EP1354847A1 - Refuelling method, device and system - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves detecting or identifying at least one product by a product identifier (2) in or for each product line (4) between a stationary tank (8,14,16,19) and a chamber (9,13,15,18) of a mobile tank (10). The identification or detection of the at least one product is acquired and evaluated by a controller (12) and a valve (11) for passing the product from the stationary tank to a chamber in the mobile tank is opened or closed accordingly. Independent claims are also included for the following: a refueling system and a refueling device.

Description

The invention relates to refueling methods, devices and systems. In particular concerns the invention methods, devices and systems for reducing or avoiding of mixing liquids when transferring them from one tank to another.

For example, when delivering mineral oil products with multi-chamber tank trucks Petrol stations repeatedly come to accidental mixing of different Fuel products with each other. Such mixes have at least negative consequences for the quality of the products later fueled in motor vehicles, but they can also be expensive Engine damage to the vehicles supplied by users or even dangerous Risk of explosion in any tank. The latter consequences threaten especially when mixing petrol and diesel fuels (OK / DK), while the Mixing the different types of petrol is less problematic.

To avoid such risks, as has been learned in practice, Especially complex systems developed in Germany. These recognize by means of electronic "Tags", so-called "TAGs", on the connections of floor tanks via a conductive designed product hose, on which floor tank of a petrol station a filling hose connected by a delivery vehicle in order to minimize the risk of mixing. At the same time, further requirements are met, e.g. Protection against hose break (ASS) and against overfilling (AS) and swapping the overfill protection cables and ensuring the correct connection of the gas pendulum hose (GPÜ).

However, these systems are very expensive due to this effort and come from this Basically neither for use abroad, nor are they used by all petrol station operators accepted in Germany. Another problem is that the operational safety of the Systems with depends on that the filling stations with suitable identifiers or TAGs are equipped. So far, this has not been the case even in Germany. There are only for filling tankers magnetically coded loading arms in use, their Reliability due to mechanical wear often leaves something to be desired. A distinction the only tax-differentiated products are heating oil and diesel not provided.

Another reason for the occurrence of mixing is the time pressure, especially at the delivery of products from tankers to the petrol stations: there are now systems here in use, the up to three or even four simultaneous deliveries of different fuel products enable. Naturally, the probability of an error decreases compared to the usual delivery of only one or at most two products.

It is an object of the present invention to reduce the risk of mixing different ones Decrease liquids from one tank to another.

This goal is achieved with refueling methods, devices and systems according to the corresponding independent claims.

In particular, this minimizes and preferably even prevents Mixing reached when transferring liquids.

In addition to achieving the desired goals, the present invention also includes The advantage that a cheaper solution compared to the prior art for the most pressing Problems with maximum compatibility with existing systems as well The consistency of the system can be achieved, as errors during loading as well can also occur during unloading, which can then lead to mixing. Furthermore is it is advantageous to use the present invention in several upward compatible expansion stages of being able to offer the type of a modular system in order to meet the different security needs To take into account.

The invention thus provides a refueling method between a stationary tank with one or for a product from a plurality of liquid products and a mobile tank with at least two chambers for identical or different products, characterized in that
that at least one product is recognized or identified via a product identifier in or to each product line between a stationary tank and a chamber of the mobile tank,
that the recognition or identification of the at least one product is recorded and evaluated by a controller, and
that, depending on the recognized or identified product, a valve for transferring a product between the stationary tank and the chamber of the mobile tank is controlled to be open or closed.

To achieve the stated aim of the invention, this furthermore creates a refueling system between a stationary tank with one or for a product from a plurality of liquid products and a mobile tank with at least two chambers for identical or different products, characterized in that
that devices for recognizing or identifying at least one product are contained in or to each product line between a stationary tank and a chamber of the mobile tank,
that the devices for recognizing or identifying at least one product are coupled to a controller in order to provide the latter with information about a recognized or identified product, and
that the controller is further coupled to a valve for transferring the product between the stationary tank and the chamber of the mobile tank to open or close the valve depending on the recognized or identified product.

Finally, the aim of the invention is achieved by a refueling device between one stationary tank with or for a product from a plurality of liquid products and a mobile tank with at least two chambers for identical or different Products reached, with product recognition or identification facilities and a control coupled to it are included, which are dependent on the detected or identified product blocks or releases a refueling process.

Further design options of the invention in the form of devices and systems result from the analogous application of the methods and more precisely through the use of appropriate ones Devices and systems that result from or derive from the process leave or in the device-like implementation of the process features.

Preferred and advantageous refinements and developments of the refueling method according to the invention consist in
that the product is identified by means of a product sensor, and / or
that the recognition or identification of the at least one product is transmitted to the control by radio transmission, and / or
that the recognition or identification takes place in such a way that initially only a small amount of product is dispensed and this amount is subsequently recognized by suitable sensors in the transfer line or in the tank to be filled, and / or
that overfilling is monitored / prevented, and / or
that devices are provided for, in particular, continuous transfer quantity measurement and / or tank / chamber content measurement, and / or
that the recognition or identification takes place by measuring the density of the product or a physical property dependent on the density.

In the system according to the invention, it is preferred and advantageous
if the devices for recognizing or identifying at least one product contain at least one product sensor, and / or
if the devices for recognizing or identifying at least one product are designed to measure the density of the product or a physical property dependent on the density, and / or
if the devices for recognizing or identifying at least one product are transportable and preferably integrated in a coupling within the product line between the stationary tank and the chamber of the mobile tank, and / or
if the coupling between the devices for recognizing or identifying at least one product and the control via the product line between the stationary tank and the chamber of the mobile tank or via radio data transmission is realized, and / or
if an overfill prevention device is provided, and / or
if devices for transfer quantity measurement and / or tank / chamber content measurement are provided and coupled to the control.

