DOE/GO-102016-4854 

February 2016

Handbook for Handling, Storing, 

and Dispensing E85 and Other 

Ethanol-Gasoline Blends
Disclaimer

This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United 

States government. Neither the United States government nor any agency thereof, nor any 

of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or 

responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, 

product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned 

rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade 

name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its 

endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or 

reflect those of the United States government or any agency thereof.

Every effort has been made to ensure that this manual is accurate, complete, and comprehensive at the time of publication. It is intended to be used as a guide and resource document. The authors strongly encourage all parties with an interest in establishing E85 or 

other ethanol blends fueling systems to engage professional support during installation to 

ensure fuel integrity and systems compatibility.

This document is not intended for use as a “how to” guide for individuals or organizations 

performing conversions.
February 2016 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • 1 

Contents

Abbreviations and Acronyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Ethanol and E85 Properties, Specifications, and Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Ethanol Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Hydrocarbons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Fuel Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Materials Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Storing and Dispensing Ethanol Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Codes and Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

UL Listing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Retail and Fleet Station Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Pipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Other UST Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Aboveground Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Signs and Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

E15 Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

E85 Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Ethanol Blend Quality Assurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Shipping Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Safety Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Health Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Fire Safety Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Flexible Fuel Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Checklist for Installing E85 or Blender Pump Dispensing Equipment or 

Converting Underground Storage Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Checklist for Dispensing E15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Information Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Appendix A: Tank Manufacturer Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Appendix B: Pipe and Associated UST Equipment Manufacturer Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Appendix C: Dispenser, Hanging Hardware, Shear Valve and STP Manufacturer Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Appendix D: Various Specifications for Ethanol Fuels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Appendix E: Seasonal and Geographical Volatility Classes for E85 (ASTM D5798) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Appendix F: Benefits and Limitations of E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
2 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • February 2016

Abbreviations and Acronyms

AFDC . . . . . . . . . Alternative Fuels Data Center

API . . . . . . . . . . . American Petroleum Institute 

AST . . . . . . . . . . . aboveground storage tank 

ASTM . . . . . . . . . ASTM International

Btu . . . . . . . . . . . British thermal unit

CFR . . . . . . . . . . Code of Federal Regulations

CRC . . . . . . . . . . . Coordinating Research Council

E10 . . . . . . . . . . . 10% ethanol, 90% gasoline

E15 . . . . . . . . . . . . 15% ethanol, 85% gasoline

E85 . . . . . . . . . . . ethanol/gasoline blend containing 51% to 83% ethanol

EPA . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

FFV . . . . . . . . . . . flexible fuel vehicle

NFPA . . . . . . . . . National Fire Protection Association

NREL . . . . . . . . . National Renewable Energy Laboratory

OSHA . . . . . . . . . Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

RFA . . . . . . . . . . . Renewable Fuels Association

UST . . . . . . . . . . . underground storage tank
February 2016 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • 3 

This document provides information on ethanol fuel 

properties, standards, codes, best practices, and equipment information for those who blend, distribute, store, 

sell, or use E15 (gasoline blended with 10.5% to 15% 

ethanol), E85 (marketing term for ethanol-gasoline 

blends containing 51% to 83% ethanol, depending on 

geography and season), and other ethanol blends. 

Ethanol is a renewable, domestically produced fuel made 

mostly from corn. New production facilities are using 

biomass feedstocks from agricultural and forestry wastes. 

Ethanol consumption is driven by both the Renewable Fuel Standards and octane requirements. Several 

research studies show that ethanol/gasoline blends, and 

E85 specifically, have the potential to substantially reduce 

petroleum fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.1

E85, also known as flex fuel, is an alternative motor fuel 

authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 1992, Section 

301(2). In 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) approved the use of E15 in conventional 

light-duty vehicles of model year 2001 and newer. E85, 

E15, and all mid-level blends between the two require 

special considerations related to storage, dispensing, handling, and vehicle operation, as compared to gasoline.

Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) are capable of operating on 

E85 or gasoline or any blend of the two. FFVs are available in most vehicle classes, including sedans, minivans, 

trucks, and sport utility vehicles. According to IHS Automotive, an organization that collects vehicle registration 

data, there were nearly 17.9 million FFVs registered in 

the United States as of the end of 2014. The National 

Highway Traffic Safety Administration establishes corporate average fuel economy standards, and auto manufacturers receive a credit for each FFV sold, which helps 

them meet the overall regulation. FFV production may 

be impacted by new EPA requirements starting in 2017 

that require vehicle manufacturers to demonstrate that 

FFVs are using E85. As of October 2015, nearly 3,000 

public and private stations across the country offered 

E85. Current station data are available at afdc.energy.

gov/locator/stations/. 

Equipment compatibility is important to ensure safe 

refueling with E15, E85, and other ethanol blends. UL 

Introduction

is an independent safety laboratory that has developed 

standards for listing refueling equipment. Many standards allow the option to list with specific ethanol blends. 

All fueling equipment manufacturers offer equipment 

that is UL listed for E10; many manufacturers offer 

equipment that is UL listed for use with blends up to 

E25 and/or equipment listed for use with blends up to 

E85. Underground storage tank (UST) regulations (40 

Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Part 280.32) allow 

UST owners to meet compatibility standards by using 

independent laboratory-certified equipment (UL) or 

by providing a written affirmative statement from the 

equipment manufacturer. The appendices provide lists of 

compatible equipment, including tanks (Appendix A); 

pipes and associated underground storage tank equipment 

(Appendix B); and dispensers, hanging hardware, and 

related equipment (Appendix C). 

Federal and state tax incentives may be available to 

encourage installation of ethanol infrastructure. For a 

comprehensive list of these programs, visit the Federal 

and State Laws and Incentives section of the Alternative 

Fuels Data Center (AFDC) at afdc.energy.gov/laws.

Detailed information on ethanol, including basics, 

production, distribution, benefits, limitations, and other 

data, is available at afdc.energy.gov/fuels/ethanol.html.

A Note on Terminology: Flex Fuel and E85

“E85” is a term that technically refers to an ethanol 

fuel blend containing 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol. 

By law, ethanol used for blending must contain 

at least 2% denaturant (a hydrocarbon or hydrocarbons in the gasoline boiling range) to make it 

unfit for human consumption. ASTM International 

(ASTM) D5798—a fuel quality standard—previously 

referred to this ethanol blend as E85. The blend is 

now referred to as “ethanol flex fuel” or “FFV fuel.” 

For performance and reliability in various climates 

and seasons, ASTM D5798 allows a range of ethanol 

content between E51 to E83. Because of this variation in the allowable ethanol percentage, many in 

research and industry have begun using the term 

“flex fuel” rather than “E85.”

1. Michael Wang, MayWu, and Hong Huo, “Life-cycle energy and greenhouse gas emission impacts of different corn ethanol plant types.” Environ. 

Res. Lett. 2 (2007) 024001 (13pp), growthenergy.org/images/reports/Wang_ethanol_emissions.pdf
4 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • February 2016

Also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol, ethanol 

(C2H5OH) is an oxygenated hydrocarbon compound. 

In the United States, it is produced primarily from 

corn. The starch contained in the corn is converted into 

sugar and fermented to produce ethanol. The remainder 

of the corn (fiber and germ) is used as feed for livestock. 

Ethanol can also be produced from cellulose contained 

in plant-based materials, including corn stover, wheat 

straw, other agricultural or forestry waste, and municipal 

waste. Several processes are used for cellulose-derived 

ethanol, including enzymatic and acid hydrolysis and 

thermal processes. Cellulose-derived eth-anol is expected 

to be a necessary component in meeting various state and 

national renewable fuel standards.

While ethanol for beverages and ethanol for fuel are produced through similar processes, fuel ethanol is “denatured” by adding a minimum of 2% hydrocarbons, such as 

natural gasoline, to make it unfit for human consumption.

Ethanol is a flammable, colorless liquid with a faint alcohol odor. The color of ethanol/gasoline blends depends 

on the color of the gasoline in the blend. Blends may also 

have a gasoline-like odor. Descriptive properties of fuel 

ethanol and E85 are listed in Table 1. Table 2 compares the 

properties of E85 to those of ethanol and gasoline.

The chemical properties of ethanol must be accommodated to ensure proper engine performance, emissions, fuel 

economy, and driveability under all operating conditions. 

Ethanol and E85 Properties, Specifications, and Information

Table 1. Properties of Fuel Ethanol and E85

Property Comment

Vapor Density

Ethanol vapor, like gasoline vapor, is denser than air and tends to settle in low areas. 

Ethanol/gasoline blends, including E85, should be treated like gasoline blends with 

respect to handling and safety.

Solubility in Water

Ethanol is extremely hydroscopic (i.e., attracts water). Water should be removed to the 

extent possible from fuel ethanol handling, storage, and distribution equipment. A small 

amount of water is soluble in E85, but at higher concentrations, the gasoline portion will 

separate from the ethanol/water mixture.

Energy Content

For identical volumes, ethanol contains approximately 30% less energy than gasoline, 

depending on the gasoline formulation. As a result, vehicle fuel economy of E85 can be 

expected to be reduced by about 25%, depending on the gasoline formulation and the 

individual vehicle.

Flame Visibility A fuel ethanol flame is less bright than a gasoline flame, but is easily visible in daylight.

Specific Gravity Pure ethanol and ethanol/gasoline blends are slightly denser than gasoline.

Conductivity

Ethanol and ethanol blends have increased electrical conductivity compared to gasoline. 

This can affect materials compatibility due to increased corrosion of certain metal junctions and exposed electrical connections.

Air-Fuel 

Ratio

Due to the oxygen content in ethanol, the ideal or “stoichiometric” air-fuel ratio for E85 is 

a lower value than it is for gasoline (i.e., fewer pounds of air per pound of fuel). FFVs are 

designed to detect ethanol and properly adjust the air-fuel ratio.

Toxicity

Pure ethanol in small amounts is not toxic and is not considered carcinogenic; however, 

fuel ethanol and ethanol/gasoline blends must be treated as toxic and carcinogenic due 

to the addition of hydrocarbons and gasoline.

Flammability

Depending on the hydrocarbon blending component, the vapor concentration in the 

storage tank head space of many E85 blends can fall into the flammable range. This is a 

concern primarily at low ambient temperatures.
February 2016 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • 5 

Ethanol vaporizes at a lower temperature and within a 

narrower temperature range relative to many of the hydrocarbons in gasoline. To ensure proper cold-temperature 

start-up and warm-up operation in all regions of the 

United States during all seasons, ethanol is blended with 

hydrocarbons (typically gasoline) that are more volatile 

than ethanol. Ethanol has lower energy content than 

gasoline, which impacts vehicle fuel economy. The impact 

depends on the level of ethanol in the fuel.

Most transportation fuel sold in the United States is 

manufactured to ASTM specifications. ASTM International is a voluntary consensus standards organization 

that creates and maintains fuel quality specifications 

established by committees composed of vehicle and 

engine manufacturers, fuel system equipment manufacturers, fuel producers, fuel users, and other interested 

parties, such as fuel quality regulators. ASTM standards 

are recognized by federal and most state government 

agencies as the primary means of ensuring fuel quality.

EPA and most states have passed regulations that require 

gasoline to meet all or a portion of the ASTM gasoline 

guidelines. Various specifications for ethanol, E85, and 

denaturant are available in Appendix D.

