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Notify your licensed installer and the
state underground storage tank program of your intent to dispense E85. Your
installer should determine if the age, composition and condition of your
tank and piping are safe for E85 use.
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In the case of a conversion, the tank
must be cleaned of all water and sediment.
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Ensure no water is present to protect the
quality of your ethanol-blended fuels and your customers’ vehicles.
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Ensure all visible fittings and
connections at the top of the tank are tight (no vapors escape and no water
enters).
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Ensure the sump and spill containment
covers will prevent water from entering the system.
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Use only 1-micron dispenser filters or a
comparable E85-specific filter with E85 blends. Do NOT use 10-micron
gasoline or 30-micron diesel filters. Cim-Tek is a popular brand of
alcohol-compatible filters.
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Use only an alcohol-compatible hose with
E85.
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Use only steel or nickel-plated swivels,
connectors and nozzles with E85. Do NOT use aluminum gasoline nozzles.
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Identify the E85 fill port and paint the
access cover according to API RP 1637. Make certain transport drivers cannot
make fuel deliveries to the wrong fill pipe.
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Calibrate the dispenser liquid meter at
time of conversion or new installation and two weeks later to verify meter
accuracy with E85. More frequent calibration (API RP 1626) may be required
to ensure the retailer is receiving proper compensation for the sale.
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Label dispenser with all E85 logos,
cautionary and trade commission decals. Use nozzle covers identifying E85 is
not gasoline or diesel. Consider using hangtags, pump toppers and other
signage to educate your customers. Price sign inserts, curbside signs and
the above decals and materials are available from the NEVC.
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Tank should be filled to 80% of capacity
and kept as full as possible for 7 to 10 days.
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Conduct a precision test of the tank
system (0.1 gallon/hour leak rate) with ATG system within seven days after
tank is filled to confirm the integrity of the system and that the leak
detection equipment is operating properly. Report any “fail” results
immediately.
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Ensure no water is allowed to contaminate
your fueling system. If water is suspected or detected, track down its
source and fix the problem immediately. The best way to guard against
contamination is to properly clean and maintain the fueling system. Confirm
no leaks exist in tank fill cap and containment reservoir before beginning
your E85 operation. Water-detecting pastes, suitable for E85, may be
available in the near future.
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If product seems to pump slowly, check
and replace filters. Persistently clogged filters could indicate moisture or
another source of contamination.
