EP0532202B1 - A fuel dispenser - Google Patents
A fuel dispenser Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0532202B1 EP0532202B1 EP92307782A EP92307782A EP0532202B1 EP 0532202 B1 EP0532202 B1 EP 0532202B1 EP 92307782 A EP92307782 A EP 92307782A EP 92307782 A EP92307782 A EP 92307782A EP 0532202 B1 EP0532202 B1 EP 0532202B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- fuel
- gas
- dispenser
- valve
- nozzle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
- B67D7/06—Details or accessories
- B67D7/76—Arrangements of devices for purifying liquids to be transferred, e.g. of filters, of air or water separators
- B67D7/763—Arrangements of devices for purifying liquids to be transferred, e.g. of filters, of air or water separators of air separators
Definitions
- This invention relates to a fuel dispenser and in particular but not exclusively to the type of dispenser common on service station fore-courts for dispensing diesel oil or petroleum for use in motor vehicles.
- a separator in a dispensing system upstream from the meter.
- This essentially comprises a closed tank in which the fuel passes through a wire gauze which tends to separate out the gas so that it can be vented off. Most fuel passes through to an outlet in the bottom of the separator and to the meter.
- the separator has to be of sufficient size to ensure adequate separation. This size is dependant upon the flow rate, viscosity and amount of contamination. These values can normally be calculated, but extremes of weather (fuel is more viscous in cold weather especially diesel oil), or faults in the system (for example air leaks in the suction pipe from the pump to a tank), cannot always be allowed for. Furthermore even under normal conditions the size of a separator can be prohibitive, especially in the case of more viscous fuels, and expensive centripetal separators may be necessary if metering of gas-free fuel is to be ensured.
- a dispensing system which includes a gas separator 1 arranged such that gas entering the system is substantially drawn off through pipe 2, while substantially gas-free fuel passes via pipe 3 through valve 4 and meter 10 for dispensing.
- the pipe 2 passes through a venturi 5 and into a sump 6. Any fuel accumulating in sump 6 is returned by pipe 7 to the inlet of a pump unit (not shown).
- a vacuum a reduction in pressure
- the vacuum is reduced and the valve 4 closes under the action of spring 9, shutting off the fuel for dispensing when gas is present, and therefore only permitting gas-free fuel to pass to the meter 10 which is monitored by a computer 11.
- a fuel dispenser comprising a gas detector for producing an electrical signal in dependence upon the presence of gas in fuel flowing through the detector, and processing means for receiving the electrical signal and controlling the dispensing of fuel at least in part in dependence upon the signal received, wherein the gas detector comprises a first and a second closed chamber separated by a flexible diaphragm and an inlet and outlet in the first chamber of such dimensions and relative displacement that fuel passing through them produces a reduction in pressure in the first chamber by the Venturi effect, the second chamber being connected by a passage to the outlet.
- the provision of the second chamber in the gas detector ensures that should the diaphragm fail or become pervious, the fuel will still be contained within the gas detector.
- the dispenser further comprises a fuel separator including an inlet for receiving fuel and first and second outlets, wherein the first outlet is positioned so as to receive a greater proportion of gas than the second outlet and wherein the gas detector receives fuel from the first outlet and fuel for dispensing is received from the second outlet.
- a fuel separator including an inlet for receiving fuel and first and second outlets, wherein the first outlet is positioned so as to receive a greater proportion of gas than the second outlet and wherein the gas detector receives fuel from the first outlet and fuel for dispensing is received from the second outlet.
- a fuel separator including an inlet for receiving fuel and first and second outlets, wherein the first outlet is positioned so as to receive a greater proportion of gas than the second outlet and wherein the gas detector receives fuel from the first outlet and fuel for dispensing is received from the second outlet.
- Fuel leaving through the second outlet of the separator preferably passes through a meter before being dispensed, such that only substantially gas free fuel is metered.