Ethanol Blends

E85

The properties of ethanol for E85 and other ethanol 

blends must meet ASTM D4806. The ASTM specification for E85 (flex fuel) is ASTM D5798 “Specification 

for Ethanol Fuel Blends for Flexible-Fuel for Automotive Spark Ignition Engines” (Table 3). The ethanol 

content of E85 is seasonally adjusted to improve 

vehicle cold-start and warm-up performance. The 

ethanol content can range from 51% to 83% by volume. 

Much like gasoline, the volatility of E85 is also 

adjusted seasonally and geographically by volatility 

class by increasing the proportion of light hydrocarbons during colder months. The seasonal and geographical volatility classes are determined by ASTM 

and are contained in ASTM D5798. (A complete 

breakdown of geographical and seasonal volatility 

classes can be found in Appendix E.)

The octane of E85 is much higher than that of gasoline, 

ranging from 95 to 97 [(R+M)/2], depending on its 

hydrocarbon content.

Table 2. Fuel Properties of Ethanol, Gasoline, and E85

Property Ethanol Gasoline E85*

Chemical Formula C2H5OH C4 to C12

Hydrocarbons

C4 to C12 Hydrocarbons and 

Oxygenated Hydrocarbons

Main Constituents (% by weight) 52 C, 13 H, 35 O 85–88 C, 12–15 H 57 C, 13 H, 30 O

Octane (R+M)/2 113 86-94 95–97

Lower Heating Value (Btu 

per gallon) 76,300 116,900 83,600–95,450 

Miles per Gallon Relative 

to Gasoline 67% – 73%**

Reid Vapor Pressure (psi) 2.3 7–16 7–12

Ignition Point—Fuel in Air (%) 

Temperature (approx.) (°F)

3–19

850

1–8

495

Varies 

Varies 

Specific Gravity (60°/65°F) 0.794 0.72–0.78 0.78

Air-Fuel Ratio (by weight) 9 14.7 10

Hydrogen-Carbon Ratio 3.0 1.85 2.75–2.95

 *Depends on hydrocarbon blending component properties. **Depends on both vehicle model and percentage ethanol in fuel.
6 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • February 2016

E15

EPA defines E15 as gasoline blended with 10.5% to 15% 

ethanol. In 2011, EPA approved E15 for use in model year 

2001 and newer conventional vehicles through a Clean 

Air Act waiver request based on significant testing and 

research.2 Stations are not required to sell E15.

Vehicles approved for E15 use are:

• FFVs

• Model year 2001 and newer conventional cars, lightduty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles.

Vehicles and engines prohibited from using E15 are:

• All motorcycles

• All vehicles with heavy-duty engines, such as school 

buses, transit buses, and delivery trucks

• All off-road vehicles, such as boats and snowmobiles

• All engines in off-road equipment, such as 

lawnmowers and chain saws

• All model year 2000 and older conventional 

cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty 

passenger vehicles.

E15 does not receive the 1-pound waiver from Reid vapor 

pressure requirements that E10 receives. This may impact 

the ability of stations in some regions to sell E15 during 

summer months.

Blender Pumps

Blender pumps are dispensers that draw fuel from two 

separate storage tanks to dispense preprogrammed 

blends of those fuels into vehicles. Many stations have 

long used blender pumps to create midgrade gasoline from a blend of regular and premium. In ethanol 

applications, blender pumps allow station owners to 

blend E85 with conventional gasoline to create mid-level 

2. “E15 (a blend of gasoline and ethanol)”, www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels/additive/e15/

Table 3. ASTM D5798-11 Standard Specification for Ethanol Fuel Blends for 

Flexible-Fuel Automotive Spark-Ignition Engines

Property Value for Class

ASTM Volatility Class 1 2 3 4

Vapor Pressure (psi) 5.5–9.0 7.0–9.5 8.5–12.0 9.5–15.0

All Classes

Sulfur (maximum, mg/kg) 80

Ethanol Content (volume %) 51–83

Methanol (maximum, volume %) 0.5

Water (maximum, mass %) 1

Acidity as Acetic Acid (maximum, mg/kg) 40

Inorganic Chloride (maximum, mg/kg) 1

Gum, Unwashed (maximum, mg/100 mL) 20

Gum, Solvent-Washed (maximum, mg/100 mL) 5

Copper (maximum, mg/100 mL) 0.07

Appearance Product shall be visibly free of suspended or precipitated 

contaminants (shall be clear and bright).
February 2016 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • 7 

ethanol blends. ASTM has developed a standard practice 

for blending mid-level ethanol fuels for FFVs.3

Blender pumps offer FFV owners a variety of ethanolblended gasoline products between E15 and E85. E20 

(20% ethanol, 80% gasoline) and E30 (30% ethanol, 70% 

gasoline) are most common. Stations offering blender 

pump blends to FFV owners are concentrated in the 

Midwest. The majority of E15 is sold through blender 

pumps pulling fuel from E10 and E85 tanks.

Hydrocarbons

Unleaded gasoline is typically used to blend E85, but 

higher-volatility components such as natural gasoline 

(a high-volatility, low-octane liquid byproduct of natural 

gas production) can also be used to meet ASTM volatility 

requirements. These requirements serve to reduce the 

occurrence of flammable vapor regimes (and explosion 

hazard) in fuel tanks.

Because of the different types of hydrocarbon components used in E85, its range of vapor flammability in 

tanks is wider than that of gasoline. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) compared the fuel tank 

headspace flammability of seven E85 fuel blends, two 

gasoline samples, and denatured ethanol.4 Headspace 

vapors for the two gasoline samples became flammable 

when the temperature dropped to approximately -19°C 

(-2°F) and -25°C ( 13°F) or lower. The E85 blends, on the 

other hand, produced flammable vapors at temperatures 

below values ranging from -2°C (28°F) to -22°C (8°F). 

Denatured ethanol was found to be flammable at room 

temperature and all temperatures down to approximately 

-6°C (22°F). Therefore, stations should not store 

denatured ethanol for blending due to the risk of 

explosion (Table 4).

Fuel Additives

According to EPA regulations, all commercial grades of 

gasoline must contain minimum specified levels of detergent additives. Other additives may be used by terminals 

or fuel companies to ensure their fuel meets all customer 

requirements. ASTM D5798 does not provide specific 

levels of corrosion inhibitor or deposit control additives for ethanol blends. Ethanol production plants add 

a corrosion inhibitor at a level that assumes the ethanol 

will be blended as E10; this level of corrosion inhibitor 

exceeds what is needed for E85.5 Detergents or deposit 

control additives may be needed to ensure deposits do not 

form in the vehicle fuel injection system. The Alcohol and 

Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau requires that a minimum 

of 1.96% to a maximum of 2.5% denaturant be added 

to make ethanol unfit for human consumption. Usually 

the denaturant is natural gasoline. Blenders or terminals should actively engage additive manufacturers to 

determine whether the additives will remain soluble with 

various concentrations of ethanol and gasoline. 

Fuel Quality

NREL and the Coordinating Research Council (CRC) 

collaborated to survey E85 quality in 2008–2009, 2011, 

and 2014 and mid-level blends from blender pumps 

in 2012 and 2013. These surveys have shown improvement in E85 quality, likely as a result of the reduction 

3. ASTM D7794 - 14 Standard Practice for Blending Mid-Level Ethanol Fuel Blends for Flexible-Fuel Vehicles with Automotive Spark-Ignition Engines, 

www.astm.org/Standards/D7794.htm

4. D. Gardiner, M. Bardon, and G. Pucher. “An Experimental and Modeling Study of the Flammability of Fuel Tank Headspace Vapors from High 

Ethanol Content Fuels.” NREL/SR-540-44040 National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Golden, CO (US). October 2008. www.nrel.gov/

docs/fy09osti/44040.pdf

5. “E85 Fuel Ethanol Industry Guidelines, Specifications, and Procedures.” Renewable Fuels Association. March 2009

Ethanol Production, Blending, 

and Distribution 

• Ethanol is produced at an ethanol plant. Prior to 

being transported, the fuel must be denatured 

by adding approximately 2% hydrocarbons, such 

as natural gasoline, to render it unfit for human 

consumption. A corrosion inhibitor is also added.

• The denatured ethanol is transported by rail,

truck, or barge to the fuel terminal.

• Fuel terminals store gasoline blendstock, ethanol, 

additives, and other fuels in separate tanks. 

Terminals are able to supply E10, E85, and other 

ethanol blends.

• Stations typically contract with fuel terminals 

and with a fuel marketer or transport company 

to deliver fuel from the terminal to their station.
8 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • February 2016

in minimum ethanol content allowed in D5798, which 

raises the vapor pressure of the finished blend. The 

blender pump survey showed that the vapor pressure of 

E20 blends was statistically similar to that of the gasolines tested. Additional E85 CRC fuel quality survey 

data can be obtained from the CRC.6

Materials Recommendations

As with all motor fuels, it is important to maintain 

proper fuel handling and housekeeping practices to 

minimize contamination. Certain materials commonly 

used with gasoline may be incompatible with midand high-level alcohol blends.7,8 Some materials may 

degrade over time, potentially leading to equipment 

problems. They may also contaminate the fuel, which 

may adversely affect vehicle fuel system operation or 

cause component malfunction and lead to degraded 

driveability and performance.

Ethanol blends may impact metallic and elastomer 

materials in fueling systems. To address these issues, 

manufacturers have upgraded materials and developed 

products that are compatible with blends up to E25 

or with blends up to E85. Many elastomer materials 

(primarily used as hoses and seals) have been changed 

in fueling equipment to accommodate a range of fuels 

(including ethanol blends and ultra-low sulfur diesel) and 

in anticipation of additional alternative fuels entering 

the market. Only ethanol-compatible materials should be 

used in storage and dispensing systems.

E85 acts like a cleaning agent and will initially mobilize 

sludge in storage tanks. E85 can also cause corrosion of 

some soft metals and reduce the tensile strength of some 

nonmetallic materials. Zinc, brass, lead, and aluminum 

have shown sensitivity to degradation with E85. Terneplated steel (lead-tin alloy coating), which has been commonly used for vehicle fuel tanks, and lead-based solder 

are also incompatible with E85. Use of these metals 

should be avoided. Unplated steel, stainless steel, black 

iron, and bronze have shown acceptable resistance to E85 

corrosion. Blends below E25 do not cause corrosion of 

metals (unless accompanied by a separate aqueous phase).

Nonmetallic materials that degrade when in contact with 

fuel ethanol include natural rubber, polyurethane, cork 

gasket material, leather, polyvinyl chloride, nylon 6/6, 

methyl-methacrylate plastics, and certain thermoplastic 

and thermoset polymers. Blends below E25 may impact 

elastomers, and contact with E85 causes some elastomers 

to swell. Nonmetallic materials successfully used for transferring and storing ethanol include thermoset-reinforced 

fiberglass, thermoplastic piping, and thermoset-reinforced 

fiberglass tanks (as listed for this application by UL).

