Equipment and Processes
Unlike gasoline, ethanol conducts electricity; and while this does not necessarily result in additional safety issues, it means that some materials used in gasoline equipment need to be modified to dispense ethanol. To reduce the possibility of equipment and systems failure or contamination, you must select proper materials and control the fuel composition. In this section, you will learn about E85 fueling equipment, processes, and standards.
Use the online guide developed and maintained by the Petroleum Equipment Institute to search for ethanol compatible equipment.
The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is currently evaluating E85 dispensing equipment. The latest recommendations in this site are based on a decade of experience with E85 fueling systems in the Minnesota E85 pilot market as well as other markets across the United States. These procedures and equipment have performed well with E85. The fueling components are often readily available from local petroleum equipment suppliers, and any qualified equipment installer can perform the methods discussed.
Although ethanol-based fuels have been in use for decades, misconceptions persist concerning the impact ethanol will have on seals, elastomers and other components contained within the fuel dispensing system. DuPont, a major elastomer manufacturer, published information in 1993 indicating that high-blend ethanol (e.g. E100) may actually be less troublesome than other, more common, gasoline additives. Download a copy of Leak Prevention of Reformulated Fuels and Oxygenates: Sealing Solutions to Protect the Environment and Meet Regulatory Requirements (PDF 874 KB) to learn more about this issue. Download Adobe Reader.
UL published the certification procedure for listing E85 dispensers in October 2007 but has not listed any dispensing related equipment. OPW, a well-known fuel equipment manufacturer, has issued the following memorandum pertaining to common components and their compatibility with E85 (PDF 27 KB). As indicated in the Checklist for Installing or Converting Equipment to dispense E85 (PDF 175 KB), we recommend replacing the hanging hardware (connectors, swivels, hose, nozzle) with the appropriate items. Download Adobe Reader.
Although this document was published in 1995, by the American Auto Manufacturers Association, information provided in Fuel Ethanol (E85) Compatibility Standards and Dispensing Equipment List for E85 Fuel Vehicles (PDF 345 KB) is still available today. Download Adobe Reader.
If a fueling site project and the selection of its contractor and equipment vendors are subject to a bid process, make certain that bid specifications include all necessary equipment requirements, local codes and standards, and all permit arrangements and costs. A variety of project types, equipment, and associated sample costs are provided for your information. These may help you and your potential vendors in defining project-specific bid details. An experienced contractor or a trusted equipment vendor will be able to assist in gathering bid specifications for your locale. View the fact sheet on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Web site that discusses Selecting a Certified Contractor (PDF 85 KB). Download Adobe Reader.
If the fueling system will be located in an area where E85 and ethanol-blended fuels have not been in widespread use, you may run into a lack of awareness with equipment vendors, installers, and local officials. Use this toolkit to find the information you need to educate them on these issues and contact the NEVC for further assistance.