GREENSBORO, N.C. — When consumers pull into a gasoline station, they expect to refuel their vehicles quickly and resume their commute or trip. But if the fuel dispenser’s flow rate is slow, consumers say they will most likely not return to the retailer’s location, which is a slap at gross margin dollars. It’s important to realize that the design, capacity and condition of components throughout the system for storing and dispensing gasoline can affect flow rate.
When flow rate drops, it’s standard practice to change filters in dispensers; however, clogged filters are not the only component that can restrict flow. Retailers should also run a stress test at peak demand times to discover how much flow has declined and attempt to identify the cause (or causes).
Some things that can combat flow rate loss:
Replace Hanging Hardware
Nozzles are the one component where most pressure drop occurs, but retailers often do not realize it. Typically, 30% to 35% of hanging hardware is changed by retailers each year, creating a real opportunity to improve flow rate by installing components rated for higher gallons per minute (GPM). At high-volume locations, where operators replace as much as 80% of their hanging hardware each year due to wear and tear, the improvement in flow rate with higher-GPM components can be significant.
Understand Pressure Loss in Hoses
Whip and 9-foot hoses on each dispenser are subjected to the elements and high levels of wear and tear. Be sure to check for cracks, kinks, discoloration or leaks in the hoses, and replace if any of these are visible. And because hoses are easily replaced, retailers should consider upgrading these components to hoses rated for the least pressure lost across 10 GPM.
Change Fuel Filters
Fuel filters protect dispensing equipment and consumers’ vehicles by removing particles from gasoline. Over time, those contaminants can clog filters, so it’s understandable that retailers would suspect the filters as the cause of slow flow rates. It can be, but that’s not always the case, so retailers need to look above and beyond filters to identify ways to improve flow.
The procedure can take up to 30 minutes and disrupt sales. Each dispenser must be shut down while the older filter is removed and a new one is installed.
Filter manufacturers recommend replacing fuel filters every 300,000 gallons or every six months as part of routine maintenance. Smaller retailers might typically choose to change filters once a year, based on the volume of fuel dispensed, while high-volume locations might need to change filters as frequently as once per month.
Upgrade STPs and Dispensers
If retailers can rebuild an existing site, they should consider upsizing the configuration of submersible turbine pumps (STPs, pictured) and the diameter and layout of the underground pipes. While capital expenditure is required, such an investment—when properly assigned—will improve the flow rate above what the existing hardware can deliver, resulting in retaining local customers.
Older installations typically have 1.5-inch outside diameter (OD) piping underground. Consider replacing it with 2-inch OD piping to improve overall system capacity.
Options for STP configurations include parallel or series with dual pumps that provide backup and reliable flow rates to meet peak demand. STPs are available in both fixed-speed and variable-speed versions, but a variable-speed STP can provide a more consistent flow rate.
Just like the dispensers above ground, submersible pumps have a long life span, so retailers should carefully evaluate the business case for investing in new pumps sooner as part of a project to upgrade dispensers equipped with digital technology that can process credit-card payments.
Retailers and consumers alike expect flow rates at gasoline stations that are fast but also reliable and consistent. By taking these steps, they can help provide a better customer experience at the pump.
Monica Arroyave is director of marketing for forecourt products for Gilbarco Veeder-Root, Greensboro, N.C. She works with retailers to make sure Gilbarco equipment provides outstanding fueling experiences for their consumers.
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