How Does it Work? Behind the Scenes of Filling Up

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For most people, getting gas for their vehicle is an unavoidable, routine part of life. We do it because we have to do it.

And while we all know how to operate a gas pump, most don’t realize that there’s a symphony of sensors and probes working together to keep the fuel flowing safely and efficiently.

Today, we’re tackling the first piece of the fueling process, activating the dispenser.

Gas Pump vs. Fuel Dispenser

Yes, there is a big difference between gas pumps and fuel dispensers, even though people use the words interchangeably.

Some countries use gas pumps, which use a pumping device inside the unit to create suction. The pump pulls fuel out of the storage tank and dispenses it through the product lines and nozzles.

In North America, we use fuel dispensers. These units work on a pressurized system using a submersible turbine pump immersed in the underground storage tanks to deliver fuel to the dispenser.

Activating the Dispenser

So what really happens? The customer pulls up to the dispenser, starts a transaction using a Point-of-Sale system like Passport®, removes the nozzle, and selects a grade.

A signal is sent to the Red Jacket® ISOTROL™ 1-8 Control Box. The control box isolates signals from the dispensers, and protects against wiring shorts and phasing issues.

The ISOTROL notifies the TLS-450PLUS Automatic Tank Gauge to activate the  Red Jacket® IQ Smart Control Box and submersible turbine pump.

Now What?

Next week, we’re breaking down the authorization process and how Veeder-Root’s integrated site solutions work together to provide a safe and seamless consumer experience at the gas station.

You can find more information on every step of the process here.

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