What is a gasoline pump, and what are its alternative names?

A gasoline pump, also known as a fuel dispenser, is a machine found at filling stations used to pump gasoline, diesel, or other liquid fuels into vehicles. It is referred to by various names globally, including bowsers or petrol bowsers in Australia and South Africa, petrol pumps in Commonwealth countries, and gas pumps in North America.

What is the primary function of a gasoline pump?

The primary function of a gasoline pump is to dispense liquid fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, into the fuel tanks of vehicles.

Who invented the first gasoline pump, and when was it sold?

The first gasoline pump was invented and sold by Sylvanus Bowser in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on September 5, 1885. This invention predated the widespread development of the automobile.

What was the initial primary use of Sylvanus Bowser's early pump?

Sylvanus Bowser's early pump was primarily used to dispense kerosene, which was commonly used in lamps and stoves.

How did Sylvanus Bowser improve his initial pump design?

Sylvanus Bowser later enhanced his pump by incorporating safety measures and adding a hose that allowed for direct dispensing of fuel into automobiles.

What is the origin of the term bowser in relation to fuel pumps?

The term bowser was historically used to refer to a vertical gasoline pump, named after its inventor, Sylvanus Bowser. While this usage is now rare in the United States, it persists in Australia and New Zealand, and is used for fuel trucks at airports.

Who patented the first gasoline pump in 1901, and what was its significance?

The first gasoline pump was patented by Norwegian John J. Tokheim in 1901, and the pump was subsequently named after him. The company Tokheim was later acquired by OPW.

Describe the design of many early gasoline pumps that featured a calibrated glass cylinder.

Many early gasoline pumps had a large, calibrated glass cylinder on top. Users would pump fuel into this cylinder until it reached the desired volume indicated by the calibration marks. The fuel would then flow into the vehicle's tank by gravity.

What innovation replaced the glass cylinder in later gasoline pumps, and why?

A small glass globe containing a turbine replaced the measuring cylinder in later pumps. This visual indicator allowed customers to see that gasoline was actually flowing into their tank, providing a degree of transparency.

When was the first measured gas pump commercially produced, and what was a notable feature of early models?

The first measured gas pump was commercially produced by Gilbarco in 1911. Early models, like the one from Gilbarco, sometimes lacked the visual globe, requiring customers to trust the accuracy of the pump's calibration.

What are the two main parts of a modern gasoline pump?

A modern gasoline pump is typically divided into two main sections: an electronic head containing an embedded computer for control and display, and a mechanical section housing the motor, pumping unit, meters, and valves for physical fuel delivery.

What is a submersible pump in the context of fuel dispensing, and where are they commonly used?

A submersible pump is a pump sealed and immersed directly within the fuel tanks on a site. They are often used in Europe, particularly in hotter climates, to prevent issues like cavitation with warm fuels or when the distance from the tank to the pump is too great for a suction pump.

What are some common variations in modern gasoline pump designs?

Modern gasoline pumps vary in the number of hoses they offer, the different fuel grades they can dispense, their physical shape, and the inclusion of additional hardware for services like pay-at-the-pump systems and fleet card readers.

What are the typical flow rates for gasoline pumps serving light passenger vehicles?

Light passenger vehicles typically receive fuel at a rate of up to about 50 liters (13 US gallons) per minute. However, in the United States, this is limited to 10 US gallons (38 liters) per minute.

How do flow rates differ for pumps serving larger vehicles compared to passenger cars?

Pumps designed for trucks and other large vehicles have higher flow rates. In the United Kingdom, these can reach up to 130 liters (34 US gallons) per minute, while in the United States, they can be up to 40 US gallons (150 liters) per minute.

What limits the flow rate of fuel into a vehicle's tank?

The flow rate of fuel is limited by the diameter of the vehicle's fuel filling pipe, which restricts how quickly the fuel can enter the tank.

What are the flow rates for refueling aircraft, and why are they so high?

Airline refueling can achieve very high flow rates, reaching up to 1,000 US gallons (3,800 liters) per minute. These high rates are necessary to refuel large aircraft efficiently.

What potential issues can arise from excessively high fuel flow rates during refueling?

Very high flow rates can potentially overload a vehicle's vapor recovery system, especially those with enhanced evaporative emissions controls, leading to excess vapor emissions and posing a safety hazard.

What is the purpose of the flexible hoses and breakaway valves on fuel nozzles?

