Fuel Transfer Pumps

Summary of Fill-Rite Model 1210 Fuel Transfer Pump (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.35 MB)

The flowrate for the Fill-Rite Model 1210 fuel transfer pump, when pumping diesel fuel with a fully charged 12 volt battery at zero suction and discharge heads was 45 L/min (9.9 gal/min). Increasing the suction head to 0.9 m (3 ft) and the discharge head to 2.7 m (9 ft) resulted in a 9% reduction in flowrate. Maximum measured flowrate was 8% less than the manufacturer's stated capacity. It took from 5 to 5.5 minutes to fill a 225 L (50 gal) tractor fuel tank located about 1 m (3.3 ft) above a fuel supply tank.

Power consumption at 12 volts was 216 watts with a corresponding current draw of 18 amps. A fully charged 12 volt battery could operate the pump for several hours without recharging.

The Fill-Rite 1210 was very portable. The pump was difficult to install in a fuel supply tank since the bung adaptor did not rotate relative to the pump body and the entire pump body and hose had to be turned. Electrical connections were simple. During the 30 minute continuous duty cycle, specified by the manufacturer, from 1 230 to 1 350 L (271 to 297 gal) could be pumped.

The Fill-Rite 1210 was equipped with a suction screen that was easily serviced by removing the bung adaptor from the pump body.

The Fill-Rite was safe to operate if normal safety precautions for transferring fuel were observed.

Operating instructions and a parts list were supplied with the pump.

No mechanical problems occurred during the test.

Summary of Model 5012 Series (Model 02-820-012) Fuel Transfer Pump (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.46 MB)

The flowrate for the Mico 5012 Series fuel transfer pump when pumping diesel fuel with a fully charged 12 volt battery at zero discharge head was 60 L/min (13.2 gal/min). Increasing the discharge head to 2.7 m (9 ft) resulted in a 12% reduction in flowrate. Maximum measured flowrate was the same as the manufacturer's stated capacity of 60 L/min (13.2 gal/min). It took about 4 minutes to fill a 225 L (50 gal) tractor fuel tank located about I m (3.3 ft) above the fuel supply tank.

Power consumption at 12 volts was 324 watts with a corresponding current draw of 27 amps. A fully charged 12 volt battery could operate the pump for a few hours without recharging.

The Mico 5012 was very portable and was very easy to install in a fuel supply tank since it was equipped with a rotating bung adaptor. Electrical connections were simple. The motor had a 30 minute continuous duty cycle. As a result, from 1 590 to 1 800 L (350 to 396 gal) could be continuously pumped before the motor had to be allowed to cool.

The Mico 5012 was equipped with a screen located at the bottom of the impeller housing and could be easily serviced.

The Mico 5012 was safe to operate if normal safety precautions for transferring fuel were observed.

A well illustrated parts list and comprehensive operating instructions were provided.

Two problems occurred during the test. Force was required to insert the standpipe into most fuel supply tanks since the impeller housing was slightly larger than the 50 mm (nominal 2 inch NPT) fuel supply tank opening. The outlet hose was soft and kinked at the ends.

Summary of Mico Model VP-1(02-820-100) Fuel Transfer Pump (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.38 MB)

The flowrate for the Mico Model VP-1 fuel transfer pump, when pumping diesel fuel with a fully charged 12"volt battery at zero suction and discharge heads was 39 L/min (8.6 gal/min). Increasing the suction head to 0.9 m (3 ft) and the discharge head to 2.7 m (9 ft) resulted in a 36% reduction in flowrate. Maximum measured flowrate was 20% less than the manufacturer's stated capacity. It took from 6 to 6.5 minutes to fill a 225 L (50 gal) tractor fuel tank located about 1 m (3.3 ft) above the fuel supply tank.

Power consumption at 12 volts was 216 watts with a corresponding current draw of 18 amps. A fully charged 12 volt battery could operate the pump for several hours without recharging.

The Mico VP-1 was very portable. The pump was difficult to install in a fuel supply tank since the bung adaptor did not rotate relative to the pump body and the entire pump body and hose had to be turned. Electrical connections were simple. The motor had a continuous running time of 30 minutes. As a result, from 750 to 1170 L (165 to 257 gal) could be continuously pumped before the motor had to be allowed to cool.

The Mico VP-1 was equipped with a suction screen that was easily serviced by removing the bung adaptor from the pump body.

