WO2020170006A1 - A device and method for examining petroleum liquids - Google Patents

A device and method for examining petroleum liquids Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020170006A1
WO2020170006A1 PCT/IB2019/051281 IB2019051281W WO2020170006A1 WO 2020170006 A1 WO2020170006 A1 WO 2020170006A1 IB 2019051281 W IB2019051281 W IB 2019051281W WO 2020170006 A1 WO2020170006 A1 WO 2020170006A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fuel
fluid
controller
quality
tuning fork
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2019/051281
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Osama Saeed Azzo DGHAISH
Original Assignee
Dghaish Osama Saeed Azzo
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dghaish Osama Saeed Azzo filed Critical Dghaish Osama Saeed Azzo
Priority to PCT/IB2019/051281 priority Critical patent/WO2020170006A1/en
Publication of WO2020170006A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020170006A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N29/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
    • G01N29/02—Analysing fluids
    • G01N29/022—Fluid sensors based on microsensors, e.g. quartz crystal-microbalance [QCM], surface acoustic wave [SAW] devices, tuning forks, cantilevers, flexural plate wave [FPW] devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N11/00—Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity, plasticity; Analysing materials by determining flow properties
    • G01N11/10—Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity, plasticity; Analysing materials by determining flow properties by moving a body within the material
    • G01N11/16—Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity, plasticity; Analysing materials by determining flow properties by moving a body within the material by measuring damping effect upon oscillatory body
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
    • G01N27/02—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N29/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
    • G01N29/02—Analysing fluids
    • G01N29/036—Analysing fluids by measuring frequency or resonance of acoustic waves
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/22—Fuels; Explosives
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N9/00—Investigating density or specific gravity of materials; Analysing materials by determining density or specific gravity
    • G01N9/002—Investigating density or specific gravity of materials; Analysing materials by determining density or specific gravity using variation of the resonant frequency of an element vibrating in contact with the material submitted to analysis
    • G01N2009/006—Investigating density or specific gravity of materials; Analysing materials by determining density or specific gravity using variation of the resonant frequency of an element vibrating in contact with the material submitted to analysis vibrating tube, tuning fork
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2291/00—Indexing codes associated with group G01N29/00
    • G01N2291/01—Indexing codes associated with the measuring variable
    • G01N2291/014—Resonance or resonant frequency
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2291/00—Indexing codes associated with group G01N29/00
    • G01N2291/02—Indexing codes associated with the analysed material
    • G01N2291/028—Material parameters
    • G01N2291/02818—Density, viscosity
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2291/00—Indexing codes associated with group G01N29/00
    • G01N2291/02—Indexing codes associated with the analysed material
    • G01N2291/028—Material parameters
    • G01N2291/02863—Electric or magnetic parameters
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2291/00—Indexing codes associated with group G01N29/00
    • G01N2291/04—Wave modes and trajectories
    • G01N2291/042—Wave modes
    • G01N2291/0427—Flexural waves, plate waves, e.g. Lamb waves, tuning fork, cantilever
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R27/00—Arrangements for measuring resistance, reactance, impedance, or electric characteristics derived therefrom
    • G01R27/02—Measuring real or complex resistance, reactance, impedance, or other two-pole characteristics derived therefrom, e.g. time constant
    • G01R27/26—Measuring inductance or capacitance; Measuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance method; Measuring loss factor; Measuring dielectric constants ; Measuring impedance or related variables
    • G01R27/2617—Measuring dielectric properties, e.g. constants

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device and method for examining the quality of petroleum liquids based on their physical properties comprising density, viscosity, temperature and dielectric polarization.
  • Said device and method have a number of applications namely for use in testing fuel and petroleum at fuel stations, testing diesel in heating boilers and inspecting fuel quality when re-fueling a vehicle at a fueling station.
  • Such tampering or manipulation of said fuel may harm the vehicle receiving said fuels, such as for example various engine parts and may cause the vehicle’s performance to drop and the efficiency to decrease.
  • the consequences of such defects, if gone undetected, may further impact a number of industries such as the racing industry as well as the environment as a result of toxic emanations.
  • KR100763592 discloses a vehicle-mounted fuel inspection device comprising a fuel chamber, an analyzing unit, an auxiliary fuel tank, a sample collecting case, a three-way valve, and a controller.
  • the fuel chamber is installed between a fuel injection port and a fuel tank of the vehicle to keep fuel injected to the vehicle.
  • the analyzing unit measures the density, viscosity, distillation phase, and coal washing index of the fuel and the spectrum of a discrimination agent included in the fuel to analyze whether the fuel is normal.
  • the auxiliary fuel tank is mounted to keep the fuel in the fuel chamber and the analyzing unit when the normal fuel is judged.
  • the sample collecting case is installed to collect abnormal fuel.
  • the three-way valve is mounted to branch off and transfer the fuel of the fuel chamber selectively to the sample collecting case and the auxiliary fuel tank.
  • KR20040045631 discloses a device for detecting fake gasoline comprising a vehicle state detecting unit having a knocking sensor, a gas sensor and a fuel cap opening and closing sensor to detect the state of the vehicle; an engine control unit outputting the fake gasoline warning signal by comparing the knocking signals and the amount of hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide with the reference value of the memory according to signals from the vehicle state detecting unit; an Electronic Total Automobile Control System (ETACS) receiving the warning signals from the engine control unit and demanding the warning message output or sounding an alarm according to program in the memory; and a warning unit.
  • ETACS Electronic Total Automobile Control System
  • EP1253410A2 discloses a device for checking the quantity of gasolines, Diesel fuels, fuels or liquids in general during introduction in a tank, comprising at least one ultrasound emission source and at least one ultrasound receiver, the ultrasound emission source being arranged so as to send a train of sound waves toward the free surface of the liquid that is present in the tank and to receive the sound beam reflected by the free surface of the liquid, the ratio of the speed of the sound waves with respect to the time between the emission of the sound waves by the ultrasound source and the reception of the sound waves providing a distance that constitutes a datum for calculating the quantity of liquid introduced in the tank.
  • W02010/004352A1 discloses a system of vehicle's tank with built-in detector of adulterated fuel consists of a small tank, of capacity 1 -1.2 it, being placed after the external inlet of vehicle's fuel supplies, and above the main vehicle's tank.
  • the small tank is equipped with a central valve on its base for the holding back the fuel during the time period of checking and in case that the fuel proves to be adulterated, one other side valve and a drainage pipe with a plug at its end for the rejection of the fuel, and is characterized from the fact that it disposes a detection sensor of adulterated fuel , which with the detection of adulteration informs through optical digital indication SOS in the vehicle's instruments and through acoustic warning, for the immediate interruption of the supply, for the prevention of the vehicle's engine damage and driver's deception.
  • US2014142835 discloses a method and a system for indicating fuel efficiency in a vehicle is provided that includes a density sensor configured to measure the density of a fuel mixture stored in a fuel tank.
  • a controller is configured to derive the mix ratio related to the fuel mixture via the density measured by the density sensor and change a reference value of a fuel calculation logic based on the mix ratio.
  • the controller is configured to determine the fuel efficiency based on the changed reference value.
  • US2003213474 discloses an improvement over conventional engine controls by directly measuring fuel volatility, and using this measured value to adjust the engine air/fuel ratio during engine start and initial operation.
