ethanol handling guide

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Guidebook forHandling, Storing, &

Dispensing Fuel Ethanol

Prepared for the

U.S. Department of Energy

by the Center for Transportation ResearchEnergy Systems Division

Argonne National Laboratory

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1

WHY FUEL ETHA N O L? 2

EN ERG Y PO LIC Y AC T O F 1992 3

A LC O HO L- FUELED V EHIC LES 4

PRO DUC TIO N, PRO PERTIES, &

EN V IRO N M EN TA L IM PAC TS 5Production

Physica l Properties

Emissions

E85 FUEL SPEC IFIC ATIO N S & STA NDA RDS 8

ASTM Fuel Standard Specification

Seasonally Adjusted Blend

HydrocarbonsFuel Additives

E85 Q UA LITY A SSURA N C E 10

M A TERIA LS REC O M M EN DATIO N S 11

FUEL STO RAG E & DISPEN SIN G 12

General Dispensing Equipment

Aboveground Fuel-Storage Systems

Underground Fuel-Storage Systems

FUEL TRA N SPO RT & DELIV ERY 14

HA N DLIN G FUEL ETHA N O L 15

Visual Inspection

Hydrocarbon Content of the Fuel Ethanol

Electrical Conductivity

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SA FETY PRO C EDURES 17

Health C onsiderations

Fire Safety Considerations

Safety Codes

A p p e n d ix A : C o m p a riso n o f Fu e l Pro p e rtie s 1 9

Appendix B: AAMA Specif icat ionsfor Fue l Etha nol a s Disp e nse d

to Ve hic le s 20

A p p e n d ix C : G e o g ra p h ic a l

Fue l- M a rke ting Re g io ns 21

A p p e nd ix D: E85 Ship p ing Pro c e d ure s 23

Ap pe ndix E: M e thod to Determ ine the Total

Hyd ro c a rb o n C o nte nt o f A lc o ho l Fue l 24

Appe nd ix F: M ater ia l Sa fe ty Da ta Shee t fo r E85 25

FO R M O RE IN FO RM A TIO N , CA LL . . . 27

TRO UBLESHO O TERS G UIDE 29

Ta b le 1 Pro p e rtie s o f Fue l Etha no l 7

Ta ble 2 ASTM D 5798 Stand a rd Spe c ifica tion

for Fue l Etha nol for Autom otive Spa rk-

Ig nitio n Eng ine s 9

Ta b le 3 First Aid Trea tm e nts for Exp osure toFue l Etha nol 18


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Concern about our countrys dependence on for-

eign petroleum and about the environment has led to

development of alternative fuels in the transportation sec-

tor. By switching to these new fuels and vehicle technolo-

gies, fleet owners are leading the way to energy security

and c leaner air. Alcohol fuels* and, in particular, fuels of

ethyl alcohol (also known as ethanol) blended with gaso-

line are well-suited forreplacing gasoline in light-duty vehi-

cles and diesel fuel in trucks and

buses. The other fuel alcohol

commercially available today is

methanol. Although it sounds similar

to ethanol,it is derived from different

sources, its properties are quite dif-

ferent, and it cannot be used in

place of ethanol.

Currently, a small amount of

ethanol (10% by volume) is added to

gasoline to increase the octane rat-

ing and to provide oxygen to

decrease tail-pipe emissions of car-

bon monoxide (CO); the resulting

fuel blend, called gasohol by the public and E10 by the

industry in the United States, is a widely accepted vehiclefuel. New vehicle technologies have been developed

that can use blends having higher concentrations of

ethanol in gasoline as fuels while achieving reliable,

low-emission operation. The new flexible-fuel vehicles

operate on blends of up to 85% ethanol (known as E85).

The gasoline in E85 makes the vehicle easier to start in

cold weather and increases the vehicles range.

Spec ifications, technical standards, handling proce-dures, and refueling equipment for fuel ethanol have

been developing at a rapid pace. Because of the limited

experience with ethanol blends as fuels, research and

data collection from vehicles in the field will be continuing

for some time. Fuel distributors and fuel producers, as well

as managers responsible for operating these new fleets of

ethanol-powered vehicles, need prac tical information to

successfully use this renewable alternative fuel.

This guidebook provides accurate

and up-to-date information based

on proven practices developed by

experienced fuel providers, fleet

managers, and vehicle manufac -

turers for successfully using fuel

ethanol in vehicles. Safe and envi-

ronmentally responsible working pro-

cedures and simple tests to assessfuel quality in the field are presented.

In the near future, as market

conditions demand, vehicles in the

field may need to operate on

blends having ethanol concen-

trations different from E85.No matter

what the blend, the basic prac tices for handling and

using fuel ethanol remain the same you can apply theinformation presented in this guidebook to all expected

new blends.

WHY FUEL ETHANOL?

