Fuel dispensers in Slovenia - Between compliance and fairness

摘要

High level of public and legal interest concerning fuel dispensers' measurements accuracy is always present. Surveillance of dispensers prior to 2013 reported undesired high error values. To limit possibilities of systematic favoring of single parties Slovenian national regulative was adapted. In year 2013 value of maximum permissible error at periodic verifications for higher flow rates of fuel dispensers was reduced. After one verification period passed Surveillance service of Metrology Institute of the Republic of Slovenia (MIRS) performed a surveillance of fuel dispensers seeking feedback information on implementation of modified requirements. On over 150 petrol stations over 300 nozzles serving four different fuel types were controlled at two different fuel flow rates. More than 600 evaluated control results showed among others, that the average measured error at maximum flow rate Q_(max) amounted up to + 0,23%, depending of the fuel type. Almost all measured errors were in line with the metrological requirements, 76% of which however appeared to be in favor of the petrol station owner. Average deliveries at Q_(max) were less favorable to an end customer than deliveries at Q_(min). After another verification period surveillance was performed again. Average measured errors showed further reduction. Measurements also improved their symmetry. Compliance of measuring instruments is not hindered by adapted regulative, while level of measurement fairness is apparently elevated.