The United States alone used more than 123 billion gallons of gasoline in 2020. This represents only a fraction of the total fuel used across America. All these fuels must somehow be transferred safely to where consumers need them, and this is where fuel dispensers come in.
The design of fuel dispensers not only allows them to dispense a variety of gaseous or liquid fuels but also monitor them. They’re used for gasoline, diesel fuel, oil, kerosene, and much more. Thanks to an abundance of different needs, there are many kinds of fuel dispensers.
But what fuel dispenser types are there? Each type can be broken down into the fuel it’s meant to hold and the nozzle type allowing it to be dispensed. Continue reading to learn more.
Fuel Types
Although there are many types of fuel that could be dispensed, most can be placed into one of three distinct categories. Each of these categories has different requirements to keep fueling safe and reliable. These dispensers are designed to the specifications of the fuel type it’s meant to hold.
Petroleum Fuels
Fuels that fall under this category don’t ignite directly. Instead, their fumes ignite when in direct contact with an ignition source. Common petroleum fuels include petrol, diesel, and kerosene.
Compressible Fuels
These fuels are primarily used for cooking and heating, although they’re becoming an increasingly popular option for motorized vehicles. Historically, compressible fuels had much wider usage. Compressible fuels include natural gases and liquefied petroleum gases.
Fuel Gases
These fuel types are normally gaseous but are turned into liquids for dispensing. Fuel gases are commonly used in gas burners, heaters, and stoves.
Nozzle Types
Nozzles come in different sizes and may be color-coded to ease confusion. For example, gas stations’ pumps will often feature diesel nozzles in a different color than gasoline nozzles. A few of the most common nozzle types include:
- Pressure-sensitive nozzles: Restricts fuel flow until the dispenser has been fully pressurized
- Breakaway valves: allows nozzle to break from the hose (and stop fueling) if a vehicle moves away from the pump during fueling
- Dual-plane nozzles: includes a swivel joint allowing many different angles for fueling
- Quick-release nozzle: designed to eliminate the need for separate filling and venting points
Each of these nozzle types can be combined with a different fuel for specific applications. If you’re not sure what nozzle type works best for your industry or needs, it’s best to consult a professional.
Do You Have More Questions About Fuel Dispensers?
Fuel dispensers help get a variety of fuel types to consumers across the nation every day. Each fuel dispenser can be broken down into the fuel it needs to hold and the nozzle that allows for distribution. The variations above include the most common examples for each category but aren’t all-inclusive.
Do you have more questions about fuel dispensers?
Feel free to check out our other blog posts. You’ll find many posts on this and related topics to help you learn more on the subject.
