EGAS
For more information regarding Egas, please contact Maritime Fuels by phone at 310-3776 or by email info@maritimefuels.ca.
Appendix 1
Transition to Ethanol Blended Gasoline
General
Provincial and/or federal law mandates that a specified percentage of regular unleaded gasoline in specific jurisdictions contains ethanol. To help you manage this transition, we are providing information and guidelines for the safe storage and handling of this fuel product. Note that this document is being provided for informational purposes only; you are responsible for determining what is required to transition to EBPG at your facility. We recommend that you consult with a licensed petroleum contractor, equipment manufacturer and/or supplier to assist you.
EBPG will contain up to 10 percent ethanol, a product made from fermented sugar or converted starches (e.g. corn, grain, or other cereal crops).
It is essential that your entire fuel transportation, storage and dispensing system, including but not limited to any fuel storage tanks, lines, vents, fill pipes, containment manways, gaskets, seals, filters, pumps and dispensers are fully compatible with the storage and dispensing of EBPG. Licensed petroleum contractors, equipment manufacturers, and/or suppliers should be consulted to help you in this regard.
Ethanol Properties
While EBPG has properties similar to those of conventional gasoline, there are some differences in how EBPG must be stored and handled in order to maintain product quality.
The following are examples of characteristics unique to EBPG:
- EBPG can loosen rust, dirt or sediment from the interior walls of tanks or lines. This may be more noticeable during the initial stages of conversion and will usually subside over time. Rust and sediment in your fuel storage system should be removed by cleaning, flushing and filtration in advance of conversion to EBPG.
- It is important that fuel storage systems always remain free of water. EBPG is more susceptible to water contamination than conventional gasoline. If water gets into EBPG, it can cause ‘phase separation’, creating a gasoline product that does not meet industry specifications and that may inhibit the performance of motor vehicles or combustion engines. If this occurs, tanks must be pumped out, the product disposed of in an environmentally acceptable manner, and replaced with new fuel.
- Existing electronic fuel monitoring systems, may not accurately detect water or phase separation. Please contact your system manufacturer for specific details and instructions on how to adjust this equipment.
- Conventional water-finding paste will not work with EBPG. Ethanol-compatible water-finding paste must be used in EBPG.
Equipment Considerations
Not all gasoline storage and dispensing equipment will be fully compatible with the dispensing of EBPG, as some components may be affected by the chemical characteristics of ethanol.
- Some fiberglass liners and fiberglass-reinforced underground product storage tanks and/or lines, particularly those manufactured prior to 1986, may not be suitable for the storage of EBPG. A compatibility assessment should be conducted by your supplier or licensed petroleum contractor.
- Sites operating oil/water separators should ensure that separators are compatible with EBPG and are operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s operating procedures. Sites must comply with all relevant and applicable legislation, including water effluent regulations.
Dispenser hoses, nozzles, fuel filters gaskets, pumps, meters, sealants and fittings should also be inspected to ensure compatibility with EBPG and should be regularly monitored after conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Engine Compatibility, Safe Handling, Transitional Operating Practice
Before accepting the first delivery of EBPG, you must verify that the volume of conventional regular unleaded gasoline has been drawn down to less than 20% of the tank’s capacity. This will help ensure that your fuel continues to meet the quality standards you expect.
Can ethanol-blended gasoline be used as an aviation fuel?
Ethanol-blended gasoline should never be used as an aviation fuel.EBPG may not be compatible with all types of engines or fuel system components. Please check with your engine manufacturer or motor vehicle manual if you have questions.
Can ethanol-blended gasoline be used in small engines such as lawnmowers, snow blowers, leaf-blowers & chainsaws?
Most manufacturers of small engines allow for the use of up to 10% cent ethanol-blended fuel in their products. Ethanol can also be used in certain older small engines. Individuals should consult their owners’ manuals for information on the use of ethanol-blended fuel in small engines.
Can ethanol-ethanol blended fuel be used in an ATV, snowmobile or motorcycle?
Most manufacturers of ATVs, snowmobiles and motorcycles allow for the use of up to 10% ethanol-blended fuel in their products. Individuals should consult their owners’ manuals for information on the use of ethanol-blended fuel in such engines.
Can ethanol-blended gasoline be used in outboard motors?
Most manufacturers of outboard motors allow the use of up to 10% ethanol-blended fuel. Individuals should consult their owners’ manuals for information on the use of ethanol-blended fuels and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when selecting appropriate fuels.