LOCAL COMPANY iFleet, headed by Andre Steyn, has developed a range of fuel anti-siphoning products designed to put an end to fuel theft. Commonly known as Centerco, these patented products also prevent side fuelling on fuel tags and e-cards such as eFuel, BP FuelMaster and EasyFuel. iFleet reckons the daily “redistribution” of 5-25 litres and 25-50 litres plus is the budget killer for operators. The company states that diesel theft amounts to 15-20 % of all diesel sold in South Africa – i.e. redistributed. That’s a huge amount.

As the diesel price races to R10 a litre and more, simple but positive steps must be taken to prevent fuel theft from vehicles. Anti-siphon devices manufactured by Centerco Protection Equipment offer a superb stainless steel product range well suited for use on vehicles equipped with automated refuelling antennae. The design, quality material and method of installation makes it very difficult to by-pass and prevents any attempt to use the nozzle in positions other than is intended. Angled nozzles are available for fitment under loadbodies and trailers. When choosing anti-siphoning devices for automated refuelling solutions, make sure they do not interfere with the RF communications. 

Centerco units are designed to accommodate flow rates in excess of 110 litre/min, making it suitable for most large truck fuel tanks. Centerco devices are OEM and OTI approved. 

Tank Gauging – Wet Stock Management

For reasons mentioned above, suppliers and users of bulk storage diesel tanks are looking to specialist companies to assess the condition of their storage tanks and where appropriate, install the latest tank gauging technology. Two companies offering outstanding service and products are Gilbarco, Veeder–Root and Maintenance Technologies (MainTech).

Veeder-Root 

Veeder-Root - represented by the AFS Group - is arguably the world leader in tank gauging technology. About one million tanks around the world are monitored by Veeder-Root technology. The prime features are around cost saving benefits derived from better wet stock management. According to AFS’s John Wilkinson, the strategic areas that Oil companies are focusing on in South Africa include: 

Cost savings for environmental monitoring at retail and commercial stations include:

• Huge savings in cleanup costs. 

• Pro-active environmental monitoring.

• Avoids cost of arbitrary tank and pipe replacement programs.

• Immediate dispenser and sub pump shutdown when a leak is detected, with electronic alarm monitoring and SLA escalation procedures via central control centre.

• Compliance with new SABS environmental standards.

Fuel Quality

• Detection of pirate deliveries, detection of water and other contaminants. 

Logistics savings and fuel quality

• Reduced delivery costs as daily tank level updates enable planning of deliveries efficiently. 

• Verification of deliveries for consignment stock.

Wet stock management

• Automatic and independent daily site reconciliation and variance analysis is of great benefit to dealers and Oil Companies. 

Consignment stock management

The top of the range Veeder-root TLS-350R system now being installed in South Africa includes a link to the site POS system (Point of Sale), full environmental cover for tanks and pressurized lines and communication to site. An alarm monitoring service is included and is important in monitoring environmental issues which are now becoming more important. AFS will be rolling out over 2 500 retail stations over the next 5 years. MainTech offer a range of tank gauging equipment for large consumers. The features include :

• Automated Stock Control

• Management Information

• Remote Monitoring

• Leak Detection