Services		CFTM		Approvals		Electricity		Volume
Sector Review		Authorized Service  Providers		Consumer Page		Natural Gas		Mass

V-01 Hose Lengths on Fuel Dispensers for Motor Vehicles, Watercraft and Aircraft

PDF Format

Date: 1991-09-30
Bulletin: V-01-E
Category: Volume
Document(s): W&M Regs. sections 238, 265, 272

1.    This bulletin outlines the policy relating to installation of hoses on motor fuel dispensers, including high speed (truck) refuellers.

2.    In this bulletin, "dispenser" means a measuring device with a capacity of less than 225 litres per minute, installed with or without a cabinet, and used for the measurement of fuel for motor vehicles, watercraft and aircraft.

3.    Sections 238 and 272 of the Weights and Measures Regulations require any component part of a device to be installed and used in a manner that will permit accurate measurement. Accordingly, the length of hoses on dispensers has been limited to a maximum of 5 metres due to measurement errors caused by hose expansion. Some types of "soft wall" hose can expand up to 15 millilitres/metre at 207 kPa.

4.    Recent tests on "hard wall" hoses have demonstrated that it is possible to maintain the required accuracy with lengths exceeding 5 metres (expansion did not exceed 2.8 millilitres/metre). Consequently, Measurement Canada will consider the use of hoses exceeding 5 metres under the following conditions:

4.1    All delivery lines, including, piping and hoses downstream of a meter must be as short as possible to minimize inaccuracy due to expansion.

4.2    Unless otherwise allowed by Notice of Approval, the inside diameter of the hose shall not exceed 2.54 centimetres.

4.3    The hose on a dispenser should not normally be longer than 5 metres. If a trader wishes to use a longer hose, he may do so, provided that the dispenser maintains its accuracy within the applicable limits of error for accuracy and repeatability (including expansion). When a hose exceeds 5 metres, or an inspector has reason to believe that the quality of a hose is causing a measurement error due to expansion, the following test shall be performed:

4.3.1    Perform a full-flow test. Note the result (turn off dispenser).

4.3.2    Open the nozzle to relieve pressure in the hose, paying attention not to lose any product due to gravity in the case of a faulty anti-drain valve.

4.3.3    Close the nozzle and drain test measure. Start the dispenser. Open the nozzle and proceed with another full-flow test. Note the result.

4.3.4    During these tests the dispenser must remain within the applicable limits of error:

4.3.4.1     ±100 millilitres on a test volume of 20 litres for conventional dispensers or high speed dispensers;

4.3.4.2     ±625 millilitres on a test volume of 250 litres for truck refuellers.

5.    If a dispenser performs within the limits prescribed in paragraph 4.3.4 above and otherwise meets all applicable regulatory requirements, it will be certified, with the length of hose noted on the Inspection Certificate for future reference. If a dispenser does not perform within these limits, it shall be non-verified pursuant to sections 238, 265 and 272 of the Regulations.

6.    This policy applies equally to dispensers at service stations, marinas, and airports. Because each installation is different, each must be evaluated on its own merits within the guidelines established herein.

7.    It may be useful to maintain a file of notes, sketches and other information relating to these devices as some of them may only be used seasonally and the installation may vary each year.

8.    For additional information, please contact:

Ted Kingsbury
Senior Program Officer, Volume Measurement
Measurement Canada