The Mico VP-1 was safe to operate if normal safety precautions for transferring fuel were observed.

A well illustrated parts list and comprehensive operating instructions were provided.

No mechanical problems occurred during the test.

Summary of Scienco Model VP-15X Vacu Pump (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.38 MB)

Flowrate for the Scienco Model VP-15X fuel transfer pump, operating from an engine intake manifold vacuum of 64 kPa (9.3 psi), when pumping diesel fuel at zero suction and discharge heads, was 44 L/min (9.7 gal/min). Increasing the suction head to 0.9 m (3 ft) and the discharge head to 2.7 m (9 ft) reduced the flowrate to 40 L/min (8.8 gal/min). Maximum measured flowrate was 23% less than the manufacturer's stated capacity. It took from 5 to 5.5 minutes to fill a 225 L (50 gal) tractor fuel tank located about I m (3.3 ft) above the fuel supply tank.

Flowrate decreased slightly with decreased manifold vacuum. For example, reducing the vacuum from 64 kPa (9.3 psi) to 50 kPa (7.3 psi) resulted in flowrate decreasing from 44 L/min (9.7 gal/min) to 35 L/min (7.7 gal/min).

The Scienco Vacu-Pump was very portable and easy to install in a fuel supply tank since it was equipped with a rotating bung adaptor. Connecting the vacuum hose to the pump body and truck engine was convenient. The suction strainer was easily serviced.

No receptacle was supplied for storing the fuel outlet nozzle when not in use. The Vacu-Pump had to be used in conjunction with a continuously running truck engine to provide intake manifold vacuum for pump operation. This could be a potential fire hazard.

A well illustrated parts list and comprehensive operating instructions were supplied with the pump.

No mechanical problems occurred during the test.

Summary of Monarch V-200 Rotary Vane Hand Pump (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.34 MB)

Normal pumping rates for the Monarch V-200 hand pump were from 60 to 100 revolutions per minute. The flowrate at an average pumping rate of 80 revolutions per minute, at zero suction and discharge heads, was 27 L/min (5.9 gal/min). A maximum flowrate of 47 L/min (10.3 gal/min) was obtained at 140 revolutions per minute but could only be maintained for about 30 seconds. The manufacturer's maximum flowrate of 57 L/min (12.5 gal/min) was not obtainable since it was humanly impossible to pump that fast. Increasing the suction head to 0.9 m (3 ft) and the discharge head to 1.8 m (6 ft), at 80 revolutions per minute, resulted in an 11% reduction in flowrate.

Pumping effort increased with increased pumping rates, suction and discharge heads. The required pumping force at the crank handle increased from 13 N (2.9 lb) at 60 revolutions per minute to 18 N (4 Ib) at 100 revolutions per minute. Increasing the suction and discharge heads from zero to 0.9 m (3 ft) and 1.8 m (6 ft), respectively, increased the pumping effort from 15 N (3.4 lb) to 32 N (7.0 lb), when operating at 80 revolutions per minute.

The Monarch V-200 was very portable. The pump was easy to position in a fuel supply tank since it was equipped with a rotating bung adaptor.

The Monarch V-200 was relatively safe to operate. The crank handle could not be locked to the pump body to prevent theft. When filling a tank, care must be exercised to prevent overflow.

A well illustrated parts list and operating instructions were provided.

One mechanical problem occurred during the test. The bung adaptor thumb screw bent due to overtightening and had to be replaced.

Summary of Gasboy Model 320 Dual Vacuum Hand Pump (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.34 MB)

Normal pumping rates for the Gasboy Model 320 hand pump were from 30 to 50 strokes per minute. The flowrate at an average pumping rate of 40 strokes per minute, at zero suction and discharge heads, was 37 L/min (8.1 gal/min). A maximum flowrate of 64 L/min (14.1 gal/min) was obtained at 70 strokes per minute but this pumping rate could only be maintained for about 15 seconds. The manufacturer's maximum flowrate of 76 L/min (16.7 gal/min) was not obtainable since it was humanly impossible to pump that fast. Increasing the suction head to 0.9 m (3 ft) and the discharge head to 1.8 m (6 ft), at 40 strokes per minute, resulted in only a 3% reduction in flowrate.

Pumping effort increased significantly with increased pumping rates, suction and discharge heads. The required pumping force at the end of the pump handle increased from 91 N (20 lb) at 30 strokes per minute to 163 N (37 lb) at 50 strokes per minute. Increasing the suction and discharge heads from zero to 0.9 m (3 ft) and 1.8 m (6 ft), respectively, increased pumping effort by 16% when operating at 40 strokes per minute.