Table 4. Flammability Limits of Gasoline and Ethanol

Fuel Gas Lower Explosive or Flammable Limit

(LEL/LFL) (% in air)

Upper Explosive or Flammable Limit

(UEL/UFL) (% in air)

Gasoline 1.4 7.6

Ethanol 3.3 19

6. E-85: Alleman, “National Survey of E85 Quality,” CRC Report No. E-85, November 2009, www.crcao.org

E-85-2: Alleman, “National 2010-2011 Survey of E85: CRC Project E-85-2,” NREL/TP:5400-52905, December 2011, www.nrel.gov/docs/

fy12osti/52905.pdf

E-85-3: Alleman, “Survey of Flex Fuel in 2014: CRC Project E-85-3,” NREL/TP-5400-63505, July 2015, www.nrel.gov/docs/fy15osti/63503.pdf

E-95-1: Alleman, “Blender Pump Fuel Survey: CRC Project E-95,” NREL/TP-5400-51863, July 2011, www.nrel.gov/docs/fy11osti/51863.pdf

E-95-2: Williams and Alleman, “Blender Pump Fuel Survey: CRC Project E-95-2,” NREL/TP-5400-60627, May 2014, www.nrel.gov/docs/

fy14osti/60627.pdf

7. Michael Kass and Timothy J. Theiss. “Compatibility Study for Plastic, Elastomeric, and Metallic Fueling Infrastructure Materials Exposed to Aggressive 

Formulations of Ethanol-Blended Gasoline.” Oak Ridge National Laboratory. May 2012

8. Coordinating Research Council. CRC Reports No. E-65-3, Fuel Permeation; No. E-67, Ethanol Effects on Exhaust Emissions; and Nos. E-79 and 

E-79-2, Study of E85 in the U.S.
February 2016 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • 9 

Storing and Dispensing Ethanol Blends

Codes and Regulations

Ethanol blends are subject to the same regulations and 

codes as transportation fuels. Blends above E10 are 

subject to additional requirements. This section focuses 

on federal requirements. Stations considering blends 

above E10 should contact their state and local authorities 

to identify other regulations and requirements. 

EPA’s Office of Underground Storage Tanks (OUST) 

regulates underground storage tanks (USTs) per Code of 

Federal Regulation (CFR) Title 40 Subtitle 1 Subchapter 

1 Parts 280-282. The federal UST regulation was updated 

in October 2015 with section CFR 280.32 and provides 

clarity to the 1988 compatibility requirement by specifying additional compatibility requirements for owners and 

operators wishing to store certain regulated substances, 

including gasoline containing more than 10 percent 

ethanol (and diesel containing greater than 20 percent 

biodiesel). All portions of a UST system must be compatible with the fuel stored. Demonstrations of compatibility must be provided for tank, piping, containment 

sumps, pumping equipment, release detection equipment, 

spill equipment, and overfill equipment.

Owners of USTs switching to store blends containing 

greater than E10 (or greater than B20) must: 

• Notify their implementing agency (usually a state 

office) 30 days prior to switching fuels to store an 

E10+ (or B20+) blend.

Owners of USTs storing greater than E10 (or 

greater than B20) must demonstrate compatibility 

through either:

• A nationally recognized, independent testing laboratory certification or listing for the equipment used 

for the fuel stored; or

• Approval from the equipment or component manufacturer for use with the fuel stored. This statement 

affirming compatibility must be in writing and list 

the specific ranges of biofuel blend with which the 

equipment or component is compatible.

Owners of USTs storing greater than E10 (or greater 

than B20) may also use another option determined by 

the implementing agency to be no less protective of 

human health and the environment.

Owners of USTs storing fuels containing greater than 

E10 (or greater than B20) must maintain records demonstrating compatibility as long as the fuel is stored.

The Petroleum Equipment Institute maintains a website 

with manufacturer letters affirming compatibility with a 

specific range of biofuel blend. Use of appropriate letters 

by station owners satisfies the federal code requirement.9

EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality developed additional requirements for E15 to reduce the risk 

of misfueling because the fuel is only approved for use 

in light-duty vehicles and trucks 2001 and newer. Stations selling E15 (defined as 10.5% to 15% ethanol) must 

adhere to the following requirements:

• An EPA-approved E15 label must be affixed to 

the dispenser.

Use only in

• 2001 and newer passenger vehicles

• Flex-fuel vehicles

Don’t use in other vehicles, boats or

gasoline-powered equipment. It may cause

damage and is prohibited by federal law.

E15

Up to 15% ethanol

ATTENTION

Contact the Renewable Fuels Association for 

free labels.

9. “PEI Resources”, www.pei.org/ust-component-compatibility-library
10 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • February 2016

• An EPA-approved Misfueling Mitigation Plan (available free from Renewable Fuels Association [RFA])10

must be adopted.

• Product transfer documents must accompany all 

deliveries of fuel for E15 use.

• The retail station must participate in the fuel quality 

survey; register at www.rfgsa.org.

• Ethanol in E15 must meet ASTM D4806. Reid vapor 

pressure is limited to 9.0 psi in the summer.

• Stations must use EPA-approved dispenser and hose 

configurations. Options include:

- A dedicated E15 hose

- A shared E0/E10/E15 hose, which requires a 

purchase of four gallons minimum (“four gallons 

minimum” label must be displayed)

- A dedicated dispenser selling E10 or less.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

(OSHA) regulates some fuel-dispensing equipment. Its 

regulations applicable to service stations have not been 

updated in decades and therefore do not specifically 

address biofuels. OSHA is planning to update these standards to address new fuels in the marketplace. 

OSHA 1910.106 (g)(3)(iv) and (g)(3)(vi)(a) require 

dispensers and nozzles to be listed by a third party for 

specific fuels. 

OSHA 1910.106(b)(1)(i)(b) and (c)(2)(ii) require tanks, 

piping, valves, and fittings other than steel to use sound 

engineering design for materials used; however, there is 

no listing requirement. OSHA 1910.106(b)(1)(iii) covers 

steel tanks and requires sound engineering and compliance with UL 58 and American Petroleum Institute 

(API) Standards 650 and 12B as applicable. 

Local authorities having jurisdiction typically adopt fire 

codes from one of two organizations, the National Fire 

Protection Association (in particular, Code 30A, which 

includes language on alternative compliance to address 

new fuels) and the International Code Council. These 

organizations provide standard codes for retail stations 

that are accepted or modified to meet local requirements. 

Other organizations developing best practices and codes 

include API, Fiberglass Tank and Pipe Institute, NACE 

International, National Conference on Weights and 

Measure, National Leak Prevention Association, Petroleum Equipment Institute, and Steel Tank Institute. 

UL Listing

UL is the primary third-party safety certification laboratory servicing the refueling equipment industry globally. 

There are many standards covering individual products 

in the fueling system and many different approaches to 

evaluating safety. In the past, some standards that provided listings for specific fuels were limited to petroleum 

products, but were then revised to handle low levels of 

ethanol blends. Over time, many UL standards provided 

the option for equipment manufacturers to list their 

products for gasoline and gasoline/ethanol blends above 

E10. While some UL standards allow manufacturers 

to select which fuels to list for, there is a trend towards 

revising standards to require equipment to be listed for 

all fuel types—this means equipment would be listed 

for use with gasoline, diesel, E85, and other commercial 

fuels. Depending on the standard, UL allows listing for 

E10 (all equipment); E25 (dispensers, hanging hardware); 

E85 (most equipment); and E100 (tanks and pipes). A 

summary of applicable UL standards for refueling equipment is available in Appendix F.

Retail and Fleet Station Equipment

A service station consists of many interconnected pieces 

of refueling equipment necessary to deliver fuel to 

vehicles. There are approximately 60 pieces of equipment 

at a station designed to handle fuel and vapor (Figure 2). 

The equipment delivering fuel to a vehicle includes tanks, 

pipes, submersible turbine pump, dispenser, and hanging 

hardware. The remainder and majority of equipment are 

used to prevent, detect, and contain releases. Equipment 

includes overfill protection, leak detection, shear valves, 

fill and vapor caps and adaptors, containment sumps, 

and all associated fittings and accessories for these equipment types. Figure 2 provides a diagram and equipment 

list. This handbook provides checklists detailing key 

items to consider when adding or converting equipment 

to dispense E15 and E85 (pages 20 and 21).

10. Renewable Fuels Association. “E15 Misfueling Mitigation Plan” March 2, 2012. www3.epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels/additive/e15/documents/rfa-modele15-misfueling-mitigation-plan.pdf
February 2016 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • 11 

Tanks

Most existing tanks are compatible with ethanol blends 

above E10. Appendix A lists tank manufacturers and the 

compatibility of their equipment with ethanol blends. All 

existing steel tank companies have issued signed letters 

stating compatibility with up to E100 per federal requirements. Tanks are listed under UL 58, which does not 

expose tanks to test fluids. The listing covers all flammable fuels. All Steel Tank Institute members who fabricate 

regulated fuel USTs in the United States have UL 58 

listings. The Steel Tank Institute conducted independent 

testing and determined that steel tanks are compatible 

with all ethanol blends. 

Xerxes and Containment Solutions manufacture fiberglass tanks, and both have E100 listing for their products 

under UL 1316. Per federal requirements, Containment 

Solutions issued a letter stating that all tanks it has 

manufactured are compatible with all ethanol blends. 

Xerxes and Owens Corning (which no longer manufactures tanks) have issued letters stating that compatibility 

depends on tank wall type and the year manufactured. 

Aboveground Tanks: Aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) 

are uncommon at retail stations. Steel ASTs can be used 

to store blends above E10. ASTs are typically constructed 

of stainless steel or carbon steel. The use of galvanized 

metal tanks or plastic tanks is not recommended. It is 

important to check with local and national fire codes to 

determine appropriate tank construction. Many jurisdictions will require two-hour fire-rated tank technology to 

dispense fuels from ASTs into motor vehicles. The construction of the tank may determine where the dispenser 

can be mounted and how close the tank can be to nearby 

buildings and property lines.

Cleaning Tanks: If a tank is compatible with blends 

above E10, it must be cleaned prior to storing a higher 

ethanol blend. During fuel storage, debris and moisture 

can build up over time to form sludge known as water 

bottoms in a tank. Because ethanol is soluble in water, 

when E85 or another ethanol blend is introduced to 

an existing tank, the ethanol will mix with the water 

bottoms, and the solvent action of ethanol will remove 

any sludge buildup and contaminate the fuel. More than 

25 years of experience in handling low-level ethanol 

blends has helped the industry understand how to 

address the accumulation of debris and water in the 

fuel distribution and storage system. However, proper 

housekeeping procedures should be instituted to limit 

debris and water contamination.

There are several methods for cleaning sludge from storage tanks, which are listed below. It is possible to inspect 

a tank prior to cleaning by using a camera with a remote 

that is inserted into a tank. It is important to note that 

all of the methods should be completed by a qualified 

company familiar with cleaning petroleum storage tanks.

• Optic Sweep: This patented system uses a fiber optic 

camera and controllable probe with an extraction 

device that can visually inspect and clean fuel storage 

tank bottoms at any fuel level with no tank downtime. The optic sweep can locate and remove water, 

sludge, bacteria, rust particles, and sediment while 

customers continue to pump.

• Steam Cleaning: A person physically enters the 

tank, steam cleans it, and removes sludge. Care must 

be taken to properly dry the tank.

• Filter Agitator: An agitating device is lowered into 

the tank. The fuel and any debris are agitated and 

circulated. A filtration system removes the suspended 

debris.

• Chemical Solvents: Chemical solvents are used to 

remove scale and debris. Liquid and debris are then 

pumped from the tank and disposed of.

Choosing the appropriate cleaning technique will depend 

upon the type of fuel that has been stored in the tank, 

availability of the service, and state and local environmental regulations.

