TruckProtect has launched what it is calling the world's first fuel anti-spill valve (ASV) for its anti-syphon product, NeckIt. Available as a retrofit copmonent, the new spring-loaded valve is more effective at preventing spillage, due to the rapid response of the closure system, according to the company.
"With conventional floating ball fuel anti-siphon devices (ASDs), the ball is at the bottom of the device about 25 to 30cm into the fuel tank," explains Richard Fowler, engineering director at TruckProtect. "But the air breather holes are at the top of the device, so if the tank has been filled to the top, or if the vehicle is on its side in an accident, spillage can occur."
With the new technology, however, a stamped stainless steel collar with four extended mounting clips, which clip onto the vent holes, prevents any such problems.
Fowler, the man responsible for the design, says demand came from various sources including the KillSpills group, which lobbies for more to be done about diesel spills on public roads.
"We already had the anti-siphon technology in our existing products and we were keen to add anti-spill to that," he says, adding that there had also been interest from fleet clients wanting to raise their corporate responsibility profile.
Fowler also reveals that further add-on products are being finalised now for release later in the year, with the intention of evolving the NeckIt range into a fuel management system. For now, however, he is hopeful that all his 100,000 NeckIt customers take on board the safety benefits of the new valve.
