a disturbing post on the idea that maybe embedded systems in refineries are so "embedded" they can't even be reached/ isolated. also hugely ubiquitous.... ------- Forwarded Message

Gary North's Y2K Links and Forums

1998-11-30 13:28:22 Subject: Fuel Production Plants Comment: Let's hope this informant is wrong. If you have counter-evidence, contact me at P. O. Box 8000, Tyler, TX 75711.

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I have one very, very reliable source within that industry who tells me that the oil refining industry can't cope with the task. I am told that the problem of embedded systems can NOT be fixed EVER, no matter how much time were allowed. WHY? Because the refineries themselves would have to be dismantled to uncover these embedded systems. Essentially, the refineries would have to be destroyed and rebuilt!!! These embedded systems are buried within enclosed systems. Identifying, testing and replacing these systems is too impractical. It is financially unsound to do so. The better option is to build new ones. There is no time to do this with less than 400 days left and the time to build a new refinery is 3 to 5 years.

So, what does this mean? My sources, especially the most reliable source tell me that it means that on January 1, 2000... the oil and gas refineries will cease operations. These facilities also have converted their inventory management control systems to small inventory levels so that inventory levels are running about 1 to 2 days capacity. A few years ago, the industry averaged a 1 to 6 month supply in storage tanks. Not so today.

The results: By 1/5/2000 there will be no gasoline, no diesel fuel, no natural gas, no heating oil, no fuel oil products at all. This means trains will have no fuel. Trucks will have no fuel. Cars will have no fuel. Electric Power Plants will have no oil for fuel, nor coal... because there will be no fuel to power the vehicles to get it to them. So, there will be no electricity. And you know the remaining domino schematic from that point.