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Cantest



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Cantest Solutions Inc. was founded in 1994 providing retail tank and line testing services. Originally tank testing services were commonly ordered due to inventory reconciliation problems; surprisingly precision testing results would not always solve inventory reconciliation discrepancies. In 1997 Cantest launched the Alarm Management Program (AMP); this service investigated inventory reconciliation problems by studying and correcting tank charts, procedures, and compensating for tank deformation and tank tilt. Ultimately meter accuracy proved to be the most prevalent root cause of all inventory reconciliation investigations.

Meter manufacturers advertise a repeatability of +/- .3% tolerance. Combined with temperature, atmospheric and other variables the need for more consistent meter evaluation was required. In 1998 Cantest and Harvey Lloyd started a joint venture to develop meter evaluation technology to eliminate the problems identified with the open neck test measure (open neck proving can).

This fully computerized technology eliminates false alarm investigations and significantly increases profit to the dealer by eliminating the vapour loss variable attributed to traditional calibration methods. Proven returns for major networks in Canada using this technology exclusively across their networks. Environmental advantages also include a zero release of volatile organic compounds during the evaluation process unlike any other technology or process used today.

As dispensing technology further developed the problems associated to open neck proving became more evident as illustrated by the following regulatory studies:

  • The International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) was established in 1955 in order to promote the global harmonization of legal metrology procedures. OIML Bulletin Volume XLI, Number 2, April 2000 illustrated a study in which they concluded Up to .30 millilitres or 0.15 per cent of gasoline will evaporate when the open neck prover is splash filled.

  • This same issue was addressed in an in-depth Measurement Canada study in April of 2007. This study illustrated that the inaccuracies associated to vapour loss during the filling of an open neck prover may exceed .3%.

  • In April of 2006 the Nebraska study illustrates that by not running enough product to temperature stabilize the product before calibration that the calibration error may be greater then the total level of error allowed. (greater then .5%)

Regulatory guidelines for comparison of Fast flow to slow flow accuracy and repeatability evaluations are designed to evaluate meter condition or to insure that meter tolerances illustrate that the meter is still in its usable life span. A meter will perform with a fairly consistent rate of wear or meter drift until it nears the end of its life cycle. As the valves and sealing surfaces start to fail recalibration will bring the meter back to zero but the increased meter drift rate or the additional product leak by will continue rapidly.

The accuracy and repeatability problems of the open neck prover may mask the extent of wear that a meter may exhibit during calibration. As sites become larger, more dispensers on the same turbine, and filter problems are increasing due to bio-fuels and low sulphur diesel the pressure differential through the dispenser volume range is masking meter problems that may be identified by traditional evaluations. Our leak down evaluation is the only system capable of identifying meter condition on a finite and consistent basis.

The Cantest continuous flow electronic prover eliminates all the variables that affect the accuracy of the open neck prover. All data inputs are electronic eliminating any source of human error while providing lab quality evaluations of meter condition and a resulting calibration in the field.

Cantest currently enjoys market dominance in Canada and is looking for international partners interested in deploying this unrivalled proving technology. Exclusive licensing is available for the right partner.

A demonstration of this continuous flow electronic proving technology is available here: http://www.cantest.net/metercalvideo/

Serious inquires may inquire for Global Licensing Opportunities directly:

Lee Krause +1.403.912.9129 x36