Flexible hoses allow the nozzle to reach the vehicle's filler inlet, while breakaway valves are safety features designed to detach the nozzle and stop fuel flow if a motorist accidentally drives away with the nozzle still inserted.

How do color codes on fuel nozzles typically indicate the type of fuel?

Nozzles are often color-coded to signify different fuel grades, but these color codes vary significantly between countries and even between different retailers. For instance, green might indicate unleaded fuel in Europe but diesel in the United States.

Explain the differences in nozzle and filler pipe design intended to prevent misfueling.

Diesel pump nozzles are often designed to be larger than gasoline nozzles to prevent them from fitting into gasoline car filler pipes. Similarly, nozzles for leaded gasoline were wider than those for unleaded, and cars designed for unleaded-only had narrower filler pipes. Some diesel tanks are also designed to accept only specific nozzle types.

What is fuel blending at the pump, and what are some common applications?

Fuel blending at the pump allows for the mixing of two different fuel products before dispensing. Common uses include adding oil to petrol for two-stroke engines, creating intermediate octane ratings from high and low octane fuels, or blending hydrogen and compressed natural gas (HCNG).

How does blending benefit fuel retailers?

Retailers can offer multiple fuel grades, for example, three grades, by stocking only two base fuels. This practice frees up working capital and tank space, and can improve fuel turnover.

How is the amount of fuel dispensed by a pump typically measured?

Flow measurement is almost always performed by a 4-stroke piston meter connected to an electronic encoder. Older pumps used mechanical displays, while newer ones convert the meter's movement into electrical pulses.

Why is measuring gasoline volume by volume challenging, especially at varying temperatures?

Gasoline expands and contracts significantly with temperature changes due to its high coefficient of thermal expansion. This means a given volume of gasoline at one temperature will occupy a different volume at another, making volumetric sales potentially unfair if not accounted for.

What is the standard accuracy tolerance for gasoline measurements in the United States, according to NIST?

In the United States, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) specifies a standard accuracy of 0.3 percent for gasoline measurements. This means a 10-US-gallon purchase could range from 9.97 to 10.03 US gallons.

What is the reference temperature for gasoline volume measurement in the United States?

The reference temperature for gasoline volume measurement in the United States is 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which is equivalent to 15 degrees Celsius.

How does temperature compensation work in gasoline sales, and where is it applied?

Temperature compensation adjusts the volume sold to reflect the equivalent volume at a standard temperature, such as 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It is common at the wholesale level in the United States and most other countries. Canada has converted to automatic temperature compensation at the retail level, and the United Kingdom is also converting, but the United States has not fully converted at the retail level.

Why is temperature compensation more critical in Canada's retail fuel market compared to the United States?

Canada's lower population densities and larger distribution systems mean fuel can spend more time in transit and be exposed to wider temperature variations before reaching the consumer. Temperature compensation at the retail level helps ensure fairness under these conditions.

What role do state departments of weights and measures play in regulating gasoline pumps in the United States?

In the United States, each state's Department of Weights and Measures is responsible for testing and certifying gasoline pumps for accuracy, and they can issue fines for non-compliance. For example, Arizona found a significant percentage of pumps were inaccurate in a 2007 inspection.

How do regulatory bodies like the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services ensure gasoline pump accuracy?

These agencies conduct regular inspections of calibration and fuel quality, and perform random undercover inspections using specialized vehicles to verify dispenser accuracy, issuing notices for correction when inaccuracies are found.

What are the legal consequences for vendors with modified or poorly maintained dispensers in Canada?

Under Canada's Fairness at the Pumps Act, vendors with non-compliant dispensers can face fines of up to 50,000 Canadian dollars. However, most failures are due to general calibration errors from wear and tear rather than intentional modification.

What international standards are discussed for compressed hydrogen dispensing?

Worldwide regulations for compressed hydrogen dispensing are discussed under OIML R 139.

What challenges did proprietary communication protocols between pumps and point-of-sale systems create?

Proprietary protocols historically led to vendor lock-in, as only the pump manufacturer could interface with their systems, limiting competition and flexibility for station owners.

What was the purpose of the International Forecourt Standards Forum (IFSF)?

The IFSF was established in the 1990s to standardize communication protocols between fuel pumps and point-of-sale systems, achieving considerable success in Europe.

What significant technological upgrade did US gasoline pumps with credit card readers need to implement by October 2017?

By October 2017, all US gasoline pumps equipped with credit card readers were required to support EMV (Europay, Mastercard, and Visa) chip payment technology. This upgrade involved significant costs and logistical challenges.

