Husky 5885 P/V Vent Cleared for Use in California E-85 Storage Tanks

The largest U.S. state by population and vehicle count has a growing number of fueling outlets which offer E-85, which is a term for high-level ethanol-gasoline blends containing 51 to 83 percent ethanol. The fuel can be used in Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV) as an alternative to gasoline.

A recent California news article reported the state has 1.5 million FFV on the road but only 190 fueling stations that dispense E-85. There are more than 3,300 fueling stations across the country where E-85 is available. The fuel produces fewer harmful emissions than gasoline, is less expensive than gasoline, but does not deliver as much fuel efficiency. The article stated E-85 “is experiencing a resurgence in California, with sales volumes more than tripling in the last five years.”

To address the growing market Husky Corporation’s 5885 Pressure/Vacuum (P/V) Vent received approval from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for use in the storage of E-85. The 5885 Pressure/Vacuum (P/V) Vent is designated in CARB Executive Orders VR-101-R and VR-102-S as being E-85 compatible. The vent incorporates three separate valves to control over-pressure and vacuum conditions that arise in storage tanks.

“This approval makes the Husky 5885 P/V vent an outstanding and cost-effective option for fuel dispensing outlets planning to make E-85 available to their customers,” said Tim Schroeder, Product Design Engineer at Husky Corporation.

The 5885 is constructed from materials that are 100 percent compatible for use with E-85. This is important, because certain materials commonly used with gasoline may be incompatible with high-level ethanol blends, causing them to degrade and contaminate the fuel. "Metals that have been shown to degrade over time in the presence of high-level alcohol blends include brass, lead, zinc and lead-based solder. Nonmetallic materials that degrade when in contact with ethanol include natural rubber, polyurethane, cork gasket material, leather, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polyamides, and certain thermoplastic or thermoset polymers," noted an article in Ethanol Producer magazine.

In a letter to Husky Corporation, CARB noted the 5885 P/V vent “has been tested to the latest UL 2583 standard which include E-85 compatibility and was also certified for use with E-85 fuels by the California State Fire Marshal.”

Schroeder noted that the 5885 is certified to less than one third of the CARB EVR Standard CP-201, that allows installation of a maximum of three P/V vents, which reduces installation time. This video shows the installation process of Husky P/V vents and explains some key aspects.

More information about the Husky 5885 P/V vent can be located at https://www.husky.com/husky/pressurevacuum-vents/pv-vent-5885/ or by calling Husky Corporation at 800-325-3558.