In This Issue:

FYI Newsletter Volume 7, Issue 17, September 24, 2002 

 Aluminum and Contact with Ethanol

Should ethanol be used with aluminum?  The answer is not as simple as you may think.  Ethanol experts agree that low amounts of ethanol (10% or less) may maintain contact with aluminum but higher amounts (70 to 85%) should not. 

Ethanol, in its pure form, is an alcohol and therefore is corrosive with certain metals.  High amounts of ethanol in fuel will corrode any aluminum in which it has contact.  The corrosion will in turn contaminate transportation fuel.  

It has been brought to NEVC’s attention that some confusion has developed regarding two recent publications supported by ethanol experts:  The Fuel Ethanol Guideline published by RFA states that ethanol is compatible with aluminum and the Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 published by NREL, DOE and NEVC states the opposite.  Both publications are correct.  The clarification between the two documents is to state that RFA focuses on low blends of ethanol at 10% or less and the NEVC focuses on higher blends of ethanol.  

Agreement was made between RFA Technical Consultant, Bob Reynolds, and NEVC Executive Director, Phil Lampert, that reference additions should be added to the RFA document.  These changes supported by SAE Technical Paper 940764; AAMA "Fuel Ethanol Compatibility Standards and Dispensing Equipment List for E85 Fueled Vehicles", August 10, 1995 GM R&D Paper, PR-448-March 1994 will be included in the final issuance of the Technical Manual.

In conclusion, when using low level blends of ethanol such as E10, it is very satisfactory to store and dispense the product with aluminum equipment.  When using high-level blends of ethanol such as E85, the use of aluminum should be avoided.

 Sandia National Laboratory - How to Get the Job Done

August 27, 2002 marked the opening and dedication of the first alternative biofuel station in New Mexico.  It took many dedicated individuals and much time to acquire the E85/Bio-diesel station at the Sandia Fleet Services Area, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  The article below explains just how the Sandia National Laboratory and DOE “got the job done”.

Since the inception of the Six-Cities Program in 1999 and prior to implementation of the Executive Order 13149, Peg Baca, DOE/National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA) Albuquerque Operations Office, began meeting and partnering with DOE/Contractor Fleet Managers, General Services Administration (GSA) and Clean Cities Coalition stakeholders.   

“I held numerous outreach meetings preaching the ‘AFV’ gospel,” said Baca. “I’ve been long committed to reducing our dependence on foreign oil and preserving our environment.”  

The idea was backed whole-heartedly by Ed Williams, Fleet Manager at Sandia National Laboratories.  He had a strong belief and dedication to using alternative fuels and wished to be one of the first in New Mexico to implement it into his facility.   

The decision was to install the additional capability on the Laboratory campus.  This would alleviate the problems of no alternative fuel available in the local market and that public access stations, if available, would still require additional travel to and from the stations.  This latter solution defeated the desire to reduce miles driven and subsequent pollution.   

The first step was to identify the opportunities that were available to get the alternative fuels in place.  “The opportunity that we found was the need to upgrade the fueling station at Sandia’s motor pool complex,” said Williams.  “We decided to incorporate the E85 capability into the modifications.  This allowed the cost of the improvement to become part of an overall construction project and the costs were reduced versus an E85 tank installation as a separate action.  The bio-diesel used the current diesel tank, that tank was reconfigured for ease of use and a modern fuel dispenser with card-reader capability were installed as part of the construction project. This infrastructure development was funded solely by the Fleet Services Department at the Laboratory.” 

The project took almost one and half years to complete.  Williams added, “The design for the fuel station improvements was made in June of 2001.  The decision to proceed with construction was made in January of 2002, the actual construction contract was released in early April 2002, and construction was completed in August of 2002.”

The dedication of the facility included brief presentations by Chris Wentz, State of New Mexico Minerals and Energy; Alfred Baca, Six Cities General Services Administration Albuquerque Fleet Management Center; Bill Heffner, General Services Administration Region 7 Fleet Management Center; Mike Minturn, President of Land of Enchantment Clean Cities; Ed Williams; and Peg Baca. 

