This manual and the information contained herein are not intended to provide
you with any advice on product design, filling station specifications, installation of
equipment, or similar matters and should not be relied upon for such purposes.
Neither Kraus Global Ltd. nor any of its employees or agents are your
professional advisers. You should assess whether you require such advisers and
additional information and, where appropriate, seek independent professional
advice. Kraus, its subsidiaries and affiliates, are not responsible in any manner
for direct, indirect, special or consequential damages however caused arising
from your use of this manual and the information contained herein.
This manual is designed to provide installation, operation, and
maintenance guidelines and procedures for Kraus’ Retail
compressed natural gas (CNG) Optima™ dispensers.
Intended users
This manual is designed to be clear, comprehensive, and available to
anyone installing, maintaining, or overseeing the operation of Kraus’
Retail CNG Optima™ dispensers.
Scope
This manual is divided into five chapters:
1. INTRODUCTION
This chapter provides general information about this manual and
the Retail CNG Optima™ dispenser.
2. SAFETY
This chapter provides general installation, operation, and
maintenance safety guidelines.
3. INSTALLATION AND SETUP
This chapter provides installation and configuration guidelines
and procedures for the Retail CNG Optima™ dispenser.
4. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
This chapter provides operation and maintenance guidelines and
procedures for the Retail CNG Optima™ dispenser.
5. TROUBLESHOOTING
This chapter provides general troubleshooting guidelines for
possible installation, operation, and maintenance issues.
The Retail CNG Optima™ dispenser is available in a single or
multiple-line configuration. Each configuration is available in
standard, high or split-flow systems; P30, P36, or split-pressure;
single or dual hose setup; and buffer or cascade sequencing.
Additionally, the Retail CNG dispenser incorporates an industryleading retail design that includes an embedded card reader, keypad,
receipt printer, full-color display and secondary display. Table 1.1
below describes these customizable features.
Table 1.1: Retail dispenser configurations
1.7 Dispenser theory of operation
This section explains how Kraus’ MICON NEXTGEN 1.0® pump-
controller and KAF 402™ solenoid valves operate to control gas flow
within CNG dispensers.
1.7.1 MICON NEXTGEN 1.0®
Kraus’ MICON NEXTGEN 1.0® pump-controller is an inexpensive
alternative to using PLC units for operating fuel dispensers. For CNG
dispensers, the MICON® takes readings from the mass flow meter,
pressure transducer, and temperature probe to determine a final fill
pressure that is based on a series of algorithms in accordance with
the Ideal Gas Law, “PV = nRT”. The result is a controlled fill of a
vehicle’s CNG tank to a safe maximum limit.
After the fueling nozzle is attached and a fill is authorized, the
MICON® opens all KAF 402™ solenoid valve(s) and dispenses CNG
into the vehicle’s receptacle for four seconds. After the four seconds,
the MICON® closes the valve(s) and performs a reading of the vehicle
tank pressure and ambient temperature. Based on a combination of
the initial reading and Ideal Gas Law calculations, the MICON®
determines a target-fill-pressure.
A buffer storage system comprises a large storage bank with a single
supply line to the dispenser, which is controlled by one KAF 402™
solenoid valve to start and stop gas flow.
After the target-fill-pressure is calculated, the solenoid valve remains
open for fuel delivery until the target-fill-pressure or minimum flow
setting is reached.
1.7.3 Cascade storage systems
Cascade storage systems typically consist of three separate storage
banks—a low, mid, and high bank. The low bank holds
approximately 70% of the total volume of storage, while the mid and
high banks hold 20% and 10% respectively.
Upon authorization, the MICON® will open all three banks for 4
seconds to ensure there is sufficient gas flow to continue with the fill.
The banks will then close for another 4 seconds for the target-fill
calculation. Once the target-fill-pressure is calculated, the low-bank
will reopen and deliver fuel until the flow rate drops to a
predetermined level—set in the MICON®. When this level is reached,
the mid-bank solenoid valve will reopen to deliver the fuel. If more
pressure is needed, the same sequence will occur to access the highbank until the target-fill-pressure or minimum flow setting is
reached.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) can pose great danger if mishandled.
Please be sure to read and understand this section before installing,
operating, or maintaining CNG dispensers.
ADVICE
It is necessary to comply with all safety precautions and other instructions
described throughout this manual to properly install, operate, and maintain
Kraus-manufactured CNG dispensers.
2. SAFETY
2.1 General safety
Where it is applicable, local regulations take precedence over the
guidelines listed in this section. Please ensure that all personnel are
familiar with all applicable regulations and observe the following
guidelines when working with fuel dispensers:
Do not smoke or allow open flames and
naked lights within 15 feet or 5 meters of
any gas installation.
Do not adjust, remove, or bypass any
protective devices.
Electrical equipment and its protection
must comply with the regulations
applicable to the hazard of the location.
Transportation, installation,
commissioning, operation, maintenance,
and repairs should only be carried out by
qualified personnel in accordance with
the regulations for operation and safety.
Electrical connections must comply with
applicable local regulations.
Piping and other components, which are
not supplied by Kraus Global Ltd., must be
suitable for the respective working
pressure. If necessary, they must be
tested and protected by pressureunloading devices.
Systems must be entirely vented before
any maintenance or repair procedures
are carried out.
The hose assembly for Retail CNG dispensers are designed to convey
static electricity. It is imperative that the hose assembly be properly
grounded to the CNG unit it is attached to.