Device-preferred and advantageous developments of the invention consist in
that the product recognition or identification devices contain at least one product sensor, and / or
that the product recognition or identification devices are designed to measure the density of the product or a density-dependent physical property, and / or
that an overfill prevention device is provided, and / or
that devices for transfer quantity measurement and / or tank / chamber content measurement contain and are coupled to the control.

Other configurations of the invention to be used with preference or advantage result from the claims, including the dependent claims and their combinations, as well as from the entire available documents.

Fig. 1

schematisch den Aufbau eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Betankungssystems,

Fig. 2

schematisch eine Einzelheit des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des Betankungssystems gemäss Fig. 1, und

Fig. 3

schematisch den Aufbau eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Betankungssystems.

The invention is described below with reference to the drawing using exemplary embodiments only as an example and explanatory. The drawing shows:

Fig. 1

schematically the structure of a first embodiment of a refueling system,

Fig. 2

schematically a detail of the first embodiment of the refueling system according to FIG. 1, and

Fig. 3

schematically the structure of a second embodiment of a refueling system.

Identify the same reference numerals in the individual figures and illustrations of the drawings same or similar or identical or similar components. Based on the representations In the drawing, such features are also clear that are not identified by reference numerals are provided, regardless of whether such features are described below or not. On the other hand, features that are contained in the present description are also but are not visible or shown in the drawing, without further ado for a person skilled in the art understandable.

Individual features that indicate in connection with specific exemplary embodiments and / or are shown, are not based on these exemplary embodiments or the combination with the remaining features of these embodiments are limited, but can be within the scope of the technically possible, with any other variants, even if they are in the present Documents are not treated separately, can be combined.

First, individual elements or building blocks for processes, devices and systems explained, the overall presentation of which is then easier to understand. Without limitation the invention is based on examples in the fuel supply of Petrol stations explained.

Building blocks for the tanker basic equipment

A tanker usually has several compartments, in which the same or different Fuels can be transported. The fillings and charges are corresponding the tanker refueling in the sense of the invention. Both at the loading stations of the Tankers, as well as at the petrol stations that are supplied by the tankers, there are respective tanks with / for different fuel types their correct connection must be secured to the appropriate compartments of tank vehicles.

Basically, an electro-pneumatic control is particularly advantageous on the vehicle side, since in particular the desired security against incorrect operation can be achieved. Across from this electropneumatic control offers the purely pneumatic control Advantage of higher operational safety and better user guidance. The control must at least act on a valve in the discharge path of each chamber (bottom valve or two-way valve).

Furthermore, it would basically suffice for most functions if the system would control the entire control air supply via a central solenoid valve. Then would be however, it is necessary to provide feedback for each control process, e.g. in form of Install the pressure switch. With this form of "monitoring" or "monitoring" however, any error or incorrect operation would then lead to ongoing charges, where no mistake is made or occurs, would be interrupted. Hence the Equipped with a separately switchable valve per tank chamber preferred. This eliminated also the fault-prone and little in terms of the logical linking options flexible pneumatic control blocks.

It is preferably operated using simple buttons, which can be supplemented by, if necessary a display on which information for the operator can be displayed.

Registration of the products loaded by the tanker

At least one, possibly also a combination of several of the following options for recording The loaded products can be applied to the central control system to inform the product loaded in each chamber.

Manual entry via keyboard: If there is an operating unit on the loading side, ie the delivery side when filling the chambers of the tanker, the product filled into a chamber can already be entered during loading, e.g. in a kind of menu selection.

Manual input via selector switch: A simple and therefore inexpensive switch, which can be attached above each filler coupling on the loading side, ie the discharge side when filling the chambers of the tanker, can be set to the loaded product very quickly. The switch can optionally be combined with a color or shape coding and can thus be designed similarly to the "markers" or TAGs often used for this purpose.

Magnetic code sensor: In Germany in particular, most loading arms are magnetically coded and thus enable the loaded product to be automatically detected while it is being loaded.

Electronic code reader: An electronic device (PRD = Product Recognition Device), which can decode the current-modulated signals of these transmitters, is used to read the code of the code transmitter attached to the loading arm or the receiver tank at a petrol station. This device or this reader can be used both when loading and when delivering or delivering products, for example in order to read in the product code for the receiver tank via the delivery hose. In order to establish an electrical connection via the delivery hose (or the loading arm), the corresponding connection (API coupling, hose coupling) must be electrically insulated from the chassis of the vehicle.

Autonomous product sensor : Using a density sensor, e.g. based on ultrasound, a reliable distinction can be made at least between petrol and diesel fuels. If such a sensor is installed in the line below each chamber, this enables the product to be detected without the operator having to do anything and without any equipment on the loading platform, i.e. when dispensing from or filling a tanker. In addition, this sensor enables the detection of the complete delivery of the contents of a chamber and thus protects against manipulation or unauthorized removal of product at the expense of the customer, operator or client.

Mobile electronic dipstick: If every individual tank chamber of the vehicle is equipped with an electronic leveling device, this can also provide information about the type of product in addition to its actual task of determining the fill level. This enables not only quality control, but also detailed quantity tracking.

Short-range radio data transmission : If the loading or filling point has a device that transmits the products (and quantities) delivered via the individual loading arms to the tanker vehicle via radio transmission, the loading plan is received via this interface on the vehicle and is then available there. For this purpose, the interfaces should preferably be standardized.

Detection of the product in the recipient tank

Code reader (PRD): If the connector on the receiver tank is equipped with a Product Identification Device (PID), a circuit is formed between the vehicle and the receiver tank via a conductive product delivery hose . The PID modulates the current in this circuit and thus encodes information about the product as well as optionally further data (code for the petrol station etc.) for the PRD on the vehicle.

