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V-11 (rev. 1) Propane Dispenser Enforcement Policy
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V-11-r1-E Propane Dispenser Enforcement Policy, in PDF format, 76 KB
Date: 2004-01-15
Bulletin: V-11 (rev.1)
Category: Volume
Replaces: V-11
1.0 Scope
The purpose of this bulletin is to outline the enforcement action to be taken with regard to previously inspected propane dispensers without ATC, the criteria for suitability of equipment, and finally to detail the policy regarding propane dispensers which have not been fully evaluated for the purpose of approval.
2.0 Previously Inspected Devices without ATC
2.1 An existing propane dispenser equipped with a meter of 1-inch or smaller, that does not have an electronic temperature compensator, and that is of an approved type, and was initially inspected prior to September 11, 1991 may continue to be used in trade until the dispenser is replaced, provided that it is equipped with the return-to-zero interlock mechanism.
2.2 For example, a previously certified ¾-inch Neptune meter with a series 600 mechanical register (see SWA-T 2049, rev. 2) may continue to be used in trade until it is replaced. However, to remain in service, the series 600 register must be equipped with the interlock mechanism required by the Notice of Approval.
2.3 Neptune meters that are ¾-inch and that are equipped with mechanical registers model 106 or 111 (round dial) are not approved for use in trade. If found being used in trade, the applicable enforcement action shall be taken.
2.4 An existing meter of 1¼-inch or 1½-inch, equipped with a mechanical register, having a minimum graduation of 0.1 litres, and having received initial inspection prior to September 11, 1991 may continue to be used in trade until the meter is replaced, provided that the meter is used exclusively to refuel trucks. Even the occasional refuelling of automobiles or other small vehicles requires the use of a propane dispenser that conforms to all present requirements.
2.5 A 1¼-inch or 1½-inch meter, that is approved as a high speed propane refueller, and that has been upgraded with an electronic ATC and a return-to-zero interlock mechanism, may be used as a propane dispenser for measuring small quantities, provided that the minimum graduation size of the register does not exceed 0.01 litres and the meter is capable of measuring a quantity of 10 litres or less within the applicable limits of error.
3.0 Pressure Gauges
3.1 The Specifications do not require pressure gauges to be mounted on dispensers. Hence, if a propane dispenser is found without a pressure gauge or with one that is inoperable, there are no grounds for a device rejection even if the dispenser was so equipped when submitted for approval. In the case where there is no pressure gauge, inspectors shall apply a factor of 1.002 to correct for the effect of the pressure of the propane in the meter.
3.2 Any replacement register with an automatic temperature compensator shall be initially inspected in accordance with Measurement Canada Bulletin V-8 "Initial Inspection of Replacement Registers Equipped with Automatic Temperature, Pressure or Density Compensators".
4.0 Propane dispensers which have not been fully evaluated for the purpose of approval
4.1 Background
A number of LPG dispensers were not fully evaluated for approval purposes when they were originally submitted for approval. The reason for this was that Measurement Canada’s Liquid Meter Test Facilities (LMTF) was not completed and no other facilities were available to complete the tests. To allow these devices to be sold, they were issued conditional approvals in accordance with section 3(2) of the Weights and Measures Act. Recently, in an effort to finalize these approval actions, the applicants were contacted. In some cases the manufacturers were no longer in business and others were no longer interested in marketing LPG dispensers. Manufacturers who were still in business and wanted to continue to market their devices were asked to complete the evaluations at the LMTF or other suitable facilities.
4.2 In the case of devices where the manufacturer has gone out of business or is no longer interested in marketing LPG dispensers, it would cause hardship for the owners of the devices if Measurement Canada were to withdraw its approval and require the devices to be removed from service. Additionally, it was determined that in many cases the devices would not be replaced and all users of LPG in those areas would also be unnecessarily penalized. The same would be the case for devices which were completely evaluated and found not to meet all requirements of the Weights and Measures legislation. To minimize the hardship on the owners of these devices and those who depend on their use, as well as ensuring accuracy in the measurement of LPG, the following policy was developed.
5.0 Where the manufacturer has gone out of business or is no longer interested in marketing LPG dispensers, Measurement Canada has finalized the approval action and placed the following restrictions on the devices.
5.1 No further devices of this type will be initially inspected or allowed to be placed into trade service.
5.2 Existing devices are not required to have identification markings updated to reflect new approval numbers.
5.3 Existing devices will be maintained in such a manner as to ensure they provide accurate measurement.
6.0 All enforcement actions for reasons other than measurement error must be reported to the regional volumetric specialist. All requests for the removal of devices, shall be coordinated through the regional volumetric specialist.
7.0 Purpose of Revisions
7.1 Revision 1 was to add sections 4 to 6 which details how Measurement Canada will deal with LPG dispensers which were originally conditionally approved due to absence of test data and have since been moved to full approval, with restrictions. Additionally, the wording in sections 1 to 4 was altered for the sake of clarity. The section dealing with Minimum Measured Quantity was removed at this time.
8.0 Additional Information
For more information on this bulletin, please contact the Regional Volumetric Specialist.
Dennis Beattie
Senior Program Officer
Program Development Directorate
E-mail: beattie.dennis@ic.gc.ca
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Measurement Canada
