Converting Equipment
Understanding the issues related to converting existing equipment to be E85 compatible is an important step to installing E85 infrastructure. In general, newer petroleum equipment that is in good condition may be converted for use with E85 in most areas of the country but that conversion equipment and installation procedure must be 'listed' as per the applicable codes. (Note: At this time 'listing' is not available therefore a variance by the Authorities Having Jurisdiction is required). Local and state requirements will vary so contact your project contractor for local rules.
How can I convert my current fueling equipment to E85?
Understanding the issues related to converting existing equipment to be E85 compatible is an important step to installing an E85 infrastructure. Local and state requirements will vary and your project contractor will know your local rules.
Three primary concerns exist with converting existing equipment to E85 fueling.
Condition of the existing equipment: Your tank and lines must be clean because the high-alcohol content of E85 will "clean out" and absorb contamination left behind by years of petroleum and diesel fuel storage. If the previous fuel used in the equipment was an ethanol-blended gasoline, this may pose less of a concern. Converting diesel equipment may require more thorough cleaning due to scale that may have built up in these systems. Some tanks may need to be completely replaced.
Compatibility: In addition, older fuel lines and dispenser components may not be compatible with the higher alcohol content of E85 and should be replaced as required. If using an older dispenser, it is advisable to check them on a monthly basis regardless of what fuel is used. In some cases the best decision would be to purchase new E85 compatible equipment.
Components on newer fueling equipment are often tested by the manufacturer to be "100% Methanol or Ethanol" compatible and have been used with E85 for several years without incident.
There have been no reported compatibility concerns with steel tanks and E85. According to Sullivan Curran of the Fiberglass Tank and Pipe Institute (National Petroleum News interview of June 2004), single-wall fiberglass tanks may not be appropriate for fuel ethanol concentrations of greater than 30 percent. The same is not true of double-wall fiberglass tanks or fiberglass pipe; however, this should be verified with your supplier.
Metering Accuracy: If incompatible materials are present within the fuel dispenser and its metering system, over time, the possibility exists for the meter to fail or become less accurate. Some manufacturers feel this is a very important concern and will not extend warranties to non-petroleum uses of their dispensers. In a decade of use in E85 pilot markets, dispenser failures have been rare. At retail locations where weights and measures agencies check fuel dispensers, a problem will be discovered during annual testing if not immediately by the station's fuel accounting system.
Although E85 dispenser failures are rare, fuel contamination problems have been uncovered. In nearly every case, these were attributed to poor tank cleaning or a failure to use the proper filters, nozzle, or hose. At a minimum, all E85 fueling systems should use ethanol nozzles, 1- or 2-micron dispenser filters, and an ethanol compatible hose, gaskets and seals. (Note: UL now has a listing procedure in place for gaskets and seals)