Who invented the automatic shut-off valve for gasoline pumps, and when?

The automatic shut-off valve was invented in Olean, New York, in 1939 by Richard C. Corson.

How does the automatic cut-off mechanism in modern gasoline pump nozzles function?

An auxiliary sensing tube inside the nozzle mouth connects to a Venturi pump in the handle. When the fuel tank is nearly full, the airflow changes, causing a pressure change detected by a mechanical valve in the handle, which then closes and stops the fuel flow.

What is the function of vapor recovery systems in modern fuel pumps?

Vapor recovery systems prevent gasoline vapors from escaping into the atmosphere during refueling. In the United Kingdom, for example, new forecourts with significant throughput are required to have active vapor recovery installed.

What does the image of a restored petrol bowser in Gundagai, Australia, represent?

The image shows a restored petrol bowser located in Gundagai, Australia, representing historical fuel dispensing equipment.

What is depicted in the image from Vienna, Austria?

The image displays a fuel pump in Vienna, Austria, showcasing a different regional design or model.

What is shown in the image from Konz, Germany?

The image shows an antique diesel fuel pump displayed at the Roscheider Hof Open Air Museum in Konz, Germany.

What is displayed at the Deutsches Museum in Munich, Germany?

The Deutsches Museum in Munich, Germany, features a display of various antique fuel pumps.

What type of fuel pumps are shown in the image from the Soviet Union?

The image displays old fuel pumps that were used in the Soviet Union.

What historical service station in Glendale, Arizona, is represented by the image?

The image shows gasoline pumps once used at the historic Morcomb's Service Station in Glendale, Arizona, including a 1918 Visi Bowl pump.

What are the antique pumps in the Wilton, Connecticut image?

The image shows antique Mobilgas pumps, which were manufactured by Tokheim, located in Wilton, Connecticut.

What is the origin and location of the Wayne petrol pump shown?

The Wayne petrol pump, dating from 1923 and in BP livery, is located at the Science Museum in London.

What company's petrol bowsers are shown in the Sydney, Australia image, and from what period?

The image shows petrol bowsers from the Union Motor Spirit Company in Sydney, Australia, dating from 1932 to 1935.

What are the general requirements for gasoline pumps due to their role in fuel distribution and the hazardous nature of fuel?

Gasoline pumps are subject to stringent requirements concerning safety, accuracy, and security because they are the primary point of fuel distribution to the public and handle hazardous substances.

How are gasoline pumps monitored in countries aiming to combat corruption, such as Mexico?

In countries like Mexico, gasoline pumps may be more closely monitored by government officials to detect and prevent attempts to defraud customers.

Gasoline Pump Wiki: From Bowser to Byte: Understanding the Evolution and Engineering of Gasoline Pumps

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Introduction

The Fuel Dispenser

A gasoline pump, more formally termed a fuel dispenser, is a critical piece of infrastructure found at retail fueling stations. Its primary function is the precise and safe delivery of liquid fuels—such as gasoline (petrol), diesel, and other variants—into the fuel tanks of vehicles. These devices are known by various regional appellations, including "bowsers" in Australia and South Africa, "petrol pumps" in Commonwealth nations, and the ubiquitous "gas pumps" in North America.

Historical Evolution

Early Innovations

The genesis of the gasoline pump predates the widespread adoption of the automobile itself. Sylvanus Bowser is credited with inventing and selling the first iteration in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on September 5, 1885. Initially designed for dispensing kerosene for lamps and stoves, this early device was later enhanced with safety features and a hose for direct vehicle fueling. The term "bowser," initially referring to these vertical pumps, has evolved; while largely supplanted in the US for aircraft fuel trucks, it persists in Australia and New Zealand.

Key Milestones

A significant advancement occurred in 1901 when Norwegian inventor John J. Tokheim patented his gasoline pump, which bore his name. The industry saw further innovation with Gilbarco's introduction of the first commercially produced measured gas pump in 1911. Early designs often featured a calibrated glass cylinder for volume measurement, with fuel dispensed by gravity. Later models incorporated a visible globe with a turbine, allowing customers to visually confirm fuel flow, a precursor to modern metering systems.

Modern Design & Components

Electronic Head

Contemporary fuel dispensers represent a sophisticated integration of electronic and mechanical engineering. Each unit typically comprises two principal sections: an electronic "head" housing an embedded computer responsible for pump operation, display management, and communication with the point-of-sale (POS) system.