Mobile code transmitter of a PID: The PID does not always have to be permanently installed in the pipe system at the petrol station (receiver tanks), but could also be carried as a portable adapter for the coupling between the delivery hose of the tanker vehicle and the filling connection of the tanks at petrol stations on the vehicle.

Magnetic code reader: Similar to the loading side, there is also a product code using magnets for delivery from the vehicle to petrol station tanks. However, this coding is not carried out directly on the filling coupling, but only, for example, in a plug, such as the plug of the filling protection required by law in Germany. If this coding is to be used, an assignment must also be made between this connector and the corresponding hose connection.

Short-range data radio: A wireless data interface enables information to be queried, for example on the level in the floor tanks of the petrol station. This query can be carried out not only before and after, but also during delivery, i.e. continuously. Under certain circumstances, the detection of the product by the detection of incorrect assignments based on the detection of a fill level change in a wrong tank would, for example, only be possible after mixing had occurred. The then contaminated product would have to be disposed of costly in such a case, but the much higher consequential costs for engine damage etc. could be avoided by timely detection and immediate blocking of sales from this tank.

Other elements or building blocks

Electronic filling protection: In Germany and a few other European countries, equipping all tanks with thermistor limit sensors (PTC thermistors) is required by law. The vehicle may only be released if the "overfill protection amplifier" installed there is connected to a thermistor that is not wetted with the product and, if more than one product is currently being delivered, this limit indicator has been assigned to a specific product hose via a separate circuit.

Gas pendulum sensor : With a sensor built into the gas pendulum line of the vehicle, which must be able to determine not only a gas flow, but also the density or another physical property of the gas, with which the gas can be distinguished from fresh air, this has so far been possible Only in Germany is it mandatory to monitor the correct connection of the gas suspension line to the vehicle. Such sensors can be implemented in various technologies, for example as thermal sensors based on the hot wire principle or based on the principle of sound propagation time measurement.

Radio-based, portable electronic filling protection: The cables required for filling protection are particularly problematic when several products are being delivered at the same time, since these could be mixed up. The measures with which the correct assignment must then be ensured are very complex and therefore costly. This problem can be solved using a portable unit that transmits the status of the thermistor sensors and, if applicable, further data, such as fill levels and / or codes for the products, to the vehicle control system.

Radio-based electronic collective filling protection without assignment: If, for example, by querying the tank contents or in some other way it is ensured that overfilling cannot occur at all, then the effort for assigning the filling protection to the product hoses can be completely saved. Instead, it would be sufficient to query all limit transmitters together and to interrupt all current deliveries immediately when a single fuse responds. The number of sensors to be connected would either have to be determined separately, or a maximum number of sensors would be specified and dummy sensors would be installed at petrol stations with fewer sensors for the non-existing tanks.

Radio transmitter for querying the electronic tank content measurement : If in many cases it is not possible to equip the tank content measurement systems already installed at the petrol station with a data radio interface, for example for cost reasons, this query can also be carried out via a portable transmitter carried on the vehicle, which the driver sends to the driver before the delivery begins a plug to be installed for this is connected. In countries where no separate limit indicator is prescribed, this interface could be used to implement effective, yet very cost-effective, filling protection.

Blocks or elements for the filling point

Loading arm coding with magnets: Two magnets are attached to the side of the loading arm coupling for connection to the filling device on the tanker. Their position is queried on the vehicle side by four reed or Hall sensors and, in combination with the sensors on board the vehicle, enables the loading plan to be determined automatically.

Loading arm coding with electronic code transmitter ("PID"): Such transmitters are standardized as a product identification device. If a loading arm is equipped with such an encoder, which is supplied with power when the arm is coupled, and then sends telegrams, information is not only about the product, but also about the loading position, the filling point and possibly even about the product during the Load additives included.

Overfill prevention : Required throughout Europe for filling vehicles from below, this device or this method not only prevents the vehicles from being overloaded, but can also be used, for example, in the event of incorrect operation to interrupt loading (interlock circle). In addition to monitoring the gas pendulum line, loading can be interrupted by the on-board electronics, even if there is a risk of mixing, but not individually for each chamber, but all ongoing charging processes as a whole. All that is required is a simple contact with which a return line of the overfill prevention device is interrupted.

Radio connection: Even for the loading or filling point for the tanker, the effort for the installation of separate identifiers can be eliminated by an online radio data connection. The control system on the loading route would then only have to continuously transmit the flow rates measured for the individual loading arms and the state of the electronic measuring devices to the control system on the vehicle. If this information is correlated with the signals from the on-board sensors, the loading plan can also be derived from this. Information about the loaded quantity is available on board as an additional benefit.

Elements or building blocks for the petrol station

Magnetic code in the limit indicator connector: By arranging two magnets in four possible positions, it can be transmitted to the vehicle which product is assigned to this limit indicator. This information is not only useful for product identification, but also for safety reasons (overfill prevention). However, it cannot be evaluated easily, but only after the assignment to the associated hose coupling has been established. This requires an additional circuit.

Two-pole electronic identifier (PID) in the product line: If such an encoder is installed at the petrol station, it modulates the current in a circuit closed between the vehicle and the petrol station via the conductive product hose. This enables the vehicle control system to recognize the correct assignment before the delivery is released. Would. If the hose connection leads to mixing, the control system would not release the charge. The two-pole identifier can advantageously be extremely miniaturized and can thus be integrated, for example, into the insulating flange, which is necessary anyway.

Multi-pin electronic identifier (PID-GWG): This solution is installed in many branded petrol stations in Germany. It differs from the more economical and, in particular, installation costs-saving two-pole variant by the presence of further connections which are connected to the limit indicator plugs via corresponding cables. This enables the respective limit indicator to be assigned to the delivery hose, so that the correct delivery line on the vehicle can be closed in the event of overfilling.