* Alcohol fuel blends are designated by E for ethanol or M for methanol,followed by a number representing the percentage of a lcohol (by volume)in the blend.The ethanol used in fuel blends is denatured and can containup to 5% hydrocarbons (gasoline or gasoline-like a dditives) before b lend-ing. Additional gasoline is added to the ethanol to make up the desiredpercentage in the blend. The fuel E10, or gasohol, is 10% denatured

ethanol blended with 90% gasoline; E85, commonly called fuel ethanol, is70-85% denatured ethanol blended with 30-15% hydrocarbons; and E100 is100% denatured ethanol.


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The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT) addresses the

energy challenges facing our country as we approach

the next century, including lessening our dependence on

foreign oil. Under this law, the Secretary of Energy is

required to . . . ensure the availability of those replace-

ment fuels that will have the greatest impact in

reducing oil imports, improving the health of our Nations

economy,and reducing greenhousegas emissions.

According to EPACT, alternative

fuels include ethanol,methanol,and

other alcohols; mixtures containing

85% or more by volume of methanol,

ethanol,or other alcohols with gaso-

line or other fuels; natural gas; lique-

fied petroleum gas; coal-derived liq-uid fuels; hydrogen; fuels (other than

alcohols) derived from biological

materials; electricity; and any other

fuel the Secretary of Energy deter-

mines is substantially not petroleum.

EPACT established the purchase

requirements for alternative-fueled vehicles (AFVs) for

Federal,state government, and fuel-provider fleets. If theSecretary of Energy determines that EPACT goals will not

be met with only the a bove requirements, municipal and

p r i v a t e

sector fleets may be required to purchase AFVs. Also

established were tax incentives for purchasing AFVs, for

converting gasoline vehicles to operate on alternative

fuels, and for installing refueling or recharging fac ilities.

Other state and local financial incentive programs may

be available in your area. For up-to-date information on

these programs or on funding, financing, and incentives,

contac t the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National

Alternative Fuels Hotline at 800-423-1DOE, the DOE

Alternative Fuels Data Center Internet home page at

http://www.afdc.doe.gov,or your state energy office.

ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 1992


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To safely and effectively operate your alcohol-fueled

fleet, the vehicles need to be compatible with alcohol

use.Aftermarket conversion of gasoline-powered vehicles

to alcohol-fueled vehicles, although possible, is not rec -

ommended because of the changes in component

materials necessary, the high cost, and the need for

extensive engine recalibration. In addition, the lac k

of widespread refueling facilitiesmakes operating vehicles dedi-

cated to alcohol fuel imprac tical.

To resolve refueling infrastruc-

ture problems, automakers have

developed vehicles,called flexible-

fuel vehicles (FFVs), that can oper-

ate on alcohol, gasoline, or any

blend of these fuels up to 85%alcohol (dedicated to either

methanol blends or denatured

ethanol blends).These vehicles are

designed to use a specific alcohol

fuel,either methanol or denatured

ethanol, and only the alcohol fuel

the vehicle is designed for can be used. Use of methanol

in an ethanol vehicle,and vice-versa, will result in improper

vehicle operation and could cause failure of fuel systemcomponents. Flexible-fuel vehicles manufactured by Ford

are available now in the marketplace. These vehicles are

fully warranted.You may take advantage of government

incentives and c redits if you purchase FFVs. Contac t the

DOE Nationa l Alternative Fuels Hotline (800-423-1DOE),or

your automobile dealer for an up-to-date list of available

vehicles. More information about FFVs can be found on

the DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center Internet homepage at http://www.afdc.doe.gov or by calling the E85

hotline (800-E85-8895).

Ethanol FFVs are similar to gasoline vehicles.The main

changes are new materials in the fuel management sys-

tem and spec ial engine calibration. In addition, FFVs

require special lubricating oils and fuel filters.

Flexible-fuel vehicles are fueled by pumping the fuel

from a storage tank through a dispenser and hose, just like

gasoline-powered vehicles. Differ-

ences in the fueling installations are

discussed later in this guidebook

(see M at er i a l s R ecom m endat i ons ,

Fue l Stora ge & Dispe nsing, and Fuel

Tran sp ort & De live ry). Although the

alcohol content of the blend while

it is in the storage tank may be

spec ified, the a lcohol content of

the fuel after it has been dispensedto the vehicle may be different

because of mixing with any existing

fuel in the vehicles tank.

Always follow the recommen-

dations of the manufac turer for

maintenance, lubricants, and

replacement parts for the vehicle. Training on alcohol-

fueled vehicles is helpful for a fleets mechanics,but if thespecified parts and lubricants are used, routine mainte-

nance can easily be performed.

ALCOHOL-FUELED VEHICLES


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5

Production

Ethanol is also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alco-

hol.Like gasoline,ethanol contains hydrogen and carbon,

but ethanol also contains oxygen in its chemical structure.

The oxygen makes ethanol a cleaner burning fuel than

gasoline.It can be produced chemically from ethylene or

biologically from grains, agricultural

wastes, or any material containingstarch or sugar. Because ethanol

can be produced from crops, it is

classified as a renewable fuel.

Todays ethanol is produced in the

United States mainly from corn

grown in the Midwest.One bushel of

corn (approximately 56 pounds)

produces 2.5 gallons of ethanol.*Because the gasoline or additives

in an ethanol blend make the

ethanol denatured (unfit to drink),

blends are exempt from Federal

liquor taxes.