  • Engine startability and initial operation are improved as compared to conventional engine control systems by compensating the engine air/fuel ratio during engine start and initial engine operation, using a direct measurement of the fuel volatility.
  • DE102017201205 discloses a method for determining a fuel quality of a fuel for a motor vehicle by means of a particle sensor which is arranged in the exhaust line of the motor vehicle.
  • a particle number is determined and compared with a predetermined threshold by a particle sensor.
  • This threshold value is suitable to characterize a fuel quality
  • a motor controller outputs a characteristic value based on the comparison of the number of particles found with the predetermined threshold value, which is suitable to provide the fuel quality and, accordingly, to follow a certain engine strategy.
  • None of the prior art documents discloses a device or method for identifying the type and quality of the fuel used in vehicles by using some of the physical properties of the fuel being filled into the vehicle more specifically by comparing at least one physical property of the fuel being filled with a pre-determined value. Further, none of the prior art documents discloses a method that determines the type and quality of fuel being filled into the vehicle based on pre-determined values or giving the vehicle driver the option to either accept or reject the fuel being filled.
  • the system and method permit fuel having a measured/determined value of physical properties falling within the first range as described herein to enter a vehicle’s fuel tank automatically.
  • the said physical properties include, but may not be limited to, the density, viscosity, temperature and dielectric polarization.
  • Yet another aspect of the present invention is a system that automatically permits fuel having a measured/determined value of physical properties falling within the second range to enter a vehicle’s fuel tank automatically while notifying the driver about the quality of the fuel through a user interface.
  • the driver has the option of setting on the said system pre-determined conditions whereby fuel falling in the first and/or second range can automatically enter the vehicle or if manually approved. It is also an aspect of the present invention that the driver has the ability to change, reset, update or customize the conditions which allow for automatic refueling or manual approval for refueling authorization.
  • a system for identifying and controlling the fuel being filled into a vehicle fuel tank whereby said fuel tank contains an additional tank which acts as the testing or holding tank. Said additional testing or holding tank is connected to the system in order to preserve the rejected fuel; the complete system assembly consists of a tube connecting the filling cap and the vehicle’s fuel tank and the additional tank connected to the system.
  • the device of the present invention comprises a density, temperature and viscosity sensor for measuring the density, temperature and viscosity of the fuel being filled into the vehicle; a sensor for measuring the evaporation rate of the fuel being filled into the vehicle; a controller, connected to both the density, temperature and viscosity sensor and evaporation rate sensor wherein the controller conducts a comparison between the measured values of the measured physical properties and pre-determined values.
  • the system of the present invention further comprises a first valve, wherein the first valve controls the flow of the fuel into the fuel tank of the vehicle; a second valve; a switch positioned at the cap of the fuel tank of the vehicle; and a user interface, wherein such interface displays the inspection result to the vehicle driver in order to accept or reject the filled fuel when the measured physical properties fall within the third range of predetermined values (poor quality fuel).
  • the controller further controls the functioning of said first and second valves between open and closed positions, and controls the user interface.
  • the controller takes input signals from the density, temperature and viscosity sensor, the evaporation rate sensor, the switch, and said user interface.
  • the inspection of the fuel is automatically triggered when the vehicle’s fuel cap is opened.
  • the ranges of pre-determined physical properties values of the vehicle’s suitable fuel are pre-programmed in said controller based on the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
  • the device and system of the present invention can be adopted in all vehicles powered by different fuel types.
  • the present disclosure is in no manner limited to a specific type of vehicle or only vehicles in general.
  • the present disclosure is intended for any use whereby some sort of fuel is dispensed, be it into a vehicle, a boiler, a tanker and any other case or instance whereby fuel is being pumped or delivered from on holding or storage location into another location for transport, use or consumption.
  • FIG.1 is a block diagram of a device and system for identifying, analyzing and controlling dispensed fluid quality.
  • FIG.2 is a schematic diagram of a system for identifying, analyzing and controlling dispensed fluid quality including a logic process by which said system is implemented.
  • FIG.3 is a 3D rendering of an embodiment of the present invention whereby a device is installed in a vehicle and comprises the device and system shown in FIGs. 1 and 2.
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the process and system as applied in a vehicle for determining fluid quality and notifying a user.
  • FIG. 5 is a 3D rendering of an embodiment of the present invention whereby a device is installed and used in the embodiment of the present invention disclosing the applicability to home or work environment in a boiler.
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the process and system as applied in a boiler setting for determining fluid quality and notifying a user.
  • FIG. 7 is a 3D rendering of an embodiment of the present invention whereby a device is installed and used in a fueling station.
  • FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the process and system as applied in a fueling station setting for determining fluid quality and notifying a user.
  • the device 100 represented in FIG. 1 comprises the essential components for performing the objectives of the present invention.
  • the metal plates 102 and tuning fork 104 come in contact with the fuel passing through the system of the present invention. Regardless of the embodiment or use for the proposed device and system, the said device 100 is essential for evaluating the quality of the fuel and triggering a go/no-go decision.
  • the said metal plates 102 and said tuning fork 104 are connected with their respective controllers, 106 and 108.
  • One of the metal plates of 102 acts as a transmitter for low current whereas the other acts as a receiver thereof.
  • the metal plates controller 106 sends a low current through said transmitter metal plate and reads the recovered current captured by said receiver metal plates.
  • the potential or difference between the currents allows checking the resistance of dielectric, including the fluid to be examined, i.e. fluid, oil, etc.
  • the metal plates controller 108 further converts the reading received into a digital signal for ease of measurement and reporting.
  • the tuning fork 104 is made of two prongs which do not connect to each other.
  • the tuning fork controller 108 sends dynamic waves through the piezoelectric inside it to vibrate the fork 104.
  • the tuning fork controller 108 performs two functions: the first one is to send sound vibrations to the tuning fork to make it vibrate; and the second is to record the resistance in vibration and transform it into an electric current capable of digitization for easy measurement.
  • a timer 1 10 functions to calibrate the controllers 106 and 108.
  • the timer controls the activity of the controllers, namely the frequency of initiating their tasks and halting said tasks, essentially, the timer 1 10 acts as the on/off switch for the controllers 106 and 108.
  • a data analyzer 1 12 is an indispensable element to the system whereby after the data is collected by the sensors and channeled back to the controllers, the data analyzer 1 12 functions by performing the necessary calculations as well as excluding abnormal or irregular readings and generate average values from the readings.
  • the readings generated by the data analyzer 1 12 will dictate the physical action to be performed by the system which is installed in a vehicle, in a boiler, at a refueling station or any other setting where said system is installed and operating.
  • the system includes a memory storage device 1 14 to collect the data from the analyzer 1 12.
  • the memory device 1 14 can act in a capacity to trigger an action faster based on a comparative analysis. When a known set of input data is registered by the system and the memory device matches it with a known previous data set and related trigger, then the system can function in a faster and smoother manner.
  • the system in use is as a detector in vehicles, which comprise an automobile, a truck, a motorcycle, any type of watercraft and other
  • the said metal plates 102 and tuning fork 104 are embedded in a designated case 308 whereas their respective controllers (106, 108) are embedded in their designated case 310.