Pipes

All existing pipe companies have UL 971 listing for 

ethanol blends up to E100. Appendix B provides a list of 

compatible pipes. Installed pipes are evenly split between 

fiberglass and flexible plastic pipes. Fiberglass was the 

primary pipe type for decades. NOV is the only existing 

company providing fiberglass piping in this market and 

provides a 30-year warranty. Flexible pipes entered the 

marketplace in the 1990s after the EPA Office of Underground Storage Tanks recommended development of 

jointless pipes. These manufacturers include Advantage 

Earth Products, Brugg Pipesystems, Franklin Fueling, 

NUPI, Omega Flex, and OPW. Both Franklin Fueling 

and Omega Flex require the use of stainless steel pipe 

fittings for blends above E10. A typical warranty for 

flexible pipes is 10 years.
12 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • February 2016

Other UST Equipment

Stations have a significant amount of equipment underground and in the tank to receive fuel deliveries and 

to detect, prevent, and contain leaks. This equipment 

includes, but is not limited to, sumps and accessories, 

manholes, flexible connectors, fill caps and adaptors, 

entry fittings, overfill prevention, leak detection, sensors, 

drop tubes, and vents. Appendix B provides a list of UST 

equipment and its compatibility with ethanol blends. If a 

manufacturer or specific model number is missing, please 

contact the manufacturer directly to determine if the 

equipment is compatible with specific ethanol blends.

Aboveground Equipment

There are multiple dispenser options to sell ethanol 

blends above E10. Options include retrofitting an existing 

dispenser with an E25 UL-listed kit (Gilbarco sells retrofit 

kits), purchasing a UL-listed E25 dispenser (minimal cost 

Figure 1. Dispenser and Hanging Hardware. 

Photo by Charles Bensinger, NREL 13531

Whip Hose

Breakaway

Hose

Nozzle

Dispenser

Swivel

over conventional E10 dispenser), or purchasing a ULlisted E85 blender pump dispenser (higher cost but more 

options for fuel offerings). Both Gilbarco and Wayne sell 

UL-listed E25 and E85 dispensers (Appendix C). 

There are two opportunities that are expected to lead to 

significantly more E25 and E85 UL-listed dispensers by 

late 2017. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership provided grants of $100 

million with an expectation of installing approximately 

5,000 E85 blender pump dispensers at 1,600 stations. 

Credit card companies are requiring retail stations to 

upgrade their dispenser payment systems to receive chip 

and pin credit cards by October 2017—or liability for 

fraudulent purchases will shift to the retailer/owner. 

Industry efforts will focus on encouraging retailers who 

have to replace equipment to select UL listed E25 or 

E85 dispensers. 

The dispenser filter is the last line of defense before the 

fuel reaches a vehicle’s tank. Typically, a 30-micron filter 

is used with diesel fuel, and a 10-micron filter is used with 

gasoline and low-level ethanol blends. E85 dispensers 

should use filters with a nominal rating of 50% for particles 5 microns or larger and an absolute rating of 99% 

for particles 10 microns or larger. These ratings mean the 

filter can capture the given percentage of the particles of 

the stated size.

Hanging hardware includes hoses, nozzles, breakaways, 

and swivels. Both Husky and OPW offer UL listed E25 

and E85 nozzles, swivels, and breakaways. Veyance offers 

UL-listed E85 hose. 

Shear valves are an important piece of safety equipment that cut off the flow of fuel from the UST to the 

dispenser to prevent a release in the event of an accident 

dislodging the dispenser or fire. UL-listed E85 shear 

valves are available from Franklin Fueling and OPW. 

Submersible turbine pumps draw fuel from the tank 

and into piping that delivers the fuel to the dispenser. 

Both Veeder-Root and Franklin Fueling offer UL-listed 

E85 pumps. 

Appendix C lists E10+ UL-listed and manufacturerapproved dispenser, hanging hardware, shear valves, and 

submersible turbine pumps.
February 2016 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • 13 

SourceTM

Mag VFC

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TLS-350

39

1

11

35

60

10

7

32

50 49

15

58

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47

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52

46

38

45

43

41

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17

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Figure 2. Typical Fuel Dispenser and Underground Storage Piping. Illustration by Source North America

Table 5. Fuel Dispenser and Underground Storage Piping Components

# Equipment # Equipment # Equipment

1 Tank 21 Face seal adaptor 41 Dispenser

2 Tank straps 22 Jack screw kit 42 Nozzle

3 Sump and cover (tank) 23 Overfill prevention valve 43 Breakaway

4 Sump entry fitting (boot) 24 Drop tube (often a part of #23) 44 Swivel

5 Sump penetration fittings 25 Fuel grade ID # 45 Whip hose

6 Flexible entry boots 26 Extractor tee 46 Hose

7 Submersible turbine pump 27 Monitoring well screen (pipe) 47 Hose retractor

8 Mechanical line leak detector 28 Ball float vent valve 48 Stabilizer bar kit

9 Ball valve 29 Well cap-monitoring 49 Shear valve

10 Magnetostrictive probe 30 Manhole-monitoring 50 Shear valve-vapor (stage II only)

11 Float kit 31 Interstitial cap 51 Sensor tube

12 Interstitial sensor 32 Manhole 52 Dispenser sump

13 Manhole-composite 33 Roll filter fabric 53 Pipe-secondary containment tee

14 Manhole-multi-port spill containment 34 Transition sump-vent 54 Pipe-product tee

15 Spill bucket 35 Sump sensor 55 Concentric reducer

16 Fuel grade ID tag 36 Pipe 56 Pipe-secondary containment

17 Fill adaptor (top or side) 37 Pipe adaptor 58 Pipe-product elbow

18 Fill cap (top or side) 38 Flexible connector 57 Pipe-secondary containment elbow

19 Vapor adaptor 39 Vent 59 Console

20 Vapor cap 40 Steel bumper 60 Probe cap adaptor
14 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • February 2016

E85 Labels

E85 labels should be placed on fillboxes and fillbox 

covers in one of the following ways: 

• Paint the decal on the top of the fillbox cover or 

on the rim of the fillbox

• Attach a tag to the fillpipe adapter

• Screw a tag into the fillbox rim

• Fit a plastic or fiberglass insert into the rim of 

the fillbox.

In addition, the Federal Trade Commission requires 

that a small sticker be placed on the face of the fuel 

dispenser as close as possible to the price per unit 

of fuel.

E15 Labels

Per EPA, an E15 label must be placed on the upper 

two-thirds of a dispenser. If the dispenser has one 

nozzle, the E15 label must be placed above the 

button or control for selecting E15. For a multi-hose 

dispenser, the label must be placed where it is immediately visible to the consumer. If a common hose is 

used to dispense E0, E10, and E15, the “four-gallon 

minimum” sign must be posted on the dispenser.

The federal government requires dispenser labels for E15 

and E85. States and local authorities may require additional labels and signs. Contact the appropriate official in 

your area to determine the required signage. Labels are 

available free of charge from the Blend Your Own website 

(byoethanol.com/dispenser-labels-available.html). API 

Recommended Practice 1637 states that storage tanks 

containing E85 must be labeled on all fillboxes and 

fillbox covers with a bronze pentagon, as shown below 

at right, and “E85” printed in black or white in the 

middle of the pentagon. States may have additional 

labeling requirements.

Signs and Labels

Use only in

• 2001 and newer passenger vehicles

• Flex-fuel vehicles

Don’t use in other vehicles, boats or

gasoline-powered equipment. It may cause

damage and is prohibited by federal law.

E15

Up to 15% ethanol

ATTENTION

E85

51% – 83%

ETHANOL

USE ONLY IN

FLEX-FUEL VEHICLES

MAY HARM OTHER ENGINES

E85

MINIMUM

Minimum Fueling Volume 4 Gallons:

Dispensing Less May 

Violate Federal Law

The Federal Trade Commission has updated 

the label to reflect the allowable minimum 

ethanol content in E85 of 51%.

API Label
February 2016 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • 15 

Following the installation of E15, E85, or other blend 

above E10 equipment, several operational precautions 

can help assure fuel quality. Periodically checking the 

fuel properties will avoid damage to vehicles. Some of 

these checks may be performed in the field, but others 

may require the services of a specialized laboratory. At 

a minimum, the following items should be checked every 

one to two months, depending on how frequently the 

station is used:

• Electrical conductivity

• Particulate content

• Hydrocarbon content

• Water content

• Reid vapor pressure.

Shipping Procedures

Your fuel provider may be able to recommend a laboratory in your area that can perform periodic fuel quality 

analysis. To safely and legally ship a sample of fuel, 

follow all hazardous material shipping requirements 

and include the following information on the outside of 

the package:

• U.S. Department of Transportation Shipping

Name: Alcohol, not otherwise specified or n.o.s. 

(ethanol, gasoline)

• Identification Number: UN 1987

• Diamond Labels: Flammability 3

• Label: Flammable Liquid

• Arrow Label: This End Up.

Be sure to use ethanol-compatible shipping containers, 

including the box holding the container, specifically 

designed for this purpose.

Ethanol Blend 

Quality Assurance

Safety Procedures

Health Considerations

Fuel ethanol should be handled in the same manner as 

gasoline. Personal exposure should be minimized. Like 

gasoline, fuel ethanol is flammable and may contain additives that can be harmful even with casual contact. Fuel 

ethanol is poisonous and should not be ingested.

Exposure to fuel ethanol can occur by inhalation (breathing in its vapors), absorption (contact with the skin or the 

eyes), or ingestion (swallowing). The various symptoms of 

exposure to fuel ethanol are shown in Table 5 on page 15.

Fire Safety Considerations

Fighting fuel ethanol fires requires specific equipment, 

materials, and training. Conventional gasoline fire-fighting methods and chemicals are insufficient for fighting 

fires fueled by ethanol blends higher than E10. Only 

foams containing an alcohol-resistant polymer should 

be used, and only foams classified as AR-AFFF passed 

all UL requirements. These recommendations should be 

applied to all ethanol blends.

Before constructing any fueling installations, the local fire 

marshal should be consulted to determine local regulations governing safe fuel ethanol handling procedures.

“Responding to Ethanol Incidents,” a video developed 

in conjunction with RFA, the International Fire Chiefs 

Association, General Motors, Independent Liquid 

In case of exposure, contact 

medical personnel immediately
16 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • February 2016

Table 6. First Aid Treatments for Exposure to Fuel Ethanol

Symptoms of Exposure • Dullness of memory and concentration

• Impaired motor coordination

• Drowsiness, stupor, and coma.

Exposure First Aid Treatment Treatment Compared to 

Gasoline Exposure

Inhalation Move away from the vapors to fresh air, and contact medical 

personnel immediately. Same

Skin Absorption

Immediately wash skin with soap, and flush skin with plenty of 

water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing, 

and contact medical personnel.

Same

Eye Absorption Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 

minutes, and contact medical personnel. Same

Ingestion Lie down, keep warm, do not induce vomiting, and contact 

medical personnel immediately. Different

Flexible Fuel Vehicles

Nearly all gasoline-fueled passenger cars and light-duty 

trucks sold in the United States in the last 20 years have 

been designed to operate on E10, and EPA has approved 

E15 for use in conventional gasoline vehicles of model 

year 2001 and newer. Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) 

feature modifications that allow them to safely and effectively operate on higher-level ethanol blends. FFVs can 

run on E85, gasoline, or any blend of the two, without 

adverse effects on fuel system and engine materials, 

onboard diagnostics systems, or driveability. Original 

equipment manufacturers (OEMs) identify FFVs with 

a label inside the fuel door that indicates E85 and gasoline capability.

