Energy Agency
of the Basque Government

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Service Station

Service Station

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Freight and passenger transport mainly uses two types of fuels derived from oil: petrol and diesel After each one has been properly prepared at the refinery, the only step left before it can be used is to sell it at a service station. Service stations have developed over the years from simple fuel dispensers to real leisure centres, complete with cafes, shops and restaurants.

Petrol station

Gasolinera Service stations are the nucleus for fuel distribution. The entire transport system depends on proper operation of the service station. They are fitted with numerous safety and control systems, and have to meet strict environmental guidelines.

Prohibitions:

For safety reasons, it is forbidden to smoke or park with the engine running or the headlights on in the area of the pumps. It is advisable not to use electro-magnetic appliances such as mobile phones.

Service Area:

The fuel distribution facilities are just one part of the entire complex, which commonly also includes recreation and leisure areas such as shops, cafes, etc.

Pumps:

The pumps are connected to the different underground tanks so that they can distribute the fuel. They have computerised locking systems and electric safety valves that shut off the supply in the event of any unforeseen incident.

Tanks:

Large-capacity underground tanks (capacity between 10,000 and 40,000 litres) are used to hold the petrol and diesel. They are made of metal and have internal lagging and are cased in concrete. They have leak detectors and systems for extracting the gases given off by the petrol.

The Hose

The hose is the part of the appliance designed to introduce the fuel in the vehicle tank. It has complex systems to ensure safe and correct handling of these flammable agents.

  • A special duct under the spout detects any increase in pressure resulting from a full tank.
  • Two valves: one controls fuel injection and the second cuts off the supply when the tank fills up.
  • The system has various filters in both the hose and the pump, and there is often a filter in the outlet of the tank as well.
  • A safety valve cuts off fuel output in the event of an emergency, for example, if a vehicle moves off with the hose hooked up and the hose breaks.

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