Florida Power & Light Co. Requests Goodyear DuraSeal Technology to Help Restore Power

AKRON, Ohio, PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With an active hurricane season forecast, Florida Power & Light Co. has strengthened its electric power grid with infrastructure improvements, down to the Goodyear tires that carry its trucks to restore service quickly.

One of the fastest-growing U.S. electric utilities has requested that International Truck and Engine Corp. deliver new Goodyear DuraSeal commercial tire technology on new service equipment. DuraSeal Technology helps seal tread area punctures up to 1/4 inch diameter when they occur, greatly reducing vehicle downtime.

"Florida Power & Light Co. is an excellent fit for DuraSeal Technology, because it's imperative that service trucks aren't stranded along the road when the power goes out," said Rich Cottrell, product manager, mixed-service commercial tires for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company .

"In Florida, severe weather causes power outages and often spreads tire- puncturing debris on roads and highways. Tires featuring a 'built-in sealant' allow service crews to continue on their way after tires are punctured," Cottrell said.

The revolutionary technology - available in Unisteel G287 MSA and G288 MSA mixed-service tires - allows tires to remain in service. They can be retreaded and retain sealing effectiveness, he said.

The gel-like, solvent-free compound built into the inner liner of the tire consistently and instantly seals punctures up to 1/4 inch in the tread area. No other commercial tire manufacturer offers tires with built-in sealant, and the technology offers improved sealing efficiency compared to aftermarket liquid sealants, he said.

In January, FPL announced Storm Secure, a plan that includes near-term and long-term commitments to hardening its electric infrastructure. FPL adopted the National Electrical Safety Code standard for extreme wind velocity zone criteria (up to 150 mph) for all new distribution construction and system upgrades, the first utility in the nation to do so for its distribution system.

FPL also is investing in underground conversions and implemented an eight- year pole inspection cycle along with a more aggressive line-clearing program while repairing all facilities affected in last year's hurricane season to their pre-storm status.

Cottrell said tires featuring DuraSeal Technology could logically become part of FPL's hurricane-preparation plan. "After two disastrous hurricane seasons, it's best to be prepared for the worst. Tires with DuraSeal Technology can be instrumental in helping FPL to restore service faster."

Goodyear's Wingfoot Commercial Tire Centers service FPL trucks. In fact, when the electric utility sent trucks to Texas last year after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Antonio Garcia from Wingfoot's Miami center spent five weeks changing tires and fixing flats on company rigs. Garcia followed the convoy back to Miami, and three days after returning, Hurricane Wilma hit south Florida.

Garcia and others from Wingfoot centers immediately went to work, keeping FPL's service trucks running.

Goodyear tires featuring DuraSeal Technology also may be used in logging, refuse hauling and landfill, construction, road-building and other severe service applications.

Goodyear commercial tire systems offer complete products and services to the trucking industry, including a full range of original equipment and replacement tires. In addition, the company's cradle-to-grave tire and service network includes retreading, tire management tools and business solutions for tomorrow's trucking fleets.