E15 Successful Integration Requirements and Options
As E15 continues to grow in popularity among Retailers, Gilbarco is receiving more questions around how to choose equipment for a successful integration onto fuel islands especially within the same dispenser footprint with current standard motor fuel offerings. There are a couple of guidelines that Retailers can use to help sort through the potential issues and make sure the dispensing equipment and the chosen method of deploying it will be in-line with regulations. When done properly, the product will not only find acceptance with the EPA and local regulatory officials, it will also help the consumer chose the right product for his vehicle and mitigate the potential for misfueling.
Outlined below are the requirements and best options for a successful integration of E15 on the forecourt.
OPTIONS:
- Option 1: Install dispensing equipment that has a dedicated hose for E15 (dedicated means only one grade of fuel can be dispensed through that hose). The dedicated hose strategy is one of the best strategies for both the retailer and the consumer because it clarifies the product offering by allowing the retailer to mark and highlight the product coming from that hose specifically. It also helps minimize the potential for customers to choose the wrong fuel for their car or truck. This strategy can be achieved by using a dispensing unit with a straight grade product inlet such as an Encore 3+1+1, model NL3. This model allows the retailer to offer three standard blended fuel grades (E10) from one shared hose, E15 from a dedicated hose, and one other fuel such as E85 or diesel from a second dedicated hose. This would require E15 and E85 to be present in an underground tank (no blending). Alternatively, you can deploy an Encore Multi-Hose Hybrid Blender that can blend two feedstock products (E85 and E0 or E10 for instance) into an E15 product that is then dispensed from a single and dedicated hose. Encore model examples would be: Encore Multi-Hose Blender models, NJ4, a 3+2 blender or the NJ2, 3+1 multi-hose blender.
- Option 2: Install equipment with a shared hose for E15 and two other standard gasoline grades (i.e. E15, E10 & E0). Retailers have the option of using this strategy but this method also requires having at least one fueling position on the forecourt that only offers gasoline containing no more alcohol than E10 from a single hose. This can be problematic for the Retailer from a marketing perspective because new customers may not be familiar with where that fueling position is located and be confused about the Retailer’s overall fuel offerings. This strategy also requires extensive and specific labeling, other than product branding, that communicates to the customer what fuel product a particular hose contains and what vehicles it can be dispensed into.
An alternate method of this same strategy requires a minimum transaction volume (four gallons per transaction) and a prominent label next to the grade select button that displays the applicable regulation.
Note: E15 may not be dispensed through the same hose as other alcohol based fuel(s) greater than E15. Doing so is not an option for legally marketing E15. It will most certainly be rejected by the Authority Having Jurisdiction and is illegal.
In addition to the options above, both federal and state law requires specific labeling when offering gasoline products with alcohol content greater than E10 and greater than E15. Please be sure the Retailer checks with his local, federal, and state agencies to get a clear understanding of the total requirements for marketing E15 in his area before determining which equipment to purchase and how it will be deployed on the forecourt.
Two additional resources you may find helpful are the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Growth Energy. Both sources are dedicated to proper marketing and expanding the use Ethanol fuels.
