TCL components made with LATI's PA66 and PBT compounds to prevent fraud in fuel dispensing systems through chemical resistance and dimensional stability
Electrical & Electronic, Electrically conductive
Electrical & Electronic, Electrically conductivebyadmin

Safety and Innovation in Fuel Management

In the fuel distribution and storage sector, security against fraud and unauthorized access has become a strategic priority.
The evolution of smart closure devices for tanks and cisterns has led to the development of increasingly sophisticated systems, capable of combining robust mechanics, advanced electronics, and high-performance technical materials.

One of the most significant projects in this field is SpinCap®, a smart security cap designed by TCL Group in collaboration with LATI Industria Termoplastici, based on the use of structural compounds for fuel safety devices.

SpinCap®: Smart Closure System against Fraud

SpinCap® is an electronic closure system for fuel tanks and cisterns, designed to restrict refueling access exclusively to authorized personnel.
Its main objective is to prevent unauthorized loading and unloading operations, thus reducing the risk of theft or tampering in the transport and management of hydrocarbons such as LPG, diesel, and gasoline.

The heart of the device is an electronic recognition module integrated into the cap, capable of verifying the operator’s identity through a dedicated mobile app.
The entire system is protected by a steel cell and a structural frame made of reinforced thermoplastic compound, designed to withstand mechanical stress and critical environmental conditions.

Technical Requirements for Structural Compounds in Fuel Safety Devices

For an application of this type, the technical requirements of the material are extremely rigorous. The compound must offer:

  • High mechanical strength to resist tampering or break-in attempts;
  • Toughness and dimensional stability under static and dynamic loads;
  • Resistance to fuels, oils, and aggressive chemical agents;
  • Stable behavior in ATEX environments, potentially explosive;
  • Resistance to weathering, UV radiation, and prolonged immersion;
  • Long-term durability, in line with the integrated electronic system’s service life.

Technical Collaboration between TCL and LATI: Materials and FEM Validation

To meet these requirements, TCL Group collaborated with LATI in selecting glass fiber reinforced structural compounds, based on modified PA66 and PBT.
These materials offer an optimal balance between rigidity, thermal resistance, and environmental stability.

Main properties of the selected compounds

PropertiesReinforced PA66Reinforced PBT
Elastic modulus>10 GPa9-10 GPa
Tensile strength150 MPa120 MPa
Water absorptionMediumLow
Thermal resistance (RTI)120°C130°C
Chemical resistanceGoodExcellent
UV resistance and agingExcellent (stabilized)Excellent

LATI also performed structural validation through FEM simulation, analyzing:

  • behavior under impact and torsional stress,
  • long-term deformation (creep and relaxation),
  • resistance under extreme climate conditions.

The results confirmed the mechanical integrity and long-term stability of the device, ensuring the required certifications for industrial and ATEX environments.

Testing and Certifications

After design, SpinCap® underwent climatic and environmental testing at accredited laboratories.
The tests validated:

  • the mechanical resistance to tampering,
  • the watertight seal and immersion resistance,
  • the chemical compatibility with fuels and additives,
  • the performance stability throughout the product lifecycle.

Thanks to these verifications, SpinCap® fully meets the requirements of safety regulations for tamper-proof devices and ATEX environments, representing a case of excellence in the sector.

Structural Compounds and Safety in the Fuel Sector

The use of high-performance structural compounds in fuel safety devices allows:

  • weight reduction compared to traditional metals,
  • improved resistance to corrosion and chemical agents,
  • simplified production through injection molding,
  • more efficient integration of electronic components.

These characteristics make reinforced technopolymers an ideal solution for tanks, valves, closure systems, and smart caps, ensuring consistent performance and enhanced operational safety.

Learn More

Learn more about how LATI structural compounds can improve the safety and reliability of fuel and industrial fluid devices.
Find out more at www.lati.com.

FAQ – Structural Compounds for Fuel Safety Devices

1. What advantages do structural compounds offer over metals in safety devices?
They offer reduced weight, superior chemical resistance and the ability to integrate electronics into molded components.

2. Can LATI compounds be used in ATEX environments?
Yes, specific formulations with certified thermal and chemical stability are available for explosive atmosphere applications.

3. Which materials are most suitable for fuel caps and valves?
PA66 and PBT compounds reinforced with glass or carbon fiber, stabilized against UV and fuels.