It is a common misconception

that ethanol production c onsumes as much energy as the

ethanol may offer. Recent research has shown that pro-ducing ethanol from corn creates 24% more energy than

the production process uses. Due to the abundance of

natural gas, propane, and coal, ethanol produced from

these feedstocks has the potential to replace a significant

amount of petroleum imports.

Physical Properties

Properties of E85 are listed in Table 1.Ethanol is a flam-

mable,colorless liquid (E100 is clear like water) with a faint

alcohol odor, but ethanol fuel blends have a color that

depends on the color of the gasoline in the blend and

have a gasoline-like odor. One ga llon of E85 provides as

much energy as 0.72 gallon of gaso-

line. A comparison of the propertiesof E85 to those of methanol,ethanol,

and gasoline is found in A p p e n d ix A

of this guidebook.

Emissio ns

One of the benefits of using AFVs

is a reduction in the emission of pol-

lutants into the air we breathe.In general,the type of emissions from

vehicles using E85 will be similar to

that from gasoline-powered vehi-

cles,but the amount of emissions will

be less. The quantity of pollutants

released depends on how well the

vehicles emissions control system captures and burns

emissions and how well the engine is designed andtuned for using fuel ethanol. The emissions control

systems found on ethanol-powered vehicles manufac-

tured today have been engineered to meet or exceed all

Federal and state emissions control regulations.

PRODUCTION, PROPERTIES, &ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

MORE

* In addition to the ethanol, one bushel of corn produces 12.4 lb o f 21%protein feed , 3 lb of 60% gluten meal,1.5 lb of corn oil,and 17.0 lb of ca r-bon dioxide (for carbonated soft drinks).


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6

PRODUCTION, PROPERTIES, &ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS (cont.)

Two types of emissions are released by AFVs: exhaustand evaporative. Although compliance with Federal

and state regulations has already resulted in a decrease

in exhaust emissions from gasoline-powered vehicles,

ethanol-fueled vehicles can further reduce pollution from

emissions by a modest, but meaningful, amount.

Compared with gasoline-fueled vehicles, most ethanol-

fueled vehicles produce lower carbon monoxide (CO)

and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and the same or

lower levels of hydrocarbon (HC) and nonmethane hydro-carbon (NMHC) emissions; nitrogen oxides (NOx) emis-

sions are about the same or even less. In recent tests,1996

model Ford Taurus FFVs emitted 50% less NMHC and 35%

less CO when running with E85 than when running with

reformulated gasoline (RFG). No change was reported for

NOx. In addition, once at operating temperature,

the catalytic converter in an ethanol-fueled vehicle is

very efficient at breaking down aldehydes into less harm-ful chemicals.(Aldehydes are chemical compounds asso-

ciated with incomplete combustion of alcohol that are

suspec ted of being carcinogenic).

Emissions resulting from fuel evaporation are a poten-

tial problem for any vehicle, regardless of the fuel. More

emissions can leak from a vehicle when it is sitting than

when it is operating! The built-up heat in the engine

compartment, and sometimes even the heat reflectedfrom the pavement onto the fuel tank, can cause the

most volatile parts of the fuel to boil off and leak into

the air, causing pollution. E85 has fewer highly volatile

components than gasoline and so has fewer emissionsresulting from evaporation. Ethanols low volatility means

that it needs help in igniting at low temperatures thats

why gasoline and other hydrocarbons are added to the

fuel. Without hydrocarbons in the blend, an ethanol-

fueled vehicle may be hard to start when the engine is

cold, especially in wintertime.


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7

TABLE 1 PROPERTIES OF FUEL ETHANOL

Pro p e rty C o m m e nt

Va po r de nsity Ethanol vapor, like gasoline vapor, is denser than air and tends to settlein low areas.However,ethanol vapor disperses rapidly.

Solub ility in wa ter Fuel ethanol will mix with water,but at high enough concentrations ofwater, the ethanol will separate from the gasoline.

Ene rgy c ontent For identical volumes, ethanol contains less energy than gasoline. Onan energy basis,1.0 gallon of E85 is equivalent to 0.72 gallon of gasoline.

Fla m e visib ility A fuel ethanol flame is less bright than a gasoline flame but is easilyvisible in daylight.

Spe c ific g ravity Pure ethanol and ethanol blends are heavier than gasoline.

Conductivi ty Ethanol and ethanol blends conduct electricity. Gasoline, by contrast,is an electrica l insulator.

Stoichiom e tric fuel- to-a ir rat io E85 needs more fuel per pound of air than gasoline; therefore, E85cannot be used in a conventional vehicle.

Tox ic ity Ethanol is less toxic than gasoline or methanol.C arcinogenic compoundsare not present in pure ethanol; however,because gasoline is used in theblend, E85 is considered to be potentially carcinogenic.

Flammabil i ty At low temperature (32 F),E85 vapor is more flammable than gasolinevapor. However at normal temperatures, E85 vapor is less flammable

than gasoline, because of the higher autoignition temperature of E85.


