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<!-- #REDIRECT [[Fuel dispenser]] -->
[[Image:BP Latest Pump Design.jpg|thumb|right|A modern electronic gas pump]]
{{for|the automobile part|fuel pump}}
A '''Gasoline pump''' is a machine at a [[Filling station|gas station]] that is used to put [[gasoline]] in vehicles. Gas pumps are also known as '''petrol pumps''', '''fuel dispensers''' or (in [[Australia]]n usage) '''petrol bowsers''' (after an early designer of petrol pumps, [[Sylvanus Bowser]], and his company).<ref name="ozwords">{{cite magazine | journal = Ozwords | url=http://www.anu.edu.au/andc/pubs/ozwords/pdfs/ozwords_oct05.pdf | publisher= Australian National Dictionary Centre | month = October | year = 2005 | author = Mark Gwynn | title = When people become words }}</ref>
[[Image:WaynePump-sm.jpg|thumb|right|A modern pump, manufactured by [[Dresser Industries|Dresser Wayne]], at a [[BP#BP retail brands|BP service station]] in [[Greece]].]]
[[Image:Ömossa 31.jpg|thumb|right|A 1991 photograph of a fuel pump in [[Ömossa]] village, [[Kristinestad]], [[Finland]].]]
A '''fuel dispenser''' is a machine at a [[filling station]] that is used to [[pump]] [[gasoline]] or [[diesel]] into vehicles. Fuel dispensers are also known as <!--alpha by location-->'''bowsers''' (in Australia).<ref>{{cite magazine | journal = Ozwords | url=http://www.anu.edu.au/andc/pubs/ozwords/pdfs/ozwords_oct05.pdf | publisher= Australian National Dictionary Centre | month = October | year = 2005 | author = Mark Gwynn | title = When people become words | quote = But one doesn’t have to be an Australian to enter the Australian lexicon &mdash; take bowser ‘petrol pump’ (in Australia), which is [[namesake|named after]] a company established by U.S. inventor and entrepreneur [[Sylvanus Bowser|S.F. Bowser]] (d. 1938).}}</ref>, '''petrol pumps''' (in Commonwealth countries), or '''gas pumps''' (in North America).


== Structure ==
== Design ==
{{unreferencedsection|date=July 2008}}
A modern gas pump is logically divided into two main parts: an electronic "head" containing an [[embedded computer]] to control the action of the pump, drive the pump's displays, and communicate to an indoor sales system; and secondly, the mechanical section containing an electric pump and valves to physically pump the fuel. In some cases the actual pump may be sealed and immersed inside the fuel tanks on a site, in which case it is known as a [[submersible pump]].
A modern fuel dispenser is logically divided into two main parts: an electronic "head" containing an [[embedded computer]] to control the action of the pump, drive the pump's displays, and communicate to an indoor sales system; and secondly, the mechanical section containing an electric pump and valves to physically pump the fuel. In some cases the actual pump may be sealed and immersed inside the fuel tanks on a site, in which case it is known as a [[submersible pump]].


===Communications components===
⚫
[[Flow measurement]] is typically done by a turbine in the fuel flow. In older gas pumps, the turbine is physically coupled to reeled meters (moving wheels with numbers on the side), while newer pumps turn the turbine's movement into electrical pulses using a [[rotary encoder]].
⚫
The technology for communicating with gas pumps from a [[point of sale]] or other controller varies widely, involving a variety of hardware ([[RS-485]], [[RS-422]], [[current loop]], and others) and proprietary software protocols. Traditionally these variations gave pump manufacturers a natural tie-in for their own point-of-sale systems, since only they understood the protocols.


⚫
An effort to standardize this in the 1990s resulted in the [[International Forecourt Standards Forum]], which has had considerable success in Europe, but has less presence elsewhere.
== Safety, Environmental and Regulations ==
⚫
[[Image:Old-Gas-Pumps.jpg|right|thumb|Old gas pumps from the former [[Soviet Union]]]]
⚫
Since gas pumps are the focal point of distributing fuel to the general public, and fuel is a hazardous substance, they are subject to stringent requirements regarding safety, accuracy and security. The exact details differ between countries and can depend to some extent on politics. For example in countries fighting corruption, gas pumps may be more stringently monitored by government officials, in order to detect attempts to defraud customers.


===Other components===
A modern gas pump will often contain control equipment for the [[vapor recovery]] system, which prevents gasoline vapor from escaping to the air.
A modern gas pump will often contain control equipment for the [[vapor recovery]] system, which prevents gasoline vapor from escaping to the air.


⚫
[[Flow measurement]] is typically done by a turbine in the fuel flow. In older gas pumps, the turbine is physically coupled to reeled meters (moving wheels with numbers on the side), while newer pumps turn the turbine's movement into electrical pulses using a [[rotary encoder]].
⚫
Typically, individual pumps must be certified for operation after installation by a government [[weights and measures]] inspector, who tests that the pump displays the same amount that it dispenses.


