Report posted Sept. 29, 2009, at 2:21 p.m. CST

Growth Energy and Veyance Technologies Inc. have partnered to gain approval for a liquid fuel hose capable of dispensing ethanol from blender pumps. Underwriters Laboratory has received the hose and will begin the costly process of approving the hose. Growth Energy's role is mainly confined to financing the review.

"Veyance Technologies is pleased to be in a position to make the submission to UL for its review and consideration," Paula Russell, Veyance Technologies spokeswoman said. "We have invested significant resources in development of a curb-pump hose and are confident it will meet the robust UL standards. We appreciate the financial support being provided by Growth Energy that is allowing us to submit the hose without further delay. The UL certification testing process is expensive and Growth Energy's financial support has been critical in allowing us to move forward with the effort."

Veyance Technologies is the exclusive manufacturer of Goodyear Engineered Products. In addition to industrial hose, Veyance markets Goodyear-branded air springs, automotive belts and hoses, power transmission products, conveyor belts and services, hydraulic hose, rubber track and molded products.

"For the past three years, our efforts to promote an open fuel market where consumers have a choice about what kind of fuel to pump have been stymied by regulatory obstacles to establishing a certified fuel dispensing system," Bernie Punt, Growth Energy board member, said. "Most state and local fire officials require UL certification or similar accreditation. The submission by Veyance Technologies is a landmark step in completing the higher-level blender certification process and opens the market so consumers have more choices of fuel."

Final certification and approval of the hose is expected by spring 2010. UL has not reviewed a hose for ethanol dispensing since revising its standards in 2006.