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8

Alcohols are more corrosive than gasoline because

they are electrically conductive and may contain

corrosive impurities.Alcohols may degrade materials that

are commonly used with gasoline or diesel fuel. You

can reduce the chance for failure or contamination

of alcohol equipment and systems by selecting proper

materials and by controlling fuel composition.

The American Soc iety for Testing

and Materials (ASTM) and the

American Automobile Manufacturers

Association (AAMA) have estab-

lished standards for E85. While the

two standards are similar, only the

ASTM standard (Table 2) is discussed

in this sec tion. For your information, a

copy of the AAMA specification

appears in A p p e n d ix B .

ASTM Fue l Stan da rd Spe c ifica t ion

(ASTM D 5798 )

The ASTM standard spec ifica-

tion for fuel ethanol, designated

ASTM Ed75-Ed85 (where d stands for

denatured), covers fuel blends for different seasons

and geographical areas. These spec ifications, shown inTable 2, represent the minimum commercial standards

and reflect the consensus of many stakeholders. The

ethanol and hydrocarbon denaturant used in making fuel

ethanol must meet the requirements of ASTM D 4806.

Se a sona l ly Ad justed Ble nd

The amount of alcohol in the fuel ethanol blend

depends on the geographical fuel-marketing region and

the season. (A c omplete breakdown by volatility class for

the geographical fuel regions can be found in Appe ndix C .)

In cold weather, more gasoline is added to the blend to

avoid starting problems. A minimum of 70% by volume

of alcohol is permitted in the winter blend by the ASTM

fuel standard.

H y dr oc a r bons

The hydrocarbon(s) blended

into the fuel ethanol must comply

with several of the same standards

as gasoline. The hydrocarbon may

contain ethyl tertiary butylether (ETBE),

methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE),or

other aliphatic ethers as blending

components, as is customary forautomobile spark-ignition-engine

fuel. Natural gasoline, commonly

used as the denaturant of fuel

ethanol, is an excellent blend stock

for the hydrocarbon portion of E85.

Fue l Add itives

Commercial gasoline contains additives, detergents,

and inhibitors, as well as hydrocarbons. Federal law

requires that the hydrocarbon portion of E85 contain

detergent additives. After blending the gasoline with

denatured alcohol to make E85,any additives that were

in the gasoline are now in the E85 (although at reduced

levels). In some states in the United States, certain

detergents used in commercial gasoline, such as

E85 FUEL SPECIFICATIONS &STANDARDS


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9

polyisobutylene amine, have performed poorly in FFV

operation. If these additives get into the fuel ethanol,precipitation and deposition in the FFVs fuel system may

TABLE 2 ASTM D 5798 STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR FUEL ETHANOL (Ed75-Ed85)FOR AUTOMOTIVE SPARK-IGNITION ENGINES

Pro p e rty Va lue fo r C la ss Te st M e tho d

ASTM vola tility c lass 1 2 3 N/A

Ethanol , p lus h ighe r a lc ohols (m inimum , volume %) 79 74 70 ASTM D 5501

Hydrocarbons ( inc luding denaturant ) / (volume %) 17-21 17-26 17-30 ASTM D 4815

Va po r pressure a t 37.8C

k Pa 38-59 48-65 66-83 ASTM D 4953,D 5190,D 5191p si 5.5-8.5 7.0-9.5 9.5-12.0

Le a d ( m a x im u m , m g / L) 2.6 2.6 3.9 ASTM D 5059

Phosphor us ( m a x im um , m g/ L) 0.3 0.3 0.4 ASTM D 3231

Su lfu r ( m a x im um , m g / kg ) 210 260 300 ASTM D 3120, D 1266, D 2622

M e th a n o l ( m a x im u m , v o lu m e % ) 0.5 N/A

H ighe r a lipha tic a lcoho ls, C 3 - C 8 ( m a x im um , vo lum e % ) 2 N/A

W a te r ( m a x im u m , m a ss % ) 1.0 ASTM E 203

A c i d ity a s a c e t ic a c i d (m a x im u m , m g / k g ) 50 ASTM D 1613

In o rg a n ic c h lo rid e ( m a x im u m , m g / k g ) 1 ASTM D 512,D7988

Tot a l ch lo r ine a s ch lo r ide s (m a x im um , m g / kg ) 2 ASTM D 4929

G u m , u nw a sh e d ( m a x im u m , m g / 1 00 m L) 20 ASTM D 381

G u m , so lv e n t- w a s he d ( m a x im u m , m g / 1 0 0 m L) 5.0 ASTM D 381

C o p p e r ( m a x im u m , m g / L) 0.07 ASTM D 1688

A p p e a r a n c e Product shall be visibly free of Appearance determined atsuspended or precipitated ambient temperature or 21C

contaminants (shall be clear (70F),whichever is higher.and bright).

N/A = Not applicable.

result.The best way to avoid this problem is to use natural

gasoline in the E85 blend, if it is available in your area.