  • the fluid enters the system via a flexible tube 302 and through a valve 316 to submerge the case 308 holding the metal plates and tuning fork activating their respective controllers found in case 310.
  • the controllers 106 and 108 located in case 310 and the overall system controllers 312 are located in are shielded in a poly vinyl chloride (PVC) case 306 also called the electronic case.
  • PVC poly vinyl chloride
  • the signal is sent to a motor 314 which will close the throttle valve 316 preventing further flow of the fluid into the tank. Otherwise, the motor remains off and the valve open allowing the fluid from entering the tank after passing through a filer 304.
  • a fluid is dispensed 202 and comes in contact with the metallic plates 102 and tuning fork 104.
  • the respective controllers 106 and 108 are activated to transmit the requisite current, sound wave, etc. to initiate the interaction and measurements necessary to the collection of the data.
  • the controllers then collect the relevant data which is then analyzed and the proper calculation is performed.
  • the respective controllers operate under a closed-loop control (204, 206), self-regulating their respective processes.
  • calculating elements (208, 210) feeding into the loop to optimize the performance of the device and system.
  • the various functionalities of the controlled are further controlled by the system controller 1 16 such as a timer function 1 10, a data analyzer function 1 12 and a memory 1 14.
  • the device is controlled and managed as shown by 400.
  • a user interface 420 is connected to the device and system through a controller 402.
  • the interface is effected via a wireless module 404 and a transceiver module 406.
  • the controller allows the user to interface with the system by activating the motor controller 408 which controls the throttle valve 412 or informs of the status of the system in a sleep mode through the sleep monitor 410.
  • system may be used for example in a heating boiler, with application in homes, companies and other such structures where there is such a mechanism.
  • the system 500 is composed of three parts: a body 502, a spring wire 504 and a float 506.
  • the body 502 is formed of an outer shell and an inner shell and contains the device 100 comprising the case 514 which comprises the metallic plates and tuning fork and the case 516 which comprises their related controllers.
  • the body 502 further includes at least one battery 522, a fan 520 and motor 518 for said fan.
  • the body outer and inner shells are riddled with a plurality of holes 512 which allow the fluid to penetrate the body 502 in order for the analysis of the fluid to be carried out by the device 100.
  • the system controller 524 also lies within the body 502.
  • the system is linked to a user interface 620 preferably via a wireless module 704 and a transceiver module 606.
  • the user interface in such a case may preferably be a screen capable of display and input such as touch, vocal, etc.
  • the system of 500 acts as pre-filling chamber to analyze and evaluate the quality of the fluid being pumped into the boiler tank prior to filling the tank completely. If the analysis results in a favorable decision to all ow the fluid to be pumped into the tank, the motor 618 is activated turning on the fan 620 which elevates the device 500 to push against the valve spout 606 by compressing the spring 604.
  • the mechanism can be manually activated by the user using a user interface in case of doubtful results or as an override for expected or anticipated changes in the criteria of the fluid being pumped into the device.
  • the said metal plates 102 and tuning fork 104 are embedded in their designated case 708 whereas their respective controllers are embedded in there designated case 710.
  • the said system 700 for the present embodiment may have a body 702 made from PVC.
  • the system contains a battery 714 and the system controller 906 as previously described and a user interface 712 with optionally a POS printer 716.
  • the fluid in this embodiment enters the system from the opening 904 and embeds the metallic plates and tuning fork and the controllers activate to effect their functions of transmitting a signal, receiving a signal, performing calculations and analyzing the incoming signals for an output and a trigger to take the necessary action or notify the user of the outcome.
  • the POA printer allows the user to determine whether the quality of the fluid to be pumped is acceptable prior to diverting the pumping process into the contained or tank which will act as the final receptacle for holding the said fluid.
  • the device 100 is therefore an essential and integral part of the present disclosure in that it enables the quality check of a fluid passing through a system as illustrated in the preceding sections.
  • a system for identifying, inspecting and controlling fuel quality in scenarios where fluid is being dispensed comprises: a density, viscosity and temperature sensor; a sensor for measuring the evaporation rate, and an additional sensor that could be added to the present system to measure the refractive index of the fluid; a controller; a first electronic valve; a second electronic valve; a proximity switch; and a user interface, for example a touch screen positioned in the vehicle’s cabin in the example where said system is installed and used in a vehicle.
  • Said sensors are positioned in a tube connecting a main fuel tank and the inlet of the fluid’s entrance port, wherein the sensor takes at least one sample of fluid being filled into the vehicle and measures at least one or more of the density, viscosity and temperature of the fluid.
  • said density, viscosity and temperature sensor continuously take sample measurements and determine the density, viscosity and temperature of the fluid being dispensed.
  • an evaporation rate sensor continuously takes sample measurements and determines the evaporation rate of the fluid being dispensed.
  • the controllers control the fluid identification and inspection process in the system of the present invention, wherein the controller obtains its input signals from the sensors while sending the output signals to the first valve, the second valve, and to the user interface.
  • the controller compares the value of the density, viscosity and temperature measured by the sensor with a pre determined value that is pre-programmed into the controller. [0059] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller compares the value of the evaporation factor measured/determined by said sensor with a pre determined value that is pre-programmed into the controller.
  • the controller is preferably a microcontroller.
  • the first valve is an electronic valve, wherein the first valve is also positioned at a position connecting a fuel tank or receptacle and the inlet of the fuel filling port (not shown).
  • the first valve obstructs the flow of fuel towards the fuel tank when such valve is closed, wherein said first valve has an open or closed initial state, and wherein such state depends on the most recent refilling process. If the fuel that was filled into the vehicle during the last fuel refilling process was in conformity with the specifications of the vehicle’s manufacturer (i.e. its physical properties were falling within the first or second range) or the vehicle driver accepted the fuel (in case the physical properties were falling within the third range), the first valve will have an initial open state. Otherwise, the first valve will have an initial closed state.
  • a second valve is an electronic valve, wherein the second valve is positioned at an outlet port configured on the tube connecting the fuel tank and the inlet of the fuel filling port. Said second valve prevents the flow of the fuel to the additional tank when such second valve is closed, wherein said second valve has a normally closed state.
  • the system of the present invention does not depend on the chemical properties of the fuel and does not require addition of chemical compounds to the fluid.
  • the controller transmits a signal to said user interface to display the result of the fuel identification and inspection process to the user.
  • the user has the ability to either accept or reject the fluid in case the measured/determined physical properties values of the density, viscosity, temperature and evaporation rate fall within the third range.
  • a signal is sent from said controller to the second valve ordering such second valve to open, thus allowing the rejected fuel to escape the vehicle to a secondary tank which can later be drained, preventing the filled rejected fuel from entering the main fuel tank.
  • the ranges of the pre determined values of density, viscosity temperature and evaporation rate are pre-stored in the controller, and more specifically in the memory.
  • the system components wherein the system is used in a vehicle obtain power from the vehicle’s battery (not shown).
  • the system may obtain its power from any convenient or manageable power source such a an integrated battery, rechargeable or replaceable as is described in the drawings, for example 622 or 914.
  • the communication between the components of the system i.e. the controller, the density, temperature and viscosity sensor, the evaporation rate sensor, the user interface, the first valve and the second valve of the present invention comprise state of the art communication protocols such as serial communication.
