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Learn about EPA regulations on boat fuel emissions and the testing procedures required for compliance, including automatic shut-off nozzle usage and capacity testing. DIY testing equipment options and lab testing costs also provided.
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Boat Refueling Standard • The Environmental Protection Agency has promulgated regulations regarding the evaporative and diurnal emissions for gasoline spark ignition marine engines and fuel systems in 40 CFR Chapter 1060. • In addition, EPA rules state that the consumer can reasonably expect that a refueling event will not result is any fuel spillage. • Fuel release from vent • Spit back • Well back
Boat Refueling Standard • EPA deferred refueling standards to ABYC stating that, “If the industry does not address and solve this problem the EPA will and you will not like the result”. • EPA supplied a grant to ABYC to conduct testing to establish limits for such a standard. • ABYC set up a Fuel and Vent Sub Committee to develop a standard that addressed these issues.
Boat Refueling Standard • Subcommittee actions included: • a survey of marinas to establish what refueling rates exist currently. • A refueling test program that was conducted at an independent lab on a variety of boats. • A recommendation to add all requirements to H-24 • The refueling test was completed: • At different fuel flow rates (based on a marina flow rate survey) • At different pitch angles (bow high, bow low) • At different roll angles (tilt to starboard, tilt to port)
Boat Refueling Standard • This refueling test led to the following conclusions: • A standardized method of determining capacity was needed • Standard automatic shut off nozzles must be used for all testing • There are different requirements for boats that are trailered (filled at gas stations) and non- trailered boats (filled at marinas). • A simple (inexpensive) test method was needed
Refueling Provisions of H-24 • Standardized method of rating tank capacity • Based on SAE J398, the rated capacity of the system represents the amount of fuel the system will hold when in static floating position, and filled between the run-out level of fuel and the level of fuel when the automatic fuel nozzle has been activated the second time after the initial shutoff. • This capacity, the boat’s static float plane and the length of the boat are used as the basis for all other automatic shutoff tests and emission component tests.
Refueling Provisions of H-24 • Automatic shutoff testing: • Testing is conducted with tanks being filled between one-fourth and three-fourths rating capacity for systems under 100 gallons. For systems 100 gallons or greater, a minimum of 25 gallons from rating capacity must be removed. • For Boats under 26 feet • Heel angles: 4° starboard down, 4° port down • Trim angles: 4° bow up, 4° bow down • Flow rates: 4 GPM minimum and 10 GPM maximum • For Boats over 26 feet • Static float position • Flow rates: 4 GPM minimum and 18 GPM maximum • No spitback and/or wellback at any prescribed fill rate or angle is permitted • No measurable liquid can accumulate in emission components and other areas of the boat’s fuel system that are not intended to contain or be exposed to liquid. • The vent system must operate.
Refueling Provisions of H-24 • Fuel Temperature Rise Testing: • Testing is conducted with tank filled to rated capacity with a fuel temperature rise of 60° F starting at a minimum of 60° F. This can be actual fuel temperature increase or maintaining temperature and simulating volumetric thermal expansion. • No measurable liquid can accumulate in emission components and other areas of the boat’s fuel system that are not intended to contain or be exposed to liquid. • The vent system must operate. For Boats under 26 feet • Heel angles: 7° starboard down, 7° port down • Trim angles: 17° bow up, 17° bow down • For Boats over 26 feet • Heel angles: 2° starboard down, 2° port down • Trim angles: 4° bow up, 4° bow down
Refueling Provisions of H-24 • NOTE: A test to determine compliance with the requirements of H-24.18.1 through H-24.18.4 may be performed on a representative installation or determined by using design software.
Refueling Provisions of H-24 • DIY • Equipment to do testing yourself under $5K • Accurate flow meter • Pump with shut off nozzle • Transfer pump • Jacks, jack stands, wheel chocks ramps, etc. • Independent Lab • Cost to have testing performed at lab under $1K per configuration