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One of the most fundamental ways to make sure the Forecourt
is running at peak performance is for operators to commit to a testing,
maintenance and inspection regimen for all hanging hardware. Husky Corporation
includes a check list of important daily, monthly and annual items in the
installation instructions for the company’s general fueling products. The
company produces a full line of fuel nozzles, swivels, break-aways, fuel hoses
and accessories
For conventional fuel nozzles for example, operators should
be checking daily for leaks/stains, loose spouts, damage, bent levers and broken
clips or trigger springs. All drive-aways, maintenance and inspection
activities should be logged using the serial number of the individual products
involved. Any test or equipment failure requires immediate equipment
replacement or removal from service. Longer range nozzle testing should include
the following:
·
Monthly
o
Check the nozzle automatic shut-off between 5-10
gpm /18.9-37 Lpm
o
Check the “remove after” date
·
Annually
o
Check for electrical conductivity
o
Lubricate the valve stem
“These are things operators can do to make sure the
Forecourt is safe. It is a way to do preventive maintenance so they don’t have
a failure that shuts the fueling point down,” said Joe Laschke, Husky
Corporation Technical Service Representative.Dispenser hose condition is a prime area demanding operator Forecourt attention. It also happens to be one of the primary issues cited for violations during inspections by safety regulators. Husky Corporation recommends that fuel pump whip hose and dispensing hose assembly be checked weekly for leaks, kinks, blisters, bulges, flattened areas, soft spots and any cuts or gouges deep enough to expose wire reinforcement beneath the cover. Operators should also check for obvious signs of stress or abuse.
“If operators are not inspecting for bulges in a curb hose, and they just run the hose until failure, someone is probably going to get wet,” Laschke said. “Routine inspections will keep the fueling point up and running. Plus, it will keep customers safe.”
To ensure continuous safe operation of all dispensing
equipment on the Forecourt, the Petroleum Equipment Institute issued PEI/RP500-11,
Recommended Practices for Inspection and
Maintenance of Motor Fuel Dispensing Equipment.
Operators with Forecourt locations that are exposed to
extreme temperature conditions should consider fuel nozzles manufactured for
cold weather. Husky Corporation has a variety of cold weather nozzles designed
to operate in temperatures down to -40° F/C. As a point of reference, standard nozzles
are designed to operate in temperatures down to -15° F (-26° C).
“Cold weather nozzles have poppet seals that are more
pliable in cold temperatures. It seals off the flow of fuel at extreme
temperatures better than a standard seal,” Laschke said. “A standard seal will
get hard because of the cold. And when the nozzle shuts off it may not seat as
well, so there can be some dripping from the nozzle.”
The full “Recommended Installation, Maintenance and
Inspection Instructions” for conventional nozzles referenced here can be found
at http://www.husky.com/wp-content/uploads/product-pdf/009024.pdf
