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Information Related to the Development of Safety Requirements for E85 Dispensers and Components

March 2007 Update

Since the last status update in January 2007, UL has made significant progress toward the development of safety requirements for E85 dispensers. In fact, UL announced that we expect to be prepared to accept products for evaluation and certification once the research is finalized and the science established. UL currently expects to finalize research and publish certification requirements by the end of the fourth quarter 2007 and, immediately thereafter, accept E85 dispensing equipment for investigation to the safety requirements and certification of compliant equipment. Click here to see the official announcement.

There are four concurrent initiatives underway that will serve as input to the safety requirements:

  • Ongoing Information Gathering and Outreach: To date, UL has reached out to more than 75 discrete stakeholders across academia, manufacturing, governmental bodies and the scientific community. UL has reviewed more than 175 technical articles and secondary research reports. This literature review and expert outreach helped UL establish a baseline for its own research, field observation, and product harvesting initiatives.
  • Research Test Program: UL's research test program includes a 2500-hour static conditioning test (also known as the "105-Day Test"). Test results are expected to help UL determine the necessary test protocols that will adequately evaluate the potential degradation of materials from exposure to E85. Portions of the Research Test Program, specifically small-scale testing of components, have already begun.
  • Field Observations: Field Observations are being conducted in the U.S. and Brazil during February and March of 2007. Results are expected to provide UL with information related to the real-life performance of E85 dispensers in the marketplace. The U.S. Field Observation Report was published in February 2007. Click here to view the U.S. Field Report.
  • Product Harvesting: UL is continuing to harvest dispenser components that were used to dispense ethanol-blended fuels in both Brazil and the U.S. This activity began last November in the United States. Harvested products are being analyzed for material compatibility effects of ethanol blends.

UL also established an “Ethanol Technical Panel” of technical experts from around the world and across industries with expertise in ethanol material compatibility. UL held a kick-off meeting on February 15, 2007 and will continue to leverage these experts as we develop requirements.

In addition to the Research Test Program outlined above, UL will partner with a third-party testing lab to conduct more detailed, long-term dynamic testing. Dynamic testing is designed to maintain a flow of fluids in order to determine what additional material compatibility issues may exist. This long-term testing will not be an input to the certification requirements presently under development, but will be an important advancement of the technical knowledge related to material compatibility.

UL remains committed to developing the appropriate requirements and test protocols to adequately address safety issues, and ultimately to safeguard the U.S. public. Please stay tuned for future updates.

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