A.1. Vapor recovery systems.

This code applies to Stage II vapor recovery systems designed to control motor vehicle fuel vapors which result from fueling operations pursuant to Sections 41954, 41956, and 41956.1 of the Health and Safety Code. This code establishes regulations to govern some design characteristics of those systems and their operation to ensure liquid recirculation is prevented.

A.1.1. Balance system.

The balance vapor recovery system utilizes fuel delivery nozzles with a bellows and face plate designed to make an “intended tight seal” with the vehicle fill pipe opening. Liquid filling a fuel tank displaces the existing vapor space creating a positive pressure in the tank. That higher pressure achieves equilibrium with the supply tank's vapor pressure through the vapor return line making the system “balanced”.

A.1.2. Assist system.

Assist vapor recovery systems may utilize more than one type of fuel delivery nozzle. One has a bellows and face plate designed to make a “non-intended tight seal” with the vehicle fill pipe opening. Another has no bellows, uses a coaxial metal fill spout with perforations in the outer tube to remove vapors, and allows visual observation of the fill pipe opening. These systems employ a mechanism to create vacuum which “evacuates” displaced vehicle fuel tank vapors by a negative pressure in the vapor return line.

A.2. Responsibility of Director and manufacturer.

A.2.1. Director.

As specified in subsection A.1., a system submitted for type approval certification shall be evaluated by the Director applying the procedures established in this article plus any additional tests he determines necessary to assure compliance of the system with the specifications and performance requirements contained herein.

A.2.2. Manufacturer.

Prior to type approval certification testing, the applicant shall submit information to the Director pertaining to the design of the system, including schematics, blueprints, instruction manuals, brochures, components, and all other information necessary for preliminary review. If defects are found in the design, manufacture, service, repair, or any other characteristic of the system, the Director may permit the applicant to modify and resubmit the system for further review. After successful completion of preliminary review, the applicant shall be authorized to install its system of a specified number of components in a prescribed location for use in the type approval certification testing.

A.3. Procedure.

The Secretary shall, in cooperation with the county sealer of weights and measures for the designated location, observe and examine the system in operation normally within 30 to 90 days. One or more examinations shall be conducted during the prescribed test period to determine compliance with Sections 4054.1 and 4054.2 which relate to specifications, performance, and accuracy. If, during or at the conclusion of any examination, the system fails to maintain reliability and accuracy within the tolerances specified in the submission for type approval certification, the Secretary shall so advise the applicant and may refuse further testing unless the defects are corrected. However, type approval certification shall not be issued until the applicant, following successful Division of Measurement Standards field tests, submits a report of evaluation by an independent testing laboratory as specified in Section 4054.2, N.6.

A.5. General code application.

The general code requirements for weighing and measuring devices as specified in Section 4001 shall also apply.