VisiLevel helps avoid pilfering

STOP THIEF

GAUGING • FUEL SUPPLIERS IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD NEED TO KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON PRODUCT IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN. MECHTRONIC HAS AN ANSWER TO THEIR PROBLEMS

FUELS ARE THE lifeblood of the modern world and access to affordable fuels is crucial to a comfortable society. But in parts of the developing world where poverty is rife, the poor can quickly become priced out of the market – and this can lead to the temptation to subvert the proper supply channels.

This has certainly been the case in East Africa and, indeed, the Kenya Port Authority (KPA) said in 2017 that: “Siphoning by drivers is chronic, affecting transporters and construction companies at KPA. For instance, nearly 40 per cent of fuel is lost.”

KEEPING A CAREFUL WATCH ON FUELS DURING

TRANSPORT AND DELIVERY CAN REDUCE PILFERAGE AND

Not content to let this situation continue, KPA decided to do something about it and, with the help of Simplytrak (Kenya) Ltd, looked for a technical solution to help it keep track of the fuel supply chain and prevent pilfering. The solution was to invest in the VisiLevel gauging system from MechTronic and, after only a few months, Simplytrak’s CEO Joe Kigara was in the position to say: “We have already seen a reduction in fuel discrepancy, the impact on the port has been significant and discussions are now underway to expand the fleet.”

EYE ON THE TANKER VisiLevel is an ATEX- and IECEx-approved level gauging system that uses patented and proven technology to identify a tanker’s fuel content by measuring the volume, temperature, density and colour of the contents. This unique gauging system ensures that the date, time and location is recorded when the fuel tanker makes its delivery.

When linked to MechTronic’s bespoke cloud-based tracking system, actual loaded product information is automatically uploaded to the tracking system and, using the metered delivery information, the product left onboard the tanker at the end of the day is reconciled. An end of shift report can be easily created to identify any stock variations, guaranteeing the security of both the onboard product and tanker.

Since the successful launch into Kenya, VisiLevel has also been chosen by Côte d’Ivoire-based Global Services, a distributor of fuel management systems within Africa. It was looking to assist a customer in Côte d’Ivoire suffering similar fuel discrepancy issues.

“We wanted a solution that would enable our customer to monitor, track and ensure that their customers are receiving an untampered product. With drivers travelling some two to three thousand kilometres over a period of several weeks, unfortunately fuel discrepancies and tampering can happen,” Global Services says.

“However, with the introduction of VisiLevel and its tailor-made audit tracking capabilities, we can ensure our individual customers’ requirements are met. For example, the software automatically issues text and email alerts when fuel levels drop by a specific level. Since installation, our customer has been able to track exactly where fuel is leaving the tanker or when the fuel is being tampered with – providing operators with a tool to end fuel discrepancies and save valuable product and money.”

MechTronic, based in Leeds, UK and founded in 2004, specialises in road tanker metering and gauging systems and is widely regarded as the UK’s innovator in the design and manufacture of fuel discharge systems. MechTronic also supplies and manufactures a range of components including foot valves, bottom loading valves, tanker overfill prevention systems, bottom loading manifolds and tanker manhole lids. HCB www.mechtronic.ltd.uk