Two-pole electronic identifier for assignment of filling protection: The use of the multi-pole identifier, which is much more complex, especially with regard to the wiring at the petrol station, can be avoided by installing another identifier in the circuit in the GWG connection, which was originally only designed as a "monitoring connection". The cross connection between the GWG connector and the product flange can thus be dispensed with, and a major cause of high installation costs and susceptibility to failure of the system could thus be eliminated.

Mobile identifier: This solution offers itself as a low-cost variant if, for example, only value is placed on avoiding mixing between petrol and diesel fuels (OK / DK). Only a "diesel adapter" would have to be carried on the vehicle, which the driver would attach to the petrol station's diesel nozzle before delivery began.

Product sensor in the supply line with radio data transmission interface: If a sensor is installed shortly after the hose connection in the pipeline of the petrol station, it is able to detect the presence of product in this line (and report it back to the control in the vehicle, for example via radio) , then the assignment of the filling hoses can be deduced by querying this sensor on the vehicle side. The amount of product that is "used up" for this assignment is significantly less than when it is detected via the filling station measuring system (see below).

Mobile product sensor with radio data interface: Similar to the mobile identifier, such a sensor can also be carried on the vehicle and attached by the driver to the diesel tank neck, for example, before delivery, if installation in all petrol stations is out of the question for reasons of cost.

Tank content measurement with radio data transmission interface: If the data of an electronic level measurement installed on the petrol station side is read out by the vehicle via a radio interface, this data can also be evaluated to detect mixes. Depending on the sensitivity and response time of the measurement method used for the tank content measurement, the amount of product that is dispensed before the detection of an error can be between 5 and 100 liters. Alternatively, it is also possible to equip the tank content measurement with a wired interface to which a portable radio transmitter / receiver can then be connected, which is carried on the vehicle. It would then only be necessary to standardize the plug connection that must be provided for this purpose at the petrol station.

systems

The elements and components described above can essentially be used derive two categories of systems, each used in different expansion stages can be: Wireless and hose-bound systems. These are as follows described in more detail.

Hose supported systems

The product hose used for this purpose is the medium for data transmission must be well conductive. Technically, this is not a problem, but the decrease can the conductivity due to the aging of the hoses to faults even before they are reached the possible service life of the hoses.

Light version

• Steuerung
• Codeleser (PRD) für Abladeseite
• Produktsensoren in allen Rohrleitungen
• mobiles PID
• leitfähige Produkt- und Gaspendelschläuche
• ggf. Erdungsleitung (nur notwendig, wenn Dieselkraftstoff als einziges Produkt abgegeben werden soll)
• ggf. Unterbrechung der Interlock-Leitung für die Überfüllsicherung der Ladestelle

It only needs to be invested in the equipment of the vehicle in the form of:

• control
• Code reader (PRD) for unloading side
• Product sensors in all pipes
• mobile PID
• conductive product and gas pendulum hoses
• Earthing line if necessary (only necessary if diesel fuel is to be dispensed as the only product)
• if necessary, interruption of the interlock line for the overfill protection of the loading point

This system can reliably add petrol to diesel and vice versa.

When loading the chambers of a tanker, the ones installed in the product line function Sensors initially as empty alarms and are used after loading is complete, to determine the loading plan fully automatically and without the driver having to do anything, however only "rough", i.e. only differentiate between petrol and diesel fuel. Is the line before loading not empty, a "density jump" determined by the sensor during loading could be used to interrupt the loading via the interlock line.

Before unloading from the compartments of a tanker, the driver must connect the "Mark" the diesel tanks of the petrol station with the portable diesel code transmitter (PID), before connecting his product hoses. The on-board control recognizes on the one hand Connected hoses over the flowing after the connection Electricity. If this current is modulated, the hose leads to the diesel tank. If it isn't, then it leads to a gasoline fuel tank.

A release takes place e.g. for the diesel tank recognized in this way only if the loaded product is also diesel, and vice versa for the petrol fuel tanks only if the vehicle also does Otto gas is loaded in the corresponding chamber. The blending of petrol types the system does not recognize each other in this version and can therefore also cannot be prevented.

This light version is not suitable for use in Germany according to the current legal situation, since at least for the petrol types there is no assignment between the limit indicator and the product hose is possible.

Mini version

The vehicle-side equipment corresponds to the light version.

At the petrol station, all product sockets and the gas pendulum connection are permanently installed Code transmitter (PID) equipped, preferably with the installation cost-saving two-pole Version.

The "marking" of the diesel tank with the portable code transmitter is no longer necessary.

Mini and light versions can be used especially in the transition period during the area-covering Introduction of and conversion to the system and method according to the invention can be used easily combined.

Mini version for Germany

This version differs from the general mini version by the petrol station side Use of the multi-pole PID-GWG and the feedback circuits to be evaluated on the vehicle side over the limit switch cable. This version is also designed for use in Germany current legal situation.

Standard version Germany

This version corresponds to the mini version and also contains magnetic code readers for reading the product coding of the loading arms at the filling points, as well as for reading in the GWG connector of the petrol stations built-in magnetic codes. The product sensors in the vehicle could Even if this is not preferred, this version has been replaced by simple empty detectors become.

midi version

This version corresponds to the mini version, only the loading couplings are also on the vehicle side equipped with the ability to read codes. The additional costs are likely to be negligible be and are in the case of "left-left" vehicles (loading and unloading takes place on the same Side) is zero. On the filling station side, all loading arms must have the corresponding code transmitters be equipped.

After the transition period, i.e. after converting all loading arms to code transmitters, could Magnetic code readers are not required for new vehicles. After a further transition period, i.e. after converting all vehicles to electronic code readers magnetic encoders on all loading arms could also be omitted for the loading couplings.

