Law

Nitrogen Data

Type of Test Track Lab Field and Lab Lab Field Field Field Field Field Field and Lab

vs Air filled (checked regularly) 1.9% - 2.6% * * * * 2.8% * * * *

vs Air filled (checked only at oil changes) 3.6%-7.4% * * 6% 23% 6.1% * * 13% *

3.6%-7.4% * * 6% 23% 6.1% * * 13% ** * * 31% 51% 86% 48% * * 40%-50%

19.4% 20%38% 48% 35%-55% 74% 53%

6 Months 12 Months 5 Months 18 Months110 Million

Miles50 Million

Miles 1900 Miles

Thorough, real-world test.

Tires were tested on a stand not on

a vehicle. The vehicle's wieght

increases air loss.

Scientific but only looked at

pressure lossThorough and scientific test

Thorough and scientific field test

with third party fleet

Thorough, scientific, double-blind field study

validated by government

Well documented private study

Well documented private study

Computerized real-world study.

Awaiting full documentation.

Scientific but limited test

fuel savings(pressure checked regularly) $58.25 * * * * $384.05 * * * *

fuel savings(pressure checked at oil changes) $138.00 * * $149.83 $2,636.59 $810.65 * * $1,622.12 *

tire savings * * * $41.33 $473.69 $1,093.49 $428.11 * * $384.05

© 2008 Get Nitrogen Institute * No study data

Total Fuel SavingsExtended Tire Life

Comments

Annual savings

Reduction in Operating TempReduction in Pressure LossReduction in Pressure FluctuationStudy Duration

Type of Test

Fuel Savings Using N2

Passenger Vehicle Studies Fleet Vehicle Studies

110 Million Mile Test

Double Blind Study – Government Funded Air – No pressure maintenance program Air - With monthly pressure maintenance program Nitrogen 70 tractors and 117 trailers in long-haul operations 2 routes – Canada to LA, CA and East Canada to West Canada January to August – Coldest to Warmest Months Validate electronically 1636 wheel positions Monthly check tread depth 4 points electronically on every tire. Published for Clemson University Tire Industry Conference

Significant Points Nitrogen system improved fuel efficiency by 3.1% compared to tire pressure

maintenance program using air Improved 6.1% compared to no tire pressure maintenance program Study also uncovered 86% gains in tire tread life Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions could be exchanged for revenue on

carbon trading markets Results mirror data performed at Wal-Mart, Michelin

Why Nitrogen?For Commercial Fleets…Nitrogen helps maintain correct inflation pressure

N2 Migrates 3-4 slower than O2

No moisture in N2

Tires run up to 20% cooler

Nitrogen Benefits: Maximize Fuel economy – Average 6.1% savings

Casing failure rate in service reduced by 49%

Nitrogen decreases oxidation and rust on the rim and valve stem

Tire Life – increase average of 51%, get up to 5 retreads per casing

Better for the environment – GNI will write a press release

See Nitrogen Inflation 101 – Fleet Maintenance May 2008

Fuel Efficient Tire – At What Cost?

Fuel Efficient tires in independent studies were found to last only 32% as long compared to standard tires.

Example Standard Drive Tire – 320,000 miles Fuel Efficient – 110,000 miles

Get more miles with either tire with N2!

Industry Benefits

Lower Operating

TempFuel

EfficiencyMinimize

Inertia Tire Life Safety

Long-Haul ü ü ü ü ü

Regional ü ü ü ü ü

Mining ü ü ü ü ü

Construction ü ü ü ü ü

Refuse ü ü ü ü ü

Transit ü ü ü ü ü

EMS ü ü ü ü ü

Pickup & Delivery ü ü ü ü ü

References

Long-Haul

Regional

Mining

Construction

Refuse

Transit

EMS

Pickup & Delivery

Owner operator Benefit

Proven savings at www.getnitrogen.com/fleet $3800 Average savings per tractor $600 Average savings per trailer

60 national top-off locations and growing Locator Feel free to add air

then purge contaminants and add N2 when back in the shop

Better ride – Lower operating temp = softer ride

Trailer gone for months? Who’s checking the pressure?

Implementation and Conversion

1. Determine Purity – 98%

Branick – The only system that delivers 98% in less than 45

minutes on a tractor!