The list of fuel-system and engine components that 

must be modified for FFVs is extensive. These modifications address the different chemical properties and lower 

energy content in ethanol blends. Examples include 

hoses and other rubber components, such as fuel pump 

and fuel pressure regulator diaphragms and fuel injector 

OEMs place labels like these inside FFV fuel doors.

Terminals Association, ANSUL Innovative Fire Solutions, and Williams Fire and Hazard Control, is a 

technical presentation directed primarily at ethanol plant 

operators and first responders. It is a training tool that 

documents ethanol fire-fighting foam test results and 

educates viewers on how to deal with ethanol-related 

spills and fires. The Ethanol Emergency Response Coalition provides the video in several formats as well as other 

pertinent safety training manuals.11 An example of a 

material safety data sheet for E85 is available on the 

AFDC website.12

11. “Ethanol Emergency Response Coalition”, www.ethanolresponse.com

12. Speedway E85. MSDS Solution Center. May 25, 2011. www.afdc.energy.gov/uploads/publication/SSA_MSDS.pdf
February 2016 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • 17 

O-rings, to address possible leakage and permeation of 

fuel vapor. Modified electrical wiring and connectors 

are required for submersed components, such as the 

fuel-level sensor and fuel pump. Increased evaporative 

emissions carbon canister capacity, a modified fuel tank 

vapor pressure sensor, and modified engine valve and 

valve seat materials may also be required. Both metal 

and plastic fuel tanks must be designed to accommodate 

E85 because traditional terneplated steel fuel tanks and 

monolayer high-density polyethylene fuel tanks are not 

compatible with E85.

FFVs determine the concentration of ethanol in the fuel 

through the use of either a fuel sensor or a computer 

calculation based on oxygen sensor information. Many 

2006 and later model year FFVs have eliminated the 

fuel sensor in favor of the computer calculation method. 

The engine control computer adjusts engine fueling rate 

for the oxygen content and reduced energy content of 

ethanol in order to maintain the proper air/fuel ratio 

under the various engine operating loads and conditions. The vaporization characteristics of ethanol require 

modified engine fueling strategies under engine coldstart and warm-up conditions as well.

If E85 is used in a conventional vehicle, it may negatively affect fuel system materials and components, and 

lead to leaks or failures. Driveability, performance, and 

emissions may also be negatively affected, leading the 

onboard diagnostics system to trigger the service engine 

light and set diagnostic codes related to lean engine 

operation.

13. “Alternative Fuel Conversion”, www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/fuels/

altfuels/altfuels.htm

14. “Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Search”, www.afdc.energy.

gov/vehicles/search/light/

Converting a conventional vehicle to an FFV is complicated and costly due to required modifications of the 

fuel system, engine, and the control system. EPA has 

established rules and guidelines for vehicle conversions 

for alternative fuel use. Each engine family must be certified separately with EPA, a process that includes filing 

the necessary paperwork and conducting required emission testing at a laboratory capable of performing EPA 

testing methods. Comprehensive information on EPA’s 

certification procedures for alternative fuel conversions 

is available on EPA’s website.13

In the U.S. marketplace, FFVs are available in dozens 

of models, from several manufacturers. Many of these 

vehicles are available at no additional cost compared to 

conventional gasoline-fueled vehicles, but some FFVs 

carry a nominal additional charge. For a list of FFVs 

available from original equipment manufacturers, visit 

FuelEconomy.gov or the Alternative Fuels Data Center 

Light-Duty Vehicle Search.14

Federal and state governments have established regulations for the purpose of advancing the use of all forms 

of alternative transportation fuels. For a list of these 

programs, visit the Federal and State Laws and Incentives 

section of the AFDC website at afdc.energy.gov/laws.
18 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • February 2016

Checklist for Installing E85 or Blender Pump Dispensing 

Equipment or Converting Underground Storage Tanks 

Dispensing Equipment

					 Notify your installer to review the applicable codes (generally NFPA 30A or International Fire Code 2012), 

then contact the local authority having jurisdiction, usually the building code office or local fire marshal, to 

determine whether there are any local code issues that should be addressed.

					 Notify the nearest fire department (and/or local first responders) that the site will soon be dispensing alcoholblended fuels. Verify that fire extinguishers and other onsite safety equipment (necessary to respond to leaks, 

spills, fires, etc.) are ethanol compatible.

					 Notify implementing agency (usually a state office) 30 days prior to storing E85.

					 Determine compatibility of existing UST equipment—compare station equipment records with Appendices 

A, B, and C in this document. Replace incompatible UST equipment. Install UL-listed E85 dispenser, hanging 

hardware, and shear valve. Keep compatibility equipment records.

					 Use a 5–10-micron alcohol-compatible dispenser filter. Do not use 10-micron gasoline or 30-micron diesel filters.

					 Do not store or use denatured ethanol or any gasoline/ethanol blend with more than 83% ethanol by volume at 

a retail facility.

					 Calibrate the dispenser meter at the time of conversion or new installation and two weeks later to verify meter 

accuracy with E85.

					 Label the dispenser with all E85 logos, cautionary labels, and trade commission decals. Use nozzle covers stating 

that E85 is not gasoline or diesel. Add logos for blender pump fuels and indicate that they are for FFVs only. 

Consider using hangtags, pump toppers, and other signage to educate your customers. Price sign inserts, curbside signs, and decals are available from industry associations.

					 Train site operators and emergency response personnel responsible for this location on ethanol fuel safety 

procedures and the differences relative to gasoline.

Underground Tanks

					 Notify your licensed installer (some states do not require installers to have a license) and the state UST program 

of your intent to dispense E85. Print a copy of the statement of compatibility from your tank manufacturer (see 

Appendix A for tank compatibility and links to letters stating compatibility).

					 Notify your UST insurance carrier to determine whether it has additional requirements for E85 fuels.

					 Obtain an amended insurance certificate showing coverage of E85 storage and dispensing.

Checklist continued on next page
February 2016 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • 19 

					 If using an existing tank, clean the tank of all water and sediment. Ensure no water is present, to protect the 

quality of your ethanol-blended fuels and your customers’ vehicles (see API Publication 2015, “Cleaning 

Petroleum Storage Tanks,” and NFPA 326, “Standard for the Safeguarding of Tanks and Containers for Entry, 

Cleaning, or Repair,” 2010 Edition).

					 Ensure all visible fittings and connections at the top of the tank are tight (no vapors escape, and no water enters).

					 Ensure the sump and spill containment covers will prevent water from entering the system. 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.

					 As a precaution to address residual sludge and gum deposits that will be dissolved by ethanol, industry recommends the tank to be filled to 80% of capacity and kept as full as possible for seven to 10 days. The residual 

impurities will be more diluted in a larger quantity of E85, reducing the risk of vehicle problems. This practice 

is also likely to expose any problems related to sludge and gum deposits during the initial inspection period.

					 Conduct a precision test of the tank system (0.1 gallon/hour leak rate) with an automatic tank gauging system 

within seven days after the tank is filled, to confirm the integrity of the system and that the leak detection equipment is operating properly. Report any fail results as required by the authority having jurisdiction.

Maintenance

					 Check for water regularly. Ensure that no water is contaminating 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 the tank fill cap and containment 

reservoir before beginning your E85 operation.

					 If the product seems to pump slowly, check and replace filters. Persistently clogged filters could indicate moisture or another source of contamination.

					 If installing a blender pump, ensure that the ethanol content is updated in the control system for each fuel 

delivery since the percentage changes according to geography and season.

Checklist continued from previous page
20 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • February 2016

Checklist for Dispensing E15

Nearly all E15 is sold from blender pumps drawing from E85 and E15. Follow the Checklist for Dispensing E85 and 

the additional steps for E15 sales. 

					 Contact marketing/branding and state your intention to sell E15.

					 Contact your insurance company to determine any requirements impacting coverage related to E15 sales.

					 Adopt the RFA E15 Misfueling Mitigation Plan, as approved by EPA.15

					 Register for the RFG Survey Association’s E15 retail survey at www.rfgsa.org.

					 EPA has approved the following dispenser hose configurations for dispensing E15:

• Dedicated E15 hose

• Common E15/E10/E0 hose; this configuration includes additional requirements:

- Minimum 4-gallon purchase (label required); or

- At least one fueling position with a dedicated E10 hose.

					 Dispenser options include using a UL-listed E25 retrofit kit or using an existing dispenser or purchasing a new 

UL E25 or E85 dispenser.

• Purchase and install E25 or E85 hanging hardware.

					 Calibrate the dispenser meter at the time of conversion or new installation and two weeks later to verify meter 

accuracy with E15.

					 Label the dispenser with the required EPA E15 label; if E10 and E15 are dispensed from the same hose, add a 

label stating the 4-gallon minimum fueling volume. Consider using hangtags, pump toppers, and other signage 

to educate your customers. Price sign inserts, curbside signs, and decals are available from industry 

associations, including the Blend Your Own website (www.byoethanol.com or www.ethanolretailer.com).

					 Train site operators and emergency response personnel responsible for this location on ethanol fuel safety 

procedures and the differences relative to gasoline.

15.“Renewable Fuels Association. “E15 Misfueling Mitigation Plan” March 2, 2012. www3.epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels/additive/e15/documents/rfamodel-e15-misfueling-mitigation-plan.pdf
February 2016 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • 21 

Information Resources

General

Alternative Fuels Data Center 

 www.afdc.energy.gov

California Air Resources Board Fuels Programs 

 www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/fuels.htm

EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality 

 www.epa.gov/otaq/ 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

 www.nrel.gov

American Coalition for Ethanol

 www.ethanol.org

Blend Your Own

 www.byoethanol.com

Clean Fuels Development Coalition

 www.cleanfuelsdc.org

Ethanol Retailer

 www.ethanolretailer.com

Governors’ Biofuels Coalition

 www.governorsbiofuelscoalition.org

Growth Energy

 www.growthenergy.org

National Corn Growers Association

 www.ncga.com

Renewable Fuels Association

 www.ethanolrfa.org

Ethanol Fuel Codes and Safety

International Code Council

 www.iccsafe.org

National Fire Protection Association

 www.nfpa.org

Occupational Safety & Health Administration

 www.osha.com

Standards

ASTM International

 www.astm.org

American Petroleum Institute

 www.api.org

California Air Resources Board Fuels Programs

 www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/fuels.htm

EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality

 www.epa.gov/otaq/

EPA Office of Underground Storage Tanks

 www.epa.gov/ust

UL

 www.ul.com

Equipment

Fiberglass Tank and Pipe Institute

 www.fiberglasstankandpipe.com

Petroleum Equipment Institute

 www.pei.org/ust-component-compatibility-library

Steel Tank Institute

 www.steeltank.com

Flexible Fuel Vehicles

Alternative Fuels Data Center 

 www.afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/flexible_fuel.html

Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers

 www.autoalliance.org

Emissions

Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers

 www.autoalliance.org

California Air Resources Board Fuels Programs

 www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/fuels.htm

Coordinating Research Council

 www.crcao.com

EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality 

 www.epa.gov/otaq

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

 www.nrel.gov

SAE International

 www.sae.org
22 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • February 2016

