Proposed Regulations for Portable Fuel Containers

Refueling Spillage Control ProjectJanuary 26, 1999

California Environmental Protection Agency

Air Resources Board

Proposed Regulations for Portable Fuel Containers Workshop

Performance Standards - Section 2472 Exemptions - Section 2473 Innovative Products - Section 2474 Administrative Requirements - Section 2475 Variances - Section 2476 Test Methods - Section 2477 Severability - Section 2478 Next Steps

2472. Performance Standards for Portable Fuel Containers

Automatic shut-off Automatic closure No secondary vent Minimum fuel flow rate(s) Maximum permeation rate Warranty Removed displaced vapor collection standard

Automatic Shut-Off Stops the fuel flow when the target fuel tank

reaches a sufficient level Eliminates refueling spillage Ideal for hand held equipment with small volume

fuel tanks Actually makes refueling all equipment easier Currently available spouts & spout/container

combinations simple to use, require no special training or skills

Automatic Closure Container remains closed when not in use and

automatically closes after the refueling event Together with no secondary vent specification

this eliminates Transport losses, Storage losses, and substantially mitigates breathing losses

Impossible to store containers with open spouts Spouts won’t need to be removed for container

storage For average consumers: no more gasoline odor

in your vehicle during transport

No Secondary Vent Only one opening for both filling and pouring Imperative for proper automatic shut-off

operation. Makes the fuel container relatively tamper proof With the decrease in overall flow rates

compared to conventional containers, eliminates the temptation to open the vent to increase fuel flow rates

Manual venting of container done through spout

Minimum Fuel Flow Rate

Nominal capacities 2.5 gallons not less than 1 gallon per minute

Nominal capacities 2.5 gallon not less than 2 gallons per minute

Must maintain a minimum fuel flow rate to satisfy the end user

Removes the temptation to tamper with the container Considering adding third specification for hand held

equipment

Draft Fuel Flow Rate Data Gravimetric test with all containers half filled,

approximately 1000 grams of fuel dispensed per test 1.25 gallon Vemco - 0.54 gal/min 1.25 gallon Safe-Spout - 1.5 gal/min 2.5 gallon Vemco - 1.9 gal/min 2.5 gallon SmartFill - 1.1 gal/min Average 1.25 gallon conventional - 1.6 gal/min Average 2.5 gallon conventional - 2.6 gal/min

Maximum Permeation Rate Does not exceed 0.2 grams for any 24-hour

period as determined by (TM XX) Testing not complete, development of test

method dependent upon initial testing Draft standard based on anticipated permeation

rate of 1.5 grams/gallon/day and a barrier effectiveness of 90%

1.5 grams/gal/day X 10% = 0.15

Maximum Permeation Rate Permeation appears to be a function of temperature and

wetted surface area Increased container wall thickness only provides a

transient solution - eventually permeation will occur at steady state rates

Since spill-proof containers will undoubtedly have thicker walls than conventional containers, ASTM F 852 test for Permeability will not accurately define true permeation rates

Permeation test must include sufficient time for preconditioning to saturate the HDPE with fuel to reach steady state permeation

Testing will include a barrier feasibility study - fluorination & sulfonation

Warranty

Warranted for a period of one year against defects in materials and workmanship

Due to the anticipated increase in the per unit cost of a spill-proof container as compared to a conventional container, this warranty deemed necessary to protect the consumers investment and to instill confidence at the point of sale

2472. Performance Standards for Portable Fuel Containers

Target implementation date - 1/1/2001 Section 2472 provides a 1 year sell-through Eligibility in the sell-through requires containers to

clearly display date of manufacture or representative date

2473. Exemptions

Products manufactured in California for shipment, sale, and use outside of California

Type I and Type II safety cans Containers with nominal capacities 1 quart Considering ‘rapid refueling’ devices used in organized

racing/competition events under the auspices of a recognized sanctioned body

2474. Innovative Products

Creates a process for products using new designs, delivery systems, or other factors to meet the regulatory requirements

Intended to encourage research and creative development of spill-proof systems

Our goal is to ensure that the proposed regulation does not discourage further research and development of portable refueling containers

2475. Administrative Requirements

Labeling requirement - “California Spill-Proof Container”

Provides identification for consumers at point of sale and identifies products during sell-through period

Considering adding flow-rate labeling requirement

2476. Variances

Provides relief to any person who cannot comply with the proposed regulation due to extraordinary reasons beyond the person’s resonable control

ARB is currently seeking input from manufacturers and other interested parties to define small volume manufacturers

Possibly example: extraordinary economic hardship

2477. Test Methods

ASTM F15.10 subcommittee is currently working on Provisional Standard Specification for Self-Closing Spouts

Where possible we will incorporate by reference ASTM Standards

Test method development for flow rate testing is currently being considered

Test method development for permeation will move forward once baseline and barrier feasibility tests are complete

2478. Severability

Each part of this article is deemed severable, and in the event that any part of this article is held to be invalid, the remainder of this article continues in full force and effect

Next Steps

Consensus needed on flow rate issues Complete permeation testing and barrier feasibility

tests Identify acceptable test method for the

determination of permeation rates

More Information

www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/spillcon/spillcon.htm Workshop presentation will be posted on the web

site Check the web site for a list of FAQ’s Dean Bloudoff (916) 263-2070 dbloudof@arb.ca.gov