The business of ethanol production has expanded in the past decade because the demand for ethanol (particularly in the United States) has increased significantly. That reality has led more companies to focus on ways of discovering new outlets for the CO2 byproducts. This developing industry requires reliable, high-quality sealing solutions to ensure compliance with the complex EPA regulations for CO2 emissions.
However, not all ethanol seals are created equally.
That’s why SEPCO, a manufacturer of fluid seals and equipment products, is leading the way in the ethanol market with systems-based sealing solutions, expert installation, after-sales support, and operational training—all core competencies that give the Alabama-based company a competitive advantage in the rapidly-growing industry.
“Sealing for ethanol applications is challenging because the industry involves transporting flammable and highly explosive materials,” says SEPCO Business Development Manager Cody Kaufmann. “A seal failure in an ethanol plant may not cause an explosion due to advanced safety measures that quickly alert operators of these leaks, but an ethanol seal leakage is very costly for companies. This kind of leak imposes expensive fines and penalties, and in worst-case scenarios, can force a plant to shut down until the leak is resolved.”
These catastrophic leaks can negatively impact a company’s bottom line but is easily prevented with quality mechanical seals like those produced by SEPCO’s engineering team.
The EPA enforces regulations on ethanol production facilities requiring them to report emissions under other Subparts of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program if they meet the reporting threshold of 25,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year for all emissions sources covered in the Greenhouse Gas Reporting program. The EPA also has regulatory authority over some antimicrobial products used in the fermentation process of fuel ethanol under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
During the production of ethanol and other biofuels, equipment sealing is challenging. The feedstock used in the process becomes thick and sticky, and it can adhere to certain equipment components—which combined with normal wear and tear over time, can lead to seal failures and leaks.
“At SEPCO, we understand the important role fluid sealing products play in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of your equipment,” Kaufmann says. “Our products provide reliable protection against fluid leaks, contamination, and wear—extending the life of equipment and ensuring smooth day-to-day operation.”
SEPCO manufactures several types of seals for ethanol applications—most commonly, DRP (double seals), which have a self-contained oil lubrication system that keeps the seal cool. Each piece is manufactured to the highest standards, using only the finest materials and state-of-the-art technology for maximum safety.
“We have 30-plus years of experience producing proven products for this industry,” Kaufmann explains. “Our sealing solutions for ethanol work and are very reliable.”
However, it’s SEPCO’s service and support that set it apart from competitors, Kaufmann says.
“When someone calls one of our engineers he doesn’t just say, ‘Here is what you’re going to need for that.’ Instead, our experts visit their plant to ensure that our product is what they need and that the product is installed properly. Of course, you can find quality mechanical seals elsewhere, but SEPCO’s team of engineers offers a systems-based approach and leads the industry in onsite visits. We partner with our customer every step of the way—from the moment installation begins through the training of operational and maintenance personnel. No other company offers this level of customer support. That’s the SEPCO difference.”
For more information about SEPCO’s expertise in supplying the ethanol industry with ideal sealing solutions, please follow this link.