The Gasboy 320 was very portable. The pump was difficult to position in a fuel supply tank since the bung adaptor did not rotate relative to the pump body. The entire pump body and hose had to be turned and overtightened or loosened to properly position the pump handle for convenient pumping.

The pump was equipped with both a suction filter and an outlet nozzle strainer. The outlet nozzle strainer plugged easily due to its irregular shape which reduced the area in which foreign material could be trapped.

Summary of National 30A1Diaphram Hand Pump (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.56 MB)

Normal pumping rates for the National 30A1 hand pump were from 25 to 45 strokes per minute. The flowrate at an average pumping rate of 35 strokes per minute, at zero suction and discharge heads, was 36 L/min (7.9 gal/min). A maximum flowrate of 67 L/min (14.7 gal/min) was obtained at 66 strokes per minute but could only be maintained for about 30 seconds. Increasing the suction head to 0.9 m (3 ft) and the discharge head to 1.8 m (6 ft), at 35 strokes per minute, resulted in an 8% reduction in flowrate.

Pumping effort increased significantly with increased pumping rates, suction and discharge heads. The required pumping force at the end of the pump handle increased from 86 N (19 lb) at 25 strokes per minute to 201 N (45 lb) at 45 strokes per minute. Increasing the suction and discharge heads from zero to 0.9 m (3 ft) and 1.8 m (6 ft), respectively, increased pumping effort by 8%, when operating at 35 strokes per minute.

The National 30A1 was very portable. The pump was very easy to position in a fuel supply tank since it was equipped with a rotating bung adaptor.

The pump was equipped with a suction strainer that was easily serviced by removing the bottom cover on the pump body.

The National 30A1 was safe to operate. When filling a tank, care must be exercised to prevent overflow.

A well illustrated parts.

Summary of Macnaught Litre-Stroke Hand Pump (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.40 MB)

Normal pumping rates for the Macnaught Litre-Stroke hand pump were from 20 to 30 strokes per minute. The flowrate at an average pumping rate of 25 strokes per minute, at zero suction and discharge heads, was 25 L/min (5.5 gal/min). A maximum flowrate of 48 L/min (10.6 gal/min) was obtained at 47 strokes per minute but this pumping rate could only be maintained for about 30 seconds. The manufacturer's maximum flowrate of 70 L/min (15 gal/min) was not obtainable since it was humanly impossible to pump that fast. Increasing suction and discharge heads had very little effect on the flowrate. The pump required several priming strokes to start fuel flowing after it had been idle.

Pumping effort increased significantly with increased pumping rates and suction heads. The required force at the end of the pump handle increased from 120 N (27 lb) at 20 strokes per minute to 202 N (45 lb) at 30 strokes per minute. Increasing the suction head from zero to 0.9 m (3 ft), at 25 strokes per minute, resulted in a 47% increase in pumping effort. Increasing the discharge head had no effect on pumping effort.

The Macnaught Litre-Stroke was very portable. The pump was difficult to position in a fuel supply tank since the bung adaptor did not rotate relative to the pump body and the entire pump body and hose had to be turned. The locking collar on the bung adaptor enabled the pump to be locked so the handle was in a convenient pumping position.

The Macnaught Litre-Stroke was safe to operate. When filling a tank, care must be exercised to prevent overflow.

Summary of Vac-U-Fil Fuel Transfer Pump (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.29 MB)

Maximum flowrate for the Vac-U-Fil fuel transfer pump, operating from an engine intake manifold vacuum of 64 kPa (9.3 psi), when pumping diesel fuel at zero suction head, was 38 L/min (8.4 gal/min). Increasing the suction head to 2.7 m (9 ft) resulted in a 47% reduction in flowrate.

Maximum measured flowrate was 27% greater than the manufacturer's stated capacity. Maximum flowrate occurred after normal operating vacuum was reached in the tank being filled. The time required for fuel to start flowing and reach the maximum flowrate varied with tank size and suction head. It took about 8 minutes, after the pump was turned on, to fill a 225 L (50 gal) tractor fuel tank with filler opening located 0.9 m (3 ft) higher than the supply tank fuel level. At maximum flowrate, 6.9 minutes were required to fill the same tank.

