Tackling fuel theft
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Fluid Management Technology has developed a system that allows companies to remotely monitor gasoline consumption
Fluid Management Technology (FMT), based in Adelaide, South Australia, has developed a high-tech system that allows companies to remotely monitor gasoline consumption.
The devices, which are being used in more than 10 countries, are designed for fleets of mining, transport, civil construction, and municipal vehicles that regularly undertake long trips.
FMT says the devices use driver and vehicle specific identification keys to unlock the fuel tank. The device then records how much fuel is put into the vehicle's tank.
It also accesses the vehicles odometer readings and cargo types to calculate
fuel requirements.
FMT managing director Bob Thomas said the system, which was fitted to bowsers at fuelling stations, could be programmed to lock fuel tanks if too much fuel or if an unscheduled transaction occurred.
"Depending on the key used, things such as odometer statistics, the amount of fuel used, the name of the driver, and other data are sent to a client's web-based account where they can track movement in real-time," he says.
"In places such as the UAE, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, people are buying our products because of fuel theft, which could increase depending on the fuel
prices there."
FMT say their success grew with the implementation of a diesel fuel rebate in Australia, which allowed businesses to claim exemptions or rebates on fuel excise tax; their system enabling businesses to accurately document fuel consumption to maximise tax credits.
It has since expanded internationally to include clients in Indonesia, United States, Vietnam, New Zealand, Kenya, New Caledonia, Mongolia, and Oman.
Last year, it began selling the devices to the United States Government for use at its embassy in Nepal and is set to install another system at its Guatemalan embassy in the coming months.
FMT say they have also set up their first US operational base in Michigan to help service North America and provide full-time assistance to customers in the region.
Thomas said the company was now working on a new nozzle-based identifier that would lock down the tank if it did not recognise the vehicle taking on fuel.
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