The Hidden Challenges of Inaccurate Fuel Dispensing
Flow rate monitoring is a process of measuring the volume and speed at which fuel flows from a dispenser's nozzle. Most marketers typically try to achieve 8-10 gallons per minute (GPM) at each fuel point, with 10 being the maximum GPM allowed. Monitoring these flow rates helps marketers identify slow flow rates which can be an indication of a problem within the fuel system or even an indication of fuel theft. Slow flow rates can also be a considerable inconvenience to customers, as it takes longer than usual to fill up their vehicle. This negatively impacts customer experience and may lead to a loss of business if the issue persists.
Without proper flow rate monitoring, marketers may not be able to easily identify problems that are affecting their bottom line and customer service. Petroleum marketers play a crucial role in the fueling industry by ensuring that fuel is delivered safely, efficiently, and accurately to their customers, but what happens when it’s not?
Proactive Maintenance
Slow flow rates can often indicate that a dispenser filter needs to be changed. Without flow rate monitoring, this problem can remain undetected for an extended period of time and negatively impact customer experience. This can result in customer complaints and even damage to a station’s reputation; driving customers to seek alternative locations when filling up.
Flow rate monitoring can help detect the gradual decrease in flow rates allowing operators to schedule maintenance proactively. This helps marketers address the situation before it negatively impacts their customers.
Costly Malfunctions
Without flow rate monitoring, it can be challenging to detect and prevent some flow-related equipment malfunctions within the fueling system. For example, if a dispenser’s flow rate drops significantly and a customer is filling their vehicle, the nozzle’s automatic shut off may fail to activate. This can lead to significant fuel spillage and create a hazardous environment cleanup.
With flow rate monitoring, marketers would be able to create custom notifications to alert them to slow flow rates and address the issue before it impacts business operations, helping avoid malfunctions and downtimes.
Non-Compliance with Regulations
Many states have regulations that require fuel dispensing equipment to be calibrated regularly to ensure accuracy. Without flow rate monitoring, petroleum marketers and distributors may not be aware of any inaccuracies in their equipment, leading to non-compliance with these regulations. This can result in fines and penalties, which can be costly.
Utilizing flow rate monitoring, marketers are able to generate daily reports on flow rate performance. This helps station operators verify their systems are accurately dispensing fuel and are compliant to state regulations.
Monitor and Maintain Your Flow Rates with the EVO™ Series
Marketers need a reliable flow rate monitoring system in place to monitor their system for any irregularities. A reliable flow rate monitoring system can ensure accurate fuel dispensing, compliance with regulations, and timely detection of equipment malfunctions. By investing in a flow rate monitoring system, marketers can save money on equipment maintenance and repairs, avoid legal disputes, and maintain a positive reputation among their customers.
Improve dispenser throughput and maintain fast flow rates with the ability to detect and react to potential slow flow issues before they impact business with Flow Rate Monitoring. Flow rate monitoring is available as a software option on new EVO™ Series consoles or as a field upgrade option on existing models. Flow Rate Monitoring delivers ongoing flow rate performance data including flow rates for each fueling point and provides a notification if transactions dip below a user-defined set point.
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