Appendix A: Tank Manufacturer Compatibility

Table A1: Tank Manufacturer Compatibility with Ethanol Blends

E10 E100 E10 E100

Manufacturer ✔ ✔ Continued from below

FIBERGLASSa Highland Tank ✔ ✔

Containment Solutions ✔ ✔ J.L. Houston Co. ✔ ✔

Owens Corning (single wall 1965-1994) ✔ ✘ Kennedy Tank and Manufacturing 

Co., Inc. ✔ ✔

Owens Corning (double wall 1965-

July 1, 1990) ✔ ✘ Lancaster Tanks and Steel Products ✔ ✔

Owens Corning (double wall 

July 2, 1990-December 31, 1994) ✔ ✔ Lannon Tank Corporation ✔ ✔

Xerxes (single wall prior to 

February 1981) ✘ ✘ Mass Tank Sales Corp. ✔ ✔

Xerxes (single wall February 

1981-June 2005) ✔ ✘ Metal Products Company ✔ ✔

Xerxes (single wall since July 2005) ✔ ✔ Mid-South Steel Products, Inc. ✔ ✔

Xerxes (double wall prior to April 1990) ✔ ✘ Modern Welding Company ✔ ✔

Xerxes (double wall April 1990 

and after) ✔ ✔ Newberry Tanks & Equipment, LLC ✔ ✔

STEELb Plasteela ✔ ✔

Acterra Group Inc. ✔ ✔ Service Welding & Machine Company ✔ ✔

Caribbean Tank Technologies Inc. ✔ ✔ Southern Tank & Manufacturing 

Co., Inc. ✔ ✔

Eaton Sales & Service LLC ✔ ✔ Stanwade Metal Products ✔ ✔

General Industries ✔ ✔ Talleres Industriales Potosinos, S.A. 

de C.V. ✔ ✔

Greer Steel, Inc. ✔ ✔ Tanques Antillanos C. x A. ✔ ✔

Hall Tank Co. ✔ ✔ Watco Tanks, Inc. ✔ ✔

Hamilton Tanks ✔ ✔ We-Mac Manufacturing Company ✔ ✔

Letters stating compability:

 a. Petroleum Equipment Institute 

 www.pei.org/ust-component-compatibility-library

 b. Steel Tank Institute 

 www.steeltank.com/FabricatedSteelProducts/ShopFabricatedTanks/SteelandAlternativeFuels/tabid/465/Default.aspx
February 2016 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • 23 

Table B1. Pipe Manufacturer Compatibility with Ethanol Blends 

Manufacturer Product Model Ethanol 

Compatibility

Piping—All Companies have UL 971 listing for E100

Advantage Earth 

Products Piping 1.5", 2", 3", 4" E0-E100

Brugg Piping FLEXWELL-HL, SECON-X, NITROFLEX, LPG E0-E100

Franklin Fueling Piping

Franklin has third-party certified piping compatible 

with up to E85. Contact manufacturer for specific 

part numbers.

E0-E85

OPW Piping FlexWorks, KPS, Pisces (discontinued) E0-E100

NOV Fiberglass Piping RedThread IIA, Ameron Dualoy E0-E100

NUPI Piping Smartflex E0-E100

OMEGAFLEX Piping DoubleTrac (brass and stainless steel fittings) E0-E100

Letters stating compability:

 Petroleum Equipment Institute 

 www.pei.org/ust-component-compatibility-library

Appendix B: Pipe and Associated UST Manufacturer Compatibility

Table B2. Associated UST Manufacturer Compatibility with Ethanol Blends 

Manufacturers introduce and discontinue models over time. If you do not see your equipment on this list please 

contact the manufacturer. Note X in these lists can be substituted for any value.

Federal code requires compatibility of this equipment with specific fuels. This is achieved through either thirdparty listing or a letter from the manufacturer stating compatibility. Husky has UL listing for E85. The following 

companies have issued letters stating compatibility: Bravo, Morrison Brothers, Vaporless Manufacturing, VeederRoot, and Western Fiberglass. Please contact other manufacturers for a compatibility letter or to inquire if they 

have UL E85 listed products. Compatibility letters are available at: www.pei.org/ust-component-compatibility-library

Manufacturer Product Model Ethanol 

Compatibility

Bravo Systems Fiberglass fittings

Series F, FF, FPE, FR, Retrofit-S, 

D-BLR-S, D-INR-S, FLX, FLX-INR, 

FPS, TBF

E0-E100

Bravo Systems Spill buckets B3XX E0-E100

Bravo Systems Tank sumps & covers B4XX E0-E100

Bravo Systems Transition sumps B5XX, B6XX, B7XX, B8XX E0-E100

Appendix B: Pipe and Associated UST Manufacturer Compatibility

Table B2 continued on next page
24 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • February 2016

Table B2 continued on next page

Table B2 (continued). Associated UST Manufacturer Compatibility with Ethanol Blends

Manufacturer Product Model Ethanol 

Compatibility

Bravo Systems Under dispenser 

containment sumps B1XXX, 7XXX, B8XXX, B9XXX E0-E100

Cimtek Filter 300MB-10, 300MB-30, 400MB10, 400MB-30, 475XLMB-10 E0-E15

Cimtek Filter 300BHA-01, 400BHA-01, 

400BHA-05, 800BHA-01 E0-E85

Clay and Bailey AST emergency vent 354, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370 E0-E85

Clay and Bailey AST manhole API-650 E0-E85

Clay and Bailey AST overfill prevention valve 1228 E0-E85

Clay and Bailey AST spill contaiment all E0-E85

Clay and Bailey Fill cap 94, 232, 233, 234, 235, 254 E0-E85

Franklin Fueling All

Franklin has third-party certified 

equipment compatible with up 

to E85. Contact manufacturer for 

specific part numbers.

Husky Pressure vacuum vents 4620, 4885, 5885, 11730, 11735, 

11740 E0-E85

Morrison Bros Anodized farm nozzle 200S E0-E85

Morrison Bros Anti-syphon valve 912 E0-E85

Morrison Bros AST adaptor 927 E0-E85

Morrison Bros Ball valves 691BSS E0-E85

Morrison Bros Caps 305C E0-E85

Morrison Bros Clock gauge with alarm 918 E0-E85

Morrison Bros Clock gauges 818 E0-E85

Morrison Bros Combination vent/

overfill alarm 922 E0-E85

Morrison Bros Diffuser 539TO, 539TC E0-E85

Morrison Bros Double tap bushing 184 E0-E85

Morrison Bros Drop tubes 419A E0-E85

Morrison Bros Emergency vents 244 E0-E85

Appendix B: Pipe and Associated UST Manufacturer Compatibility
February 2016 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • 25 

Table B2 (continued). Associated UST Manufacturer Compatibility with Ethanol Blends 

Manufacturer Product Model Ethanol 

Compatibility

Morrison Bros Expansion relief valve 076DI, 078DI E0-E85

Morrison Bros External emergency valves 346DI, 346FDI, 346SS, 346FSS E0-E85

Morrison Bros Extractors 560/561/562/563 E0-E85

Morrison Bros Flame arrester 351S E0-E85

Morrison Bros Float vent valves 317 E0-E85

Morrison Bros Frost proof drain valve 128DIS E0-E85

Morrison Bros In-line check valve 958 E0-E85

Morrison Bros Internal emergency valves 272DI, 72HDI E0-E85

Morrison Bros Overfill alarm 918TCP E0-E85

Morrison Bros Overfill prevention valve 9095A-AV, 9095SS E0-E85

Morrison Bros Series tank monitor adaptor and 

cap kits 305XPA E0-E85

Morrison Bros Solenoid valves (3” must be all 

teflon version) 710SS E0-E85

Morrison Bros Spill containers 515/516/517/518 E0-E85

Morrison Bros Strainer 285 E0-E85

Morrison Bros Swing check valves 246ADI, 246DRF E0-E85

Morrison Bros Tank monitor adaptor and 

cap kits 305XPA E0-E85

Morrison Bros Vapor recovery adaptor 323 E0-E85

Morrison Bros Vapor recovery caps 323C E0-E85

Morrison Bros Vent-double outlet (small UST) 155 E0-E85

Morrison Bros Vent-pressure vacuum 548, 748, 749 E0-E85

Morrison Bros Vent-updraft 354 E0-E85

National Environmental 

Fiberglass Sumps-dispenser All E0-E85

National Environmental 

Fiberglass Sumps-tank All E0-E85

National Environmental 

Fiberglass Sumps-transition All E0-E85

Appendix B: Pipe and Associated UST Manufacturer Compatibility

Table B2 continued on next page
26 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • February 2016

Table B2 (continued). Associated UST Manufacturer Compatibility with Ethanol Blends

Manufacturer Product Model Ethanol 

Compatibility

OPW AST anti-siphon valve 199ASV E0-E85

OPW AST ball valve 21BV SS E0-E85

OPW AST check valve 175, 1175 E0-E85

OPW AST emergency shut 

off valve 178S E0-E85

OPW AST emergency vent 201, 202 E0-E85

OPW AST emergency vent 301 E0-E85

OPW AST mechanical gauge 200TG E0-E85

OPW AST overfill 

prevention valve 61fSTOP A or M versions E0-E85

OPW AST overfill 

prevention valve 61ƒSTOP E0-E25

OPW AST pressure 

vacuum vent 523V, 623V E0-E100

OPW AST solenoid valve 821 E0-E25

OPW AST spill container 211-RMOT, 331, 332 E0-E85

OPW AST swing check valve all E0-E85

OPW AST tank alarm 444TA E0-E85

OPW AST vapor adaptor 1611AVB-1625 E0-E100

OPW AST vapor cap 1711T-7085-EVR, 1711LPC-0300 E0-E100

OPW Ball float vent valve 53VML, 30MV E0-E100

OPW Check valve 70, 70S E0-E100

OPW Dispenser sumps & accessories FlexWorks E0-E100

OPW Drop tube 61FT E0-E25

OPW Drop tube 61T, 61TC, 61TCP E0-E15

OPW Drop tube 61TSS E0-E100

OPW Extractor fittings and plug 233, 233VP E0-E100

OPW Face seal adaptor (threaded 

riser adaptor) FSA E0-E100

OPW Fill adaptor-side 61AS E0-E100

Appendix B: Pipe and Associated UST Manufacturer Compatibility

Table B2 continued on next page
February 2016 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • 27 

Table B2 (continued). Associated UST Manufacturer Compatibility with Ethanol Blends 

Manufacturer Product Model Ethanol 

Compatibility

OPW Fill adaptor-top 633T, 633TC E0-E100

OPW Fill Cap 634TT-7085-EVR, 634LPC, 

634TT-4000 E0-E100

OPW Fill cap-side 62TT E0-E100

OPW Fill-swivel adaptor 61SALP-MA, 61SALP-1020-EVR E0-E100

OPW Flexible connectors FCxx E0-E100

OPW Float kit 61SOK-0001 E0-E15

OPW Jack screw 61JSK, 71JSK E0-E100

OPW Manhole Conquistador, Fiberlite, 104A, 

104FG, 104C, 6110,6120 E0-E100

OPW Monitoring well cap kit 634TTM E0-E100

OPW Monitoring well probe cap 62M, 116M, 62M-MA E0-E100

OPW Multi-port spill containment 6511, 6421, 6511, 6521, 6561, 6571, 

Fiberlite E0-E100

OPW Overfill prevention valve 71SOM, 61SOM, 61SOCM-4000 E0-E100

OPW Overfill prevention valve 71SO, 71SO-C, 71SO-CT, 61SOC, 

61SOP, 61SOR E0-E15

OPW Pressure vacuum vent 523V, 623V E0-E100

OPW Spill container (bucket)