2. Site Evaluation

3. Air Audit

4. System Selection

5. Implementation

6. Training

7. Support

Implementation and Conversion

What to look for in a Nitrogen System

The highest Purity – Branick tank test = 99.4% Fastest The Best Membrane – Made in USA

Track record - Some lose capacity after 12 months Most efficient

Branick’s Air to Nitrogen ratio of less than 2x1. Many are 3x1. Low Maintenance and 5 year cost

Avoid carbon pre-filters – Hazardous waste, more maint, $199/yr No need for $1,000 air dryer

Automatic shut-off switch Hand-held N2 analyzer

Average life is 3 years, keep it portable and easy to replaceThe research has been confirmed by Costco, purchased over 500 Branick units Boeing conducted 2 years of research

Chose the same technology to provide nitrogen for the C17

Nitrogen in Tires Today Aircraft tires – FAA Required (sec.25.733) NASCAR, Formula 1, Le Mans and Indy Race Teams OTR NASA – The Space Shuttle A vastly growing number of fleet and consumer vehicles

COMPUTERIZED FIELD TEST RESULTS AND SAVINGS

BUS (A) BUS (B) BUS (A) BUS (B)

Bus Brand :

Inflation Type :

N2 Purity :

# of Tires :

Tire Sizes :

Tire Brands :

Total Miles:

Total Gallons:

Bus Brand :

Inflation Type :

N2 Purity :

# of Tires :

Tire Sizes :

Tire Brands :

Total Miles :

Total Gallons :

Bus Brand :

Inflation Type :

Purity :

# of Tires :

Tire Sizes :

Tire Brands :

Total Miles :

Total Gallons :

Bus Brand :

Inflation Type :

Purity :

# of Tires :

Tire Sizes :

Tire Brands :

Total Miles :

Total Gallons :

Volvo

Air

78%

6

385/65R22.5

Michelin

1024

143.67

Volvo

Nitrogen

93%

6

385/65R22.5

Michelin

1024

122.25

Volvo

Air

78%

6

315/80R22.5

Michelin

683

93.72

Volvo

Nitrogen

93%

6

315/80R22.5

Michelin

683

83.81

% of fuel savings : 15% % of fuel savings : 11%

TEST # 1 TEST # 2

Fleet size :Gallons per year :Price per gallon :

Annual fuel spending :

275 buses4,500,000$ 2.75 (average)

$ 12,375,000.00

SAMPLE MASS TRANSIT AGENCY

Anticipated annual savings with nitrogen :

($990,000.00) to ($1,485,000.00)8 % efficiency increase 12 % efficiency increase

TIRE COMPANY ENDORSEMENTS

Product Service Bulletin # 2004-09Nitrogen gas, as an inflation alternative to air, is becoming more prevalent in the market place and is being marketed as a benefit to the standard practice of using air to inflate tires.

Goodyear supports the use of nitrogen, as an inflation gas, in all Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Associate Brand and Private Brand products, based on the availability for a tire to retain pressure for a longer period of time. The use of nitrogen will not affect the tire warranty.

Please be advised that even with the use of nitrogen as an inflation gas, regular inflation pressure checks are highly recommended.

Please follow the manufacturer / supplier’s safety guidelines for the storage and handling of nitrogen.

Goodyear supports the use of nitrogen, as an inflation gas, in

all Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Associate Brand and Private Brand products, based on the availability for a tire to retain

pressure for a longer period of time. The use of nitrogen will

not affect the tire warranty.

What the Experts Say:

Fuel Economy and Tire Life Proper inflation = 3.3%+ improvement in fuel economy and 20% longer tire life

US Government You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. -http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.shtml

Michelin supports the use of nitrogen based on its ability to better retain pressure over a period of time. – Michelin tehnical bulletin, November 2003

Bridgestone says air inflated tires lost an average of 2.7 psi per month and nitrogen inflated tires lost an average of 0.7 psi per month. – Guy Walenga, Clemson Tire Conference, March, 2004

TMC found that 57% of vehicles have at least one tire more than 5 psi under inflated and 22% of vehicles have at least one tire under inflated by 20 psi or more.

Goodyear says 15% under inflation = 2.5% decrease in fuel economy - Goodyear Radial Truck and Retread Service Manual pg.40

Goodyear says 15% under inflation = 8% less tread mileage - Goodyear Radial Truck and Retread Service Manual pg.40

Pirelli says 20% under inflation = 15% shorter tire life

Push for Green

It’s a “Green” product

Reduces Carbon Footprint and dependency on foreign Oil

Talk to Branick about harvesting carbon credits from your nitrogen investment.

Great for sustainability initiative.

Q&A

Tar Heel Green Performance, LLC

www.TARHEELGREEN.COM

sales@tarheelgreen.com

(919) 400-8733

Offices in Cary and Durham, NC