Blending and distribution
Widespread distribution of ethanol through a complex system
Bioethanol fuel distribution must be integrated into Switzerland’s fuel distribution system, which is particularly complex. The particular technical properties of ethanol and its blends, the intention to cover the whole of the country, the constraints imposed for tax relief and by quality assurance, mean that all petrol depots supplying tankers for the retail market will have to be adapted. These alterations can be handled by the petroleum industry and will involve:
- petroleum depot installations: ethanol storage facilities and installation of blending equipment to produce essEnce5 (or essEnce10) and ethanol85, as well as installation of gas recovery systems.
- the distribution chain
- service stations selling E85
With respect to this last point, some equipment in conventional service stations will have to be adapted, such as pumps (pipes, pumps, counter) and water treatment (separator). We are still not sure if the automatic oil separators will function properly or not, and cantonal governments are therefore imposing measures to prevent the discharge of E85 components into waste water. The consultancy firm Planair has teamed up with HK SA to provide advice to the companies involved (analysis of the initial situation, analysis of the necessary conversions, cost assessment, preparation, case follow-up, etc.)
Fuel distribution system in Switzerland
Blending ethanol
Ethanol-petrol blending can be carried out at various stages of the petrol distribution and storage chain. In practice, however, various constraints limit blending at petroleum depots and when filling the tankers supplying service stations
- blending in bonded warehouses for refinery products or imported goods, before end distribution;
- blending in other bonded warehouses for end distribution.
