E85 Equipment Conversions

It is possible to convert existing gasoline or diesel fueling tanks for use with E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline). Most metal underground storage tanks that meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) December 1998 codes can be used to store E85.

Many underground fiberglass tanks that meet EPA standards also can be used to store E85. However, fuel site operators should exercise caution when considering storage of E85 in single-walled fiberglass tanks manufactured before 1992. Most fiberglass tanks in use in the United States are double walled. For questions concerning the use of E85 in older fiberglass tanks, contact the Fiberglass Tank and Pipe Institute. The following letters from fiberglass tank manufacturers outline their recommendations for ethanol fuel storage.

• Owens-Corning Fiberglass Corporation (PDF 75 KB) Download Adobe Reader.
• Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (PDF 145 KB) Download Adobe Reader.

Important: Cleaning the Tank Before Introducing E85

If another fuel was stored in the fueling system being converted to E85, the system must be cleaned properly. Years of fuel storage can result in sludge, moisture, and scale buildup. Even an inadvertent "oops" by a transport driver can result in dirt or snow falling into the storage tank during fuel delivery. Pens, loose change, eyeglasses, and cell phones have all ended up in the bottom of fuel tanks. These are all potential sources of fuel contamination. Introducing ethanol-blended fuel, which acts as a cleaning agent, into such a tank contaminates your fuel and might result in vehicle operational problems. This concern is diminished if a low-level blend of ethanol, such as E10, has been stored in the tank.

To ensure potential contamination is removed when using existing metal or fiberglass storage tanks to store E85, learn about converting a petroleum system to an E85-compatible system.