Ballenoil initially considered following the traditional model: one underground tank per fuel grade. The latter approach, however, can be financially problematic. The purchase and installation of these large tanks is expensive and time consuming. Further, the installation process is more complex since new equipment and systems must meet ever more stringent regulations. Equipment inspection, post-installation, can be another challenge and may further delay start up. The excavation and heavy lifting equipment required to install the tanks can also make it difficult for customers to access the active pumps. The disruption in normal fueling operations can result in lost sales. Once the additional tanks are installed, they also need to be filled, effectively tying up more cash. In summary, the prospect of installing additional tanks with the time and revenue implications prompted Ballenoil to explore other options.
Following an unsuccessful pilot test with a potential additive system, Ballenoil learned about the Wayne Helix® 6000 additive dispenser from its Wayne® distributor, who works directly with Dover Fueling Solutions®. The dispenser works on a simple principle referred to as additive dosing, which is typically done on the terminal rack by the oil company. In this case, the dosing is done at the point of sale by the Helix 6000® additive dispenser system. Using standard petrol or diesel fuel as a base, additive can be inserted into the flow of regular fuel, from 500 to 3600 parts-per-million, to yield a range of fuel blend options. Dosing is controlled by the dispenser’s calculator to ensure the dosing matches the flow rate for the correct proportional blend of standard fuel to additive, allowing one or two additional grades per dispenser, up to a maximum of five fuel grades. To ensure accurate dispensing and compliance with trading standards, the additive is injected into the fuel before metering at the nozzle.
The additive technology is designed to blend seamlessly with the Helix 6000® additive dispenser's overall innovation and sleek design. Housed within the dispenser cabinet is a 40-litre additive tank, pump, meter and a tank-level monitoring system. The additive tank is typically capable of converting thousands of litres of regular fuel into premium grades before needing to be replenished. The system is compatible with VR Stage II recovery to ensure no harmful vapors are released into the environment. The flexible design allows it to work with both suction and pressures systems, making it a viable option for most retailers.
Ballenoil, S.L., in Spain, is one of the fuel retailers that has widely embraced the new technology, converting 40 of its retail operations to the Helix 6000® additive fuel dispenser. Jorge González, Ballenoil Technical Support Manager, noted that to maintain a competitive edge in the market, Ballenoil needed to offer additional fuel grades. “We initially thought about adding new tanks,” said González. “But we found the Helix 6000® additive dispenser option was really the best solution. It allowed us to offer a wider variety of fuel grades without adding additional underground tanks at a significant cost.”
The ability to offer several fuel grades without investing in significant infrastructure has allowed Ballenoil to quickly deploy the Helix 6000® additive dispenser system. The sale of premium grades, however, offers additional benefits. Premium fuel commands additional margin. Further, onsite dosing using the Helix 6000® additive dispenser system can be more economical than tying up cash in large purchases of premium grade fuels. According to González, “By adopting the Helix 6000® additive dispenser system, we’ve seen a spike in customer traffic and are quickly recovering the cost of the new pumps through additional margin. Ballenoil is in the process of converting additional retail locations, starting with those that have the most dated fuel equipment.”
