Sep 11, 2024
Top 5 Reasons Integrated Automation is a Must for Mid-Market Fuel Retailers
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Top 5 Risks of Clogged Filters on Fuel Flow Rate and How Real-Time Monitoring Helps
Reading Time : 4min read
For retail fuel operators, ensuring a smooth and efficient customer experience at the pump is critical to maintaining a competitive edge. Even motorists who choose a service station based on price are likely to gauge their transaction from beginning to end before determining whether they become, or remain, a regular customer.
One influential factor in shaping this experience is flow rate—the speed at which fuel is dispensed from the nozzle to the vehicle. It may seem like a small pain point, but anyone who’s juggled a busy day knows how much extra stress a longer than anticipated gas stop can add. By the time the nozzle is out of the tank and back in the pump, a frustrated customer may decide not to return anytime soon.
Business Impact of Low Flow
In addition to the obvious influence on customer experience, flow rate issues can directly impact a retail fuel operator’s bottom line. In fact, as flow rate decreases, meter drift can increase, leading to measurement errors of 1% to 2%. As we’ve discussed in previous posts, a small differential across multiple pumps, stations and sites can add up to significant revenue loss for a company. Left undetected, low flow can trigger unnecessary recalibration, small leaks and compliance issues, and is essentially giving away fuel for free.
Clogged Filters – A Common Causes of Low Flow
In most cases, low flow–and the inaccuracies it can trigger—are a result of issues that arise every day in the retail fuel industry. One such common culprit is clogged filters, something that if properly detected and addressed, can have less negative impact.
Fuel dispensers are typically calibrated to measure flow accurately within a certain range of flow rates. When filters become clogged, flow rate decreases, potentially dropping below the range where readings are most accurate. As a result, the dispenser may overestimate or underestimate the amount of fuel being dispensed. Other implications include:
- Increased Pulsation and Inconsistent Flow – Meters designed for consistent flow may struggle to accurately measure fuel during such fluctuations, resulting in inaccurate readings.
- Meter Mechanism Sensitivity – Components in fuel dispensers rely on a certain pressure and flow rate to function correctly. Lower flow rates can affect certain mechanical components, leading to under-registration or over-registration of fuel.
- Time Compensation in Electronic Meters – Some modern fuel dispensers use electronic measurment that can compensate for lower flow rates over time. When flow drops too low due to clogged filters, that compensation may not function correctly, causing inaccuracies in the amount of fuel displayed.
- Pressure Drop Leading to Backflow or Leaks – Clogged filters can create a significant pressure drop in the fuel line, which may cause issues like backflow or small leaks. These can cause discrepancies between the actual amount of fuel delivered and what registers.
- Regulatory Compliance and Error Tolerances – Fuel dispensers must adhere to strict accuracy standards, usually with a small margin of error tolerance (e.g., ±0.5%). Clogged filters can push the system outside of these parameters, leading to non-compliance with metrological standards.
Addressing Low Flow Factors with Integrated Technology
Flow rate decreases over time without proper filter maintenance. But how can integrated technology detect such gradual loss in a way that enables retail fuel operators to fix the issue? To save otherwise lost inventory and revenue, it comes down to real-time monitoring and data analytics:
- An automated system identifies precisely when a flow rate starts to drop off and which filter needs to be changed. Acting quickly avoids downstream effects.
- Full system visibility shows which filters are trending so operators know which might need to be changed in the future. Proactive service planning can avoid issues altogether.
- Using up-to-the-minute data, operators can avoid unnecessary technician calls, and streamline those that are needed, by knowing exactly what fueling positions are affected.
- Time spent troubleshooting is eliminated, reducing downtime. When customers need gas, it’s ready for them.
A comprehensive wetstock management or fuel management solution can help retail fuel operators minimize or eliminate flow-related issues. Titan Cloud’s software solution provides real-time data and predictive analytics, enabling operators to monitor tank levels, equipment status, and flow rates. To learn more, talk to one of our solutions consultants today.
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