Maxi version with quantity recording

On the vehicle side, an electronic dipstick is installed in all chambers each tank registered, and the by-product the density of that loaded in the chambers Product supplies. This means seamless monitoring not only of quality, but also the quantity balances guaranteed. The product sensors in the pipes below the Chambers can be replaced by simple empty detectors. Otherwise corresponds to Functionality of the systems with simple product recognition.

Radio-based systems

A reliable radio-based data connection is a prerequisite for the use of such systems. Especially when using the radio link for safety-relevant applications, such as. the bottling safeguard would become a disruptible or even disruptive system quickly lose user acceptance if, for example, due to such faults this would result in frequent interruptions in delivery. The levy must be with a Interference with the radio link should be interrupted immediately, otherwise the strict requirements of the statutory regulations regarding the switch-off times would not be complied with and so one Overcrowding could be the result.

The aim when using radio should be all between the vehicle and the petrol station or filling station necessary cable connections to replace, as these are not only one-time, but cause constant costs for maintenance and regular wear-related replacement and also with labor in connection establishment and disconnection in the course of fueling processes. Another advantage of a radio-based system is that eliminates the increased demands on the conductivity of the product hoses can be.

Light version

• Steuerung
• Produktsensoren in allen Rohrleitungen
• am Fahrzeug fest eingebaute Funkstation
• portable Funkstation als Rohrzwischenstück mit Leermelder
• ggf. Unterbrechung der Interlock-Leitung für die Überfüllsicherung der Ladestelle

Here, too, the light version only needs the equipment on board:

• control
• Product sensors in all pipes
• radio station permanently installed on the vehicle
• portable radio station as pipe adapter with empty detector
• if necessary, interruption of the interlock line for the overfill protection of the loading point

On the loading side, the function corresponds to the previously described light version without radio.

When unloading, the driver places the adapter on the coupling of the diesel tank and puts the built-in transmitter into operation. A levy is only on the vehicle side released when the radio signal of the adapter is registered. When the driver makes a levy triggers, first opens the corresponding bottom valve of the respective chamber of the tanker, but only for a very short time (1 to 2 seconds), so the amount of dispensed Product is only a few liters (1 to 5). Then the control "listens" for the signal of the empty detector in the adapter, which after a few seconds when diesel fuel is dispensed must address. If this signal is omitted, further delivery is also omitted and an error message is displayed ("Diesel fuel delivery in petrol tank!"). If there is a message that the product has "arrived" in the adapter, it opens automatically the bottom valve again and dispensing continues.

If petrol is delivered, the same sequence is used to ensure that the delivery not accidentally into the diesel fuel tank. The sensor in the adapter may be in this Do not fall within the next 2 to 10 s after triggering the initial product burst speak to. If he does so, the delivery remains stopped and an error message is issued "Petrol delivery in diesel fuel tank!". Otherwise the levy will be like previously described for diesel fuel continues automatically.

In Germany this system is due to the strict additional monitoring requirements (ASS, GPÜ, AS) cannot be used according to the current legal situation.

Mini version

The equipment on the vehicle corresponds to that of the light version.

On the petrol station side, the product sensor is permanently installed in the diesel fuel line and put together with the signals of a tank content measurement system installed at the gas station to a plug connection accessible to the driver at the petrol station.

The driver carries a portable transmitter that connects to this connector at the gas station must be connected. Since the transmitter is also powered in this way , the portable transmitter doesn't even need its own battery power supply and can be kept very small, light and therefore inexpensive and handy become.

The function corresponds to that of the light version, but is performed by additional monitoring of the tank contents in the floor tanks before, during and after delivery. This takes over the system functions as a filling protection (although not according to the current strict German guidelines), because through the constant monitoring of the fill levels overfilling can be avoided, correct functioning of the level measuring system in provided the floor tanks.

If e.g. by manually entering the loaded products of the vehicle control system The type of petrol known in the individual chambers can also be used with this version Mixing of petrol products can be recognized and prevented within certain limits. For this purpose, the process for petrol deliveries is easy compared to that for the mini version modified: after through the initial product surge and monitoring the diesel feedback a dangerous OK / DK mix is excluded, the levy started again. By querying the level in the floor tanks, you must now at the latest 5 to 30 seconds (corresponding to 50 to 300 1 product inflow) an increase in the level be registered in the corresponding floor tank. If this is not done, or the increase occurs in a floor tank with another product, the delivery is stopped immediately and the driver is informed of the mixing that has taken place. It should be noted that during the Waiting for the level increase from the system to start another delivery not allowed becomes. However, this is not a major limitation, since this time for preparation anyway the next delivery is required (so-called "hose"). In principle can with this procedure any number of deliveries can be carried out simultaneously.

If the monitoring of the level increase continuously throughout the delivery period is carried out, it is also possible with this system within certain limits A hose tear can be recognized: If the increase does not occur, the delivery is also made stopped. In any case, the leakage of a chamber can be reliably prevented in this way become.

This system variant can be compatible with the fieldbus systems increasingly used at petrol stations (EPSI, IFSF). The portable radio interface only needs to be in be able to drive or use the respective bus protocol.

midi version

If a radio station is permanently installed at the petrol station, a portable unit is no longer necessary and the step of connecting to the gas station system can omitted.

Midi version with protection against overfilling (AS) for Germany

The stricter regulations in Germany currently require the use of a separate, filling protection independent of the other systems. Other legal regulations force the monitoring of the gas pendulum hose (GPÜ) as well as the product hoses against Demolition or non-connection (ASS).

The gas pendulum monitoring can be done using a simple mechanical sensor, or if Real function monitoring is desired using a flow and density sensor can be realized independently on the vehicle.

The filling hose safety device can be used, for example, via continuous quantity monitoring implement during delivery. However, since a real balance is not possible, since the quantity released by the vehicle is only known approximately, this would be for this Function the installation of an electronic DF system on board the vehicle is an advantage (see below "Maxiversion").