ATTENTION
For additional information about dispenser hoses, please refer to the
specification tag provided by the manufacturer or contact Technical
Support at 204-663-3601, ext.212.
2.3 Dispenser hose safety
Please observe the following guidelines prior to installing or
maintaining CNG dispenser-hoses and related components:
Replace the hose if any of the following conditions are observed:
o The jacket of the hose appears abnormal
o A gas leak or any reason to believe there is a gas leak
o The couplings are damaged
o The hose is damaged in any way, including cuts, cracks,
bulges, blisters, or abrasions
o The reinforcement is exposed through the jacket
o Spring guards are missing or detached from couplings
o Couplings and spring guards show evidence of slippage or
looseness
Inspect the hose assembly before each
use.
Do not exceed the maximum
recommended working pressure of the
hose: 5,000 psi/345 bar.
Never allow problems to go unreported. Both your company and supplier
will benefit from the full disclosure of all dispenser issues.
2.5 Leak test safety
Always use proper thread lubricants and
sealant on tapered pipe threads.
Never turn a fitting body. Instead, hold
fitting body and turn the nut.
After completing any work on process gas
piping systems and its components,
always purge the system thoroughly with
a non-corrosive inert gas, such as
nitrogen, before introducing natural gas.
Ensure that you have not left any tools,
cleaning equipment, or any loose parts
inside the dispenser.
Please observe the following guidelines before performing leak tests
on Kraus-manufactured CNG dispensers:
Ensure the area surrounding the
dispenser being serviced is closed off to
all customers and unauthorized
personnel. Use any appropriate barricade
and signage to ensure safety.
It is recommended that protective shields
be placed around potentially harmful
areas of the dispenser being serviced.
Service personnel must wear all
appropriate safety gear, such as helmets
with eye and/or facial protection and
body shields.
Please observe the following guidelines prior to installing any Krausmanufactured CNG dispenser:
All electrical and mechanical installations
All electrical installations must only be
All high-pressure gas connections should
Safety valve discharge gases must be
Be sure to allow room inside the
Where soil displacement is apparent, gas
The dispenser frame enclosure must be
A pressure relief device may be installed
o The pressure relief device must communicate directly with
the pressure-containing component it is designed to
protect—valves between the protected component and the
inlet to the pressure relief device are not permitted.
must comply with the provisions of the
local authority having jurisdiction.
carried out by a licensed electrical
journeyman.
only be carried out by qualified and
experienced personnel.
funneled safely away from the working
area using tubing or piping with
comparable pressure ratings to the tubing
or piping used within the dispenser.
dispenser pit to properly tie-in the gas
lines to the inline filters and manual
isolation valves.
connections upstream of the dispenser
must be made with flexible hoses.
securely bolted to a concrete foundation
or to a structural steel base. Adequate
support must be provided for each unit of
the dispensing system, independent of
piping, tubing, or conduit that may be
connected to the dispenser.
directly upstream of the dispenser—in
compliance with the ASME Boiler and
Pressure Vessel Code—to limit the
pressure at the inlet of the dispenser to a
value no greater than the maximum
working pressure of the dispenser.
emergency shut-off device that will
terminate the gas supply to the dispenser
in the event that the dispenser is upset or
sheared from its foundation for any
reason.
All dispensers must only be used for gas
compositions specified within SAE J1616:
Recommended Practice for Compressed
Natural Gas Vehicle.
Kraus CNG dispensers must be situated in such a way that there are no
obstructions, such as a wall or gate, that may entangle the dispenser
hose. This is to ensure proper functioning of the hose assembly’s
breakaway coupling.
ATTENTION
Please refer to your Construction drawings for dispenser dimensions.
3.2 Pre-installation
3.2.1 Site preparation
Please observe the following guidelines prior to constructing
dispenser pits:
Be sure to allow room inside the
dispenser pit to properly tie-in the gas
lines to the inline filters and manual
isolation valves.
Make provisions for tubing and electrical
conduits prior to pouring the concrete
pad.
Filters must be installed upstream of the
dispenser.
Due to potential weld slag, filings, rust,
dirt, and water, dispensing lines should be
purged to the atmosphere at the
dispenser. This can be done by blowing
nitrogen through the lines.
All dispensing lines must be purged,
pressurized, and leak tested. Afterwards,
manual isolating valves in the dispenser
pit must also be leak tested. The
dispenser must only be connected to the
lines after these have been accomplished.
Ensure that the dispenser crate is placed on a smooth and level surface
before removing any crate panels.
ATTENTION
All dispenser packages contain additional parts, accessories, and
documents that are vital to the installation, operation, and maintenance of
the dispenser. Be sure to set these items aside in a safe and easily
accessible area.
Dispenser keys may be found on one of the authorization handles.
3.2.2 Uncrating the dispenser
1. Inspect the crate for any damages that may have occurred during
shipping. If any damages are found:
o Take pictures of the damages
o Note the damages
o Contact Kraus
2. Starting with the top panel, remove all screws and/or nails and
detach the top panel. Repeat this process to remove all side
panels.
3. Remove all protective wrapping by hand; knives and other sharp
objects may damage the dispenser.
4. Inspect the dispenser for any damages. If any damages are found,
repeat the procedure indicated in step 1.
5. Remove lag bolts from base rails to free the dispenser from the
bottom pallet.
6. Locate and review the crating check list to ensure that all items
are accounted for. If you are missing any items, please contact
Technical Support at 204-663-3601, ext.212.