The Vac-U-Fil can be operated from any engine intake manifold. Flowrate changed very little over the normal range of intake manifold vacuums created by an idling farm truck.

The Vac-U-Fil was very portable and, when not in use, stored on the fuel supply tank. The pump shut-off automatically when the fuel tank was full.

A continuously running engine to provide intake manifold vacuum for pump operation is a potential fire hazard. The Vac-U-Fil was safer than some fuel pumps since all vapours, from the fuel tank being filled, were drawn directly into the truck engine intake manifold. The fasteners, attaching the vacuum hose to the fuel transfer hose, were sharp and could cut the hands when the handling the pump.
Operating instructions and a parts list were supplied with the pump.

A few mechanical problems occurred during the test. The control valve knob broke off and the storage adaptor neck became burred, damaging the pump body gasket, all as a result of normal handling practice.

Summary of GPI Model 120 Fuel Transfer Pump (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.31 MB)

The flowrate for the GPI Model 120 fuel transfer pump, when pumping diesel fuel with a fully charged 12 volt battery at zero suction and discharge heads was 40 L/min (8.8 gal/min). Increasing the suction head to 0.9 m (3 ft) and the discharge head to 2.7 m (9 ft) resulted in a 20% reduction in flowrate. Maximum measured flowrate was 13% less than the manufacturer's stated capacity. It took from 6 to 6.5 minutes to fill a 225 L (50 gal) tractor fuel tank located about 1 m (3.3 ft) above a fuel supply tank.

Power consumption at 12 volts was 168 watts with a corresponding current draw of 14 amps. A fully charged 12 volt battery could operate the pump for several hours without recharging.

The GPI 120 was very portable and was very easy to position in a fuel supply tank since it was equipped with a rotating bung adaptor. Electrical connections were simple. The motor had a 30 minute-on, 30 minute-off duty cycle. As a result, from 960 to 1200 L (211 to 264 gal) could be continuously pumped before the motor had to be allowed to cool.

The GPI 120 was equipped with a suction strainer that was easily serviced by removing the strainer cover plate.

The GPI 120 was safe to operate if normal safety precautions for transferring fuel were observed.

A well illustrated parts list and comprehensive operating instructions were provided.

Two mechanical problems occurred during the test. The fastener on the fuse holder broke off and the nozzle dust shield frequently fell off.

Summary of Monarch 2SR Semi-Rotary Hand Pump (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.29 MB)

Normal pumping rates for the Monarch 2SR semi-rotary hand pump were from 45 to 85 strokes per minute. The flowrate at an average pumping rate of 65 strokes per minute, at zero suction and discharge heads, was 24 L/min (5.3 gal/min). A maximum flowrate of 47 L/min (10.3 gal/min) was obtained at 130 strokes per minute but could only be maintained for about 15 seconds. Increasing the suction head to 0.9 m (3 ft) and the discharge head to 1.8 m (6 ft), at 65 strokes per minute, resulted in an 8% reduction in flowrate.

Pumping effort increased significantly with increased pumping rates, suction and discharge heads. The required pumping force at the end of the pump handle increased from 19 N (4.3 lb) at 45 strokes per minute to 38 N (8.5 lb) at 85 strokes per minute. Increasing the suction and discharge heads from zero to 0.9 m (3 ft) and 1.8 m (6 ft), respectively, increased pumping effort by 24%, when operating at 65 strokes per minute.

The Monarch 2SR was very portable. The pump was easy to position in a fuel supply tank since it was equipped with a rotating bung adaptor.

The Monarch 2SR was relatively safe to operate. The pump handle could not be locked against the pump body, which could result in fuel being accidentally pumped. When filling a tank, care must be exercised to prevent overflow.

A descriptive brochure containing a comprehensive parts list was supplied with the pump.

Three mechanical problems occurred during the test. The bung adaptor thumb screw bent due to overtightening and had to be replaced. The wooden handle split when the iron adaptor was attached to it and the pump leaked slightly around the shaft.

Summary of Gasboy Model 60 Fuel Transfer Pump (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.30 MB)

The flowrate for the Gasboy Model 60 fuel transfer pump when pumping diesel fuel with a fully charged 12 volt battery at zero suction and discharge heads was 41 L/min (9 gal/min). Increasing the suction head to 0.9 m (3 ft) and the discharge head to 2.7 m (9 ft) resulted in a 15% reduction in flowrate. Maximum measured flowrate was 9% less than the manufacturer's stated capacity. It took from 5.5 to 6 minutes to fill a 225 L (50 gal) tractor fuel tank located about 1 m (3.3 ft) above a fuel supply tank.