== Manufacturers ==
== Manufacturers ==
Gas pumps are made by many different companies throughout the world. In earlier decades, it was common for each country to have several competing manufacturers, but much consolidation and globalization has occurred in this industry, so that many formerly well-known names such as Satam, Schlumberger and EIN no longer exist as independent companies. Three of the largest remaining manufacturers are Tokheim, [[Gilbarco-Veeder Root]], and Dresser Wayne.
Fuel dispensers are made by many different companies throughout the world. In earlier decades, it was common for each country to have several competing manufacturers, but consolidation and globalization has occurred in this industry, so that many formerly well-known names such as [[Satam]], [[Schlumberger]] and EIN no longer exist as independent companies.

Three of the largest manufacturers are [[Tokheim]]<ref>[http://www.tokheim.com/main/index1.php Tokheim corporate website]</ref>, [[Gilbarco Veeder-Root]]<ref>[http://www.gilbarco.com/ Gilbarco Veeder-Root corporate website]</ref>, and [[Dresser Wayne]]<ref>[http://www.wayne.com/ Dresser-Wayne corporate website]
</ref> (of [[Dresser Industries]]).


== Variations ==
== Variations ==
[[image:Gas-pump-Indiana-USA.jpg|right|thumb|250px|A [[Dresser Wayne]] pay-at-the-pump gasoline pump in the United States.]]
[[Image:Jeep in Northern Pakistan.JPG|right|thumb|Fuel pump in use in [[Northern Pakistan]].]]
=== Modern designs ===
⚫
In modern pumps, the major variations are in the number of hoses or grades they can dispense, the physical shape, and the addition of extra devices such as [[Filling station#Payment methods|pay-at-pump]] devices and attendant "tag" readers.


⚫
In some countries{{specify}}, pumps are able to mix two grades of fuel together before dispensing; this is referred to blending. Typical usages are to add oil to petrol for [[two-stroke cycle|two-stroke]] [[motorcycle]]s, or to produce an intermediate [[octane rating]] from separate high and low octane fuels.
⚫
In modern pumps the major variations are in the number of hoses or grades they can dispense, the physical shape, and the addition of extra devices such as [[Filling station#Payment methods|pay-at-pump]] devices and attendant "tag" readers.


⚫
Typically, individual pumps must be certified for operation after installation by a government [[weights and measures]] inspector, who tests that the pump displays the same amount that it dispenses.
⚫
In some countries, pumps are able to mix two grades of fuel together before dispensing; this is referred to blending. Typical usages are to add oil to petrol for [[two-stroke cycle|two-stroke]] [[motorcycle]]s, or to produce an intermediate [[octane rating]] from separate high and low octane fuels.

== Communication with gas pumps ==
⚫
While the behavior and design of pumps is very similar across the world, communicating with them from a [[point of sale]] or other controller varies widely, using a variety of both hardware ([[RS-485]], [[RS-422]], [[current loop]], and others) and proprietary software protocols.

In western societies automation is now a standard part of service stations, and therefore this small but critical variation prevents easily changing between different brands of pump. Traditionally this gave pump manufacturers a natural tie-in for their own point-of-sale systems, since only they understood the protocols.

⚫
An effort to standardize this in the 1990s resulted in the [[IFSF|International Forecourt Standards Forum]], which has had considerable success in Europe, but has less presence elsewhere.


==Pictures==
===Early designs===
<gallery> <!-- alphabetized by country where the image was taken -->
<gallery>
Image:Zapfsäule BP Wien.jpg|Petrol pump in [[Vienna]], Austria.
⚫
Image:MobilgasPumpsAntique09162007.JPG|Antique "Mobilgas" pumps (U.S.)
Image:Petrol Pump, Quillan, France.jpg|Antique fuel pump in [[Quillan]], [[France]].
Image:Abandoned gas station Melvin Illinois pump only.jpg|Abandoned gas pump
Image:Verschiedene Zapfsäulen Deutsches Museum.jpg|Antique [[Germany|german]] pumps ([[Deutsches Museum]])
Image:Verschiedene Zapfsäulen Deutsches Museum.jpg|Display of various antique gas pumps at [[Deutsches Museum]] in [[Munich]], Germany.
Image:Historische Zapfsaeule.jpg|Antique [[diesel]] pump located at [[Roscheider Hof, Open Air Museum]], [[Konz]], Germany.
⚫
Image:Old-Gas-Pumps.jpg|Old [[Soviet Union]] gas pumps.
⚫
Image:MobilgasPumpsAntique09162007.JPG|Antique "[[Mobil]]gas" pumps, manufactured by [[Zokheim]], located in [[Wilton, Connecticut]], USA.
Image:SoulsbyServiceStation MtOliveIL.jpg|Two types of [[Shell]] gas pumps at Soulsby Service Station in [[Mount Olive, Illinois]], USA.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==See Also==
== Regulations ==
{{unreferencedsection|date=July 2008}}
[[Filling Station]]
⚫
Since fuel dispensers are the focal point of distributing fuel to the general public, and fuel is a hazardous substance, they are subject to stringent requirements regarding safety, accuracy and security. The exact details differ between countries and can depend to some extent on politics. For example in countries fighting corruption{{specify}}, gas pumps may be more stringently monitored by government officials, in order to detect attempts to defraud customers.


