evaluating marine fuel systems with e20 gasoline

Evaluating Marine Fuel Systems with E20 Gasoline

Harold Haskew & Associates, Inc

October 11, 2007

IBEX 2007

Ethanol in Gasoline?

• Required by the 2005 Federal Energy Act

• Currently limited to 10% by volume

• Expanding Production Capability will soon exceed 10%

• 20% is being discussed

• How Might this Affect the Marine Industry?

Petroleum Use Through 2006

Source: Energy information Admin/Annual Energy Review 2007

Chinese Auto Production

Sources: International Organization of Automobile Manufacturers, (OICA), World Production Statistics.

0

1,000,000

2,000,000

3,000,000

4,000,000

5,000,000

6,000,000

7,000,000

8,000,000

9,000,000

Year of Production

Nu

mb

er

of

Ve

hic

les

Auto Production in India

0

500,000

1,000,000

1,500,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Production Year

Nu

mb

er

of

Au

tom

ob

ile

s P

rod

uc

ed

Source: International Organization of Automobile Manufacturers, OICA Global Auto Production statistics.

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

http://www.ethanolrfa.org/

Overview

• ABYC and NMMA are Sponsoring the Evaluation

• A Quick Look at Impact of 20% ethanol in gasoline on New Marine Systems

• Plastic and metal tanks included

• Sterling Testing Services in Milford, Michigan

Test Hardware• Six Tanks on Test

– Three Aluminum (Florida Marine Tanks)

– Three Cross-linked Poly Ethylene (INCA)

• Delphi Marine Carbon Canisters

• Trident Hoses

• Perko Cap Hardware

• Racor LG50 Liquid/Air Separators

Fuel System Content

Each fuel system contains

1. Tank w/level sender

2. Hoses

3. Vent with Separator

4. Carbon Canister

5. Cap

Fuel Tank Description

• Florida Marine Aluminum Tanks– 23 gallon– 24 gallon– 25 gallon

• INCA Plastic Tanks– 11 gallon– 15 gallon– 28 gallon

Delphi’s Carbon Canister

Test Procedure

• 50% fill with E20 fuel

• Daily temperature cycle - 72 and 105°F

• Weekly drain half the fuel – Check Gauge – Return Fuel to Tank

• Monthly Fuel Change

• Three Month Exposure (Additional Exposure Option)

Summary• ABYC and NMMA are sponsoring the E20

evaluation

• Tests underway at Sterling Testing Services, Milford, MI

• Initial results expected early 2008.