How to Choose the Correct Nozzle

Know What You’re Fueling

There are several different fuel nozzles available, all designed for different applications. There are some things to know when picking out your fuel nozzle, since they are designed for different flow rates, products, and materials.

Compatibility is one reason why it’s important to understand what you’re fueling. If you use the wrong nozzle, it can cause damage or contamination. Gasoline, diesel, DEF, chemicals, and oils all require different nozzles.

Flow rate and safety are two other reasons why it’s important. High flow diesel applications often need larger nozzles rather than gasoline and DEF systems. With safety, certain fuels require nozzles that are designed to reduce spills, static buildup, or accidental misfuelling.

Another reason why it’s important to understand what you’re fueling is because there are regulations that some industries have that have specific requirements for fueling equipment and nozzle types. Product purity requires dedicated equipment to prevent contamination that could damage vehicle emission systems, one example of this is DEF.

Understanding Nozzles

There are some things you need to ask yourself before choosing which nozzle is best for you. First, know what product you’re transferring. The most common fluids are:

• Diesel (UL or NON UL)
• Gasoline (Unleaded)
• Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

Second, know how the nozzle will be used. Will it be pressure activated, like at a gas station or convenience store using submersible pumps or dispensers? Or will it be used in a traditional fleet-fueling application, which is non-pressure activated?

One example is the Piusi DEF nozzle. It features an automatic shut-off, a hold-open clip, and a rack. It also contains special seal materials, meaning it is designed specifically for DEF and should not be used with other fluids.

The most common style of nozzle is the C-store application nozzle. When choosing one, ask yourself:

• What product am I transferring?
• What size do I need?
• What regulations or requirements apply?

Common Fuel Nozzle Sizes and Applications

The most common nozzle sizes used at gas stations are 1 inch and 3/4 inches, and in many cases, you can visually inspect the system to determine the correct size.

For 1-inch nozzles, OPW offers the 7H series, including the 7HB and 7H models.

• The 7HB is pressure activated and typically used at gas stations.
• The 7H is non-pressure activated and commonly used with Fill-Rite pumps in fleet-fueling applications.

Both models feature automatic shut-off and are available with or without a hold-open clip.

For 3/4-inch nozzles, OPW offers the 11 series, including the 11B and 11BP.

• The 11BP is pressure activated for gas station use.
• The 11B is non-pressure activated and designed for fleet-fueling applications.

There are also traditional fleet-fueling nozzles that keep things simple. These use a basic mechanical on/off design with no hold-open clip, although they can still hook onto equipment when not in use.

More advanced versions are also available with automatic shut-off, hold-open clips, and compatibility with nozzle docks.

How to Choose the Right Fueling Nozzle with JME: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWsXsb2c6T8

If you have any questions about which nozzle to choose for your operation, give us a call at 1 (800) 333-3331 or contact us, one of our experts would be happy to help!