In any case, a fill protection device must be retrofitted on the vehicle side for German systems become. However, a radio-based "collective safeguard" would suffice, using a separate radio station is coupled, and to which all thermistors are connected. This eliminates the need for assignment, because it is the constant Fill level query avoids approaching one of the filling safety limits. Stay through this all sensors are not wetted - except in the event of a failure or malfunction of the tank content measurement. Then, however, the response of a single sensor must be switched off of all current taxes. In this exceptional case, additional taxes are only "Single mode", i.e. it would only be the issue of control of a single product currently approved. There is a risk of confusion or Mismatches between limit transmitter and product hose minimal.

Maxi version

This equipment level or version has an electronic direction finding system on board the vehicle installed, not only the quality of the loaded products, but also their quantity continuously monitored. This opens up in cooperation with the petrol station Content measurement the possibility of the quantity balance (quantity delivered in comparison to the quantity arrived). This can increase the sensitivity to product loss, e.g. due to leaks.

With this version or equipment combination, the current legal requirements in Germany for filling hose protection, i.e. the leakage of a larger one Amount of products can be recognized by the system and interrupted by dispensing be prevented.

By counteracting overcrowding prophylactically before the start of a delivery In this variant, the quantity that can still be filled into the floor tank can be calculated in advance the response of one of the filling safeguards can be prevented even more reliably.

In summary, the methods according to the invention and those working according to them can be used Systems and devices product mixes, especially the dangerous and harmful ones Prevent product mixes between petrol and diesel fuels.

• Dichtesensor und Produktpräsenzsensor (Leermelder) zum Einbau in die Leitungen unterhalb der Kammern eines Tankfahrzeugs, ermöglichen die Unterscheidung zwischen Ottound Dieselkraftstoffen sowie die automatische Registrierung des Leerzustandes einer Kammer.
• Produktpräsenzsensor (hinter dem Einfüllstutzen des Tankstellentanks fest eingebaut, oder als tragbare Einheit zum temporären Anschluss während der Anwesenheit des Tankfahrzeugs)
• Sammelabfüllsicherung für den Anschluss an vier gleichzeitig arbeitende Thermistorsensoren
• Funkstation für die Abfrage von tankstellenseitig verfügbaren Informationen, z.B. über den aktuellen Füllstand sowie die Produktbelegung der Erdtanks der Tankstelle
• Gasströmungs- und -dichtesensor(en) für die kontinuierliche und effiziente Überwachung der Gaspendelung - sowohl bei der Abgabe als auch bei der Beladung einsetzbar
• mobiler Kennungsgeber zur kostengünstigen temporären Ausrüstung einer Tankstelle mit einer über den leitfähigen Abfüllschlauch abfragbaren Produktkennung
• Abfüllsicherungsstecker mit eigenem elektronischen Produktkennungsgeber

Novel sensors and modules are preferably and advantageously used to implement the devices and methods according to the present invention as cost-effectively as possible:

• Density sensor and product presence sensor (empty detector) for installation in the lines below the compartments of a tanker vehicle enable the distinction between petrol and diesel fuels and the automatic registration of the empty state of a compartment.
• Product presence sensor (permanently installed behind the filler neck of the petrol station tank, or as a portable unit for temporary connection during the presence of the tanker)
• Collective filling protection for the connection to four thermistor sensors working simultaneously
• Radio station for querying information available at the petrol station, e.g. about the current level and the product allocation of the underground tanks of the petrol station
• Gas flow and density sensor (s) for the continuous and efficient monitoring of the gas oscillation - can be used both when dispensing and when loading
• Mobile identifier for the inexpensive temporary equipment of a petrol station with a product identifier that can be queried via the conductive filling hose
• Filling protection plug with its own electronic product identifier

variants

Because of the large number of possible combinations of individual features of the present Invention within the scope of the latter are exemplary only in the foregoing description described some of the variants that can be used with advantage today. Of course can be used to implement the invention and / or fulfill further requirements also many other combinations of the elements and components described form.

A few more general or special variants are set out below:
In a device according to the invention for preventing mixing when dispensing liquid products, it can be provided that
that a control or control device on board a tanker controls at least one filling or delivery valve and thus releases or blocks the loading and / or delivery of products individually for individual tank compartments of the vehicle or as a whole,
that at least one device for chamber-wise detection or input and storage of the product type or product category is available on board the tank vehicle and can be used by the control device,
that at least one device for recognizing the product, which may be delivered to a receiver tank connected to the other end of the hose via a hose connected to the tanker, is present on board the tanker, and / or that at least one device for recognizing the product, which is connected via a loading arm may be dispensed into the tanker, is present on the loading arm and / or on board the tanker, and that the product recognition device can be used by the control device, and
that the control device processes the available information and derives from this the decision whether a delivery would lead to mixing or not, and only in the latter case releases the corresponding valve.

With such a device it can further be provided that the detection of the correct Allocation takes place in such a way that only a small amount of product is initially delivered and this Quantity of suitable sensors in the supply line to the receiver tank or in the receiver tank is recognized later. Only when the small amount arrives in the right tank the further delivery is released or continued automatically. In this regard, the Chambers in the tanker vehicle when loading the receiver tank.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the device for automatic detection the product category is the density of the product or a density-dependent one measures physical property and thus, for example, between light petrol and heavier diesel fuels or heating oils.

Another embodiment variant is that the detection of the im Receiver tank, which is supplied by the tanker, stored product by means of a portable Identifier is carried out by the operator between the Hose connection of the receiver tank and the product hose is flanged, and its The vehicle control system queries the identifier via a conductive product hose and used to control the levies.