  • a method for identifying, inspecting and controlling fluid quality comprising the following steps: a- Checking if a switch positioned at a fluid’s inlet port is closed, wherein said switch will vary depending on the preferred embodiment and use of the system; b- Determining if the fluid being pumped was accepted or not in case the switch is closed; c- Opening a first valve located at one end connecting a fluid inlet port and a switch which was closed; d- Maintaining an open state of a first valve located at the inlet connecting between an inlet port and a tank if the fuel at step“b” was accepted; e- Closing the first valve if the fuel at step“b” was rejected; f- Taking a sample of the fuel being filled and measuring the density, viscosity, temperature, and evaporation rate, of the fuel being filled using the density, viscosity and temperature sensor and evaporation rate sensor located at the inlet connecting the tank and the fill
  • said identification and inspection results are displayed as a visual, voice, or audiovisual message on the user interface.
  • said user interface comprises state of the art components such as a touch screen (not shown), a voice generator (not shown), and a memory (not shown).
  • Experiment 1 Identifying the type of fuel based on density using pre-stored reference ranges.
  • Experiment 2 was conducted based on the results obtained from experiment 1 , using the ranges obtained from the previous experiment as a reference for the current experiment.
  • Experiment 3 was conducted based on the results obtained from experiment 1 , using the ranges obtained from the previous experiment as a reference for the third experiment.
  • said user interface 10 was configured to display an indicator for seven categories based on the previously mentioned five ranges of the filled fuel, wherein such ranges comprises a first category for unleaded gasoline (with octane number between 90-98) , a second category for unleaded gasoline (with octane number less than 90), a third category for 0-10% polluted gasoline, a fourth category for 10-50% polluted gasoline, a fifth category for gasoline pollution rate of more than 50%, a sixth category for diesel, and a seventh category for unidentified liquid, wherein the first and second categories were included in said first and second ranges; the third and fourth categories were included in said third range; and the fifth, sixth, and seventh categories were included in said fourth and fifth ranges.
  • a green sign was used in the user interface 10 to indicate that the physical properties of the inspected fuel falls within the first or second range; a yellow sign was used to indicate that the physical properties falls in the third range; and a red sign was used to indicate that the physical properties of the inspected fuel falls in the fourth or fifth ranges.
  • said user interface 10 was configured to display signs indicating the quality and type of the injected fuel according to five categories based on the previously said five ranges; comprising a first category for unpolluted diesel, a second category for 0-25% polluted diesel, a third category for diesel with pollution rate greater than 25%, a fourth category for gasoline, and a fifth category for unidentified liquid, wherein the first category was included in said first and second ranges; the second category was included in said third range; and the third, fourth, and fifth categories were included in said fourth and fifth ranges.
  • a green sign was used in said user interface to indicate that the physical properties of the inspected fuel falls within the first or second ranges; a yellow sign was used to indicate that the physical properties falls in the third range; and a red sign was used to indicate that the physical properties of the inspected fuel falls in the fourth or fifth range.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a device and system for identifying the type and quality of a fluid, preferably a fuel type, and controlling the entrance of said fuel into the fuel tank, wherein the system monitors the quality of fuel being filled by determining the value of at least one of its physical properties. The system of the present invention compares the determined values of the physical properties with a set of pre-determined values, wherein such set of pre-determined values comprises five pre-determined ranges: a first range for fuel quality meeting the specifications provided by a vehicle manufacturer, a second range for intermediate quality fuel, a third range for poor quality fuel, a fourth range for different types of fuel and a fifth range for non-fuel liquids. The system of the present invention automatically permits the entrance into the fuel tank of the fuel having values of the physical properties falling within said first and second ranges. The system gives the vehicle's driver the option to either accept or reject fuel having physical property values falling within the third range. The system rejects the fuel having physical property values falling within the fourth and fifth range.

Description

A DEVICE AND METHOD FOR EXAMINING PETROLEUM LIQUIDS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a device and method for examining the quality of petroleum liquids based on their physical properties comprising density, viscosity, temperature and dielectric polarization. Said device and method have a number of applications namely for use in testing fuel and petroleum at fuel stations, testing diesel in heating boilers and inspecting fuel quality when re-fueling a vehicle at a fueling station.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Fuel prices are constantly fluctuating but have experienced a dramatic increase worldwide over decades. This increase and in particular the constant fluctuation has caused some owners at fuel dispensing sites to tamper with both the type and quality of the fuel being dispensed. As an example, by adding lead-free octane of certain octane percentage to another type of octane with higher-octane percentage, or by adding kerosene to diesel.
[003] Such tampering or manipulation of said fuel may harm the vehicle receiving said fuels, such as for example various engine parts and may cause the vehicle’s performance to drop and the efficiency to decrease. The consequences of such defects, if gone undetected, may further impact a number of industries such as the racing industry as well as the environment as a result of toxic emanations.
[004] For this reason, a number of conventional solutions and patent applications in the art had disclosed devices, systems and methods for monitoring the quality of fuel being filled into vehicles. Among such conventional solutions is disclosed one by Korean patent application number KR100763592, another by Korean patent application number KR20040045631 , European patent application number EP1253410A2, International patent application number W02010/004352A1 , United States patent application number US2014142835, United States patent application number US2003213474 and German patent application number DE102017201205, as the most representative prior art in relation to the present disclosure.
[005] KR100763592 discloses a vehicle-mounted fuel inspection device comprising a fuel chamber, an analyzing unit, an auxiliary fuel tank, a sample collecting case, a three-way valve, and a controller. The fuel chamber is installed between a fuel injection port and a fuel tank of the vehicle to keep fuel injected to the vehicle. The analyzing unit measures the density, viscosity, distillation phase, and coal washing index of the fuel and the spectrum of a discrimination agent included in the fuel to analyze whether the fuel is normal. The auxiliary fuel tank is mounted to keep the fuel in the fuel chamber and the analyzing unit when the normal fuel is judged. The sample collecting case is installed to collect abnormal fuel. The three-way valve is mounted to branch off and transfer the fuel of the fuel chamber selectively to the sample collecting case and the auxiliary fuel tank.
[006] KR20040045631 discloses a device for detecting fake gasoline comprising a vehicle state detecting unit having a knocking sensor, a gas sensor and a fuel cap opening and closing sensor to detect the state of the vehicle; an engine control unit outputting the fake gasoline warning signal by comparing the knocking signals and the amount of hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide with the reference value of the memory according to signals from the vehicle state detecting unit; an Electronic Total Automobile Control System (ETACS) receiving the warning signals from the engine control unit and demanding the warning message output or sounding an alarm according to program in the memory; and a warning unit.
[007] EP1253410A2 discloses a device for checking the quantity of gasolines, Diesel fuels, fuels or liquids in general during introduction in a tank, comprising at least one ultrasound emission source and at least one ultrasound receiver, the ultrasound emission source being arranged so as to send a train of sound waves toward the free surface of the liquid that is present in the tank and to receive the sound beam reflected by the free surface of the liquid, the ratio of the speed of the sound waves with respect to the time between the emission of the sound waves by the ultrasound source and the reception of the sound waves providing a distance that constitutes a datum for calculating the quantity of liquid introduced in the tank.