== References ==
== References ==
{{refimprove|date=July 2008}}
<references/>
<references/>


⚫
{{Commons|Category:Petrol pumps|Petrol pumps}}
== External links ==
== External links ==
⚫
* [http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_263.html How does a gas pump know to shut itself off?] from [[The Straight Dope]]
⚫
{{Commons|Category:Petrol pumps|Gas pump}}
* [http://www.gilbarco.com/page/home Gilbarco corporate website]
⚫
* [http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_263.html How does a gas pump know to shut itself off?]
* [http://www.tokheim.com/main/index1.php Tokheim corporate website]
* [http://www.wayne.com Dresser-Wayne corporate website]


[[Category:Pumps]]
[[Category:Pumps]]
[[Category:Petroleum]]


[[de:Zapfsäule]]
[[de:Zapfsäule]]

Revision as of 04:23, 5 July 2008

For the automobile part, see fuel pump.
A modern pump, manufactured by Dresser Wayne, at a BP service station in Greece.
A 1991 photograph of a fuel pump in Ömossa village, Kristinestad, Finland.

A fuel dispenser is a machine at a filling station that is used to pump gasoline or diesel into vehicles. Fuel dispensers are also known as bowsers (in Australia).[1], petrol pumps (in Commonwealth countries), or gas pumps (in North America).

Design

A modern fuel dispenser is logically divided into two main parts: an electronic "head" containing an embedded computer to control the action of the pump, drive the pump's displays, and communicate to an indoor sales system; and secondly, the mechanical section containing an electric pump and valves to physically pump the fuel. In some cases the actual pump may be sealed and immersed inside the fuel tanks on a site, in which case it is known as a submersible pump.

Communications components

The technology for communicating with gas pumps from a point of sale or other controller varies widely, involving a variety of hardware (RS-485, RS-422, current loop, and others) and proprietary software protocols. Traditionally these variations gave pump manufacturers a natural tie-in for their own point-of-sale systems, since only they understood the protocols.

An effort to standardize this in the 1990s resulted in the International Forecourt Standards Forum, which has had considerable success in Europe, but has less presence elsewhere.

Other components

A modern gas pump will often contain control equipment for the vapor recovery system, which prevents gasoline vapor from escaping to the air.

Flow measurement is typically done by a turbine in the fuel flow. In older gas pumps, the turbine is physically coupled to reeled meters (moving wheels with numbers on the side), while newer pumps turn the turbine's movement into electrical pulses using a rotary encoder.

Manufacturers

Fuel dispensers are made by many different companies throughout the world. In earlier decades, it was common for each country to have several competing manufacturers, but consolidation and globalization has occurred in this industry, so that many formerly well-known names such as Satam, Schlumberger and EIN no longer exist as independent companies.

Three of the largest manufacturers are Tokheim[2], Gilbarco Veeder-Root[3], and Dresser Wayne[4] (of Dresser Industries).

Variations

File:Jeep in Northern Pakistan.JPG
Fuel pump in use in Northern Pakistan.

Modern designs

In modern pumps, the major variations are in the number of hoses or grades they can dispense, the physical shape, and the addition of extra devices such as pay-at-pump devices and attendant "tag" readers.

In some countries[specify], pumps are able to mix two grades of fuel together before dispensing; this is referred to blending. Typical usages are to add oil to petrol for two-stroke motorcycles, or to produce an intermediate octane rating from separate high and low octane fuels.

Typically, individual pumps must be certified for operation after installation by a government weights and measures inspector, who tests that the pump displays the same amount that it dispenses.

Early designs

Regulations

Since fuel dispensers are the focal point of distributing fuel to the general public, and fuel is a hazardous substance, they are subject to stringent requirements regarding safety, accuracy and security. The exact details differ between countries and can depend to some extent on politics. For example in countries fighting corruption[specify], gas pumps may be more stringently monitored by government officials, in order to detect attempts to defraud customers.

References

  1. ^ Mark Gwynn (2005). "When people become words" (PDF). Ozwords. Australian National Dictionary Centre. But one doesn't have to be an Australian to enter the Australian lexicon — take bowser 'petrol pump' (in Australia), which is named after a company established by U.S. inventor and entrepreneur S.F. Bowser (d. 1938). {{cite magazine}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  2. ^ Tokheim corporate website
  3. ^ Gilbarco Veeder-Root corporate website
  4. ^ Dresser-Wayne corporate website
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Petrol pumps.

External links

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