25 October 2007

Petroclear releases technical bulletin on fuel dispensing filter useage tips when handling ethanol

Albion, IL PetroClear, a division of Champion Laboratories, Inc., has just released a technical bulletin that includes recommendations on proper dispenser filter selection when converting a tank from neat gasoline to an ethanol, from an ethanol blend to neat gasoline, or a conversion to E85. Ethanol is blended in 40 percent of the nation’s gasoline supply, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. As ethanol continues to grow in importance in the petroleum industry, owners of fueling station need to know the warning signs of potential problems due to product conversion, improper tank conversions or phase separation that can result when dealing with ethanol.

PetroClear’s technical bulletin, entitled “PetroClear Gasoline/Gasohol Dispensing Filters,” can be found on the Champion Laboratories’ web site (www.champlabs.com) by clicking on the Fuel Dispensing Filters’ link on the home page. The technical bulletin details how the presence of phase separated ethanol/water is detected by the dispenser filter and what steps should be taken by the station owner or maintenance personnel as a result.

“The technical bulletin is a great reminder for our customers on what types of filters should be used in various situations,” said Al Henager, Director of Sales, PetroClear, a division of Champion Laboratories, Inc. “Our filters act as a warning sign for potential problems in the tank. A slow flow rate is a sign that something might be wrong in the tank — phase separation, excess water, etc.”

The bulletin also includes information on service intervals. PetroClear recommends that its dispenser filters be changed at a minimum after 6 months in service, dispensing 500,000 gallons of fuel, at any point when a reduction in flow rate is noted, or at any time the fuel load composition is changing.

Champion Laboratories, Inc. has grown from a small Midwestern company to become a quality and technology leader and one of the world's largest suppliers of filters and filtration products and related services to the automotive, retail, on-highway and off-highway fleet, heavy-duty and petroleum dispensing industries. Champion Laboratories, Inc., has been a trusted name in filters since 1955, providing high efficiency performance in the most demanding work environments. For more information, visit www.champlabs.com.

Back to News...