OPW Retail Fueling Launches Innovative 71SO Segmented Overfill Valve to Streamline Installation and Boost Safety
OPW Retail Fueling, a part of Dover Corporation (NYSE: DOV) and a recognized global leader in fluid-handling solutions, has announced the official launch of its latest product innovation—the 71SO Segmented Overfill Valve. This new offering marks a significant advancement in overfill prevention technology and is designed to simplify the logistics, installation, and operational efficiency of fuel delivery systems across the industry.
This cutting-edge segmented version of the renowned 71SO Overfill Prevention Valve builds upon the proven performance and market success of its predecessor. The original 71SO, which has long set the standard for overfill prevention with its California Air Resources Board (CARB)-certified, vapor-tight integrity and fully automatic operation, has now been reimagined in a modular format that dramatically improves ease of transport, storage, and onsite assembly.
Modular Design Brings Unprecedented Flexibility and Ease
The key innovation behind the new 71SO Segmented Overfill Valve lies in its design: the drop tube has been divided into four interlocking five-foot segments, which can be conveniently assembled at the job site. This segmented construction delivers numerous advantages over traditional one-piece drop tubes.
Improved Shipping and Storage Efficiency:
The compact, modular nature of the segmented tube substantially reduces the size of packaging, making it easier and more cost-effective to ship and store. Because the product can be packed in a much smaller volume, logistics challenges are minimized, freight costs are lowered, and the risk of shipping damage is reduced—especially during long-distance or multi-site distribution.
Simplified Installation:
Onsite assembly of the segmented 71SO is straightforward and efficient. Unlike traditional systems that may require specialized tools, adhesives, or welding to install, the new version can be snapped together manually without the need for glues, bonding agents, or heavy equipment. This means installers can complete setup more quickly, with less manpower and minimal disruption to the surrounding environment—eliminating the need for excavation or special manholes.
Consistent High-Quality Performance:
Importantly, while the design has evolved, the functionality remains unchanged. The 71SO Segmented Overfill Valve continues to provide the industry-leading protection of the original model thanks to its innovative two-stage positive shut-off mechanism. This ensures that the system can reliably halt fuel delivery when the tank reaches 95% capacity—without requiring pre-checks, operator resets, or overrides.
A Versatile Solution for a Broad Range of Fueling Applications
According to OPW Retail Fueling, the 71SO Segmented Overfill Valve is suitable for both new fuel system installations and retrofit applications. It is fully compatible with standard 4-inch fill risers, making it easy to integrate into existing infrastructure. Each of the four segments is five feet in length, enabling the drop tube to be adjusted to fit tanks with diameters between 8 and 12 feet. With a total possible length of over 223 inches, the product provides the versatility needed to accommodate different tank burial depths with a single model.
Additionally, OPW is offering the valve in multiple configurations to meet the specific needs of various fuel storage environments. Customers can choose between testable and non-testable models, as well as between vapor-tight and non-vapor-tight versions, depending on their operational requirements and regulatory obligations. The company has also announced plans to expand the segmented tube concept into its broader line of 61T standard drop tubes, underscoring its commitment to modular, scalable solutions.
Enhanced Compliance and Environmental Protection
The 71SO Segmented Valve doesn’t just make installation easier—it also reinforces safety and environmental compliance. The automatic shut-off feature is triggered when the fuel level reaches 95% of tank capacity, significantly mitigating the risk of spills and costly fuel overflows. An integrated bypass valve allows for controlled topping off at 98% capacity, using a restricted flow rate of 5 gallons per minute. Once that threshold is reached, the valve shuts completely, halting fuel delivery to prevent overfilling.
What sets this system apart is that it operates independently of internal tank pressure. This not only accelerates fueling but also makes the process safer by reducing reliance on pressurization, which can introduce its own risks. The design ensures the top of the tank remains dry, a critical feature for satisfying U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements for overfill protection and leak prevention.
A Customer-Focused Commitment to Safety and Efficiency
Commenting on the launch, Ed Kammerer, Vice President of Global Product Marketing at OPW Retail Fueling, emphasized the company’s ongoing dedication to delivering superior customer outcomes.
“At OPW Retail Fueling, we are fueled by excellence and guided by a commitment to making our customers’ operations safer, smarter, and more sustainable,” Kammerer said. “The new 71SO Segmented Overfill Valve reflects that commitment. It reduces installation time, shipping challenges, and labor costs compared to traditional overfill valves—all while offering the best-in-class overfill prevention that customers have come to expect from us.”
As fuel retailers and operators continue to seek efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible solutions, the launch of the 71SO Segmented Overfill Valve is poised to set a new benchmark in the fueling equipment space. With its blend of convenience, reliability, and regulatory compliance, this latest innovation from OPW Retail Fueling promises to reshape how overfill prevention is delivered across the industry.
