Okay, let’s first be clear about one thing: Every motor-fuel dispenser system has a meter drift problem to some extent. After all, a dispenser meter is like any other device which wears down with use. You can’t do anything to prevent this wearing process or stop it. And as more fuel passes through a meter, the wear only gets worse.
Of course, any meter drift caused by meter wear is not good for your bottom-line. It means you’re giving away fuel each time a customer fills their tank at your gas station. You are sacrificing your gas station profits to meter drift.
According to one estimate, an average fuel retail site loses $5,700 in fuel profit per year due to meter drift.
So how do you cut down on losses caused by meter drift problems?
We hear you: recalibrating the fuel dispenser meters as often as you can… But let us tell you, even that may not be a reliable solution if you’re using traditional devices for testing and recalibration, like open-neck provers.
Open-neck provers worked fine in the old days when gas stations weren’t as complex as they are today and had lower customer volumes. It’s not that these devices had no flaws back then, they had limitation even at that time, but those limitations could be safely ignored. Today, however, with product costs higher, profit margins tighter and dispensing volumes clocking millions in cubic units, it simply isn’t wise to rely on open-neck provers for your dispenser meter recalibration needs.
What’s the actual solution then, you ask?
We recommend using a measurement strategy that combines repeatable processes, modern equipment and recalibration approaching true zero. With this strategy, you can achieve the accuracy that you need to eliminate fuel shrinkage at your gas station and cut down your losses caused by meter drift problems.
Just before we go, here is something for gas station owners who may have installed new dispensers at their fueling site:
Meter drift problems could also affect newly installed dispensers. In fact, they do in most cases, at least upon initial startup. Therefore, you must re-calibrate your dispensers after their break-in period is over to ensure complete meter accuracy.
That’s it from us for today; we hope you found the read helpful.
If you’re interested in more gas station business articles and guides, feel free to take a look at our resource section.
John W. Kennedy Company is your trusted gas station equipment and essentials supplier. We’ve been serving the U.S gas stations and convenience stores since 1930. Visit our online store to learn more about our products and services.