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Once your E85 refueling station has been installed,

taking simple operational precautions can assure fuel

quality.A periodic check of fuel properties will avoid cost-

ly damage to vehicles operating with E85.Some of these

checks may be performed in the field, but others may

require the services of a spec ialized laboratory. A list of

some of these laboratories may be obtained by calling

the U.S DOE National Alternative

Fuels Hotline (800-423-1DOE).

For a new fuel station, the

following properties of E85, at a

minimum, should be checked within

a few days of the start of operation:

Conductivity (see Electr ical

Conductivi ty on page 16),

Unwashed gum content,

Water content,and

Particulate content.

After the refueling station has

reached normal operation, test the fuel periodica lly. At a

minimum, the following items should be checked every1-2 months, depending on how frequently the station is

used. Also, any time you suspect your fuel is contaminat-

ed,check these properties:

Hydrocarbon content (see H ydroc a rbon C ont en t o f

the Fuel Ethano lon page 16),

Reid vapor pressure,

Water content,and

Acidity.

Because it is possible to perform the conductivity test

and the test for hydrocarbon content in the field, these

tests should be performed more often.More details about

these tests may be found in

Handling Fuel Ethanol(page 15).

If you need to send a fuel sam-

ple to a laboratory,you will find infor-

mation on shipping procedures inA p p e n d i x D ; always remember to

follow the shippers requirements for

packaging hazardous materials.

E85 QUALITY ASSURANCE


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Up to this point,you have been told what your equip-

ment supplier should do to make your installation com-

patible with alcohol fuels and what your fuel provider

should do to deliver uncontaminated fuel ethanol. Now

its time to explain how you should handle E85 to keep

your customers vehicles operating properly and safely.

As with any other fuel,common

sense should govern handling of fuelethanol. The procedures are similar

to those for handling gasoline.

Following the recommendations

below at your installation should

keep your employees and cus-

tomers safe, prevent contamination

of the fuel, and protect your equip-

ment from degradation.

Avoid skin or vapor contact

with E85. If you are handling E85,

always wear ethanol-resistant gloves

(such as nitrile gloves). In the event

of contact, seek medical help (also

see Sa fe ty Proc ed ureson page 17).

Use only equipment that is recommended for use

with ethanol. Do not use parts or equipment for handling

and dispensing E85 fuel that are designed for use with

other fuels (see pages 11-13).

Be sure that the fuel ethanol is transported and

delivered to you in an ethanol-compatible, dedicated

tank; in a gasoline tank; or, if necessary, in a tank that has

been cleaned by following the recommendations on

page 14.

Do not reuse cans or barrels that have contained

other fuels to store or transport fuel ethanol. Other fuels

can leave residues that may contaminate E85.New con-

tainers are always preferable. Dedicate them to fuel

ethanol use!

If your refueling station is used less often than once

a week, recycle the fuel contained

in the hose between the nozzle andthe filter. If E85 is in contact with the

hose material for a long period of

time, the hose may degrade and

become a source for contamination

that cannot be trapped by the filter.

At least weekly, fill a one-gallon E85-

compatible container with fuel from

the nozzle and return the fuel to the

storage tank. (Although a quart

would probably be enough to drain

the hose,draw a gallon to be on the

safe side.)

E85 from your storage tank

should be tested on a regular basis

for appearance, hydrocarbon content, and electrica l

conductivity (see the following sections for directions onhow to perform these tests).Put samples to be tested into

alcohol-compatible containers. Stainless steel c ontainers,

steel containers with epoxy liners, or glass containers are

recommended for use in sampling and testing.

Visua l Inspe c tion

Visual inspection may be the least expensive and

most efficient way to check for possible contamination of

alcohol fuel.Fuels must be completely clear and free from

HANDLING FUEL ETHANOL

MORE


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16

visible particulates.Particulates indicate contamination; if

they are found, immediately begin an investigation into

the source of the contamination.

At least two samples should be visually examined.

Pour one sample of fuel from the dispenser hose into a

quart-sized clear glass container and inspect the liquid.

Remember that this first quart is the fuel that was stored in

the dispenser hose between the nozzle and the filter. Ifparticulates are found in the first sample, the hose has

begun to degrade. Draw more fuel through the hose into

a compatible container until you are sure you have emp-

tied the hose and are dispensing fuel from the tank. (This

fuel can be returned to the tank later if no particulates

are found in the test sample to be drawn next.) Then draw

another quart sample of fuel into a separate glass con-

tainer and observe the liquid. If particulates are found in

the second sample,fuel in the tank has become contam-

inated. If particulates are found in either sample, do not

dispense any fuel until the problem has been identified

and corrected. Contac t your fuel provider for assistance.

Hydroca rbo n C ontent of the Fuel Ethanol

If you are experiencing poor vehicle performance,

the hydrocarbon content in the fuel blend may be too

low.The FFVs produced in the United States today havealcohol sensors as standard equipment,but storage tanks

rarely are equipped with this kind of sensor. Checking the

hydrocarbon content of the fuel in the tank is inexpensive

and fast use the procedure described in A p p e n d ix E .