Mechanical Core

The mechanical core contains the electric motor, pumping apparatus, flow meters, pulsers, and control valves that govern fuel transfer. In certain installations, particularly in warmer climates where suction pumps might struggle with vapor lock (cavitation) or when dealing with extended pipe runs from the storage tank, the pump itself is submerged within the fuel tank, functioning as a submersible pump.

Features & Flow Rates

Variations in modern dispensers primarily relate to the number of fuel grades offered, dispensing hose configurations, physical aesthetics, and integrated features like pay-at-the-pump terminals and fleet card readers. Flow rates are standardized to ensure efficient and safe fueling: passenger vehicles typically receive fuel at approximately 50 liters (13 US gallons) per minute (with a US regulatory limit of 10 US gallons/38 liters per minute), while larger vehicles can accommodate higher rates, up to 130 liters (34 US gallons) per minute in the UK and 40 US gallons (150 liters) in the US. These rates are constrained by the vehicle's fuel filler neck diameter. Exceptionally high flow rates, such as those for aircraft refueling (up to 1,000 US gallons/3,800 liters per minute), necessitate careful management to avoid overwhelming vehicle vapor recovery systems and posing safety risks.

Fuel Nozzles & Safety

Interface and Durability

The fuel nozzle, connected to the dispenser via a durable, flexible hose, is the interface for delivering fuel into a vehicle's tank. These hoses are engineered for resilience against environmental factors and physical stress, often reinforced with spring-loaded mechanisms.

Breakaway Valves & Color Coding

A critical safety feature is the breakaway valve, designed to automatically detach the hose and cease fuel flow in the event of a vehicle driving away with the nozzle still inserted, preventing significant damage and spillage. Fuel grades are typically indicated by color-coded nozzles and handles, though these conventions vary significantly by region and retailer. For instance, in much of Europe, black typically signifies diesel and green indicates unleaded gasoline. Conversely, in the United States, green often denotes diesel, yellow is used for E85, and a spectrum of colors including black, red, white, and blue are employed for various gasoline grades, with specific assignments differing among service station brands.

Preventing Misfueling

Design Safeguards

Preventing misfueling—the inadvertent dispensing of the incorrect fuel type into a vehicle—is addressed through several design considerations. Historically, diesel nozzles were manufactured with a larger diameter than gasoline nozzles, intended to physically prevent insertion into gasoline filler necks. However, this distinction is not universally mandated, and instances of standard-sized diesel nozzles exist. Similarly, the transition from leaded to unleaded gasoline prompted the use of wider nozzles for leaded fuel and narrower filler pipes on vehicles designed for unleaded fuel exclusively. Some vehicle fuel tank designs also incorporate features to preclude the insertion of incompatible nozzle types.

Automatic Cut-Off

The automatic cut-off mechanism, a vital safety feature preventing overfilling, traces its origins to Richard C. Corson's 1939 invention in Olean, New York. Inspired by the inefficiency of manual barrel filling and the sound of a flushing toilet, Corson developed a "butterfly float" mechanism. Initially conceived to facilitate simultaneous filling of multiple barrels, this innovation evolved into the automatic shut-off valve found in contemporary gasoline pumps. Modern systems utilize an auxiliary sensing tube within the nozzle, connected to a Venturi pump in the handle. When the fuel level reaches the tube's opening, a pressure differential is created, triggering a mechanical valve to close and halt fuel flow.

Metrology & Measurement

Gasoline Volume Accuracy

The metrology of gasoline presents unique challenges due to its significant volumetric expansion and contraction with temperature fluctuations—its coefficient of thermal expansion is approximately 4.5 times that of water at 20°C. In the United States, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) establishes accuracy standards via Handbook 44, with individual states enforcing their own regulations. A typical accuracy tolerance is 0.3%, meaning a 10-US-gallon (37.9 L) transaction might involve an actual dispensed volume between 9.97 and 10.03 US gallons (37.7 to 38.0 L). The industry standard reference temperature for volume is 60°F (15°C). Gasoline stored underground in station tanks experiences less extreme temperature variations than ambient air, mitigating some of these effects. While temperature compensation is standard practice at the wholesale level and in countries like Canada and the UK at the retail level, the US has largely not adopted retail-level automatic temperature compensation (ATC), which can introduce a minor additional uncertainty of approximately 0.1%. The consolidation of retail outlets and increased sales volume mean gasoline spends less time in the retail system, reducing the impact of temperature variations on point-of-sale measurements in high-turnover locations.

