A fuel dispenser is a type of fuel retail equipment that has developed alongside the advancement of automobiles and road transportation. It is a metering tool and equipment used for dispensing fuel into motor vehicles and containers. Here is a detailed introduction to fuel dispensers:

I. Classification

• Based on whether the equipment is equipped with a fuel pump: it can be divided into self-priming pump fuel dispensers and submersible pump fuel dispensers.

• Based on flow rate: it can be divided into regular fuel dispensers and high-flow fuel dispensers.

• Based on payment methods: it can be divided into card-connected fuel dispensers and non-card-connected fuel dispensers.

• Other classifications: there are also self-service fuel dispensers and fuel dispensers with vapor recovery functions.

II. Structure

Fuel dispensers are mainly composed of electronic and mechanical parts. They are divided into fuel dispensing modules, fueling control modules, and mechanism modules according to functional modules. Among them, card-connected fuel dispensers are equipped with additional payment modules, self-service fuel dispensers have self-service modules, and fuel dispensers with vapor recovery functions are also equipped with vapor recovery devices.

• Self-priming pump fuel dispensers: mainly composed of explosion-proof motors, explosion-proof junction boxes, power supply devices, self-priming pumps, flow meters, explosion-proof solenoid valves, fuel nozzles, nozzle lifting switches, encoders (sensors), computer devices, display screens, keyboards, and anti-cheating devices.

• Submersible pump fuel dispensers: mainly composed of flow meters, power supply devices, submersible pump control boxes, shut-off valves, solenoid valves, fuel nozzles, nozzle lifting switches, encoders (sensors), computer devices, display screens, keyboards, and anti-cheating devices.

III. Development History

Since its inception in the early 20th century, fuel dispensers have roughly undergone four stages of development:

• The first stage was manual fuel dispensers, which worked similarly to the piston of a steam engine, compressing fuel manually.

• The second stage was mechanical fuel dispensers, characterized by a combination of electric and manual operation, allowing fuel to be dispensed either by an electric pump or by manually turning a belt.

• The third stage was electronic fuel dispensers, characterized by the application of computer technology to fuel dispensers, with computer boards controlling fuel dispensing, making the process convenient, fast, and accurate.

• The fourth stage is fully computerized tax-controlled fuel dispensers, characterized by the application of networking, communication management, and IC card technology to fuel dispensers, enabling functions such as network management, convenient payment, and value-added services.

IV. Usage and Maintenance

• When cleaning fuel dispensers, use a damp, pure cotton cleaning cloth for wiping. Avoid using fabrics made of chemical fiber or silk and avoid using corrosive liquids. Never wash fuel dispensers with water.

• The pipeline pit under the fuel dispenser base should be filled with fine sand and checked and replaced regularly.

• When fueling, avoid vigorously pulling or twisting the breakaway valve and avoid touching the air-to-liquid ratio adjustment nut.

• The filter screen should be regularly removed and cleaned. For newly opened gas stations, it should be cleaned twice a week for the first two months of use and once a month thereafter. Replace it if damaged.

• The explosion-proof electrical maintenance of fuel dispensers should be performed by qualified electrical personnel.

V. Verification and Regulation

• According to the national measurement verification regulation "Verification Regulation of Fuel Dispensers (Trial)", the maximum permissible error within the flow range of fuel dispensers is ±0.3%.

• Fuel dispenser manufacturers need to pass the type test conducted by the type evaluation institution and obtain the measurement instrument type approval certificate issued by the provincial government's metrological administrative department before they can manufacture fuel dispensers.

• The State Administration for Market Regulation and other departments regularly carry out special actions to combat fuel dispenser cheating to crack down on metering fraud.

In summary, fuel dispensers are important equipment at the sales terminals of the fuel retail industry. Their accuracy, safety, and convenience are of great significance for protecting consumer rights and promoting the healthy development of the fuel retail industry.