- a metallic member is attached to the diaphragm which is adapted to be moved by the diaphragm into and out of a magnetic field between a magnetic source and a magnetically sensitive switching element in the casing of the detector, for producing said electrical signal.
- This enables an output to be obtained through the casing of the gas detector without the need for an aperture in the casing.
- the fuel dispenser may additionally comprise a nozzle through which fuel is dispensed, the nozzle being attached to the main body of the dispenser by a flexible hose, wherein the dispenser includes a cradle for the nozzle to be returned to when not in use, and hose cock switch for transmitting a signal to the computer indicative of the presence or absence of the nozzle in the cradle.
- the processing means to be adapted such that, once gas-free fuel has been detected after the nozzle has been removed from the cradle, the processing means causes a valve to open allowing fuel to be dispensed, and causes the valve to close if gas is again detected.
- the processing means may be set such that the valve remains closed until the nozzle has been returned to the cradle, or alternatively the processing means may be set so as to cause the valve to open again if gas-free fuel is again detected in a predetermined period after the initial closing of the valve, and if no gas-free fuel is detected in said period to cause the valve to remain closed until the nozzle has been returned to its cradle.
- the processing means records the duration for which gas is detected and uses this information to determine whether the fuel so far dispensed is within predetermined metrological limits for the amount of fuel so far dispensed in a transaction, and to then control the valve accordingly.
- This enables the dispenser to dispense fuel continuously during a transaction even though the fuel received by the dispenser may for a short duration contain a very high content of gas, thereby preventing the dispenser from hunting.
- the valve may also have more than one setting, permitting the dispensing rate to be reduced enabling the separator to cope with a higher percentage of gas in the fuel. This provides an alternative to completely shutting off the dispensing of fuel, which can be confusing to an operator of the dispenser.
- the processing means records the duration for which gas is detected and provides warning if this exceeds a predetermined limit.
- This warning could take the form of a signal direct to a pump attendant and/or could provide some sort of flag within the dispenser to warn a service engineer that there is a problem.
- the fuel dispenser 20 comprises a pump 21 for raising fuel from an underground tank via suction pipe 22 which is then fed to separator 23.
- the fuel passes through a mesh 24 which encourages gases to separate out of the fuel.
- Substantially gas-free fuel is supplied through pipe 25 via meter 26, valve 27 and flexible hose 28 to nozzle 29 from where it is dispensed.
- the nozzle 29 is shown resting in its cradle 30 which incorporates a hose cock switch 31 which registers the presence of the nozzle 29 and transmits this information to a computer 32.
- the computer 32 in addition to receiving information from the hose cock switch 30 also receives information from the meter 26, a remote console 33 controlled by the service station attendant, and user control panel 34.
- the computer 32 controls the pump 21 and the valve 27, and also provides information to a display 35.
- the computer also receives information from a gas detector 36 which is illustrated in more detail in Figures 4A and 4B.
- the gas detector 36 receives gas and fuel via a pipe 37 from the top portion of the separator 23 where most of the gas is accumulated. As is described in more detail below with reference to Figures 4A and 4B gas/fuel passing via pipe 37 through gas detector 36 passes through a venturi in the detector which causes a switch within the gas detector to open and close dependent on the amount of gas present. Fuel and gas passing through the detector is transmitted via pipe 38 to a sump 39 where the gas is vented off to the atmosphere via a breather 40 located in the nozzle cradle 30.
- the sump 39 includes a float 41 which, when the level of fuel within the sump 39 is high enough, raises valve 42 such that the fuel is drained via pipe 43 back to the inlet, 22.
- the gas detector 36 of Figure 3 comprises an inlet 49 and outlet 50 which are connected to pipes 37 and 38 of Figure 3 respectively.
- the dimensions of the inlet and outlet are such that a venturi effect is generated in the region 51 causing pressure in a first chamber 52 to be reduced via the apperture 53, when fuel is flowing from the inlet 49 to the outlet 50.