Check the hydrocarbon content as a standard proce-

dure once every month,after each fuel delivery, or when

drivers report a c hange in vehicle performance. If the

hydrocarbon content is too high or too low,contac t your

fuel provider for assistance.

Remember that the blend you are dispensing from

the storage tank may be different from the blend inside

the vehicle because of mixing with fuel already in the

vehicle tank. If vehicles are experiencing performance

problems, you may need to check the hydrocarbon

content of the fuel in the vehicles tank as well as in the

storage tank.

Elec trica l Con duc tivi ty

The electrical conductivity of the fuel ethanol is

a measure of the fuels quality. High conductivity is a sign

of corrosivity of the fuel and may indicate the presence

of metal in the fuel,which could be the result of material

or equipment degradation. If you use fuel whose con-

ductivity is higher than specification, your vehicles will

not operate properly. A conductivity value of no more

than 500 micro-mhos/meter is recommended (mhois sometimes abbreviated as S). If the conductivity read-

ing is outside specification, contac t your fuel provider

for assistance.

Measuring the electrical conductivity of the fuel sam-

ple with a conductivity meter is easy.Follow the manufac-

turers instructions.

Check the AAMA specification for fuel ethanol toobtain more details about recommended conductivity

meters. Check the fuels conductivity every time one-

quarter of the storage tank has been dispensed or every

two weeks,whichever occurs sooner.

HANDLING FUEL ETHANOL (cont.)


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APPENDIX B: AAMA Specifications for Fuel Ethanol (Ed75-Ed85) asDispensed to Vehicles (Purged or Unpurged Dispenser)

Pro p e rty Va lue fo r C la ss Te st M e tho d

ASTM vola t il ity c lass (a pp l ic a t ions pe r ASTM D 481 4) 1 2 3

Ethanol , p lus h ighe r a lco hols (m inimum , volume %) 79 74 70 ASTM D 5501

Hydroca rbo ns ( inc luding de na tura nt ) / (volume % ) 17-21 17-26 17-30 N/A

Va po r pressure a t 37.8C

k Pa 38-59 48-65 66-83 ASTM D 4953, D 5190,p si 5.5-8.5 7.0-9.5 9.5-12.0 D 5191,D5482

O c t a n e TBD N/A

H ighe r a l ipha tic a lco ho ls, C 3 - C 8 ( m a x im um , vo lum e % ) 2 ASTM D 5501

A c i d ity a s a c e t ic a c i d (m a x im u m , m g / k g ) 50 ASTM D 1613

C h lo rid e i o n ( m a x im u m , m g / k g ) 1 Ion chromatography

Tot a l ch lo r ine as ch l o ride s (m ax i m um , m g/ kg ) 2 ASTM D 4929, Method B

Ele ct r ica l Co nduc t iv ity (m a ximum , m ic ro S/ m ) 500 ASTM D 1125

G u m , u nw a sh e d ( m a x im u m , m g / 1 0 0 m L) 20 ASTM D 381

G u m , w a sh e d ( m a x im u m , m g / 1 00 m L) 5.0 ASTM D 381

Par ticu l a t es ( m a x im um , m g / L) 0.1 ASTM D 2276

A lu m in u m ( m a x im u m , m g / L) 0.03

Iro n ( m a x im u m , m g / L) 0.1

Filter plug g ing TBD N/A

Le a d ( m a x im u m , m g / L) 2.6 ASTM D 3229

Phosphor us ( m a x im um , m g / L) 0.2 ASTM D 3231

Su lfu r ( m a x im um , m g/ kg ) 50.0 ASTM D 3120,D 1266,D 2622

W a te r ( m a x im u m , m a ss %) 1.0 ASTM E 203

D e n a t ura n t ( m a x im u m , % ) 5.0 ASTM D 4806

A p p e a r a n c e Product shall be visibly free of Use a strong beam of lightsuspended or precipitated aimed diagonally towardcontaminants (shall be clear the eye and view throughand bright). a clear glass 250 mLbeaker.

N/A = Not applicable.TBD = To be determined.

ICP-Atomic emissionspectroscopy


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APPENDIX C: Geographical Fuel-Marketing Regions (cont.)

Volat il ity C lass by M onth

Sta te a nd Fue l- M a rke ting Re g io n Ja n Fe b M a rc h A p ril M a y June July A ug Se p t O c t N ov De c

Minnesota 3 3 3 3 3/ 2 2/1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3 3M ississipp i 2 2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2M issouri 3 3 3 3/2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2/3 3 3M o n t a n a 3 3 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1/2 2/3 3 3 3N ebr aska 3 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3 3N e v a d a

North of 38 latitude 3 3 3 3/2 2 2 2/1 1/2 2 2/3 3 3South of 38 latitude 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3

New Hampshire 3 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3 3

Ne w Jersey 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3N e w M e x ic o North of 34 latitude 3 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1/2 2/3 3 3South of 34 latitude 3 3 3/2 2/1 1 1 1 1 1 1/2 2/3 3

Ne w York

North of 42 latitude 3 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3 3South of 42 latitude 3 3 3 3/2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3