“The dedication helped recognize the cooperative partnership that has developed around alternative fuels between Sandia, DOE, and GSA,” expressed Williams.  “It helped the Land of Enchantment Clean Cities Coalition, the State of New Mexico Alternative Fuels Users Group, the Six-Cities effort and others demonstrate a success.  It also made more senior management and vehicle drivers aware of the efforts and importance us using alternative fuels.” 

Initially, about 125 E85 vehicles will fuel at the station but future plans are projected to install an automated billing machine for other agencies to use the alternative fuels on-site.

 Fernando Duchene (Fleet Manager,GSA/Albuquerque), Peg Baca (DOE), and Ed Williams (Sandia Fleet Manager) cuts the ribbon to the new biofuel station at a ceremony on August 27, 2002.

 Denver Official Promotes Ethanol Use

- From the Pueblo Chieftain by Gail Pitts

Despite Colorado's position as an importer of corn from other states, the use of higher amounts of ethanol in cars - up to 85 percent - can help the entire industry, Colorado's agriculture commissioner, Don Ament, said in Pueblo on August 31, 2002.

Ament came to the Colorado State Fair with representatives of the state's corn producers to promote the fuel - known as E85 to represent the formulation - and drove down from metro Denver in a Ford Taurus equipped to run on it.

And the car - "wrapped" in a scenic plastic coating - certainly made a statement at Gate 2 as Fairgoers walked to the turnstile.

With Ament were John Cevette, Executive Director of the Greeley-based Colorado Corn Growers Association, and Don Rutledge of Yuma, representing the Colorado Corn Administrative Committee.

Even in a good year, Colorado imports about 25 million bushels of corn, the men agreed, and in this year of drought, they estimate it will be double that amount.

Still, use of cleaner-burning ethanol in much larger quantities than the current usual 10 percent would offer a variety of benefits - cleaner air to counter the Front Range's "brown cloud," for example.

But it would also offer "a new market for farmers and give them another opportunity for income," Ament said.

Cevette wrapped the Taurus about two weeks ago, but has been driving it for nearly a year.

How the mileage holds up depends on how aggressive a driver is, he said. He's getting 20-21 miles to the gallon, he said.

Selected models from Ford, DaimlerChrysler, GM, Isuzu, Mazda and Mercury are offered as "flexible fuel vehicles" that can use everything from 100 percent unleaded gasoline to E85.

Depending on the station, a gallon of E85 can run in the range of 10 cents cheaper than regular unleaded. But how much of the savings is a result of government subsidies?

Everyone seems to ask that question.

Ethanol subsidies account for 4 1/2 cents a gallon, but Ament counters with the argument that imported oil gets tax credits to the tune of $1.32 a barrel and that that amounts to $3.2 billion a year.

Among the many "myths" about ethanol is that using corn for fuel is a waste of a  foodstuff. Nonsense, ethanol promoters reply.

Only the starch is used to distill ethanol; the protein becomes gluten feed and meal; corn oil is another byproduct.

Of the 9.5 billion bushels of corn produced in 2001, 600 million bushels are currently used to produce ethanol, literature from the National Corn Growers Association notes.

The nearest ethanol-producing mills are in Nebraska and Kansas.

Sixteen E85 filling stations are operating in Colorado, including nine in the Denver metro area and one in Colorado Springs. You may find a complete listing of E85 refueling stations at www.E85Fuel.com.

 Minnesota Corn Growers Join the NEVC

The NEVC warmly welcomes the Minnesota Corn Growers Association as a new member of our organization! Bruce Stockman, CEO of the MN Corn Growers, along with many other members of the Association, has long been an active supporter of our clean fuel – E85.  We are grateful to have this distinctive member from a state that represents the largest number of E85 refueling stations (over 65!).  

With groups like this, we CAN reduce our dependency on foreign oil!  Don’t forget, if your business would like to become a member of the NEVC and support our nation’s farmers, contact Randa Barker at info@e85.com or at (573) 635-8445.

