In a move that will provide extra flexibility for fuel retailers, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final ruling to give gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol (E15) a year-round 1 psi Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver during the summer. Previously, retailers in some states could not sell E15 from June 1 to September 15.
As markets shift focus toward renewable fuels, the EPA decision will bolster this trend and encourage a greater number of retailers to sell ethanol. The removal of a barrier to year-round sales of E15 is a major step forward for the industry as a whole, but it required a bit of work to get here. According to NACS, initial EPA proposals on E15 reform may have reduced incentives for retailers to continue buying and selling renewable fuels, however retailers were able to file comments that would prevent market disruption.
While this is positive news for owners and operators of fueling stations, those new to the ethanol sales must have the proper equipment to cleanly and efficiently dispense E15. When preparing for the new ruling, fueling stations will especially need to have compatible nozzles on hand. Those only rated for fuel up to E10 are not approved for service, because they violate NFPA30A, a National Fire Code adopted by every U.S. state. On top of discord with fire code, the use of substandard, non-UL-listed products puts stations at greater liability and risk for insurance claim denial. To avoid these issues, retailers should turn to nozzles and hanging hardware listed for something greater than E15.
OPW’s top-performing retail fueling product lines, including Nozzles, Breakaways, Swivels, Shut-Off Valves and Overfill Prevention Valves, create solutions for dispensing all of the various ethanol blends, up to 85%, and they are all UL-listed for use with E25. Under the regulations that cover nozzles, there is no specific coverage of E15. E0-E10 blends are under the purview of UL2586, while UL2586A includes blends from E25 to E85. OPW’s most complete nozzles for ethanol, the 11BP Series, are in keeping with UL2586A, so they are a preferred solution for handling E15.
On top of their concurrence with fueling regulations, 11BP Nozzles also feature innovative technologies like FlowLock and Accu-Stop to make the process cleaner by limiting spillage. Customers will thank you when they drive away with gas-free clothes and hands, and your bottom line will appreciate the boost in ethanol sales.
11BP is just one of the high-performance options from OPW Retail Fueling. Learn more about all the retail fueling products OPW has to offer at www.opwglobal.com/opw-retail-fueling.