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Research and Development Studies

Research & Development/Studies

  • PHMSA and industry held a February 2007 Research and Development (R&D) Forum addressing new fuels transportation issues and identified technical needs leading to a August 2007 industry blends study.
  • PHMSA released a July 2007 R&D solicitation covering new fuels transportation issues. A diverse Federal, State and industry merit review panel reviewed and evaluated submissions.
    • PHMSA awards six new alternative fuel research projects and is investing $1.7M matched with $3.1M of industry co-funding. The projects addressing ethanol are in line with the recent 2007 Ethanol Roadmap gaps. All these research efforts are addressing integrity threats and will drive knowledge into industry best practices and consensus standards. Type the fuel name under "Project Search" to find out.
  • PHMSA joined an industry ethanol/gasoline blends study that commenced in August 2007. This study is addressing short-term (9-12 months) operational and system integrity issues.
  • PHMSA attended and participated in the October 2007 Ethanol Roadmap Workshop to collaboratively craft an R&D strategy that removes remaining technical barriers.
  • PHMSA solicits additional research on alternative fuels and is addressing a variety of pipeline integrity issues with ethanol, biodiesel, biogas and hydrogen. The physical properties of biofuels and alternative fuels are in significant review by PHMSA on how they affect the integrity of pipeline steels and multiple other pipeline components. These efforts address both the safety of using existing pipelines and potential new pipeline systems.