Yet another variant of a system according to the invention is characterized in that that additionally the overfilling of the receiver tanks to be filled by the tanker by means of Filling protection is prevented, the assignment between the recipient tank and Associated vehicle-side tank chamber from the control system via a circuit of a filling safety cable and a two-pin code transmitter integrated in the overfill protection plug (PID) is determined.

In the context of the invention it is further preferred if the information about the assignment of the receiver tank is obtained by means of a portable feedback sensor operated by the operator before the start of the charges between the hose connection on the gas station side and the product hose is flanged. It can in particular be provided that the data transmission wirelessly between sensor and controller.

Assuming appropriate configurations, it is also advantageous if the feedback of the quantities arriving in the recipient tank in the less quantity for mixing critical cases by evaluating the signals of a tank content measurement system integrated at the petrol station he follows. This can be further developed in that at least one feedback via a radio data connection.

Also under the condition of suitable configurations, a legal can continue mandatory filling protection are operated in a collective mode, i.e. without individual assignment of the filling safety circles, and become one of the limit switches when activated all current taxes blocked. It can also be provided that the information about the condition of the filling protection and / or the collective filling protection via radio data transmission is transmitted.

Yet another training is that monitoring the correct connection the gas suspension line (s) autonomously via a gas flow installed on board the vehicle and density sensor is monitored, and not only with regard to the flow, but also regarding the gas density and / or other properties of the flowing medium, on the basis of which the difference to fresh air flowing can be determined.

Assuming the above explanations, the following will refer to those in the drawings shown embodiments.

A first exemplary embodiment of a refueling system 1 is shown schematically in FIG. 1. It is a hose-based system. Product recognition or identification facilities 2 in the form of a portable identifier generator 3 are in a product line 4 arranged, which is formed by a product hose 5 and a filler port 6 is. The portable identifier generator 3 is in a coupling flange 7 for connection of the product hose 5 integrated with the filler connection 6. The filler port 6 belongs to a floor tank 8 for diesel fuel DK of a petrol station (not shown). The product hose 5 leads from a tank chamber 9 of a tank 10 of a tanker vehicle (not shown) to the filler port 6. In the tank chamber 9 is petrol of quality "Super Plus" SUP included. A transfer from the tank chamber 9 into the floor tank 8 must therefore be prevented.

The portable identifier generator 3 is connected to an output valve 11 of the tank chamber 9 Controller 12 connected and generates an output with the information regarding the Product recognition or identification by means of the conductive design of the product hose 5 comes to control. Furthermore comes via the portable ID generator 3 information relating to the floor tank 8 for the control 12, namely that in the floor tank 8 Diesel fuel DK is stored, which must not be mixed with petrol. From the combination of the two pieces of information, the controller 12 causes the dispensing valve 11 is closed and remains, so that no mixing of the two types of fuel DK and SUP takes place.

Also from a tank chamber 13 of the tank 10 of the tank vehicle (not shown) Diesel fuel DK goes from a product line 4, to a floor tank 14 of the Gas station (not shown) with gasoline of the quality "lead free" BF, so that for this connection must be prevented from decanting. This product line 4 also contains a product hose 5 and a filling connection 6, which are connected via a coupling flange 7 are connected. In the coupling flange 7 are also product recognition or -identification devices 2 integrated in the form of a portable identifier generator 3, the corresponding information about the electrically conductive corresponding product hose 5 to the controller 12 there. The latter closes the dispensing valve based on this information 11 on the tank chamber 13 with diesel fuel DK and thereby prevents its refilling in the bottom tank 14 with gasoline of the quality "lead-free" BF and thus a mixture of the two types of fuel BF and DK.

A refilling from a tank chamber 15 with "Super" SU gasoline from the Tank 10 of the tanker (not shown) in a floor tank 16 of the gas station (not shown) is not influenced by the controller 12, since in this embodiment for the transfer of petrol no matter what quality no monitoring Mixing is provided by the controller 12. In the corresponding product line 17 no product recognition or identification devices 2 are switched on. Yet the controller 12 has a connection to the dispensing valve 11 on the tank chamber 15 since this, for example, is also incorrectly sent to a receiver tank, such as the bottom tank 8 could be connected with diesel fuel DK.

For the sake of completeness, there are still a tank chamber 18 of the tank 10 of the tanker (not shown) with gasoline of the quality "lead-free" BF and another Bottom tank 19 of the gas station (not shown) for "Super Plus" quality petrol SUP shown. These two containers are not taken into account in the filling process shown.

Otherwise, for further explanation of the first embodiment in FIG. 1 the description of the refueling system 1 in its various versions and with the respective elements and components as well as on the description of these elements and components referenced and referenced above.

2 shows, in particular, the product recognition or identification devices 2 of the embodiment of FIG 1 in an enlarged view and with further details shown schematically. In particular, the portable identifier generator or transmitter 3 in its design as or integrated in the coupling or intermediate flange 7 clearly shown. For the integration of the portable identifier generator or transmitter 3, the coupling or intermediate flange 7 equipped with an insulated screw connection 20, which in turn Contains insulating parts 21. The portable identifier generator or transmitter 3 is as a chip 22 executed. Otherwise, the description of the elements and components of the refueling system 1 referenced and referenced above.

A second exemplary embodiment of a refueling system 1 is illustrated schematically in FIG. 3. Only the elements, components and functions are described below and explained in which the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment 1 differs.

