Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/147181
[ The post-ethanol fuel future? ] only 67 percent. That means more isobutanol can be blended into gasoline, displacing more fossil fuels without hindering performance. The next step Researchers will continue to evaluate isobutanol this year, with a detailed analysis of the combustion of B16 and cold-weather testing. The DOE also asked the researchers to evaluate a tri-fuel blend of 5 percent ethanol, 8 percent isobutanol and 87 percent gasoline. It almost sounds too good to be true, and there are still more obstacles to overcome before you'll be able to drive down to the corner gas station and fuel up with an isobutanol blend. Most notably, production needs to be ramped up, as only small quantities are currently available. The two major players in the field are Gevo, which is working to convert existing ethanol plants to isobutanol plants, and a joint venture between BP and DuPont called Butamax. While widespread use of isobutanol is probably a few years off, Wasil said he would expect to see small quantities, specifically targeted at marinas, available later this year. An additive warning There are many fuel additives on the market these days that promise to solve a number of problems from protecting marine engines from E15 damage to restoring bad fuel. Many of these additives are making promises they can't deliver, so dealers and marinas need to be very careful about the products they carry, said Jerry Nessenson, president of ValvTect Petroleum Products, which produces both additives and marine fuel. "One of the problems with the fuel additive business is that there are really no specifications for a fuel additive that is sold over the counter," he said. "People can make up any kind of additive, make all kinds of claims and not be consistent with what the engine manufacturers and the refineries would approve of." Because of that, the National Marine Manufacturers Association has been working on developing a standard for additives, similar to the ones in place for two- and four-cycle oils. The NMMA certification would set requirements for testing of additives, Nessenson said. "Once that's completed, it would give dealers some credible information to sell or recommend a product that meets industry specifications," he said. In the meantime, Nessenson offered some advice before deciding whether or not to carry a product. Most importantly, does the product make outrageous claims, like it can "solve E15 problems" or "restore bad fuel?" While there are good products on the market that address E10 (such as ValvTect's Ethanol Gasoline Treatment), there aren't any that can address E15 or restore fuel that has phase separated, Nessenson said. Dealers should also ask if the product meets ASTM specifications for a fuel additive and contains important elements such as a corrosion inhibitor, moisture dispersant and detergent to control carbon deposits. AIRLETTE MFG CORPORATION The Airlette MFG Corporation re-introduces its popular 'Snap-in' vent which now features a unique low profiled Hood to enhance its aerodynamic qualities. This light weight plastic vent is considered to be the optimum in simplified installation to reduce heat build-up, condensation, and mildew problems which normally occur under boat covers and within temporary shelters. Now available in both 'package' and 'bulk' form. Visit the Airlette web-site for more detailed information. AIRLETTE MFG CORPORATION LANTANA, FL Phone: 561-585-8885 www.airlette.com 20 | Boating Industry | July 2013 P18x20-BI13JUL-AlternateFuels.indd 20 www.BoatingIndustry.com 6/5/13 10:16 AM