History of Petrol Filling Stations Part 11 - Canopies

for the ZVA nozzles. The New ZVA Slimline 2 nozzle for standard refuelling as well as the Stage II vapour recovery variant are produced here. The factory owner, Mr. Thomas Hiby, greeted us as we arrived. After welcome and coffee the formal APEA branch meeting took place with a presentation on current market conditions and some of the challenges ahead for the industry given by Stefan Kunter. Anton Martiniussen gave a presentation on the new generation of ZVA Slimline 2 nozzles and briefed on some of the criteria and customers wishes which had had to be considered before the introduction of the new nozzles to the market in September 2008.

In addition to addressing environmental issues, improved refulling, delivery rates and cleanliness for diesel, for the motorist the benefit of the new Slimline 2 nozzles provides improved grip with reduced force to squeeze the lever when refuelling and a comfortable handle combined with a contoured composite lever. The lever force has been reduced by 1/3 without compromising safety. Certainly many operators will want to consider upgrading their existing sites for this customer convenience, which will be appreciated by lady drivers, senior citizens and those with smaller hands, especially in the UK and other countries where the use of the hold open latch is not allowed on retail sites. We also heard about the new pressure sensing device (DSA) for the ZVA 2 for new dispensers fitted with volume or price pre-payment. The DSA is designed to operate on non completion of a “preselected” volume, the automatic shut off is

“activated” 60 seconds after the nozzle is returned to the nozzle booth if the preset quantity has not been dispensed. There are also improvements to the vapour recovery nozzle, not only the GRV vapour valve but also the GRVP are now fully integrated into the nozzle body. The new GRVP improvements simplify the method of calibration during the vapour recovery DRY TEST. The stainless steel capped spout, is now a “push fit” secured with a retaining pin for quick assembly/disassembly and easy maintenance. Importantly from a regulators point of view all ZVA Slimline 2 and ZVA Slimline 2 GR are fully ATEX approved with EC-

type examination certificated according to EN13012. TÜV-Süd - VR plus SIRA approved embossed on the nozzle body. The manufacturing facilities are cutting edge technology, highly automated with state of the art production management and control displays and processes. Kanban diciplines (E) (JIT) auto, supply and control the assembly. The use of 3 D CAD software with direct connection to the processing centres enables rapid prototype production together with the capability to cast sample parts from aluminium or bronze immediately. Data transfer with customers can easily be accomplished with modern CAD software and is possible in all current formats. It is easy to comprehend the reputation of the ZVA nozzle for its quality and long service life after seeing the production facilities. One can see there is a direct correlation between what takes place in the field with what is produced back at the factory.

Before our flight back to England the company kindly arranged for us to visit the famous Atta cave (Atta-Höhle) where we saw a stunning variety of dripstone stone fomations. When the deposition takes place

underground, beautiful crystals are created in stalagmite and stalactite forms. Our stay in Germany was short but memorable with an impression of German culture as well as seeing at first hand the high level of investment in technology and quality engineered products. Everyone was especially impressed by the tidiness and cleanliness in all production areas as well as the high standard in production and during testing of the products.

Anton Martiniussen Branch Secretary