- the chamber 52 is sealed by diaphragm 54 which also seals a second chamber 55. This second chamber 55 is connected via vent 56 to the outlet 50.
- a metallic member 57 Connected to the diaphragm 54 is a metallic member 57 which is biased in direction "A" by spring 58.
- the metallic member 57 When substantially gas-free fuel is flowing through the detector 35 the metallic member 57 is located as shown in Figure 4, and a magnetic field generated by magnetic member 62 causes the contacts in the reed switch 63 to be closed.
- the vacuum in chamber 52 decreases and spring 58 urges the metallic member 57 into the recess 59 such that the reed switch 63 is shielded from the magnetic field, causing switch 63 to open.
- a pump attendant at the remote console 33 ( Figure 3) enables the dispenser, either after it had been shut down or after a previous transaction has been completed.
- An operator wishing to use the pump selects the grade of fuel he requires via user control 34 and removes nozzle 29 from nozzle cradle 30 and activates the hose cock switch 31, in response to which the computer 32 activates pump 21.
- the reed switch 63 closes, and the computer causes valve 27 to open permitting fuel to be dispensed via nozzle 29.
- Gas separated from the fuel via separator 23 and passing through gas detector 36 causes the reed switch 63 to open.
- the computer 32 records the duration for which the reed switch is open and uses this time, with information from the meter 26, to calculate whether the fuel dispensed meets metrological limits for the current transaction. If it is too close to such limits, the computer 32 partially shuts the valve 27 slowing the rate of fuel being dispensed providing the separator 23 with more time in which to separate the fuel. If this does not bring the transaction further back within the metrological limits the computer 32 shuts the valve 27 completely. Meanwhile gas in the system is purged by passing through the gas detector 36 and pipe 38 to the sump 39 where it is vented, any fuel accumulating being returned to the pump inlet 21.
- the computer 32 If within a predetermined time the gas detector 36 again changes state, indicating that substantially pure fuel is passing through it, the computer 32 reopens valve 27 and the transaction continues. However if gas continues to pass through the gas detector 36 for a period longer than the predetermined time the computer 32 stops the pump 21 and terminates the transaction until the nozzle 29 has been replaced. The computer 32 also transmits a signal to the control console 33 to draw the attendant's attention to the fact that the transaction had to be terminated.
- the computer 32 also calculates the percentage of total operating time of the pump for which the gas detector indicates gas to be present. When this exceeds a predetermined percentage the service engineer is informed during the next service via display 35.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)
- Fuel-Injection Apparatus (AREA)
- Organic Low-Molecular-Weight Compounds And Preparation Thereof (AREA)
- Ultra Sonic Daignosis Equipment (AREA)
- Feeding And Controlling Fuel (AREA)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Apparatus (AREA)
- Eye Examination Apparatus (AREA)
- Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
- Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
- Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB9119605A GB2259497B (en) | 1991-09-13 | 1991-09-13 | A fuel dispenser |
GB9119605 | 1991-09-13 |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0532202A2 EP0532202A2 (en) | 1993-03-17 |
EP0532202A3 EP0532202A3 (en) | 1993-07-14 |
EP0532202B1 true EP0532202B1 (en) | 1995-06-07 |
Family
ID=10701373
