Fuel Dispensing Equipment

Fuel dispensing equipment is responsible for the transfer, dispensing, or pumping of liquid fuel into engine systems, portable containers, or storage tanks. Fuels most commonly used in fuel dispensing equipment include diesel, petrol, oil, and kerosene.

Fuel dispensing equipment typically comes together to create a complex fuel delivery system using pressure to supply fuel. Common components include pipelines, check valves, delivery nozzles, discharge hoses, and automatic valves, all of which work to create a continuous flow of fuel towards the delivery nozzle, whilst regulating flow.

Fuel dispensers rely upon the simultaneous use of an electronic reading system and physical mechanical system to deliver a consistent flow of fuel, typically to a delivery nozzle. Whilst the electronic system is typically responsible for flow regulation (governing fuel pressure and volume), the mechanical components of a fuel dispenser uses pumps and valves, alongside an electric motor, to deliver the fuel.

Often, fuel dispensers will dispense using suction, creating a lower pressure within the fuel tank, and higher pressure outside, leading fuel up the delivery hoses towards the nozzle, at which point it is delivered.

Oil flow meters are the best way to measure oil flow during dispensing or delivery. RPM Fuels stock a great range of oil & fuel flow meters suitable for a wide variety of uses; our selection includes both mechanical and digital flow meters able to measure oil, diesel, fuel, or heating oil. Fuel flow meters are essential in the management and monitoring of fuel quantities as they are dispensed.

Oil flow meters are designed to meet the high demands needed for commercial and agricultural use.

Fuel nozzles, or dispensing nozzles, are the final component in the fuel dispensing system. They can be used to activate and control the flow and delivery of fuel and oil from one source to another. Often produced in both automatic and manual formats, fuel nozzles are commonly equipped with a variety of features, some of which are listed below;

• Colour coded nozzles labelled according to fuel type to be dispensed
• Sized nozzles – ensure compatibility with vehicles or machinery
• Breakaway valves – allow for the safe interruption of fuel flow should a vehicle drive away mid-refuel
• Pressure sensitivity – ensures flow is restricted until the system is pressurised
• Dual plane designs – allow for fuel delivery from a number of angles thanks to the inclusion of a swivel joint

Automatic fuel nozzles offer a convenient, arguably safer alternative to traditional manual fuel nozzles. Also known as auto shut off nozzles, automatic nozzles will restrict or stop the flow of fuel or oil when the tank being filled reaches full capacity, preventing fuel loss and overflow, and allowing for peace of mind.

Automatic nozzles are produced with a variety of flow rates, allowing for use with different fuels, and across a number of industries. They are typically labelled for use with a specific fuel, e.g. diesel.

There are a number of causes of a noisy fuel pump, many of which may be resolved through a service or repair – whilst others may require a fuel pump replacement.  Some of the most common causes of noise within a tank fuel pump include;

Damaged vanes -any damaged vanes causing noise can be replaced relatively inexpensively.

Blocked filters – noise may be a sign of a blocked or full filter or inlet. Whilst filters should be replaced, inlets should be accessed and cleaned.

Worn or damaged bearings – this is a more significant issue and typically requires inspection by a professional.

Air leaks – most commonly found on the cover plate, air leaks are a common source of noise. This may be resolved by tightening the cover plate, or replacing the o-ring seal.

There are a number of reasons for slow/stopped oil flow counters, some of which include:

• Calibration –  the flow meter may have simply lost calibration, and be miscounting as a result. This can be resolved relatively simply through recalibration – refer to the pump manufacturer’s website or instruction booklets for product-specific instructions.

• Flow rate – the flow rate occurring must be within the minimum and maximum specifications of the flow meter. If these requirements are not met, the flow may not be measured correctly, or at all. In this case, a new, compatible, flow meter may need to be purchased to resolve the issue.

• Power issues – if the flow meter is battery powered, it may simply be low on power. Inserting a new battery may resolve the issue.

There are no universal guidelines for how often an oil or fuel flow meter should be recalibrated – though the manufacturer’s specifications should be followed where possible. If functioning correctly throughout the year, fuel flow meters should be checked on an annual basis, usually as part of a service or cleaning.

Of course, if issues arise before this, it is worth either investigating the issue independently or calling an OFTEC registered technician to inspect the fuel flow meter and the surrounding system.

There are a few reasons your fuel dispensing nozzle may be subject to continuous or early shutoff. These include;

• Sensing port issues – the blockage of the automatic sensing port with debris such as sand or grit kay cause premature shutoff. In addition to this, damage to the end of the nozzle may have a similar effect. Ensure your nozzle is clean of debris prior to dispensing, and this issue may be resolved.

• Flow rate – the flow rate occurring must be within the minimum and maximum specifications of the nozzle. If these requirements are not met, the flow may not be measured correctly, or at all. In this case, a new, compatible, nozzle may need to be purchased to resolve the issue.

• Fuel entry type – the space into which the fuel or oil is being dispensed may be complex or poorly designed, resulting in splashback and automatic shutoff. This may be resolved by slowing the dispense rate.