No rth C a rol ina 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2/3 3 3North Da kota 3 3 3 3 3/2 2/1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3 3Ohio 3 3 3 3/2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2/3 3 3

O k l a h o m a 3 3 3 3/2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3O r e g o n East of 122 longitude 3 3 3 3/2 2 2 2/1 1/2 2 2/3 3 3West of 122 longitude 3 3/2 2 2 2 2/1 1 1 1/2 2 2 2/3

Pe nnsylva nia

North of 41 latitude 3 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3 3South of 41 latitude 3 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3

Rhode Island 3 3 3 3/2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3Sou th C a rolina 2 2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2South Da kota 3 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3 3

Te nne sse e 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3Tex a sNorth of 31 latitude 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3South of 31 latitude 2 2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2

Utah 3 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1/2 2/3 3 3V er m ont 3 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3 3Virg inia 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3Washington

East of 122 longitude 3 3 3/2 2 2 2/1 1 1 1/2 2/3 3 3West of 122 longitude 3 3/2 2 2 2 2/1 1 1 1/2 2 2 2/3

We st Virg inia 3 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3 3Wisconsin 3 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3 3Wyoming 3 3 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1/2 2 2/3 3 3


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APPENDIX F: Material Safety Data Sheet for E85 (cont.)


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26

APPENDIX F: Material Safety Data Sheet for E85 (cont.)

Page 2 * U.S.G.P.O.: 1986-491-529/45775

Section V Reactivity Data

Stability Unstable Conditions to Avoid

None in normal use.Stable

XIncompatibility (Materials to Avoid)

May react vigorously with oxidizing materials.Hazardous Decomposition or ByproductsCombustion may produce COx, NOx and reactive hydrocarbons.

HazardousPolymerization

May Occur Conditions to Avoid

None in normal use.Will Not Occur

X

Section VI Health Hazard Data

Route(s) of Entry: Inhalation?

(A)Skin?

(B)Ingestion?

(C)Health Hazards (Acute and Chronic)

(A) May cause mucous membrane irritation; unconsciousness; coma; respiratory failure and death.

(B) May cause skin irritation as a result of defatting. (C) Moderately toxic (LD50 0.5 to

5 G/Kg), gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, CNX depression, coma.Carcinogenicity: NTP?

Not determinedIARC Monographs??

Not determinedOSHA Regulated?

Yes

Signs and Symptoms of Exposure

May cause dizziness, loss of balance and coordination.

Medical Conditions

Generally Aggravated by Exposure Not determined.

Emergency and First Aid Procedures

If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. If inhaled, remove person to fresh air. Give artificialrespiration if breathing has stopped. Call a physician. If splashed in eyes or on skin, flushimmediately with copious amounts of water.

Section VII Precautions for Safe Handling and Use

Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled

Eliminate all sources of ignition. Small spills should be flushed with large quantities

of water. Large spills should be collected for waste disposal.

Waste Disposal Method

Do not allow to enter sewers where vapors may become ignited. Incinerate infurnace where permitted under appropriate federal, state & local regulations or dispose of ina site stipulated for hazardous materials.

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage

Keep away from heat, sparks, & open flames. Keep container closed. Use with adequate

ventilation.Other Precautions

Use explosion proof electrical equipment and non-sparking tools. Ground electrical

equipment.

Section VIII Control Measures

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type)

Air supplied mask for high concentrations.Ventilation Local Exhaust

PreferredSpecial

NoneMechanical (General)

AcceptableOther

NoneProtective Gloves

RubberEye Protection

GogglesOuter Protective Clothing or Equipment

Eye bath and safety shower.Work/Hygienic Practices

NA


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27

G e n e r a l

U.S.Department of EnergyAlternative Fuels Data CenterNational Alternative Fuels HotlineP.O.Box 12316Arlington,VA 22209703-528-3500 (User Support Services)800-423-1DOE (Toll-Free)e-mail: [email protected]

Governors Ethanol CoalitionNebraska Energy OfficeThe Atrium, First Floor, 1200 N StreetP.O.Box 95085Lincoln,NE 68509402-471-2867Contac t: Robert Harris

National C orn Growers Assoc iation1000 Exec utive Parkway,Suite 105St.Louis,MO 63141314-275-9915

National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition*1648 Highway 179J efferson City,MO 65109573-635-8445800-E85-8895Contac t: Phillip Lampert

National Renewable Energy Laboratory1617 Cole BoulevardGolden, CO 80401-3393303-275-4481Contac t: Norm Hinman,Biofuels Program Manager

Renewable Fuels AssociationOne Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.,Suite 820Washington,DC 20001

202-289-3855

U.S.Environmental Protection AgencyDivision of Regulatory Programs & Technology2565 Plymouth RoadAnn Arbor,MI 48105313-668-4296

Ethanol Fuel C od e s and Sa fe ty

National Fire Protection Association

1 Batterymarch ParkP.O.Box 9101Quincy, MA 02269-9101617-984-7407Contac t: Ted Lemoff

Standards

American Automobile Manufac turers Assoc iation1401 H Street, N.W.,Suite 900Washington, DC 20005-2110202-326-5500

American Society for Testing and Materials100 Bar Harbor DriveWest C onshohocken,PA 19428-2959Publication and Customer Service610-832-9585

Society of Automotive Engineers400 Commonwealth DriveWarrendale, PA 15096-0001412-776-5760

Mater ia ls

Convault4109 Zeering RoadDenair,CA 95316209-632-7571

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL . . .

