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U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Biodiesel Equipment Options

A service station consists of many interconnected pieces of fueling equipment necessary to deliver fuel to vehicles. There are approximately 60 pieces at a station designed to handle fuel and vapor. The equipment delivering fuel to a vehicle includes tanks, pipes, a submersible turbine pump, a dispenser, and hanging hardware. The remainder (and majority) is used to receive fuel and prevent, detect, and contain fuel and vapor releases. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers existing tanks, pipes, and associated underground equipment to be compatible with the biodiesel blend B20 (6% to 20% biodiesel, blended with petroleum diesel). Above-ground equipment must be UL listed for the fuel dispensed. Below-ground equipment must comply with federal code and must either be UL listed for the fuel dispensed or have a letter from the manufacturer stating compatibility with blends above B20. Refer to the Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide for lists of compatible equipment.

Tanks

Most existing tanks are compatible with biodiesel blends up to B100. All existing fuel storage tank manufacturers have issued signed letters stating compatibility with up to B100 per federal requirements. Steel tank standards are listed under UL 58 for flammable fuels and do not test with specific fuels. Fiberglass tank standards are listed under UL 1316, which offers biodiesel test fluids. In the past, all fiberglass tank manufacturers tested with biodiesel blends and met federal codes with compatibility letters. Owens Corning manufactured underground fiberglass tanks between 1965 and 1994 and did not test with biodiesel blends, and therefore was not able to issue a letter stating compatibility.

  • Aboveground Tanks: Aboveground tank manufacturers have also provided statements of compatibility with all biodiesel blends up to B100.
  • Tank Preparation: If an existing tank is compatible, it must be cleaned prior to storing any blend above B5. Biodiesel blends, particularly higher blends, have a solvent effect and will "clean out" and absorb contamination left behind by years of petroleum fuel storage.

Other Underground Storage Tank Equipment

Approximately 99% of installed pipes are made from either fiberglass or a flexible composite and many are compatible with biodiesel blends. The following manufacturers have issued letters to meet federal code stating compatibility with B100: Brugg Pipesystems, NOV Fiberglass Systems (includes Ameron brand), Nupi Americas, and OmegaFlex (requires stainless steel fittings). If planning to store blends above B20, contact Advantage Earth Products, Franklin Fueling, and OPW directly for biodiesel compatibility. Typical warranties for fiberglass and flexible pipes are 30 years and 10 years, respectively.

Stations have a significant amount of equipment underground and in the tank to receive fuel deliveries and to prevent, detect, and contain leaks. This equipment includes, but is not limited to, sumps and accessories, manholes, flexible composite connectors, fill caps and adaptors, entry fittings, overfill prevention, leak detection, sensors, drop tubes, and vents. Multiple manufacturers of underground storage tank components provide equipment compatible with blends above B20.

Aboveground Equipment

Aboveground equipment includes equipment that a consumer is likely to encounter at a station, including the dispenser and hanging hardware. B20 UL-listed equipment is available and should be used to meet federal and local regulations. For instance, all of manufacturer Gilbarco Encore's dispensers sold since January 1, 2014, are UL listed for B20. Manufacturer Wayne Ovation models are all listed for B20 and B20 is an option for Helix models. Husky and OPW offer B20 UL-listed breakaways, nozzles, and swivels. ContiTech’s Flexsteel Futura hose is UL listed for B20.

Shear valves, an important piece of safety equipment, cut off the flow of fuel from the UST to the dispenser to prevent a release in the event of an accident dislodging the dispenser or fire. UL-listed B20 shear valves are available from Franklin Fueling and OPW. Submersible turbine pumps draw fuel from the tank into piping that delivers the fuel to the dispenser. Franklin Fueling and Veeder-Root have UL-listed submersible turbine pumps for B20 and B100.