Franklin Fueling Systems has announced that its submersible turbine pumps (STPs) are now UL listed for use in applications containing ethanol concentrations up to 85 percent.

After a rigorous 16-week UL testing procedure in which the FE Petro STP was subjected to demanding exposure testing with aggressive fuel blends, the STP line emerged with positive results to achieve the industry’s first UL approval for STPs to be used in E85 applications.

To achieve the UL listing, Franklin Fueling Systems replaced several of the materials that make up the components used in the STP with those that are resistant to corrosion in applications containing ethanol content up to 85 percent. These enhancements include replacing soft or yellow metals with stainless steel as well as replacing the materials used to fabricate gaskets with other fuel resistant materials.

“This UL listing marks a significant achievement for the FE Petro brand as well as the industry itself,” said Jay Walsh, Vice President, Business Development.

“We feel that this type of future fuel compatibility will only increase across the petroleum equipment industry moving forward. With the EPA showing its support of higher ethanol blends and the current administrations commitment to strengthening the ethanol fuel infrastructure and vehicle fleet, we feel it is only a matter of time before the demand for E85 compatible products will begin to significantly increase.”

Franklin Fueling Systems began shipping all AG (alcohol gas) compatible STPs with the UL marking and upgrades in January, 2010.