Distribution

Distribution net work

Filling pumps for ethanol

Ethanol

Filling pumps for ethanol

Distribution is a very important part when introducing new fuel. It should be easily available for the customers, without causing big investments or freight costs for the distributors. This was a big problem in the US, but not in Brazil, since they made a large investment within a short period. By using blends that are approved by ETBE, minor changes are made in the distribution system in France and other countries with similar investments. Pure ethanol for busses is distributed directly to their garages or service stations with tanks suited for pure ethanol fuel.

Tanking facilities in Sweden
The most important development in the infrastructure of the tanking facilities for fuel flexible cars was initiated during 1994. In February 1995 the first public e85 filling pump was opened in Örnsköldsvik. With the introduction of flexifuel cars the members of filling stations has increased. This has resulted in the establishment of 70(nov.2002)tanking facilities throughout the country from Övertorneå to Malmö. In the beginning OK was the only oil company that completely invested in ethanol, but today all of the competitors have shown their interest.

First blending pump
In Sweden we have developed this system, where we distribute E85 to tanks at the station. In November 1997, the first blending pump in Europe was opened in Örnsköldsvik. A tank with 95 octane petrol was connected to the ethanol pump. In this manner the flexifuel car can be filled with E85, and a normal car can be filled with E5-E25. Today the EU regulations only permit 5% ethanol in petrol.
In the long term E100 should be distributed to the pumps, so that the cars that use fuel cells and on board reformers can also be filled.