 NEVC to Assist Georgia General Assembly

Phil Lampert, Executive Director of the NEVC. will be making a presentation to a Joint Legislative Committee of the Georgia General Assembly that has been formed to consider the actions or legislation necessary that may result in the eventual production of ethanol in the state of Georgia.  The Legislative Committee has asked Lampert to focus on “What we need to know about ethanol”. 

In addition to presentations from both ethanol and biodiesel advocates, former President Jimmy Carter also will be speaking regarding the need of the United States to develop a domestic fuels program.  President Carter was among the first in the nation that called the nation’s energy crisis of the 1970’s, the “moral equivalent of war”. 

“We are delighted that the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition has been asked by the Georgia General Assembly to participate in this information gathering and education meeting,” commented Lampert.  “Personally speaking, I am honored to be asked to assist former President Carter in his efforts to advance and promote all forms of alternative transportation fuels and also very pleased with the recognition being gained by the NEVC as an advocate for alternative fuels.”

NEVC Calendar

September 26-27, 2002
Fuel Ethanol Thailand at the Regent Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.  For more information, email abfbkk@loxinfo.co.th or email Nuchada Paradeevisut at nuchada@abf-asia.com.

October 6-8, 2002
National Association of Convenience Stores Show at the Orlando County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.  For more information, visit http://www.cstorecentral.com/nacsshow/2002info.asp.

October 15, 2002
Ethanol Workshop for Rural America at the Holiday Inn in Billings, MT.  Kickoff banquet on October 14 in the Stillwater Room of the Holiday Inn at 5500 Midland Rd.  For more information, visit www.ethanolmt.org.

October 22-26, 2002
2002 National Conference of State Fleet Administrators in Mystic, CT.  For more information, contact (623) 772-9096.

October 22, 2002

The Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition will be hosting its annual "Advancing the Choice Alternative Fuel Vehicle" Conference on long Island.  For more information, call 631-969-3700.

October 27-30, 2002
2002 South Carolina Governmental Fleet Managers Association Conference at the Ocean Dunes/Sand Dunes Conference Center in Myrtle Beach, SC.  For more information, visit http://www.scgfma.org/default.htm.

October 28-30, 2002
2002 New Mexico Environmental Health Conference at the Historic Sheraton Old Town in Albuquerque, NM.  For more information, visit www.nmehc.org.

October 31, 2002
The City of Tucson - Department of Operations, Pima County Department of Environmental Quality, Pima Association of Governments, Pima County Superintendent of Schools, and Tucson Unified School District and are presenting a Biofuels Seminar on October 31, 2002 from 7:30 A.M. to noon at the Tucson Convention Center.  For more information, visit www.deq.co.pima.az.us. 

November 13-15, 2002
International Energy Conference and Exposition in Reno, NV.  Register online at www.pteinfo.com or email info@pteinfo.com.

February 17-19, 2003
8^th Annual National Ethanol Conference: Policy and Marketing at the Camelback Inn Marriott Resort in Scottsdale, AZ.  For more information, call BBI International at (800) 567-6411.

February 27 – March 1, 2003
2003 Commodity Classic at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC.  For more information, visit www.commodityclassic.com.

June 16-19, 2003
BBI International’s International Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Trade Show at the Sioux Falls Convention Center in Sioux Falls, SD.  For more information, visit www.bbiethanol.com or email conferences@bbiethanol.com.

CONTACT US. . .

Please feel free to e-mail your story suggestions, comments, corrections or clarifications to us at info@e85fuel.com or call us toll free at 877-485-8595.

Phillip J. Lampert, Executive Director
info@e85.com

Michelle Saab, Director of Communications
info@e85.com

Randa Barker, Director of Administration
info@e85.com

You may view this FYI online at
http://www.e85fuel.com/news/index.htm

NEVC  promotes the use of 85 percent ethanol as a renewable form of alternative transportation fuel while enhancing agricultural profitability, advancing environmental stewardship and promoting national energy independence.