Isobutanol approved for use in US gasoline pumps

Gevo, a leading commercial producer of bio-based isobutanol, confirmed that Underwriter Laboratories (UL) has approved the generic use of up to 16% isobutanol in UL 87A pumps by any manufacturer meeting ASTM specifications. 

This approval will provide opportunities for US distribution/service stations to consider dispensing isobutanol-blended gasoline with present gasoline pumps without the need to purchase new equipment.

For several years, Gevo has been working with UL on final approval to use isobutanol in UL 87A pumps. UL in working with various companies and independent laboratories compiled data for their scientific determination on isobutanol.

Gevo sponsored a large study based on SAE J1681 and using a model created in a previous UL investigation with ethanol-surrogate gasoline fuel blends.

"I am very pleased with what we have accomplished with UL. They are great organization to work with in the commercialization of isobutanol," said Glenn Johnston, executive vice president for regulatory affairs at Gevo. "This removes another hurdle in the commercialization of renewable isobutanol in onroad gasoline."