Slow Flow — Why Speed Matters

Slow flow at the dispenser happens for many reasons. Overdue filter maintenance, equipment failures, or a leak in the fueling system are common causes.

Slow flow can also be a signal that a serious fuel quality issue is occurring. For example, when reactive chemicals inside PetroClear “Alert” filters detect that the fuel has experienced phase separation, super-absorbent polymers in the filter expand to restrict flow. When super-absorbent polymers in PetroClear’s water-sensing filters absorb 5.9 ounces of water, the polymers swell to reduce the flow of fuel.

When dispenser filters slow flow to alert operators to a fuel quality problem and prevent the fuel from being dispensed into a vehicle, the speed at which the filter reduces the flow is important. The faster the filter restricts flow, the amount of bad fuel potentially being pumped into the vehicle decreases.

Although filter-induced slow flow might be viewed as a nuisance to operators who must deal with the underlying problem, it is an important safeguard for customers. Discuss your dispenser filter’s slow-flow capabilities with your filter representative to ensure you are providing the maximum protection to motorists.