DID YOU KNOW?

Why Does a Hose Reel Change Fuel Pump Performance?

"Did You Know?"
A Hose reel adds resistance to fuel flow

Hose reels are a great way to keep fuel hoses organized, protected, and easy to use. However, adding a hose reel to a fuel transfer system also adds resistance to fuel flow. That resistance, often called back pressure, can reduce flow rate and affect pump performance.

Every component in a fuel transfer system creates some resistance, including fittings, filters, meters, hoses, swivels, nozzles and more. Of all these accessories, automatic nozzles and 50-foot hose reels typically create the most restriction. A hose reel can create even more resistance when much of the hose remains coiled on the reel or when fuel must be pumped uphill.

Which Pump Works Best with a Hose Reel?

If your fueling system includes a hose reel, a vane pump is the best choice. Vane pumps are designed to provide higher flow and higher pressure, helping them maintain usable flow through long hoses, hose reels, and automatic nozzles.

Gear pumps work well for many fuel transfer applications, especially when the equipment being fueled is close to the pump. A new gear pump may appear to work with a hose reel at first due to its tight internal clearances. As the pump breaks in and reaches its normal operating condition, it will no longer overcome the added back pressure of a hose reel. This is why vane pumps are recommended for hose reel applications.

What Does “Bypass” Mean?

When a nozzle is closed, fuel can no longer leave the hose, causing pressure to build inside the pump. Once pressure reaches the pump's bypass setting, an internal bypass valve opens and allows fuel to circulate within the pump instead of deadheading against the closed nozzle. When the nozzle is opened again, pressure drops and normal fuel flow resumes.

Tips for Better Hose Reel Performance

To get the best results from a fuel transfer system using a hose reel:

• Match the hose reel size to the pump's hose size. For example, GPRO vane pumps use 1-inch hose and should be paired with a 1-inch or larger reel.
• Use just a filter, just a meter, or both.
• Avoid pumping uphill whenever possible, as lifting fuel adds additional back pressure.
• Uncoil as much hose as practical during fueling to help reduce system resistance.

Bottom Line

If your fuel transfer system includes a hose reel, a vane pump will provide the best performance. It is better equipped to handle the added restriction of longer hoses, hose reels, and automatic nozzles, helping maintain higher flow rates throughout the fueling process. Gear pumps are best used with the hose length supplied in the original pump package and are not recommended for hose reel applications.

Did You Know?

The hose reel itself often creates more flow restriction than nearly any other accessory in the fuel system, making pump selection one of the most important factors in achieving good fueling performance.