Information Bulletin — New Date of January 2011 to Address Vapour Loss

New Date of January 2011 to Address Vapour Loss (PDF format, 32.4 KB, 2 pages)

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2009-11-02

To eliminate discrepancies between test results determined with open and closed proving systems when inspecting gasoline dispensers, Measurement Canada (MC) established a sunset date of January 1st, 2009 beyond which open measures were to require an effective means to minimize vapour loss.

The introduction of closed proving systems for calibrating gasoline dispensers appeared to result in disagreements between open and closed proving methods. Measurement Canada conducted a study which confirmed that there was always some degree of loss due to vaporisation when open test measures were used to test gasoline dispensers. The results of this study can be found in a report titled "Product Loss During Retail Motor Fuel Dispenser Inspection". The challenge to develop such acceptable means to minimize vapour losses has proven to be greater than originally anticipated and, therefore, the deadline has been extended.

Measurement Canada will phase in the use of proving equipment with means to minimize vapour losses beginning in January of 2010. Measurement Canada encourages all parties, both service companies and authorised service providers (ASPs) involved in the calibration and inspection of gasoline dispensers, to use proving equipment with means to eliminate or minimize vapour loss as soon as possible.

Effective January 15, 2011, ASPs who are inspecting fuel dispensers on behalf of MC must use test equipment that has effective means to address the vapour loss. This is not applicable to diesel dispensers or factory tests using solvents.

In all cases, now and after this deadline, calibration adjustments to gasoline dispensers must target zero error, as per subsection 35.1 of the Weights and Measures Regulations, regardless of the type of test standard being used. Given the variability of the vapour losses, MC does not recognize or condone the use of offset values with open test measures. Beyond January 15, 2011, only test standards used by ASPs with a recognized means to minimize vapour losses will be certified by MC for the inspection of gasoline dispensers.

It is the responsibility of MC's Engineering and Laboratory Services Directorate to determine the suitability of proving equipment. Several designs, which address gasoline vapour loss, have been evaluated. This list of technical reports will be updated as new designs are accepted. Enquiries related to equipment evaluation and recognition can be directed by email to Mr. Christian Lachance or by phone at (613) 952-3528.

For further information, please contact your Regional Volumetric Specialist.

Dennis Beattie C.E.T.
Senior Program Officer (Volume)
Measurement Canada