As the list of available motor fuels continues to expand, so must the knowledge of fuel retailers. Specifically, it is no longer sufficient to simply know that they offer “gasoline” or “diesel” because the days of supplying just one grade of each are long gone. Today’s list of motor fuels resembles a restaurant menu: unleaded gasoline of various octane ratings, low-sulfur diesel and both gasoline and diesel blended with differing levels of alternative fuels (ethanol and biodiesel).
While awareness of the splintering demand for straight gasoline, diesel and alternative fuels has grown, it is important to note that specific ethanol and biodiesel formulations (E10, E15 and E85, along with B10, B20 and B100) can all have differing handling requirements and effects on component performance and life cycle.
This makes it critical that fuel retailers know without fail that the fuel-island hanging hardware they employ – hoses, swivels, breakaways and fuel nozzles – is compatible with the specific fuel grade. Failing to do so can result in leaking seals, gaskets, hoses and nozzle damage. If left unchecked, leaks can evolve into product-release incidents that incur costs through downtime, cleanup, remediation and the purchase of new components.
Lending A Hand
Knowing the component compatibility challenges within an increasingly complex motor fuel pool, OPW Retail Fueling has fashioned a series of Hanging Hardware Kits. The kits contain third-party-approved hanging hardware that is certified to be compatible with the specific fuel formulation with which they are to be used.
Components that can be found in an OPW Hanging Hardware Kit include:
- 241TPS Series Swivel: Rigorously tested and approved for use with ethanol-blended fuels up to 85%. The body is aluminum with nickel plating, and outlet and inlet adaptors are constructed of zinc with nickel plating. Seals and bearings are Buna-N, Viton® and nylon.
- 68EZR Series Reconnectable Breakaway: Listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for use with ethanol blends up to E25 and biodiesel blends up to B20. Constructed of die-cast zinc and Zamak, with stainless-steel main springs and protective sleeves of Zytel and impact-resistant nylon. Main seals are made of Viton and fluorosilicone.
- 11BP Series Nozzle: The first nozzle to be UL-listed for use with all ethanol-blended fuels. The nozzle’s body and spout are constructed of aluminum plated with nickel for protection against any degradation that can occur with higher ethanol concentrations. Seals are Viton with graphite/PTFE packing.
- 66H Series Whip and Curb Hoses: Third-party approved for use with fuel blends up to E15 and B20 with a steel reinforced hardwall that is flexible to -40ºF (-40ºC) and chrome-crimped ends. Low-permeation models are also available.
All Hanging Hardware Kit components arrive at the fueling site fully assembled after they have been factory tested for leaks. The components are also tested for continuity, meaning that they will perform as advertised regardless of changing environmental conditions.
Visit opwglobal.com to learn more about the fuel-specific components that can be found in OPW’s Hanging Hardware Kits.