Underwriters Laboratories says it will accept requests for certification investigations for gaskets and seals for use with concentrated ethanol-blended fuels such as E85. UL says it is on track to accept E85 dispenser products for testing by year-end 2007.
In order to develop the requirements that will be used for certification, UL conducted a gasket and seal ethanol-blended fuel compatibility research program. The objective of the research was to subject various materials to a variety of test conditions with ethanol-blended fuels and to assess the effects of those fuels on the materials.
The results of UL’s research indicate that certain commercially available gasket and seal materials formulated for E-85 pump use can be expected to perform acceptably when exposed to motor vehicle fuels blended with high concentrations of ethanol, including those that contain an optional corrosion inhibitor additive. However, some materials experienced significant deterioration during the research tests.
The results, say UL officials, confirm the necessity of establishing safety requirements for E85 dispensers that take into account the long-term effects of exposure to ethanol. To meet its plans to complete research and development of certification requirements by year’s end, UL will accept product submissions for E85 dispensers.
A hydrogen-powered Ford Fusion has taken part in the annual Speed Week at the famous Bonneville Salt Flats this week and hit an amazing 161 MPH!
A new tradition at the 150-year-old Indiana State Fair has started this year as biodiesel powers the fair’s midway.
The Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth is aiming for commercial production in three years. RITE was established in 1990 by the government and leading Japanese firms in such industries as automobiles and power.
Fairgoers have the opportunity to reminisce about the customer service of old-time filling stations at the 2007 Missouri State Fair. Tad Whitten, owner of Motorsports Management, is displaying his replica of a 1933 Ethanol filling station at the fair. But, the exhibit is more than just a display. The old-fashioned filling station features skits throughout the day that are meant to help educate fairgoers on the history of ethanol. Tad says most people are surprised to find out that ethanol has been around as a fuel source for more than 100 years. You can listen to my conversation with Tad here:
European mega-financier, Fortis, has inked a deal to buy 1.1 million megawatt hours of power for the next 10 years from Enel North America. The estimated $80-million deal is seen as a hedge against the price of electricity from natural gas.
At the end of May, the Earthrace… a biodiesel-powered speed boat… had to abandon its record-breaking attempt to circumnavigate the globe. At the time, they were down… but not out!
A biodiesel plant that will add 30 percent to the U.S. biodiesel production capacity when it opens will start doing just that when the Imperium Renewables plant at Gray’s Harbor in Washington state starts production on Wednesday.
Congressman Tim Mahoney is the honorary summit chair and the 
Unique to the U.S. ethanol industry, Blue Flint Ethanol is located adjacent to Coal Creek Station, a coal-fired electric facility, and is using the excess steam from Coal Creek to run its ethanol production operations.