1-2100, 1SC-2100, 

1C-2100,1C-2200, EDGE, '1-2105, 

101-BG2100

E0-E100

OPW Tank bottom protectors 6111, 61TP E0-E15

OPW Tank sumps & accessories Fiberlite, FlexWorks E0-E100

OPW Transition sumps & accessories FlexWorks E0-E100

OPW Vapor adaptor 1611AV, 1611AVB E0-E100

OPW Vapor Cap 1711T-7085-EVR, 1711LPC E0-E100

OPW Vapor-swivel adaptor 61VSA-MA, 61VSA-1020-EVR E0-E100

Vaporless 

Manufacturing Leak detector 99LD-2000/2200/3000 without stainless steel tubing/fittings E0-E20

Vaporless 

Manufacturing Leak detector 99LD-2000/2200/3000 with stainless steel tubing/fittings E0-E100

Appendix B: Pipe and Associated UST Manufacturer Compatibility

Table B2 continued on next page
28 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • February 2016

Appendix B: Pipe and Associated UST Manufacturer Compatibility

Table B2 (continued). Associated UST Manufacturer Compatibility with Ethanol Blends

Manufacturer Product Model Ethanol 

Compatibility

OPW Fill adaptor-top 633T, 633TC E0-E100

Vaporless 

Manufacturing Overfill prevention valve OPF-2/3 with stainless steel tubing/fittings E0-E100

Veeder-Root Continuous interstitial tank 

system

P/N 857280-100, 857280-200, 

857280-30X E0-E15

Veeder-Root Electronic line leak detector Series 8484, 8590 E0-E15

Veeder-Root Ground water monitoring P/N 794380-621, 794380-622, 

794380-624 E0-E15

Veeder-Root Interstitial and secondary containment monitoring

P/N 794380-XXX, 794390-XXX, 

847990-00X, 857080-XXX E0-E15

Veeder-Root Interstitial and secondary containment monitoring

P/N 794380-321, 794380-323, 

794380-333, 794380-344, 

794380- 345, 794380-351, 

794380-430

E0-E85

Veeder-Root Magnetostrictive probe Mag Plus Series 8463XX, Mag 

Series 8473XX E0-E15

Veeder-Root Tall tank probe Mag-FLEX 889560-XXX, 

MAGXL-XXX E0-E90

Veeder-Root Vapor monitoring P/N 394390-700 E0-E15

Western Fiberglass Co-flex piping all E0-E100

Western Fiberglass Cuff fittings all E0-E100

Western Fiberglass Sumps (dispenser, tank, transition, vapor, vent) all E0-E100

Western Fiberglass Co-flow hydrostatic 

monitoring systems all E0-E100

Letters stating compability:

 Petroleum Equipment Institute 

 www.pei.org/ust-component-compatibility-library
February 2016 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • 29 

Appendix C: Dispenser, Hanging Hardware, Shear Valve, and Submersible Turbine 

Pump Manufacturer Compatibility

Table C. Dispenser, Hanging Hardware, Shear Valve, and Submersible Turbine 

Pump Manufacturer Compatibility 

Manufacturers introduce and discontinue models over time. If you do not see your equipment on this list please 

contact the manufacturer. 

Manufacturer Product Model Ethanol 

Compatibility

UL E25 and E85 Listed Equipment

Gilbarco Dispenser

An option on remote control dispenser Models NA0, NA1, 

NA2, NA3, NG1, NG6, NL0, NL1, NL2, and NL3. Models 

NG1, NG6, and NL0-NL3 are X+1 configurations where X is 

a number of blendable grades running through one hose 

on each side and the +1 indicates a dedicated, independent, set of hydraulics. E25 may only be on the +1 side 

(no ethanol blending). For such split-type dispensers, the 

independent non-E25 hydraulics may be constructed.

E0-E25

Gilbarco Dispenser

An option on remote control dispenser Models NA0, NA1, 

NA2, NA3, NN0, NN1, NN2, NN3, G1, G6, L0, L1, L2, and L3 

and NJ4. Models NG1, NG6, and NL0-NL3 are X+1 configurations where X is a number of blendable grades running 

through one hose on each side Model NJ4 is a 3+2 grade 

(double blender) with two distinct fuel trees as described 

above, and the +1 indicates a dedicated, independent, set 

of hydraulics. Hydraulics trees marked as suitable for E85 

are suitable for blending mid-level grades.

E0-E85

Wayne Dispenser Ovation2 B12//9 and B23//9 E0-E25

Wayne Dispenser

Ovation 2 EB23/4, EB23/5/M Dual Blender, EB23/5/M5 

Double Dual Blender; Helix 3-1-1 H(W/LU)43-43E, 3-1-1 

H(W/LU)45-43E/M5 Dual Blender, 3-1-1 H(W/LU)35-33E 

Double Dual Blender

E0-E85

Franklin Fueling Shear valve

Franklin has third-party certified shear valves 

compatible with up to E85. Contact manufacturer for specific part numbers.E0-E85

Franklin Fueling Submersible 

turbine pump

Franklin has third-party certified STPs compatible with up 

to E85. Contact manufacturer for specific part numbers. E0-E85

Husky Nozzle X E25, X E25 Cold Weather, XS E25, XS E25 Cold Weather E0-E25

Husky Nozzle X E85, X E85 Cold Weather, XS E85, XS E85 Cold Weather E0-E85

Husky Breakaway E25 Safe-T-Breaks E0-E25

Husky Breakaway E85 Safe-T-Breaks E0-E85

Table C continued on next page
30 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • February 2016

Table C (continued). Dispenser, Hanging Hardware, Shear Valve, and Submersible 

Turbine Pump Manufacturer Compatibility 

Manufacturers introduce and discontinue models over time. If you do not see your equipment on this list please 

contact the manufacturer. 

Manufacturer Product Model Ethanol 

Compatibility

UL E25 and E85 Listed Equipment

OPW Balance 

Adaptor 28CS E0-E25

OPW Breakaway 66V-0492 E0-E85

OPW Breakaway 66V-030RF E0-E25

OPW Nozzle 11BP*E85 E0-E85

OPW Nozzle 11AP*E25 and 11BP*E25 Series Nozzles E25

OPW Swivel 241TPS-75RF E25

OPW Swivel 241TPS-0492 E0-E85

OPW Shear valve 10 series E0-E100

OPW Shear valve 

vapor

60VS E0-E100

Manufacturer approved; equipment is not UL listed for blends above E10

Veyance Hose Flexsteel Futura Ethan-ALL E0-E85

Husky Swivel E85 E0-E85

IRPCO Hose

dispenser Steelflex Ultra Hardwall, Softwall (2 Braid, 4SP), Marina E0-E15

IRPCO Hose transfer Kanapower ST, RED FLEXTRA, FLEXWING Versafuel E0-E15

Veeder-Root Submersible 

turbine pump

Redjacket Maxxum 410763-XXX (MXP300JX-XXX or 

MXP500JX-XXX) E0-E20

Veeder-Root Submersible 

turbine pump Redjacket AG models E0-E100

Veyance Hose

dispenser Flexsteel Futura E0-E15

Appendix C: Dispenser, Hanging Hardware, Shear Valve, and Submersible Turbine 

Pump Manufacturer Compatibility
February 2016 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • 31 

Appendix D: Various Specifications for Ethanol Fuels

Table D1. Listing of ASTM Specifications for Ethanol and E85

ASTM D4806 Standard Specification for Denatured Fuel Ethanol for Blending with Gasoline for Use as 

Automotive Spark-Ignition Engine Fuel

ASTM D5798 Standard Specification for Ethanol Fuel Blends for Flexible-Fuel Automotive SparkIgnition Engines

ASTM D7328 Standard Test Method for Determination of Existent and Potential Inorganic Sulfate and Total 

Inorganic Chloride in Fuel Ethanol by Ion Chromatography Using Aqueous Sample Injection

ASTM D6423 Standard Test Method for Determination of pHe of Ethanol, Denatured Fuel Ethanol, and 

Fuel Ethanol

ASTM D5501 Standard Test Method for Determination of Ethanol and Methanol Content in Fuels Containing 

Greater than 20% Ethanol by Gas Chromatography

ASTM D4814 Standard Specification for Automotive Spark-Ignition Engine Fuel

ASTM D7794 Standard Practice for Blending Mid-Level Ethanol Fuel Blends for Flexible-Fuel Vehicles with 

Automotive Spark-Ignition Engines

ASTM D4806 standard sets guidelines for purity and other important properties for ethanol that is to be blended into gasoline. Major ethanol 

producers often establish additional guidelines that may exceed ASTM requirements. In addition, RFA has established specifications and quality 

standards for ethanol manufactured by its member companies (RFA Recommended Practice 911201). RFA Publication No. 96050117, “Fuel 

Ethanol: Industry Guidelines, Specifications and Procedures,” also contains helpful information on fuel ethanol specifications. 

Table D2. ASTM D4806 Standard Specification for Denatured Fuel Ethanol for Blending 

with Gasoline for Use as Automotive Spark-Ignition Engine Fuel

Product Characteristic Specification ASTM Test Method

Ethanol, volume %, minimum 92.1 D5501

Methanol, volume %, maximum 0.5 D5501

Solvent-washed gum, mg/100 mL, maximum 5.0 D381

Sulfur, mass ppm, maximum 30 D2622, D3120, D5453, or D7039

Water content, volume %, maximum 1.0 E203 or E1074

Sulfate, mass ppm, maximum 4 D7318, D7319, or D7328

Denaturant content, volume %, minimum

 volume %, maximum

1.96

2.5

Reactive Sulfur Negative, “sweet” GPA 1138

Inorganic chloride content, mass ppm (mg/L), 

maximum 10. (8) D7319 or D7328

Copper content, mg/kg, maximum 0.1 D1688

Table D2 continued on next page
32 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • February 2016

Table D3. California Denatured Ethanol Standards

(In Addition to the Performance Requirements in ASTM D4806)

Property Specification 

Limit ASTM Test Method

Sulfur, ppm, maximum 10 D5453-93

Benzene, volume %, maximum 0.06 D7576-10 test results of a sample of the denaturant multiplied 

by 0.0500 or the denaturant fraction, whichever is less

Olefins, volume %, maximum 0.5 D7347-07e1 test results of a sample of the denaturant multiplied by 0.0500 or the denaturant fraction, whichever is less

Aromatics, volume %, maximum 1.7 D7576-10 test results of a sample of the denaturant multiplied 

by 0.0500 or the denaturant fraction, whichever is less

California has promulgated additional specifications for denatured ethanol and the denaturant hydrocarbon that apply to ASTM D4806. 

Table D4. California Denaturant Standards

Property Specification 

Limit

ASTM Test Method

Benzene, volume %, maximum 1.1 D5580-02 (2007)

Olefins, volume %, maximum 10 D6550-10

Aromatics, volume %, maximum 35 D5580-02 (2007)

Appendix D: Various Specifications for Ethanol Fuels

Table D2 (continued). ASTM D4806 Standard Specification for Denatured Fuel Ethanol for 

Blending with Gasoline for Use as Automotive Spark-Ignition Engine Fuel

Product Characteristic Specification ASTM Test Method

Acidity (as acetic acid, CH3C00H), mass % (mg/L), 

maximum 0.007 (56) D1613 or D7795

pHe 6.5–9.0 D6423

Appearance Visibly free of suspended or precipitated 

contaminants (clear and bright)
February 2016 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • 33 

Table D5. ASTM D8011 – Regulatory Requirements Pertaining to Natural Gasoline Used as a 

Denaturant and Hydrocarbon Blendstock for Ethanol Fuel Blends

Properties Denaturant Hydrocarbon Blendstock 

for Ethanol Fuel Blends Test Methods

Applicability

For Use in 

the United 

States

For Use in 

California

For Use in 

the United 

States

For Use in 

California

Distillation Temperatures, 

C (°F), at % Evaporated D86, D7096

10% by volume, min 36 

(97)A

50% by volume, max 69 

(156)A

100 

(213)B

90% by volume, max 98 

(209)A

152 

(305)B

Sulfur, mg/kg, max 330C

D1266, D2622, 

D3120, D5453, 

D6920, D7039, 

or D7220

Benzene, % by volume, max 1.1D 1.10E D5580

Olefins, % by volume, max 10.0D 10.0E D6550

Aromatics, % by volume, max 35.0D 35.0E D5580

ANo specific test method is referenced in the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) of the U.S. Treasury Department and 

Revenue Canada regulations. At the time the TTB and Revenue Canada limits were created, Test Method D86 was the standard test 

method for these parameters.

