The ethanol industry’s push to expand the use of ethanol through blender pump technology got a boost today. According to a Dresser Wayne press release, Underwriters Laboratory (UL) has approved the use of the company’s Ovation Eco Fuel dispenser for use with up to 25% ethanol blends (E25).  UL has been working to certify various pump dispensing equipment for use with higher-level blends, despite the widespread use of these components to dispense 85% ethanol blends for more than a decade.

“UL’s certification of this dispenser for up to 25% ethanol use is an important step forward and will help expand the use of ethanol,” says Renewable Fuels Association Director of Market Development Robert White. “With EPA expected to approve 15% ethanol blends sometime this year, this announcement provides some comfort to gas station owners facing increased ethanol blending. Likewise, it provides comfort to stations looking to install blender pump technology offering a wide range of blends from 10% up to 85%.”

Currently, the RFA is working in conjunction with the American Coalition for Ethanol and numerous state corn grower associations on the Blend Your Own Ethanol campaign with the goal of installing 5,000 blender pumps in the next three years.

“While this move by UL is helpful, certification of a dispenser for up to 85 percent ethanol is critical to expanding both the infrastructure for and the use of high level ethanol blends,” says White.