How to Help Your Fleet Ensure Propane Autogas Refueling Success

With the advent of propane autogas as the cleanest alternative fuel for fleets of all sizes also comes the need for refueling training that is properly outlined by the propane marketers that are working directly with those fleets. Refueling propane autogas vehicles is a quick and easy process, but it is critical that fleets are familiar with the equipment, how to properly use it and what actions are vital to fueling safely.

When purchasing propane autogas equipment for a fleet or assisting the fleet with the company’s purchase, it is important to utilize equipment that meets National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements and is certified by Underwriters Laboratories and/or Measurement Canada and National Type Evaluation Program.

Mass flow meters, K15 nozzles and cloud-based software options all offer customers accuracy, reliability, safety and ease of use when implementing a propane autogas program. Propane autogas dispensers work in the same way as gasoline and diesel systems, but there are a few differences that are important to note when refueling. Propane autogas dispensers are closed, pressurized systems that keep propane in its liquid state, and the dispensers utilize a nozzle with a closed, threaded connection to maintain pressure while refueling.

As with any fuel, taking safety into account should be the most important priority. Safety measures for refueling with propane autogas include:

With ample consideration of these safety measures, the following steps ensure safe propane autogas dispensing:

Proper training is essential to a fleet’s implementation of a propane autogas program. Equipment manufacturers are more than willing to walk alongside propane marketers to provide extensive dispensing training, including one full day of classroom instruction and one full day of hands-on learning at a propane autogas station.

The combination of this training, along with the industry-specific materials provided by the Propane Education & Research Council, is the most effective combination to set up a propane autogas fleet for refueling success.

Crystelle Markley is marketing director for Superior Energy Systems in Columbia Station, Ohio. Superior Energy Systems has engineered, manufactured and installed LPG and NGL infrastructure since 1975.