[008] W02010/004352A1 discloses a system of vehicle's tank with built-in detector of adulterated fuel consists of a small tank, of capacity 1 -1.2 it, being placed after the external inlet of vehicle's fuel supplies, and above the main vehicle's tank. The small tank is equipped with a central valve on its base for the holding back the fuel during the time period of checking and in case that the fuel proves to be adulterated, one other side valve and a drainage pipe with a plug at its end for the rejection of the fuel, and is characterized from the fact that it disposes a detection sensor of adulterated fuel , which with the detection of adulteration informs through optical digital indication SOS in the vehicle's instruments and through acoustic warning, for the immediate interruption of the supply, for the prevention of the vehicle's engine damage and driver's deception.
[009] US2014142835 discloses a method and a system for indicating fuel efficiency in a vehicle is provided that includes a density sensor configured to measure the density of a fuel mixture stored in a fuel tank. In addition, a controller is configured to derive the mix ratio related to the fuel mixture via the density measured by the density sensor and change a reference value of a fuel calculation logic based on the mix ratio. In addition, the controller is configured to determine the fuel efficiency based on the changed reference value.
[0010] US2003213474 discloses an improvement over conventional engine controls by directly measuring fuel volatility, and using this measured value to adjust the engine air/fuel ratio during engine start and initial operation. Engine startability and initial operation are improved as compared to conventional engine control systems by compensating the engine air/fuel ratio during engine start and initial engine operation, using a direct measurement of the fuel volatility.
[0011] DE102017201205 discloses a method for determining a fuel quality of a fuel for a motor vehicle by means of a particle sensor which is arranged in the exhaust line of the motor vehicle. Here, a particle number is determined and compared with a predetermined threshold by a particle sensor. This threshold value is suitable to characterize a fuel quality a motor controller outputs a characteristic value based on the comparison of the number of particles found with the predetermined threshold value, which is suitable to provide the fuel quality and, accordingly, to follow a certain engine strategy.
[0012] None of the prior art documents discloses a device or method for identifying the type and quality of the fuel used in vehicles by using some of the physical properties of the fuel being filled into the vehicle more specifically by comparing at least one physical property of the fuel being filled with a pre-determined value. Further, none of the prior art documents discloses a method that determines the type and quality of fuel being filled into the vehicle based on pre-determined values or giving the vehicle driver the option to either accept or reject the fuel being filled.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device and method for identifying the type and quality of fuel being filled in a vehicle fuel tank or dispensed by using at least one of the physical properties of the fuel being filled into the vehicle and without the need to add any chemical compounds.
[0014] It is an aspect of the present invention to inspect the fuel used in vehicles’ fuel re filling processes by comparing at least one measured physical property of the fuel being used with a set of pre-determined values comprising increments of five ranges as follows: a first range for fuel meeting at least the specifications provided by the manufacturer and which for the purposes of the present disclosure is considered as high quality fuel; a second range for intermediate quality fuel which is assessed to be below the manufacturer’s specifications, however still deemed for the purposes of the present disclosure as acceptable quality fuel, in the sense that the use of said fuel will not result in excess damages to any parts or the environment; a third range for unacceptable fuel quality based on the manufacturer specifications, which is considered poor quality fuel, in the sense that its use will result in damage to the parts of the vehicle and the environment; a fourth range which indicates a different type of fuel than that which is supported for use by the vehicle and which would result in dramatic damage; and a fifth range for a sample that is not identified as any type of fuel which is considered to be even acceptable for any type of use.
[0015] Another aspect of the present invention, the system and method permit fuel having a measured/determined value of physical properties falling within the first range as described herein to enter a vehicle’s fuel tank automatically. The said physical properties include, but may not be limited to, the density, viscosity, temperature and dielectric polarization.
[0016] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a system that automatically permits fuel having a measured/determined value of physical properties falling within the second range to enter a vehicle’s fuel tank automatically while notifying the driver about the quality of the fuel through a user interface.
[0017] It is yet another aspect of the present invention that a system that gives a vehicle driver the option to either accept or reject the fuel being filled by means of a user interface if the measured/determined values of the said physical properties fall within the third range.
[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system that does not allow the entrance into the vehicle fuel tank, fuel having measured physical properties falling in the fourth and fifth range of pre-determined values.
[0019] In a combined aspect of the present invention, the driver has the option of setting on the said system pre-determined conditions whereby fuel falling in the first and/or second range can automatically enter the vehicle or if manually approved. It is also an aspect of the present invention that the driver has the ability to change, reset, update or customize the conditions which allow for automatic refueling or manual approval for refueling authorization.
[0020] As another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for identifying and controlling the fuel being filled into a vehicle fuel tank whereby said fuel tank contains an additional tank which acts as the testing or holding tank. Said additional testing or holding tank is connected to the system in order to preserve the rejected fuel; the complete system assembly consists of a tube connecting the filling cap and the vehicle’s fuel tank and the additional tank connected to the system.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the device of the present invention comprises a density, temperature and viscosity sensor for measuring the density, temperature and viscosity of the fuel being filled into the vehicle; a sensor for measuring the evaporation rate of the fuel being filled into the vehicle; a controller, connected to both the density, temperature and viscosity sensor and evaporation rate sensor wherein the controller conducts a comparison between the measured values of the measured physical properties and pre-determined values. The system of the present invention further comprises a first valve, wherein the first valve controls the flow of the fuel into the fuel tank of the vehicle; a second valve; a switch positioned at the cap of the fuel tank of the vehicle; and a user interface, wherein such interface displays the inspection result to the vehicle driver in order to accept or reject the filled fuel when the measured physical properties fall within the third range of predetermined values (poor quality fuel).
[0022] The controller further controls the functioning of said first and second valves between open and closed positions, and controls the user interface.
[0023] Furthermore, the controller takes input signals from the density, temperature and viscosity sensor, the evaporation rate sensor, the switch, and said user interface. The inspection of the fuel is automatically triggered when the vehicle’s fuel cap is opened. The ranges of pre-determined physical properties values of the vehicle’s suitable fuel are pre-programmed in said controller based on the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
[0024] The device and system of the present invention can be adopted in all vehicles powered by different fuel types.
[0025] Whereas the summary and description enable exemplification of the said device and system, the present disclosure is in no manner limited to a specific type of vehicle or only vehicles in general. The present disclosure is intended for any use whereby some sort of fuel is dispensed, be it into a vehicle, a boiler, a tanker and any other case or instance whereby fuel is being pumped or delivered from on holding or storage location into another location for transport, use or consumption.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention without restricting the scope of the invention thereof, and in which:
[0027] FIG.1 is a block diagram of a device and system for identifying, analyzing and controlling dispensed fluid quality.
[0028] FIG.2 is a schematic diagram of a system for identifying, analyzing and controlling dispensed fluid quality including a logic process by which said system is implemented.
[0029] FIG.3 is a 3D rendering of an embodiment of the present invention whereby a device is installed in a vehicle and comprises the device and system shown in FIGs. 1 and 2.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the process and system as applied in a vehicle for determining fluid quality and notifying a user.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a 3D rendering of an embodiment of the present invention whereby a device is installed and used in the embodiment of the present invention disclosing the applicability to home or work environment in a boiler.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the process and system as applied in a boiler setting for determining fluid quality and notifying a user.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a 3D rendering of an embodiment of the present invention whereby a device is installed and used in a fueling station.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the process and system as applied in a fueling station setting for determining fluid quality and notifying a user.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0035] The device 100 represented in FIG. 1 comprises the essential components for performing the objectives of the present invention. The metal plates 102 and tuning fork 104 come in contact with the fuel passing through the system of the present invention. Regardless of the embodiment or use for the proposed device and system, the said device 100 is essential for evaluating the quality of the fuel and triggering a go/no-go decision. The said metal plates 102 and said tuning fork 104 are connected with their respective controllers, 106 and 108.
[0036] One of the metal plates of 102 acts as a transmitter for low current whereas the other acts as a receiver thereof. The metal plates controller 106 sends a low current through said transmitter metal plate and reads the recovered current captured by said receiver metal plates. The potential or difference between the currents allows checking the resistance of dielectric, including the fluid to be examined, i.e. fluid, oil, etc. The metal plates controller 108 further converts the reading received into a digital signal for ease of measurement and reporting.
[0037] The tuning fork 104 is made of two prongs which do not connect to each other. The tuning fork controller 108 sends dynamic waves through the piezoelectric inside it to vibrate the fork 104. When the fork 104 is immersed in a fluid, there is a resistance to its vibration. Said resistance is registered allowing for the measurement of the fluid’s viscosity. Accordingly, the tuning fork controller 108 performs two functions: the first one is to send sound vibrations to the tuning fork to make it vibrate; and the second is to record the resistance in vibration and transform it into an electric current capable of digitization for easy measurement.
[0038] Further to these components, namely the metallic plates 102, tuning fork 104 and their related controllers (106 and 108) the system is connected to a plurality of elements indispensable to the proper functioning of the device and system. A timer 1 10 functions to calibrate the controllers 106 and 108. In order for the system to acquire specific values and perform the adequate analysis and trigger the proper response based on the input, the timer controls the activity of the controllers, namely the frequency of initiating their tasks and halting said tasks, essentially, the timer 1 10 acts as the on/off switch for the controllers 106 and 108. [0039] A data analyzer 1 12 is an indispensable element to the system whereby after the data is collected by the sensors and channeled back to the controllers, the data analyzer 1 12 functions by performing the necessary calculations as well as excluding abnormal or irregular readings and generate average values from the readings. The readings generated by the data analyzer 1 12 will dictate the physical action to be performed by the system which is installed in a vehicle, in a boiler, at a refueling station or any other setting where said system is installed and operating.
[0040] Lastly, the system includes a memory storage device 1 14 to collect the data from the analyzer 1 12. The memory device 1 14 can act in a capacity to trigger an action faster based on a comparative analysis. When a known set of input data is registered by the system and the memory device matches it with a known previous data set and related trigger, then the system can function in a faster and smoother manner.
[0041] In the embodiment where the system in use is as a detector in vehicles, which comprise an automobile, a truck, a motorcycle, any type of watercraft and other, the said metal plates 102 and tuning fork 104 are embedded in a designated case 308 whereas their respective controllers (106, 108) are embedded in their designated case 310.
[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the system 300 being set-up in a vehicle, the fluid enters the system via a flexible tube 302 and through a valve 316 to submerge the case 308 holding the metal plates and tuning fork activating their respective controllers found in case 310. The controllers 106 and 108 located in case 310 and the overall system controllers 312 are located in are shielded in a poly vinyl chloride (PVC) case 306 also called the electronic case. If the results from the system are unfavorable as described herein, then the signal is sent to a motor 314 which will close the throttle valve 316 preventing further flow of the fluid into the tank. Otherwise, the motor remains off and the valve open allowing the fluid from entering the tank after passing through a filer 304.
[0043] In a more detailed representation of the present embodiment relating to the device and system for use in vehicles, a fluid is dispensed 202 and comes in contact with the metallic plates 102 and tuning fork 104. The respective controllers 106 and 108 are activated to transmit the requisite current, sound wave, etc. to initiate the interaction and measurements necessary to the collection of the data. The controllers then collect the relevant data which is then analyzed and the proper calculation is performed. The respective controllers operate under a closed-loop control (204, 206), self-regulating their respective processes. Also as part of the controllers, calculating elements (208, 210) feeding into the loop to optimize the performance of the device and system. The various functionalities of the controlled are further controlled by the system controller 1 16 such as a timer function 1 10, a data analyzer function 1 12 and a memory 1 14.
[0044] In the present embodiment where the system is used in a vehicle the device is controlled and managed as shown by 400. A user interface 420 is connected to the device and system through a controller 402. In one embodiment, the interface is effected via a wireless module 404 and a transceiver module 406. The controller allows the user to interface with the system by activating the motor controller 408 which controls the throttle valve 412 or informs of the status of the system in a sleep mode through the sleep monitor 410.
[0045] In another embodiment the system may be used for example in a heating boiler, with application in homes, companies and other such structures where there is such a mechanism.
[0046] The said metal plates 102 and tuning fork 104 are embedded in their designated case 514 whereas their respective controllers are embedded in there designated case 516. In the present embodiment, the system 500 is composed of three parts: a body 502, a spring wire 504 and a float 506. The body 502 is formed of an outer shell and an inner shell and contains the device 100 comprising the case 514 which comprises the metallic plates and tuning fork and the case 516 which comprises their related controllers. The body 502 further includes at least one battery 522, a fan 520 and motor 518 for said fan. The body outer and inner shells are riddled with a plurality of holes 512 which allow the fluid to penetrate the body 502 in order for the analysis of the fluid to be carried out by the device 100. [0047] The system controller 524 also lies within the body 502. In a manner similar to the previous embodiment, the system is linked to a user interface 620 preferably via a wireless module 704 and a transceiver module 606. The user interface in such a case may preferably be a screen capable of display and input such as touch, vocal, etc.
[0048] As is the case with the embodiment described in prior paragraphs for the system set-up in a vehicle, the system of 500 acts as pre-filling chamber to analyze and evaluate the quality of the fluid being pumped into the boiler tank prior to filling the tank completely. If the analysis results in a favorable decision to all ow the fluid to be pumped into the tank, the motor 618 is activated turning on the fan 620 which elevates the device 500 to push against the valve spout 606 by compressing the spring 604.
[0049] The mechanism can be manually activated by the user using a user interface in case of doubtful results or as an override for expected or anticipated changes in the criteria of the fluid being pumped into the device.
[0050] In a further embodiment whereby the system is in use in a dispensing facility such as for example in a gas station, the said metal plates 102 and tuning fork 104 are embedded in their designated case 708 whereas their respective controllers are embedded in there designated case 710. The said system 700 for the present embodiment may have a body 702 made from PVC. Here again, the system contains a battery 714 and the system controller 906 as previously described and a user interface 712 with optionally a POS printer 716.
[0051] The fluid in this embodiment enters the system from the opening 904 and embeds the metallic plates and tuning fork and the controllers activate to effect their functions of transmitting a signal, receiving a signal, performing calculations and analyzing the incoming signals for an output and a trigger to take the necessary action or notify the user of the outcome.
[0052] Since the system described for 700 can be checked prior to pumping into the final tank or container, the POA printer allows the user to determine whether the quality of the fluid to be pumped is acceptable prior to diverting the pumping process into the contained or tank which will act as the final receptacle for holding the said fluid. [0053] The device 100 is therefore an essential and integral part of the present disclosure in that it enables the quality check of a fluid passing through a system as illustrated in the preceding sections.
[0054] In an embodiment of the present invention, is presented a system for identifying, inspecting and controlling fuel quality in scenarios where fluid is being dispensed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein such a system comprises: a density, viscosity and temperature sensor; a sensor for measuring the evaporation rate, and an additional sensor that could be added to the present system to measure the refractive index of the fluid; a controller; a first electronic valve; a second electronic valve; a proximity switch; and a user interface, for example a touch screen positioned in the vehicle’s cabin in the example where said system is installed and used in a vehicle. Said sensors are positioned in a tube connecting a main fuel tank and the inlet of the fluid’s entrance port, wherein the sensor takes at least one sample of fluid being filled into the vehicle and measures at least one or more of the density, viscosity and temperature of the fluid.
[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said density, viscosity and temperature sensor continuously take sample measurements and determine the density, viscosity and temperature of the fluid being dispensed.
[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an evaporation rate sensor continuously takes sample measurements and determines the evaporation rate of the fluid being dispensed.
[0057] The controllers control the fluid identification and inspection process in the system of the present invention, wherein the controller obtains its input signals from the sensors while sending the output signals to the first valve, the second valve, and to the user interface.
[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller compares the value of the density, viscosity and temperature measured by the sensor with a pre determined value that is pre-programmed into the controller. [0059] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller compares the value of the evaporation factor measured/determined by said sensor with a pre determined value that is pre-programmed into the controller.
[0060] The controller is preferably a microcontroller.
[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first valve is an electronic valve, wherein the first valve is also positioned at a position connecting a fuel tank or receptacle and the inlet of the fuel filling port (not shown). The first valve obstructs the flow of fuel towards the fuel tank when such valve is closed, wherein said first valve has an open or closed initial state, and wherein such state depends on the most recent refilling process. If the fuel that was filled into the vehicle during the last fuel refilling process was in conformity with the specifications of the vehicle’s manufacturer (i.e. its physical properties were falling within the first or second range) or the vehicle driver accepted the fuel (in case the physical properties were falling within the third range), the first valve will have an initial open state. Otherwise, the first valve will have an initial closed state.
[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a second valve is an electronic valve, wherein the second valve is positioned at an outlet port configured on the tube connecting the fuel tank and the inlet of the fuel filling port. Said second valve prevents the flow of the fuel to the additional tank when such second valve is closed, wherein said second valve has a normally closed state.
[0063] The system of the present invention does not depend on the chemical properties of the fuel and does not require addition of chemical compounds to the fluid.
[0064] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller transmits a signal to said user interface to display the result of the fuel identification and inspection process to the user.
[0065] In the system of the present invention, the user has the ability to either accept or reject the fluid in case the measured/determined physical properties values of the density, viscosity, temperature and evaporation rate fall within the third range. [0066] In the system of the present invention, if the driver or user rejects the fuel which falls in the third range or if the measured density, viscosity temperature and evaporation rate, values fall within the fourth or fifth ranges, a signal is sent from said controller to the second valve ordering such second valve to open, thus allowing the rejected fuel to escape the vehicle to a secondary tank which can later be drained, preventing the filled rejected fuel from entering the main fuel tank.
[0067] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ranges of the pre determined values of density, viscosity temperature and evaporation rate are pre-stored in the controller, and more specifically in the memory.
[0068] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system components wherein the system is used in a vehicle obtain power from the vehicle’s battery (not shown). For embodiments where the system is not in a vehicle, the system may obtain its power from any convenient or manageable power source such a an integrated battery, rechargeable or replaceable as is described in the drawings, for example 622 or 914.
[0069] The communication between the components of the system i.e. the controller, the density, temperature and viscosity sensor, the evaporation rate sensor, the user interface, the first valve and the second valve of the present invention comprise state of the art communication protocols such as serial communication.
[0070] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for identifying, inspecting and controlling fluid quality comprising the following steps: a- Checking if a switch positioned at a fluid’s inlet port is closed, wherein said switch will vary depending on the preferred embodiment and use of the system; b- Determining if the fluid being pumped was accepted or not in case the switch is closed; c- Opening a first valve located at one end connecting a fluid inlet port and a switch which was closed; d- Maintaining an open state of a first valve located at the inlet connecting between an inlet port and a tank if the fuel at step“b” was accepted; e- Closing the first valve if the fuel at step“b” was rejected; f- Taking a sample of the fuel being filled and measuring the density, viscosity, temperature, and evaporation rate, of the fuel being filled using the density, viscosity and temperature sensor and evaporation rate sensor located at the inlet connecting the tank and the filling port; g- Comparing the measured values of the density, viscosity, temperature, and evaporation rate, with the pre-determined values from a manufacturer specifications; h- Opening the first valve if the value of the pre-determined range fall in a first range (high quality fuel) or a second range (intermediate quality fuel) for fuel meeting the specifications provided by the manufacturer; i- In case the measured values of the fuel fall within the second range; the system notifies the user of the quality of the fluid being dispensed which in this case falls in the second range using the user interface to give this notification; j- In case the measured values of the fuel fall within the third range (poor quality fuel); the system gives the user the option to either accept or reject the fuel using the user interface. k- Opening said first valve while the second valve is in a closed state if the user accepted the fuel at step“j”;
I- Opening the second valve and closing the first valve if the user rejects the fuel at step“j”; m- In case the measured physical properties values of the fluid fall within the fourth range (different type of fluid) or fifth range (non-fuel liquid) the system automatically closes the first valve; preventing the fluid from entering the main tank, and opens the second valve; n- When the second valve is open, the fluid enters the additional tank ; o- The user interface shows the indication of the quality of the fluid being filled in the refilling process, and through the user interface the user has the option to accept or reject the fluid if its values of physical properties fall within the third range.
[0071] In the embodiment of the present invention, said identification and inspection results are displayed as a visual, voice, or audiovisual message on the user interface.
[0072] In the system of the present invention, said user interface comprises state of the art components such as a touch screen (not shown), a voice generator (not shown), and a memory (not shown).
[0073] Experiments
[0074] Experiment 1 : Identifying the type of fuel based on density using pre-stored reference ranges.
[0075] In an experiment conducted to identify the type of fuel injected into a system of the present invention, where reference ranges were used, under standard temperature of 15°C.
[0076] During this experiment three samples were tested; the first sample was gasoline octane number 95, the second sample was gasoline octane number 90, and the third sample was diesel, all three samples were not contaminated in order to have accurate results to be used as benchmarks.
[0077] Upon running the experiment the following results were obtained for each type of sample: (1 ) the first sample is identified if the density of the fuel falls between 0.7485- 0.7465 g/ml; (2) the second sample is identified if the density of the fuel falls between 0.7385-0.7365 g/ l; and (3) the third sample is identified if the density of the fuel falls between 0.8583-0.8383 g/ml. [0078] Experiment 2
[0079] In an experiment conducted to inspect if a fuel sample is contaminated with other types of fuel using the density sensor embodied in the system, an experiment was conducted on gasoline octane number 95 and gasoline octane number 90, and the source of contamination with different percentages of diesel fuel.
[0080] Experiment 2 was conducted based on the results obtained from experiment 1 , using the ranges obtained from the previous experiment as a reference for the current experiment.
[0081] Upon running the experiment using four samples of each type of Gasoline, where each sample was contaminated with different percentages of Diesel, we managed to conclude: the increase in the percentage of the contamination source (Diesel) in the sample resulted in an increase of the density of the gasoline samples, this conclusion applies to gasoline octane numbers 95 and 90.
[0082] Experiment 3
[0083] In an experiment conducted to inspect if a fuel sample is contaminated with other types of liquids other than fuel using the density sensor embodied in the system. The experiment was conducted on diesel, and the sources of contamination were car oil and frying oil with different percentages.
[0084] Experiment 3 was conducted based on the results obtained from experiment 1 , using the ranges obtained from the previous experiment as a reference for the third experiment.
[0085] We managed to conclude: the increase in the percentage of the source of contamination in the sample resulted in an increase of the density of the diesel samples. [0086] Experiment 4
[0087] In an experiment conducted to differentiate between the types of fuel filled, this experiment was conducted using a sensor which measures the evaporation rate which is used as an indication for the type of the fuel filled into the system.
[0088] Upon running the experiment at a constant temperature of 15C, we have configured three ranges of evaporation rate; the first range for gasoline octane number 95, the second range for gasoline octane number 90 and the third one for diesel.
[0089] These ranges could be used in combination with the other sensors embodied in the system of the present invention to increase the accuracy of the readings.
[0090] Experiment 5
[0091] In an experiment conducted to prove the concept of the present invention on gasoline powered vehicles, said user interface 10 was configured to display an indicator for seven categories based on the previously mentioned five ranges of the filled fuel, wherein such ranges comprises a first category for unleaded gasoline (with octane number between 90-98) , a second category for unleaded gasoline (with octane number less than 90), a third category for 0-10% polluted gasoline, a fourth category for 10-50% polluted gasoline, a fifth category for gasoline pollution rate of more than 50%, a sixth category for diesel, and a seventh category for unidentified liquid, wherein the first and second categories were included in said first and second ranges; the third and fourth categories were included in said third range; and the fifth, sixth, and seventh categories were included in said fourth and fifth ranges. In this experiment, a green sign was used in the user interface 10 to indicate that the physical properties of the inspected fuel falls within the first or second range; a yellow sign was used to indicate that the physical properties falls in the third range; and a red sign was used to indicate that the physical properties of the inspected fuel falls in the fourth or fifth ranges.
[0092] Experiment 6
[0093] In another experiment conducted to prove the concept of the present invention on diesel powered vehicles, said user interface 10 was configured to display signs indicating the quality and type of the injected fuel according to five categories based on the previously said five ranges; comprising a first category for unpolluted diesel, a second category for 0-25% polluted diesel, a third category for diesel with pollution rate greater than 25%, a fourth category for gasoline, and a fifth category for unidentified liquid, wherein the first category was included in said first and second ranges; the second category was included in said third range; and the third, fourth, and fifth categories were included in said fourth and fifth ranges. In this experiment, a green sign was used in said user interface to indicate that the physical properties of the inspected fuel falls within the first or second ranges; a yellow sign was used to indicate that the physical properties falls in the third range; and a red sign was used to indicate that the physical properties of the inspected fuel falls in the fourth or fifth range.
[0094] While the present invention has been described in details and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various additions, omissions and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, these additions include the known interfacing components used in connecting the components of the system, such as relays.

Claims

1. A device comprising:
- A plurality of metallic plates (102);
- A tuning fork (104) with a plurality of prongs;
- A metallic plates controller (106);
- A tuning fork controller (108); and
- A system controller (1 16), comprising
-A timer (1 10);
- A data analyzer (1 12); and
-A memory (1 14).
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the said plurality metallic plates (102) comprises two metallic plates wherein one metallic plate acts as a low current transmitter and one metallic plate acts as a low current receiver.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein said metallic plates controller (106) generates and sends a low current to said transmitter metallic plate and receives a low current from said metallic plate receiver.
4. The device according to claim 3 wherein said metallic plates controller (106) converts the received low current into digital code.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the said tuning fork comprises two prongs and wherein said prongs are not connected to each other.
6. The device according to claim 5 wherein said prongs vibrate and generate a piezoelectric effect.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein said tuning fork controller (108) generates and sends sound vibrations to vibrate the said prongs of the said tuning fork and measures the said prongs’ vibration and converts it into an electrical signal.
8. The device of claim 1 wherein said timer (1 10) of said system controller (1 16) calibrates the operation of the said metallic plates controller (106) and said tuning fork controller (108), wherein said operation may be preset, pre-defined or adjusted during use.
9. The device of claim 1 wherein said data analyzer (1 12) of said system controller (1 16) collects the said digital code electric signal and said from said metallic plates controller (106) and said tuning fork controller (108), analyzes the said electric signal and digital code and stores said analysis in said memory (1 14) and transmits a signal based on said analysis.
10. A method for controlling the flow of a fluid into a downstream receptacle using a device comprising:
- A plurality of metallic plates (102);
- A tuning fork (104) with a plurality of prongs;
- A metallic plates controller (106);
- A tuning fork controller (108); and
- A system controller (1 16), comprising
-A timer (1 10);
- A data analyzer (1 12); and
-A memory (1 14).
1 1. The method of claim 10 whereby the signal transmitted by said system controller (1 16) triggers a valve to open or close.
12. A system to measure the quality of a fluid flowing through said device according to claim 1 wherein said system consists of:
- dispensing said fluid via a valve into a holding space which contains said device;
- allowing said device time to analyze said fluid;
- said device transmits a signal to open or close said valve depending on the quality of said fluid; and
- a user interface.
13. The system according to claim 12 wherein the valve remains closed if the quality of said fluid is inadequate and the fluid is rejected.
14. The system according to claim 12 wherein the valve is opened if the quality of said fluid is adequate and the fluid is allowed to flow into a downstream receptacle.
15. The system according to claim 12 wherein said system may be used in vehicles, boilers, fueling stations and other instances where the quality of a dispensed fluid should be evaluated on the spot.
16. The system according to claim 12 wherein the said user interface connects to the said device according to claim 1 via any available means comprising cabled or wireless.
17. The system according to claim 12 wherein the user interface acts as a two-way system for obtaining information on the quality of the fluid and control options, and sending information on managing or overriding the functioning of the system.
18. The device of claim 1 , the method of claim 10 and the system of claim 12, wherein said device, method and system are for use in the analysis of the fluid being dispensed into a vehicle.
19. The device of claim 1 , the method of claim 10 and the system of claim 12, wherein said device, method and system are for use in the analysis of the fluid being dispensed into a boiler tank.
20. The device of claim 1 , the method of claim 10 and the system of claim 12, wherein said device, method and system are for use in the analysis of the fluid being dispensed at a fueling station.
PCT/IB2019/051281 2019-02-18 2019-02-18 A device and method for examining petroleum liquids WO2020170006A1 (en)

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