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP92307782A Expired - Lifetime EP0532202B1 (en) | 1991-09-13 | 1992-08-26 | A fuel dispenser |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0532202B1 (xx) |
AT (1) | ATE123475T1 (xx) |
DE (1) | DE69202841T2 (xx) |
FI (1) | FI924073A (xx) |
GB (1) | GB2259497B (xx) |
HU (1) | HUT62239A (xx) |
NO (1) | NO923515L (xx) |
PL (1) | PL295886A1 (xx) |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE29607736U1 (de) | 1996-04-29 | 1997-08-28 | Tankanlagen Salzkotten GmbH, 33154 Salzkotten | Vorrichtung zum Dosieren und Messen von Flüssigkeitsmengen |
US5884809A (en) * | 1997-05-05 | 1999-03-23 | Delaware Capital Formation, Inc. | Air separating fuel dispensing system |
WO2006016793A1 (es) * | 2004-08-13 | 2006-02-16 | Jorge Cortes Garcia | Sistema electromecánico que extrae el aire y los vapores del gas licuado de petroleo para su conducción y medición |
ATE372954T1 (de) | 2005-06-29 | 2007-09-15 | Dresser Wayne Ab | Gasrückführungssystem für kraftstoff mit temperatur-sensor und verfahren |
EP1742026A1 (en) * | 2005-07-08 | 2007-01-10 | Dresser Wayne Aktiebolag | Gas meter |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB860622A (en) * | 1957-05-17 | 1961-02-08 | Junkers & Co | Improvements in or relating to liquid pressure actuated control devices for automatically switching on and off the heating means of liquid flow heaters |
GB926537A (en) * | 1958-12-22 | 1963-05-22 | Hans Vaillant | Electric continuous-flow heater with water deficiency safety device |
GB1315855A (en) * | 1970-03-14 | 1973-05-02 | Porter Lancastrian Ltd | Dispensing of carbonated beverages |
AU460441B2 (en) * | 1971-11-17 | 1975-04-24 | Gilbarco Aust Limited | Air and/or vapour separation device |
AT313095B (de) * | 1972-05-17 | 1974-01-25 | Schwelm Strager Tankgeraetebau | Gasmeßverhütungseinrichtung |
GB1360225A (en) * | 1972-10-19 | 1974-07-17 | Distillers Co Carbon Dioxide | Carbonated liquid moving apparatus |
US4611729A (en) * | 1984-08-28 | 1986-09-16 | Dresser Industries, Inc. | Universal nozzle boot for fuel dispenser |
FR2636056B1 (fr) * | 1988-09-02 | 1991-05-24 | Schlumberger Ind Sa | Dispositif de commande automatique d'une lance a hydrocarbure en fonction de la teneur en gaz de l'hydrocarbure |
IT1234751B (it) * | 1989-02-10 | 1992-05-26 | Rossignoli Michele E C | Valvola idropressostatica particolarmente per impianti di riscaldamento muniti di apparecchio per la produzione di acqua sanitaria. |
ATE90070T1 (de) * | 1990-09-04 | 1993-06-15 | Scheidt & Bachmann Gmbh | Vorrichtung zur regelung der zufuhr von fluessigen kraftstoffen zu einem mengenmessgeraet. |
-
1991
- 1991-09-13 GB GB9119605A patent/GB2259497B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1992
- 1992-08-26 AT AT92307782T patent/ATE123475T1/de active
- 1992-08-26 DE DE69202841T patent/DE69202841T2/de not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-08-26 EP EP92307782A patent/EP0532202B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-09-10 PL PL29588692A patent/PL295886A1/xx unknown
- 1992-09-10 NO NO92923515A patent/NO923515L/no unknown
- 1992-09-11 HU HU9202922A patent/HUT62239A/hu unknown
- 1992-09-11 FI FI924073A patent/FI924073A/fi not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0532202A3 (en) | 1993-07-14 |
GB2259497B (en) | 1994-06-22 |
DE69202841D1 (de) | 1995-07-13 |
GB9119605D0 (en) | 1991-10-23 |
FI924073A (fi) | 1993-03-14 |
ATE123475T1 (de) | 1995-06-15 |
NO923515L (no) | 1993-03-15 |
HUT62239A (en) | 1993-04-28 |
DE69202841T2 (de) | 1995-10-19 |
HU9202922D0 (en) | 1992-12-28 |
EP0532202A2 (en) | 1993-03-17 |
PL295886A1 (en) | 1993-05-17 |
FI924073A0 (fi) | 1992-09-11 |
GB2259497A (en) | 1993-03-17 |
NO923515D0 (no) | 1992-09-10 |
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