BLimits set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) utilize Test Method D86-99.

CEPA, effective January 1, 2017, establishes a limit of 330 ppm sulfur in denaturant.

DCalifornia regulations (title 13 CCR 2262.9) establish limits of 1.10 % by volume benzene, 10.0% by volume olefins, and 35.0% by volume 

aromatics for the denaturant used to produce denatured fuel ethanol. The regulatory limits assume the maximum denaturant content of 

5.00% by volume is contained in the denatured fuel alcohol. The regulations allow the limits to be adjusted if lower denaturant concentrations are used.

ECalifornia regulations (title 13 CCR 2292.4) sets a maximum content of benzene, olefins, and aromatics for the hydrocarbon blendstock 

used to produce ethanol fuel blends.

Appendix D: Various Specifications for Ethanol Fuels
34 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • February 2016

Appendix D: Various Specifications for Ethanol Fuels

Table D6. Specifications for Fuel Ethanol Denaturants

Under 27 CFR 19.1005(b), the following materials are approved to render spirits unfit for beverage use and thus 

acceptable for withdrawal from alcohol fuel plants as fuel alcohol.

 1. The materials listed in 27 CFR 19.10 05(c), in the quantities specified there.

 2. The following additional materials, in the following quantities, corresponding to the following specifications:

Material

Quantity Added to 

100 Gallons of 

Distilled Spirits

Specifications

Natural 

gasoline 2 gallons or more

1. Natural gasoline (drip gas) is a mixture of butane, pentane, and hexane 

hydrocarbons extracted from natural gas.

2. Distillation range: No more than 10% of the sample may distill below 

97° F; at least 50% shall distill at or below 156° F; and at least 90% 

shall distill at or below 209° F.

Ethyl tertiarybutyl ether 

(ETBE)

2 gallons or more N/A

Raffinate 2 gallons or more

Naphtha 2 gallons or more

Straight run 

gasoline (TTB 

Rul. 2008-2)

2 gallons or more

Toluene 5 gallons or more See 27 CFR 21.132

Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau,

www.ttb.gov/pdf/authorized_denaturants_fuel_alcohol.pdf

1. Octane (R+M/2): 66–70

2. Distillation, in degrees F:

• 10%: 120–150

• 50%: 144–180

• 90%: 168–200

• End point: 216–285

3. API gravity: 76–82

4. Reid vapor pressure: 5–11

1. API gravity 

@ 60/60 degrees F: 64–70

2. Lb/gal: 5.845–6.025

3. Density: .7022–.7238

4. Reid vapor pressure: 

8 P.S.I.A. max.

5. Copper corrosion: 17. 

Saybolt Color: 28 Min.

6. Distillation, in degrees F:

• I.B.P.: 85 max.

• 10%: 130 max.

• 50%: 250 max.

• 90%: 340 max.

• End point: 380

1. Straight run gasoline is a mixture consisting predominantly (greater 

than 60% by volume) of C4, C5, C6, C7 and/or C8 hydrocarbons, and 

is either (1) a petroleum distillate coming straight from an atmospheric 

distillation unit without being cracked or reformed or (2) a condensate 

coming directly from an oil/gas recovery operation. 

2. API gravity: 72° min., 85° max.

3. Reid vapor pressure: 15 psi max. 

4. Sulfur: 120 ppm max.

5. Benzene: 1.1% by volume max.

6. Distillation, in degrees F:

• 10%: 97 min., 158 max.

• 50%: 250 max.

• Final boiling point: 437°F max.
February 2016 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • 35 

Table E1. Seasonal and Geographical Volatility Classes for E85 (ASTM D5798)

State and Fuel-Marketing Region Volatility Class by Month

Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Alabama 2 2 2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2

Alaska - Southern Region 4 4/3 3 3/2 3/2 2/1 1 1/2 2/3 3 3/4 4

 South Mainland 4 4 4 4 4/2 2 2/1 1/2 2/3 3/4 4 4

Arizona - North of 34° 3 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1/2 2/3 3 3

 South of 34° 2 2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2 2

Arkansas 3 3 3/2 2/1 1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3

California - North Coast 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2

 South Coast 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2

 Southeast 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2

 Interior 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2

Colorado - East of 105° longitude 4 4/3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1/2 2/3 3 3/4

 West of 105° longitude 4 4 4/3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1/2 2/3 3/4 4 4

Connecticut 4 4 4/3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1/2 2 2/4 4

Delaware 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3

District of Columbia 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3

Florida - North of 29° latitude 2 2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2

 South of 29° latitude 2 2/1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1/2 2

Georgia 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3

Hawaii 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Idaho 4 4 4/3 3/2 2 2 2/1 1/2 2 2/3 3/4 4

Illinois - North of 40° latitude 4 4 4/3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1/2 2/3 3/4 4

 South of 40° latitude 4 4/3 3 3/2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2/3 3/4 4

Indiana 4 4 4/3 3/2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2/3 3/4 4

Iowa 4 4 4 4/2 2 2/1 1 1 1/2 2/3 3/4 4

Kansas 4 4/3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1/2 2/3 3/4 4

Kentucky 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3

Louisiana 2 2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2

Maine 4 4 4 4/2 2 2/1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3/4 4

Maryland 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3

Massachusetts 4 4 4/3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1/2 2 2/4 4

Michigan - Lower 4 4 4/3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3/4 4

 Upper 4 4 4 4/3 3/2 2/1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3/4 4

Minnesota 4 4 4 4/3 3/2 2/1 1 1/2 2 2/4 4 4

Appendix E: Seasonal and Geographical Volatility Classes for E85 (ASTM D5798)

Table E1 continued on next page
36 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • February 2016

Table E1 (continued). Seasonal and Geographical Volatility Classes for E85 (ASTM D5798)

State and Fuel-Marketing Region Volatility Class by Month

Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Mississippi 1/2 2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2

Missouri 4 4/3 3 3/2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2/3 3 3

Montana 4 4 4 4/3 3/2 2 2/1 1/2 2/3 3/4 4 4

Nebraska 4 4 4/3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3/4 4

Nevada - North of 38° latitude 4 4 4/3 3/2 2 2 2/1 1/2 2 2/3 3/4 4

 South of 38° latitude 2 2 2 2/1 2/1 1 1 1 11 1/2 2 2

New Hampshire 4 4 4/3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 ? 2 2/3 3

New Jersey 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3

New Mexico - North of 34° latitude 4 4/3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1/2 2/3 3 3/4

 South of 34° latitude 3 3 3/2 2/1 1 1 1 1 1 1/2 2/3 3

New York - North of 42° latitude 4 4 4 4/2 2 2/1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3/4 4

 South of 42° latitude 4 4 4/3 3/2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3/4

North Carolina 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2/3 3 3

North Dakota 4 4 4 4/3 3/2 2/1 1 1/2 2 2/4 4 4

Ohio 4 4 4/3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1/2 2/3 3/4 4

Oklahoma 3 3 3 3/2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3

Oregon - East of 122° longitude 4 4/3 3 3/2 2 2 2/1 1/2 2 2/3 3 3/4

 West of 122° longitude 3 3/2 2 2 2 2/1 1 1 1/2 2 2 2/3

Pennsylvania - North of 41° latitude 4 4 4 4/2 2 2/1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3/4 4

 South of 41° latitude 3 3 3 3/2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3

Rhode Island 3 3 3 3/2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3

South Carolina 2 2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2

South Dakota 4 4 4 4/2 2 2/1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3/4 4

Tennessee 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3

Texas - North of 31° latitude 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3

 South of 31° latitude 2 2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2

Utah 4 4/3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1/2 2/3 3 3/4

Vermont 4 4 4/3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3/4 4

Virginia 3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3

Washington - East of 122° longitude 4 4/3 3 3/2 2 2 2/1 1 1/2 2/3 3 3/4

 West of 122° longitude 3 3/2 2 2 2 2/1 1 1 1/2 2 2 2/3

West Virginia 4 4/3 3 3/2 2 2/1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3 3/4

Wisconsin 4 4 4 4/2 2 2/1 1 1/2 2 2/3 3/4 4

Wyoming 4 4 4 4/3 3/2 2 2/1 1/2 2 2/4 4 4

Appendix E: Seasonal and Geographical Volatility Classes for E85 (ASTM D5798)
February 2016 • Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol Blends • 37 

Appendix F: UL Testing Standards for Refueling Equipment

Table F. UL Testing Standards for Refueling Equipment

UL Testing Standard Equipment Covered Test Fluid (or listing)

UL 58 Underground steel tanks (no test fluids) No test fluid

UL 1746 External Corrosion Protection Systems for USTs (option 

to test with up to E100) Option up to E100

UL 1316 Underground fiberglass tanks (option to test with up 

to E100) Option up to E100

UL 971 Pipes and pipe fittings non-metallic (option to test with 

up to E100) Option up to E100

UL 971A Pipes and pipe fittings metallic (option to test with up 

to E100) Option up to E100

UL 2447

Sumps: tank, dispenser, transition, fill/vent, spill buckets

Sump fittings: penetration, termination, internal, test 

and monitoring

Sump accessories: frames/brackets, covers/lids, & 

chase pipe

Requires E25 and E85

UL 2039 Flexible Connectors Requires E25 and E85

UL 87 Dispensers E10 listing only

UL 87A Dispensers Requires E25 and E85

UL 25 Meters E10 listing only

UL 25A Meters Requires E25 and E85

UL 330 Hose and hose assemblies E10 listing only

UL 330A Hose and hose assemblies Requires E25 and E85

UL 331 Filters E10 listing only

UL 331A Filters Requires E25 and E85

UL 428 Submersible turbine pump E10 listing only

UL 428A Submersible turbine pump Requires E25 and E85

UL 567 Breakaway, swivels, pipe connection fittings E10 listing only

UL 567A Breakaway, swivels, pipe connection fittings Requires E25 and E85

UL 842 Shear valve E10 listing only

UL 842A Shear valve Requires E25 and E85

UL 2586 Nozzles E10 listing only

UL 2586A Nozzles Requires E25 and E85
Cover photos (clockwise from top) from American Lung 

Association; from Illinois Corn; from Growth Energy

Clean Cities Technical Response Service

800-254-6735

technicalresponse@icfi.com

To view this and other Clean Cities publications 

online, visit cleancities.energy.gov/publications.

Prepared by the National Renewable Energy 

Laboratory (NREL), a national laboratory of the 

U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy 

Efficiency and Renewable Energy; operated by 

the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC. 

DOE/GO-102016-4854 • February 2016

NREL prints on paper that contains recycled content.