UL Creates Third Certification Path for Ethanol Fuel Dispensers
September 3, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) created a third certification path for fuel dispensers for mid-level ethanol blends up to E25.
The new midlevel certification path was developed and presented at a July meeting of dispenser and component manufacturers, which addressed the fuel dispensing market and potential market developments.
The three certification paths for dispensers of pre-blended fuels are:
- UL 87 for gasoline and ethanol fuel blends up to E10.
- The established requirements of Subject 87A-E85, which address gasoline and ethanol fuel blends up to E85.
- The new certification path in Subject 87A-E25, which addresses gasoline and mid-level ethanol fuel blends up to E25.
"We set the new requirements for fuel dispensers based on research of multiple blend concentrations and their effects on components," said UL's Jeff Smidt. "There is increased potential for different types of damage to materials and components at blends above E25 and, as a result, there are more stringent requirements for dispensers for use with these higher blend levels."
Smidt said this new mid-level option, up to E25, provides another certification path and can help facilitate the distribution of ethanol blends in the market.
UL first announced the certification path for Subject 87A covering E85 dispensers in October 2007. The additional level to Subject 87A for E25 will help ensure that mid-level pre-blended fuels, if adopted, can be dispensed safely.
Source: Underwriters Laboratories (UL).