In the second exemplary embodiment, a product sensor 23 is part of the product recognition or identification devices 2 with devices 24 for level measurement in the bottom tanks 8, 14, 16 and 19 of the gas station (not shown) with their respective Fuel types DK, BF, SU and SUP provided. The devices 24 for level measurement are also on dipsticks 25 for level detection in the floor tanks 8, 14, 16 and 19th the petrol station (not shown) with their respective fuel types DK, BF, SU and SUP connected. The information obtained in this way is provided by the devices 24 for level measurement via connected measurement data radio devices 26 by radio transmission to control radio devices 27, which input the information into the controller 12. The connections of the product lines 4 between the tank chambers 9, 13, 15 and 18 of the tank 10 the tanker (not shown) with their respective fuel types SUP, DK, SU or BF and the bottom tanks 8, 14, 16 and 19 of the gas station (not shown) with their respective Fuel types DK, BF, SU and SUP as well as the consequences, initiated by the control 12, are exactly the same as in the first exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1. A product sensor 23 and its connection to the devices 24 for level measurement are clear for the sake of being omitted, but also for the person skilled in the art in arrangement, configuration and function from the entirety of the available documents. Other parallels too between FIGS. 1 and 3 result from the comparative consideration for the person skilled in the art just like that.

Otherwise, for further explanation of the second exemplary embodiment, FIG the description of the refueling system 1 in its various versions and with the respective elements and components as well as on the description of these elements and components referenced and referenced above.

The present invention and all of its aspects are not related to the features and combinations of features the exemplary embodiments described above and shown in the drawing, and above all not restricted to use in the mineral oil sector. The single ones Aspects, features and combinations of features of the present invention within the scope of the configurations, features and functions disclosed in the present documents can be implemented individually and in their combinations and are worthy of protection. In particular, individual elements and components of the refueling system are also worthy of separate protection. In addition to the general and specific information contained in this document Information on the implementation of systems, devices and methods according to the invention all variations, modifications, Substitutions and combinations that the person skilled in the art can easily see from the documents can recognize himself and / or with the help of his specialist knowledge.

Claims (7)

Refueling method between a stationary tank with or for a product from a plurality of liquid products and a mobile tank with at least two chambers for identical or different products, characterized in that a product identifier (2) in or to each product line (4) between at least one product (DK, BF, SU, SUP) is identified or identified in a stationary tank (8, 14, 16, 19) and a chamber (9, 13, 15, 18) of the mobile tank (10),
that the recognition or identification of the at least one product (DK, BF, SU, SUP) is recorded and evaluated by a controller (12), and
that depending on the recognized or identified product, a valve (11) for transferring a product (DK, BF, SU, SUP) between the stationary tank (8, 14, 16, 19) and the chamber (9, 13, 15, 18) of the mobile tank (10) is controlled to be open or closed. Refueling method according to claim 1, characterized in that the product identifier (2) is carried out by means of a product sensor (3; 23), and / or that the at least one product (DK, BF, SU, SUP) is identified or identified by means of radio transmission (26- 27) is transmitted to the controller (12). Refueling method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the recognition or identification takes place in such a way that initially only a small amount of product (DK, BF, SU, SUP) is released and this amount of product (DK, BF, SU, SUP) is subsequently recognized by suitable sensors (3; 23) in the transfer line (4) or in the tank (8, 14, 16, 19) to be filled, and / or
that overfilling is monitored / prevented, and / or
that devices (25) are provided for, in particular, continuous transfer quantity measurement and / or tank / chamber content measurement, and / or
that the recognition or identification takes place by measuring the density of the product (DK, BF, SU, SUP) or a physical property dependent on the density. Refueling system between a stationary tank with or for a product from a plurality of liquid products and a mobile tank with at least two chambers for identical or different products, characterized in that devices (2) for recognizing or identifying at least one product (DK, BF , SU, SUP) are contained in or to each product line (4) between a stationary tank (8, 14, 16, 19) and a chamber (9, 13, 15, 18) of the mobile tank (10),
that the devices (2) for recognizing or identifying at least one product (DK, BF, SU, SUP) are coupled to a controller (12) in order to provide the latter with information about a recognized or identified product (DK, BF, SU, SUP) To provide, and
that the controller (12) also has a (11) valve for transferring the product (DK, BF, SU, SUP) between the stationary tank (8, 14, 16, 19) and the chamber (9, 13, 15, 18 ) of the mobile tank (10) is coupled to open or close the valve (11) depending on the recognized or identified product (DK, BF, SU, SUP). Refueling system according to claim 4, characterized in that the devices (2) for recognizing or identifying at least one product (DK, BF, SU, SUP) contain at least one product sensor (3; 23), and / or
that the devices (2) for recognizing or identifying at least one product (DK, BF, SU, SUP) are designed to measure the density of the product (DK, BF, SU, SUP) or a physical property dependent on the density, and / or
that the devices (2) for recognizing or identifying at least one product (DK, BF, SU, SUP) are transportable and preferably in a coupling (7) within the product line (4) between the stationary tank (8, 14, 16, 19) and the chamber (9, 13, 15, 18) of the mobile tank (10) is integrated, and / or
that the coupling between the devices (2) for recognizing or identifying at least one product (DK, BF, SU, SUP) and the controller (12) via the product line (4) between the stationary tank (8, 14, 16, 19) and the chamber (9, 13, 15, 18) of the mobile tank (10) or by radio data transmission (26-27) is realized, and / or
that an overfill prevention device is provided, and / or
that devices (25) for transfer quantity measurement and / or tank / chamber content measurement are provided and are coupled to the controller (12). Refueling device between a stationary tank with one or for a product from a plurality of liquid products and a mobile tank with at least two chambers for identical or different products, characterized in that product recognition or identification devices (2) and a control (12 ) are contained which, depending on the recognized or identified product (DK, BF, SU, SUP), blocks or releases a refueling process. Refueling device according to claim 6, characterized in that the product detection or identification devices (2) contain at least one product sensor (3; 23), and / or
that the product recognition or identification devices (2) are designed to measure the density of the product (DK, BF, SU, SUP) or a physical property dependent on the density, and / or
that an overfill prevention device is provided, and / or
that devices for transfer quantity measurement (25) and / or tank / chamber content measurement contain and are coupled to the controller (12).

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