Power consumption at 12 volts was 192 watts with a corresponding current draw of 16 amps. A fully charged 12 volt battery could operate the pump for several hours without recharging.

The Gasboy 60 was very portable. The pump was difficult to install in a fuel supply tank since the bung adaptor did not rotate relative to the pump body and the entire pump body and hose had to be turned. Connecting the battery cable leads to the battery terminals was difficult.

The motor had a 30 minute continuous duty cycle. As a result, from 1 050 to 1230 L (231 to 271 gal) could be continuously pumped before the motor had to be allowed to cool.

The Gasboy 60 was equipped with a suction strainer that was easily serviced by removing the bung adaptor from the pump body.

The Gasboy 60 was safe to operate if normal safety precautions for transferring fuel were observed.

No operating instructions or parts list were supplied with the pump.

One problem was encountered during the test. The outlet hose could not be sufficiently tightened to the pump meter due to interference caused by the two bolts at the meter opening.

Summary of Science Hand Pump (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.31 MB)

Normal pumping rates for the Scienco hand pump were from 30 to 50 strokes per minute. The flowrate at an average pumping rate of 40 strokes per minute, at zero suction and discharge heads, was 32 L/min (7 gal/min). A maximum flowrate of 60 L/min (13.2 gal/min) was obtained at 74 strokes per minute but could only be maintained for about 30 seconds. Increasing suction and discharge heads had no effect on the flowrate.

Pumping effort increased significantly with increased pumping rates, suction and discharge heads. The required pumping force at the end of the pump handle increased from 91N (20 lb) at 30 strokes per minute to 152 N (34 lb) at 50 strokes per minute. Increasing the suction and discharge heads from zero to 0.9 m (3 ft) and 1.8 m (6 ft), respectively, increased pumping effort by 37%, when operating at 40 strokes per minute.

The Scienco pump was very portable. The pump was very easy to position in a fuel supply tank since it was equipped with a rotating bung adaptor.

The Scienco pump was safe to operate. When filling a tank, care must be exercised to prevent overflow.

The pump was equipped with a suction screen which could be easily serviced.

No operating instructions or parts list were supplied with the pump.

One mechanical problem occurred during the test. Both the outlet and inlet valve covers leaked due to valve cover seals deteriorating and the valve cover screws not applying enough pressure on the valve cover seals.

Summary of Gasboy Superjet Model 1720 Hand Pump (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.36 MB)

Normal pumping rates for the Gasboy Superjet Model 1720 hand pump were from 35 to 55 strokes per minute. The flowrate at an average pumping rate of 45 strokes per minute, at zero suction and discharge heads, was 36 L/min (7.9 gal/min). A maximum flowrate of 62 L/min (13.6 gal/min) was obtained at 77 strokes per minute but could only be maintained for about 20 seconds. The manufacturer's maximum flowrate of 76 L/min (16.7 gal/min) was not obtainable since it was humanly impossible to pump that fast. Increasing the suction head to 0.9 m (3 ft) and the discharge head to 1.8 m (6 ft), at 45 strokes per minute, resulted in an 11% reduction in flowrate.

Pumping effort increased significantly with increased pumping rates, suction and discharge heads. The required pumping force at the end of the pump handle increased from 79 N (18 lb) at 35 strokes per minute to 142 N (32 lb) at 55 strokes per minute. Increasing the suction and discharge heads from zero to 0.9 m (3 ft) and 1.8 m (6 ft), respectively, increased pumping effort by 16%, when operating at 45 strokes per minute.

The Gasboy Superjet was very portable. The pump was difficult to place in a fuel supply tank since the bung adaptor did not rotate relative to the pump body and the entire pump body and hose had to be turned. The locking collar on the bung adaptor enabled the pump t~ be locked so the handle was in a convenient pumping position.

The Gasboy Superjet was relatively safe to operate. The locking bracket frequently fell from its upright position and caught the pump handle. This abrupt stoppage of the pump handle could cause hand injuries. When filling a tank, care must be exercised to prevent overflow.

No operating instructions or parts list were supplied with the pump.

A few mechanical problems occurred during the test. The diaphragm ruptured and had to be replaced. Interference occurred between the pump handle and the locking bracket rivet. The locking bracket rivet sheared when the locking bracket hooked on the pump handle during operation.