U404-A Specifications:
| Purpose: | Prevent fuel drain-back from suction pipeline into tank + air-lock protection |
| Valve type: | Foot valve (one-way check) |
| Installation location: | At bottom of suction pipe inside fuel tank |
| Part number: | U404-A |
| Connection size: | 1½″ (38 mm) |
| Connection type: | Threaded BSP |
| Response time: | 0.5 s |
| Working medium: | Gasoline, diesel, biofuel (NOT for LPG) |
| Operating temperature: | −30…+55 °C |
| Body material: | Brass |
| Net weight: | 1.6 kg |
| Compatibility: | AZS tanks with 1½″ suction line |
| Warranty: | 12 months |
Bottom Valve U404-A 1½″ for Fuel Dispenser Tank
U404-A — bottom valve (foot valve) with a connection size of 1½ inch, which is installed inside the fuel tank of a gas station at the lower end of the suction line of the fuel dispenser pump. Used exclusively for liquid fuel (petrol, diesel fuel, biofuel) — NOT designed for LPG (for liquefied gas, valves of different design with cryogenic seals are used). Brass body, response time 0.5 s.
Why a bottom valve is needed in the tank
Between the underground fuel tank of a gas station and the fuel dispenser pump runs a suction line 5-15 meters long. After the pump is switched off, the fuel in this line tends to drain back into the tank under gravity. If this happens:
- The line empties — at the next start, the pump sucks air instead of fuel
- System aeration — the meter starts running idle, distorting readings
- Prolonged fuel dispenser startup — the pump must refill the line before fuel delivery begins
- Premature pump wear — dry running destroys impellers and bearings
- Unreliable fuel accounting — regulatory violations and fines from UkrMetrTestStandard
The bottom valve U404-A solves all these problems — after the pump is switched off, it automatically closes under the action of backflow (when the column of fuel in the line creates back pressure), holds fuel in the pipeline and prevents liquid from draining into the tank. Response time 0.5 seconds — instant response, volume of "lost" fuel is minimal.
How it is installed
U404-A is mounted at the very bottom end of the suction line inside the tank, at a distance of 50-150 mm from the bottom — to avoid sucking sediment and bottom water. The body is continuously submerged in fuel, so the material must be corrosion-resistant: brass is ideal for petrol and diesel, does not accumulate sediment and does not react with standard fuel additives.
Why "fuel only", not for LPG
U404-A is designed exclusively for liquid petroleum products at atmospheric pressure in the tank. For LPG systems (liquefied gas), completely different valves are used:
- Special seals for cryogenic temperatures (LPG evaporates at −42 °C)
- Increased sealing under pressure of 5-15 bar (LPG in tank is always under pressure)
- Certificates for flammable gases (separate category)
- Antistatic protection
Do not attempt to install U404-A in an LPG system — this violates safety standards and may result in gas leakage.
When replacement is needed
- System aeration at startup — valve does not hold, fuel drains back
- Leaks through the body — seal damage
- Valve sticking in open position — dirt ingress or corrosion
- Routine replacement during tank cleaning (once every 5-10 years)
- Replacement after pump repair or system diagnostics
Where it is used
- Underground fuel tanks at gas stations with pump fuel dispensers (Gerkon, Bennett, Tatsuno, Wayne)
- Stationary mini-gas stations with tanks of 1-50 m³
- Corporate fuel systems for vehicle fleets
- Process tanks at oil depots with pump stations
Delivery and warranty
Valve U404-A in stock, shipment on the day of payment via Nova Poshta, SAT or shared cargo throughout Ukraine (1-3 days). Manufacturer warranty 12 months. When purchasing batches for a gas station network or replacement during scheduled tank maintenance — individual terms available. Export through NOVA GLOBAL to Kazakhstan, Moldova, Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is U404-A not suitable for LPG?
How do I know U404-A needs replacement?
Which dispensers is U404-A compatible with?
What is the valve service life?
SHIPPING INFORMATION FOR UKRAINE
Our company is committed to fast shipping and delivery throughout Ukraine. We work with carriers that offer the best balance of price and quality, including:
NOVA POSHTA
1-3 days. Delivery speed depends on your location. After placing your order and payment, we ship the same day or the next.
SAT
Delivery time 3-5 days. Speed depends on the distance between sender and recipient. This is the most economical option compared to Nova Poshta.
DELIVERY
Shipping takes 4-7 days. This is the slowest method, but its advantage is the low cost.
FREIGHT POOLING
Shipping is done via shared transport through a dispatcher. Finding a vehicle takes 1-2 days; speed depends on the destination (major cities are faster, remote villages slower). This method is cheaper than the carriers listed above.
We work throughout Ukraine, and on request can arrange delivery via another courier service not on our list.
After placing your order in our online store, please provide the following information for delivery to your region:
- Recipient's full name
- City or town
- Number of the nearest warehouse (if shipping via courier services)
- Mobile phone number
Once the goods are shipped, we will provide you with the waybill number. When picking up your order, please bring your passport and the waybill number.
NOTES:
- The seller is not responsible for the operation of postal / courier services.
- Shipments are insured for full value; in case of damage the carrier is obligated to compensate you in full.
- Shipping costs are paid by the buyer (or by mutual agreement).
- If the requested product cannot be supplied, an equivalent replacement will be offered upon your approval.
If you couldn't find an answer to your question in this section, please contact us for more detailed information.
PAYMENT METHODS
After placing an order for a selected product in our store, we verify stock availability and confirm with you. Payment can then be made using one of the following methods:
- Bank transfer to the company account (VAT included).
- Cash on delivery (payment upon receipt).
Before paying via bank transfer, please contact us to confirm product availability.
Cash on delivery is processed at the carrier's warehouse. The service fee is 2% of the total + 15 UAH for payment processing. For an order of 1000 UAH you will pay 35 UAH for this service plus the shipping cost.
The second method is more reliable as you can inspect the goods on the spot, but it is also more expensive, so before paying you may want to consider which method suits you best.
If payment is received by 12:00, we ship the same day; if payment arrives later, shipping is processed the next day.
For any questions about payment, please contact us — if you haven't found an answer to your question, we will provide more detailed information.
WARRANTY & SERVICE
- Warranty on Gerkon fuel dispensers — 18 months;
- Warranty on Gerkon measuring tanks — 18 months;
- Warranty on level meters — 36 months;
- Warranty on fuel dispenser connection installation — 18 months;
The manufacturer guarantees free replacement or repair of dispenser parts and assemblies that fail due to manufacturing defects, provided that transportation, storage, and operation rules are observed.