Hydrogen & Blending Measurement

Hydrogen fuel dispensers operate on a different metrological principle, dispensing fuel by mass (kilograms). In the United States, NIST Handbook 44 sets a tolerance of 2.0% for hydrogen measurements. International standards, such as OIML R 139, govern compressed hydrogen, and industry technical standards like SAE J2601 provide further regulatory frameworks for hydrogen fueling. Furthermore, certain fuel dispensers are equipped with blending capabilities, allowing them to mix two distinct fuel products prior to dispensing. This functionality, often termed "blending" or "mixing," serves several purposes. It can be used to create a pre-mix of oil and gasoline for two-stroke engines, to formulate an intermediate octane rating by combining high and low-octane fuels, or even to blend hydrogen with compressed natural gas (HCNG). For retailers, blending offers the strategic advantage of providing three fuel grades while managing inventory for only two base products, thereby optimizing capital allocation, tank space utilization, and overall fuel turnover.

Regulatory Frameworks

Safety and Accuracy Standards

Given their role in dispensing hazardous materials to the public, gasoline pumps are subject to rigorous regulatory frameworks governing safety, accuracy, and security. These regulations vary significantly by jurisdiction and can be influenced by political contexts, such as anti-corruption measures seen in Mexico, where pumps are closely monitored for fraudulent practices. Post-installation certification by weights and measures inspectors, verifying dispensed volume against displayed quantity, is a common requirement. Some regions, like Taiwan, Australia, and the UK, mandate that the operator must continuously hold the nozzle during fueling, preventing unattended operation.

Global Standards & Compliance

China's JJG 443-2023 regulation outlines specific requirements, including a maximum allowable error of ±0.30% for volume measurement, repeatability within 0.10%, and stringent payment accuracy. Structural mandates include anti-tampering features, component consistency checks, software identification for traceability, separate flow paths for each hose, and explosion-proof designs for hazardous environments. The integration of gasoline pumps with point-of-sale (POS) systems has historically relied on diverse communication protocols and hardware interfaces (e.g., RS-485, RS-422, current loop). These proprietary systems often resulted in vendor lock-in for POS solutions. Efforts toward standardization, notably by the International Forecourt Standards Forum (IFSF) in the 1990s, achieved greater success in Europe than elsewhere. A significant technological shift occurred in the US by October 2017, mandating support for EMV (Europay, Mastercard, and Visa) chip payment technology across all pumps equipped with credit card readers. This transition necessitated substantial upgrades, estimated at $6,000 to $17,000 per pump, alongside new EPOS hardware and software. The conversion process faced challenges including software readiness, fleet card compatibility, technician availability, and the financial burden on businesses, leading to an extended implementation timeline.

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References

What Do The Different Colors At The Gas Pump Mean?, AOCHENG, Jun 27, 2025

LA gas station gets hydrogen fuel pump

Fill er up- NIST develops prototype meter test for hydrogen refueling stations

Report on the activities of the OIML and regional legal metrology organizations

A full list of references for this article are available at the Gasoline pump Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding automotive engineering, fuel systems, safety protocols, or regulatory compliance. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific applications or concerns.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

From Bowser to Byte

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction ℹ️

⛽ The Fuel Dispenser

Historical Evolution 📜

💡 Early Innovations

⚙️ Key Milestones

Modern Design & Components ⚙️

🖥️ Electronic Head

🔩 Mechanical Core

🔌 Features & Flow Rates

Fuel Nozzles & Safety 💧

🔗 Interface and Durability

🛡️ Breakaway Valves & Color Coding

Preventing Misfueling ⚠️

🚫 Design Safeguards

⬆️ Automatic Cut-Off

Metrology & Measurement 📏

🌡️ Gasoline Volume Accuracy

⚖️ Hydrogen & Blending Measurement

Regulatory Frameworks ⚖️

📜 Safety and Accuracy Standards

🇨🇳 Global Standards & Compliance

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

The Fuel Dispenser

Historical Evolution

Early Innovations

Key Milestones

Modern Design & Components

Electronic Head

Mechanical Core

Features & Flow Rates

Fuel Nozzles & Safety

Interface and Durability

Breakaway Valves & Color Coding

Preventing Misfueling

Design Safeguards

Automatic Cut-Off

Metrology & Measurement

Gasoline Volume Accuracy

Hydrogen & Blending Measurement

Regulatory Frameworks

Safety and Accuracy Standards

Global Standards & Compliance

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice