AU2021218079A1 - Liquid delivery cross-over prevention system and adaptor therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A liquid delivery cross-over prevention system, having a standpipe for coupling to a receiving tank a fuel delivery hose extending from a tank truck, the system comprising a first adaptor pair including a first adaptor for fitting to an inlet of a receiving tank and a first connector for coupling the standpipe to the first adaptor, a second adaptor pair including a second adaptor coupled to the standpipe and a second connector coupling the fuel delivery hose to the second adaptor, wherein the first and second adaptors have at least one protuberance and/or at least one recess formed therein and which are configured to engage corresponding features on their respective connectors to allow engagement therebetween. 10 20 25 24 16 14 21 22 18 12 Figure 1

Description

20 25 24

16

14 21 22

18

12

Figure 1

P10370.AU Specification - Final 18 August 2021.Docx - 18/08/2021

Liquid delivery cross-over prevention system and adaptor therefor

Field of the invention The present invention relates to a liquid delivery cross-over prevention system (COPS) and adaptor therefor. For example, the present invention relates to a cross-over prevention system for use with a tank truck holding different liquid products for delivery. In one particular example, the system is configured for use in filling a petrol tanker and for delivering from the petrol tanker, different fuels to a service station.

Background Tank trucks such as petrol tankers are often equipped with different compartments for holding different products for delivery. It can be very important that delivery of a particular product is made to its corresponding tank at a delivery site to prevent contamination.

For example, during fuel delivery to a service station, delivery of an incompatible fuel product into an existing tank, which is often referred to as cross-over, can contaminate many thousands of litres of fuel. If the contamination is not noticed, the contaminated fuel can be passed to customers and result in damage to numerous vehicles before it is detected. Also, once contaminated, the fuel in a service station tank must be pumped and taken away, disposed of, and then replaced at great expense.

In the fuel industry, the present process for avoiding fuel contamination involves diligent tagging, labelling and filling procedures, though cross-over remains a relatively common occurrence. Operator stress, haste, fatigue and distraction can all result in a lock of concentration which can lead to contamination.

Previous cross-over prevention systems, commonly referred to as COPS, have been proposed. In particular, complicated electronic systems have been proposed to detect the specific fuel product in a fuel delivery line and, if that product matches an RFID tag on a

P10370.AU Specification - Final 18 August 2021.Docx - 18/08/2021

-2

filling point on the tank, filling can continue. Such systems can be expensive and require specific hardware to be fitted to a tank truck and the tank filling points. As such, roll out across a vehicle fleet can be expensive.

There is a need to address the above, and/or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a liquid delivery cross over prevention system, having a standpipe for coupling to a receiving tank a fuel delivery hose extending from a tank truck, the system comprising: a first adaptor pair including a first adaptor for fitting to an inlet of a receiving tank and a first connector for coupling the standpipe to the first adaptor; a second adaptor pair including a second adaptor coupled to the standpipe and a second connector coupling the fuel delivery hose to the second adaptor; wherein the first and second adaptors have at least one protuberance and/or at least one recess formed therein and which are configured to engage corresponding features on their respective connectors to allow engagement therebetween.

The system may also be referred to as a liquid delivery contamination prevention system.

According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the system further comprises a third adaptor pair including a third adaptor coupled to the fuel delivery hose and a third connector coupled to an outlet of the tank truck.

Each of the adaptors may have the same number of protuberances and recesses.

Preferably, the number of protuberances and recesses formed on the adaptors is selected to correspond with a predetermined identification system whereby identification

P10370.AU Specification - Final 18 August 2021.Docx - 18/08/2021

-3

of the liquid product stored within the tank can be determined. Preferably, the first adaptor has an internal thread for fitting to the inlet of the receiving tank. Preferably, the protuberances and recesses of the adaptors are formed on a flange extending around a body of the adaptor. The first adaptor can have a threaded portion for connection to a convention standpipe without a second adaptor fitted.

Preferably, the fuel hose connects to an offload adaptor releasably secured to the outlet/inlet of the tanker. Preferably, the third connector has an internal screw thread for securing to the offload adaptor.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit, comprising a plurality of systems of the above described type, each system being unique and configured for a specific fuel type.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of delivering liquid from a tank truck, including the steps of: identifying the liquid product to be delivered and locating the corresponding tank for delivery; securing a standpipe to a first adaptor secured to an inlet of the tank by way of a connector secured to a lower end of the standpipe; securing a fuel delivery pipe extending from the tank truck to the standpipe, the fuel delivery pipe having a second connector coupled to an end thereof and configured for interlocking engagement with a corresponding adaptor on the standpipe; wherein the first and second adaptors have at least one protuberance and/or at least one recess formed therein and which are configured to engage corresponding features on the connectors of the standpipe to form the said interlocking engagement.

Preferably, the method further includes the step of connecting the fuel delivery hose to the tank truck, the fuel delivery hose having a third adaptor fitted to an end thereof for securing the fuel delivery hose to an outlet connector of a tank truck, the third adaptor and tank truck outlet connector having at least one protuberance and/or at least one recess

P10370.AU Specification - Final 18 August 2021.Docx - 18/08/2021

-4

formed therein and which are configured to engage corresponding features on the other part to form the said interlocking engagement. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of filling a tank truck with a liquid, including the steps of: installing an offload adaptor to an inlet of the tank truck, the offload adaptor being configured for use with only the type of liquid to be filled; and connecting a fuel delivery hose to the offload adaptor via a connector on an end of the fuel delivery hose, wherein the offload adaptor and fuel delivery hose connector have at least one protuberance and/or at least one recess formed therein and which are configured to engage corresponding features on the other part to form an interlocking engagement.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an adaptor for use in a liquid delivery cross-over prevention system, comprising: a cylindrical body having an internally threaded portion at one end for connection to an inlet of a liquid tank, and an externally threaded portion at an opposite end for connection to a standpipe, and a flange extending around the cylindrical body, the flange having at least one protuberance formed thereon for interlocking engagement with a correspondingly shaped connector coupled to the standpipe.

Brief description of the drawings In order that the invention may be more easily understood, an embodiment will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a liquid delivery cross over protection system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 2a is a side view of a first prior art standpipe; Figure 2b is a side cross sectional view of the standpipe of a Figure 2a; Figure 3 is an exploded view of a stand pipe of the fuel delivery system;

P10370.AU Specification - Final 18 August 2021.Docx - 18/08/2021

-5

Figure 4 is a close perspective view of an adaptor for use with the system; Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a first alternative adaptor pair of use in the system; Figures 7 and 8 illustrate another alternative adaptor pair of use in the system; Figure 9a is a side view of a standpipe of the system; Figure 9b is a side cross sectional view of the standpipe of a Figure 5a; Figure 10 is a side view of another prior art standpipe, the standpipe connected to an adaptor of the system; Figure 11 is a side view of a further prior art standpipe, the standpipe connected to an adaptor of the system; Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of an end of the system and a tank truck inlet/outlet; Figure 13 is a perspective view of the end of the system of Figure 8 connected to the inlet/outlet of the tank truck; and Figure 14 is a side view of the connection of Figure 9.

Detailed description A liquid delivery cross-over prevention system 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1. The system 10 is configured for preventing contamination of liquids in a tank by filling the tank with a different liquid. In particular the system 10 is configured for use with a petrol tanker or tank truck containing multiple fuel products and delivering those products to respective tanks at a service station.

The system 10 includes a standpipe 18 for coupling a fuel delivery hose 16 extending from a tank truck to a receiving tank in which the fuel is to be received. In use, the standpipe 18 provides a connection between the receiving tank and the fuel hose 16.

The system 10 comprises a first adaptor pair including a first adaptor 12 for fitting to an inlet of a receiving tank and a first connector 19 for coupling the standpipe 18 to the first adaptor 12. The system also comprises a second adaptor pair including a second

P10370.AU Specification - Final 18 August 2021.Docx - 18/08/2021

-6

adaptor 14 couple to the standpipe 18 and a second connector coupling the fuel delivery hose 16 to the second adaptor 14.

For connection to the tank truck, there is provided a third adaptor pair comprising a third adaptor 22 couple to the fuel delivery hose 16 and a third connector 20 coupled to an outlet 24 of the tank truck. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 20 is secured to an outlet 24 of the tank truck via a universal offload adaptor 25. It will be appreciated that in other, non-preferred embodiments, the third adaptor pair may be omitted and conventional connection to the tank truck used.

The adaptors 12, 14, 20 and connectors 19, 21, 22 are formed with physical features that are configured to allow only connection between similarly configured parts to form an engagement therebetween, as will be described in further detail below. By reserving a particular configuration of physical features for use with a predetermined type of fuel, the filling of an incorrect product into a tank can be avoided.

Figures 2a and 2b illustrate a prior art standpipe 18a which connects to a pipe 13 extending from an underground fuel tank (not shown). Fuel pipe 16 connects to standpipe 18a via connector 21a. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a standpipe is required as the upper end of pipe 13 is typically located beneath a ground surface, over which vehicles can travel. Standpipe 18a connects to the pipe 13 by way of an adaptor 12a, which is commonly referred to as a brass donut that screws onto a threaded end of pipe 13. As can be seen in Figure 2b, adaptor 12a provides lugs 15, to which ends of tightening clamps 17 can engage.

With reference to Figure 3, it can be seen that the standpipe 18 has connector 19 at one end thereof, with second adaptor 14 being secured at the other end. Connector 19 is configured for engagement with the first adaptor 12 and the second adaptor 14 is configured for engagement the second connector 21.

P10370.AU Specification - Final 18 August 2021.Docx - 18/08/2021

-7

The second adaptor 14 and the connector 19 may be permanently secured to the standpipe 18 due to being integrally formed therewith, or secured another way, such as welding or brazing for example. In other embodiments, the connectors may be releasably secured by way of a threaded connection.

With reference to Figure 4, it can be seen that the first adaptor 12 is formed with a plurality of protuberances or teeth 30, each of which are configured to be received in a respective recess 32 (Figure 3) to allow engagement between respective adaptor/connector pairs. The engagement may be of an interlocking nature, either partial or complete. In the illustrated embodiment, the adaptor 12 is provided with six protuberances 30.

With reference to Figure 3, it can be seen that connector 21 is provided with four protuberances 30 and four recesses 32, with the uppermost and lowermost recesses being larger than the others and in which two protuberances 30 of the second adaptor 14 can be received. From this, it can be seen that the number of protuberances on an adaptor may not exactly match the number of recesses on a corresponding connector, yet an engagement may still be achieved.

The number of protuberances 30 and recesses 32 formed on the adaptors/connectors is selected to correspond with a predetermined identification system whereby identification of the liquid product stored within the tank can be made. In this regard, adaptor 12 as shown in Figure 4, will be reserved for use with a particular fuel type while adaptors with a different number of protuberances, which may be any number above 1, will be reserved for use with other fuel types. In practice, a tank truck will be provided with a plurality of standpipes and fuel delivery hoses, each corresponding to one of the following common fuel products: regular unleaded, premium unleaded, hi octane, E10, diesel or premium diesel. The fuel delivery hoses may be coloured and labelled according to the industry standard colours for each fuel product. The different adaptors may also be labelled for quick verification.

P10370.AU Specification - Final 18 August 2021.Docx - 18/08/2021

-8

Alternative adaptor pairs are shown in Figures 5 to 8. The first adaptor 12b of Figures 5 and 6 has 12 teeth 30 of a relatively square or rectangular profile that are configured to be received in correspondingly shaped recesses in the first connector 19b. The first adaptor 12c of Figures 7 and 8 also has 12 teeth 30, though they are of a truncated triangular profile that are configured to be received in correspondingly shaped recesses in the first connector 19c.

By providing a system having specifically configured adaptor pairs, only connection of corresponding adaptors and connectors is possible to allow engagement therebetween. The system 10 is configured such that unless engagement is obtained, tightening clamps 17 cannot be fully engaged and the system connected for filling. By reserving particular adaptor/connector pairs for use with particular fuel products, it can be possible to prevent cross-over protection and the filling of a fuel product into the wrong tank.

Returning to Figure 4, it will be appreciated that although the protuberances 30 are shown on the adaptor 12 and the recesses 32 on the connector 19, an inverse arrangement would also be possible with the protuberances being formed on the connectors and the recesses on the adaptor. The size of the protuberances and their spacing may also be varied to be wider or narrower, and the spacing of each protuberance may not necessarily be the same around the adaptor 12 and could be irregular.

Figures 9a and 9b illustrate a standpipe 18 and adaptor 12 of the system 10 used to connect the system 10 to a conventional tank. As particularly illustrated in Figure 9b, to allow connection of the system 10 to the existing underground tanks of service stations, adaptor 12 has an internal thread which is configured for engagement of the external thread 23 formed on pipe 13 of the inlet of the receiving tank.

The adaptor 12 is formed with a flange 34 extending around a body of the adaptor, with the protuberances 30 being formed on the flange 34. This allows an externally threaded portion 36 (Figure 9b) to be provided to allow receipt of conventional standpipes so that the system 10 can still be used with conventional filling systems.

P10370.AU Specification - Final 18 August 2021.Docx - 18/08/2021

-9

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate conventional standpipes 18b and 18a secured to adaptor 12. In this regard, the internally threaded portion 33 (Figure 2b) engages with externally threaded portion 36 (Figure 4) of adaptor 12.

As can be seen in Figure 9b, once the protuberances 30 are received in their corresponding recesses 32, the standpipe 18 can be advanced over pipe 13 far enough to allow engagement of ends of tightening clamps 17 with lugs 31 to lock the standpipe to pipe 13.

Figures 12 to 14 illustrate where an end of the fuel delivery pipe 16 is fitted to a tank truck. In this regard, system 10 includes a third adaptor 20 which that is configured for securing to a universal offload adaptor 25, via an internal screw thread, which can be secured to an outlet 24 of a tank truck. The adaptor 25 is a conventionally used adaptor in the process of delivery liquid fuels to a service station. Connector 22 is provided on the end of the fuel delivery pipe 16 for connection to the third adaptor 20

As per the first adaptor 12 and the second adaptor 14, the third adaptor has protuberances 30 which are configured for interlocking engagement with corresponding recesses on the connector 22. The protuberances 30 on the third adaptor 20 and the second adaptor 14 are identical so that the fuel delivery pipe 16 can be installed in one of two possible orientations.

In use a driver delivering a load of fuel to a service station will go through the following procedure.

Firstly, the driver will determine products to be delivered via the order details provided by the transport company. These may be printed or supplied electronically on a tablet for example. The driver will also have records of which products are loaded into which compartment in the tank truck.

P10370.AU Specification - Final 18 August 2021.Docx - 18/08/2021

- 10

For the first product to be dispensed, which in this example is regular unleaded fuel, the driver will locate the relevant connection point or outlet 24 on the truck, which corresponds to the desired compartment, i.e. the one which contains unleaded fuel. The driver will then remove a cover on the universal offload adaptor 25. Once the adaptor 25 is removed, the driver can confirm by the configuration of the adaptor and/or label applied thereto that the product he is intended to dispense (regular unleaded) is actually in that compartment.

The driver will then select a fuel hose 16 corresponding to regular unleaded fuel and connect the fuel hose 16 to the outlet 24 of the tank truck via connector 20. If connector 20 on the outlet and adaptor 22 on the fuel pipe match, i.e. are configured for the same fuel type, an interlocking engagement will occur, allowing the fuel pipe 16 to be secured to the outlet 24.

A standpipe 18 for use with regular unleaded fuel is then selected and connected to the tank inlet pipe 13. Provided that adaptor 12 and connector 19 match, i.e. they are both configured for use with regular unleaded, the standpipe 18 will be able to be secured to the adaptor 12. The fuel pipe 16 can then be secured to the standpipe 18, assuming that the adaptor 14 on the standpipe and connector 21 on the fuel pipe 16 match.

At this point, the conduit which transfers fuel from the tank truck to the tank is complete and filling can commence.

It can be seem that unless the fuel pipe 16 and standpipe 18 are configured for the intended fuel type, connection is not possible and the tank cannot be filled, thereby potentially providing a simple and reliable mechanical lock out to avoid contamination.

During filling of the tank truck at a depot, a similar process may be used if the fuel delivery pipes also incorporate adaptors of the above described type.

P10370.AU Specification - Final 18 August 2021.Docx - 18/08/2021

- 11

An operator will be provided with an order identifying the products to be filled into different compartments of the truck. For each compartment, the operator will remove the cover on the universal offload adaptor 25 and install the relevant adaptor 20 for the desired product.

The desired fuel delivery pipe, which is preinstalled with an adaptor that corresponds to the type of fuel to be delivered by that pipe, will then be connected to the offload adaptor. Only if the adaptor 20 matches a corresponding adaptor on the fuel delivery pipe will a proper connection be possible, thereby ensuring that the correct fuel product is filled into each compartment of the tank truck.

Many modifications of the above embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular and as mentioned above, the configuration of protuberances and recesses of adaptor pairs can vary and be differently configured to those shown, as long as they allow for inter engagement between corresponding adaptor/connectors in the adaptor pair.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims (12)

P10370.AU Specification - Final 18 August 2021.Docx - 18/08/2021 - 12 CLAIMS:

1. A liquid delivery cross-over prevention system, having a standpipe for coupling to a receiving tank a fuel delivery hose extending from a tank truck, the system comprising: a first adaptor pair including a first adaptor for fitting to an inlet of a receiving tank and a first connector for coupling the standpipe to the first adaptor; a second adaptor pair including a second adaptor coupled to the standpipe and a second connector coupling the fuel delivery hose to the second adaptor; wherein the first and second adaptors have at least one protuberance and/or at least one recess formed therein and which are configured to engage corresponding features on their respective connectors to allow engagement therebetween.

2. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a third adaptor pair including a third adaptor coupled to the fuel delivery hose and a third connector coupled to an outlet of the tank truck.

3. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the adaptors has the same number of protuberances and recesses.

4. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the number of protuberances and recesses formed on the adaptors is selected to correspond with a predetermined identification system whereby identification of the liquid product stored within the tank can be determined.

5. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first adaptor has an internal thread for fitting to the inlet of the receiving tank.

6. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the protuberances and recesses of the adaptors are formed on a flange extending around a body of the adaptor.

7. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first adaptor has a threaded portion for connection to a convention standpipe without a second adaptor fitted.

8. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the fuel hose connects to an offload adaptor releasably secured to the outlet/inlet of the tanker.

9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the third connector has an internal screw thread for securing to the offload adaptor.

P10370.AU Specification - Final 18 August 2021.Docx - 18/08/2021

- 13

10. A kit, comprising a plurality of systems to any preceding claim, each system being unique and configured for a specific fuel type. 11. A method of delivering liquid from a tank truck, including the steps of: identifying the liquid product to be delivered and locating the corresponding tank for delivery; securing a standpipe to a first adaptor secured to an inlet of the tank by way of a connector secured to a lower end of the standpipe; securing a fuel delivery pipe extending from the tank truck to the standpipe, the fuel delivery pipe having a second connector coupled to an end thereof and configured for interlocking engagement with a corresponding adaptor on the standpipe; wherein the first and second adaptors have at least one protuberance and/or at least one recess formed therein and which are configured to engage corresponding features on the connectors of the standpipe to form the said interlocking engagement.

11. A method according to claim 10, further including the step of connecting the fuel delivery hose to the tank truck, the fuel delivery hose having a third adaptor fitted to an end thereof for securing the fuel delivery hose to an outlet connector of a tank truck, the third adaptor and tank truck outlet connector having at least one protuberance and/or at least one recess formed therein and which are configured to engage corresponding features on the other part to form the said interlocking engagement.

12. A method of filling a tank truck with a liquid, including the steps of: installing an offload adaptor to an inlet of the tank truck, the offload adaptor being configured for use with only the type of liquid to be filled; and connecting a fuel delivery hose to the offload adaptor via a connector on an end of the fuel delivery hose, wherein the offload adaptor and fuel delivery hose connector have at least one protuberance and/or at least one recess formed therein and which are configured to engage corresponding features on the other part to form an interlocking engagement.