MORE* For the name of a contact nearest your area, ca ll the National EthanolVehicle Coa lition at 800-E85-8895.


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Cuno Separations Systems50 Kerry Place

Norwood,MA 02062800-367-6805

EMCO Wheaton4001 Weston ParkwayCary,NC 27513800-285-3626

Gasboy of Canada Ltd.430-T Industrial Road

London, Ontario, Canada N5V 1T5519-453-5340

Goodall Rubber Co.Grover Mill Road, Suite 203Lawrenceville,NJ 08648609-799-2000

Goodyear331 McCarter Hwy

Newark,NJ 07114201-242-5550

OPW Fueling Components9393 Princeton-Glendale RoadP.O. Box 405003Cincinnati,OH 45240-5003800-947-6976

Tokheim Co.

1123 C Avenue NWP.O. Box 74062-TCedar Rapids,IA 52407319-362-4847

U-Fuel, Inc.306 Barstow StreetP.O. Drawer 1511Eau C laire, WI 54702715-836-0905

Alte rnative Fuel Vehicle s

Chrysler Corp.Alternative Fuel Vehicle Sales and Marketing27777 Franklin RoadSouthfield, MI 48034810-984-3644Contact: Mike C lement

Ford Motor Co.Alternative Fuels ProgramThe American Road

Dearborn,MI 48121800-ALT-FUEL

General Motors Corp.Automotive Emissions Control3044 West Grand BoulevardDetroit, MI 48202313-556-7723Contact: Gerald Barnes,Manager

DOE Alternative Fuels Data CenterNationa l Alternative Fuels HotlineP.O.Box 12316Arlington,VA 22209703-528-3500 (User Support Services)800-423-1DOE (Toll-Free)e-mail: [email protected]

Alco hol-Fueled Ve hicle Te c hnician Tra ining

Central Community College, Platte CampusP.O.Box 1027Columbus,NE 68602-1027402-562-1280Contact: Doug Pauley

Conta iners

Labelmaster5724 N. Pulaski RoadChicago, IL 60646-6797800-621-5808

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL . . . (cont.)


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29

?Remember that a vehicle is a complex mac hine, so

most of the vehicles problems are not related to its fuel.

Always follow the directions and recommendations from

the owners manual supplied with the vehicle by the man-

ufacturer.

Prob lem : Vehic le do es not star t, id le is irre gular, la ck of

pow e r a nd you suspe ct that fuel is a c ontributing fa ctor

Solution:

Check the hydrocarbon content of the fuel. If your

vehicle is equipped with an alcohol sensor,read the num-

ber from your onboard display; if you do not have an

alcohol sensor,refer to Appendix E for direc tions on how to

measure the hydrocarbon content. Contact your fuel

provider to see how to modify the fuel to get the correct

hydrocarbon content.

If you have an electrical conductivity meter, check

the conductivity of the fuel. Check all equipment and

material in contact with the fuel for incompatibility and

possible degradation. Contact your fuel provider and

equipment supplier for assistance.

C heck the fuel filter in the vehicle. If deposits are

present,call your fuel provider or the vehicle manufactur-

er for assistance.

Prob lem : Fue l sa m ple is not c lea r and / or pa rt ic les are

pre se nt in the fuel

Solution:

The fuel has become contaminated. Check the

refueling facility for materials compatibility problems.

Check for excessive wear or degradation of nozzle,hoses,

filters,etc.Check for possible external sources of contam-

ination (for example, dirt around the nozzle or refueling

valve) and remedy them. Contac t your fuel provider and


Problem: Fuel sample e lect r ica l conduct iv i ty reading is

too h igh (ove r 500 m ic ro S/ m )

Solution:

The fuel has become contaminated. Check the

refueling facility for materials compatibility problems.

Check for excessive wear or degradation of nozzle,hoses,

filters,etc.Check for possible external sources of contam-

ination (for example, dirt around the nozzle or refueling

valve) and remedy them. Contac t your fuel provider and


Prob lem : White pow de ry de po sits on the no zzle

Solution:

Check the nozzle material for compatibility with

ethanol. Contac t your equipment supplier or the nozzle

manufac turer for assistance.

Prob lem : Del ive ry of the fue l to the ve hicle is slow o r no

fue l is c om ing throug h the n ozzle

Solution:

Check the electrical connection to the fuel pump.

Check the filter to see if it is plugged. Look for possible

causes of material degradation before the filter. Look for

possible external sources of contamination. Contac t your

fuel provider or equipment supplier for assistance.

TROUBLESHOOTERS GUIDE


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ethanol handling guide

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