EP2241532B1 - A fuel dispensing unit, and a method for controlling such a fuel dispensing unit - Google Patents
A fuel dispensing unit, and a method for controlling such a fuel dispensing unit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2241532B1 EP2241532B1 EP09157988A EP09157988A EP2241532B1 EP 2241532 B1 EP2241532 B1 EP 2241532B1 EP 09157988 A EP09157988 A EP 09157988A EP 09157988 A EP09157988 A EP 09157988A EP 2241532 B1 EP2241532 B1 EP 2241532B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- fuel dispensing
- vapour
- fuel
- dispensing unit
- recovery system
- 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.)
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- 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
- B67D7/04—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring fuels, lubricants or mixed fuels and lubricants
- B67D7/0476—Vapour recovery systems
- B67D7/0496—Performance test devices therefor
Definitions
- the invention relates to a fuel dispensing unit for dispensing fuel to motor vehicles.
- the present invention also relates to a method for controlling such a fuel dispensing unit.
- vapour recovery is achieved, for instance, by arranging a vapour suction nozzle next to the fuel dispensing nozzle of a pistol grip for filling the tank with fuel. Vapour is then removed from the tank during filling, at a certain rate, which is often controlled by the standard rate of at which fuel is dispensed to the tank. Because of the importance of having a vapour recovery system that is intact, several methods for detecting possible malfunctions within the vapour recovery system and even the location of the malfunctions are available on the market today. A fuelling method according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from US 6 244 310 .
- EP-1,995,209 discloses a method for control of a vapour recovery system for recovering vapour from a motor vehicle tank, said method comprising the steps of measuring a vapour recovery flow rate through a first vapour path between a fuel dispensing nozzle and a vapour tank and including a vapour pump and a flow rate measuring means, characterised in that a second flow rate is measured through a second path one end of which is connected to the first path downstream of the fuel dispensing nozzle and upstream of the flow rate measuring means and the vapour pump, and comparing the measured vapour recovery flow rate with the second flow rate in order to detect malfunction of the vapour recovery system.
- a method for controlling a fuel dispensing unit having at least two fuel dispensing nozzles which are connected to a vapour recovery system comprising detecting a malfunction in the vapour recovery system of said fuel dispensing unit, and identifying the location of the malfunction.
- the method is characterized in that after a predetermined number of successive malfunctions at the same location, at least one fuel dispensing nozzles in the fuel dispensing unit is adjusted. This is advantageous in that since only the fuel dispensing nozzles affected by the malfunction are shut off, the fuel dispensing unit may still function in a satisfying manner while the malfunction is attended. In this way, the customers will be satisfied and the financial losses for the owner of the fuel dispensing unit are minimized.
- the at least one fuel dispensing nozzle effected by the successive malfunctions may be adjusted by a rectified vapour recovery regulation. This is advantageous in that the entire fuel dispensing unit will still be usable for a customer during this adjustment.
- Another advantagous is that if only one fuel dispensing nozzle is affected by the successive malfunctions, then only this one fuel dispensing nozzle is adjusted while the remaining nozzles of the fuel dispensing unit are left unadjusted.
- the at least one fuel dispensing nozzle effected by the successive malfunctions may be adjusted by being shut off. If the at least one fuel dispensing nozzle effected by the successive malfunctions cannot be adjusted in a simple manner, it will be shut off in order to prevent fuel vapour from leaking out into the surronding environment. This is a way to ensure a safe and reliable fuel dispensing unit with regard to the surronding environment.
- One fuel dispensing nozzle may be shut off if the successive malfunctions are located at this fuel dispensing nozzle. This is advantageous in that the entire fuel dispensing unit will be functioning as usual, except for this one fuel dispensing nozzle which is shut off under a short period until being cleaned or repaired. The inconveniences for the customers using the fuel dispensing unit and the financial losses for the owner due to the shut off fuel dispensing nozzle are thus minimized.
- a plurality of fuel dispensing nozzles may be shut off if the successive malfunctions are located downstream from the fuel dispensing nozzles.
- downstream from the fuel dispensing nozzles is meant further down in the vapour recovery system at a location where all of the fuel dispensing nozzles connected to the vapour recovery system are affected by the malfunction, e.g. by a vapour pump. If the malfunction is located in a part within the vapour recovery system concerning a plurality of fuel dispensing nozzles, accordingly, all of the effected fuel dispensing nozzles will be shut off until the malfunction has been attended to.
- the predetermined number of successive malfunctions may be 5-15, preferably 8-12, and more preferable about 10. This is advantageous in that the malfunction will established in a certain and reliable manner.
- the invention relates to a fuel dispensing unit for dispensing fuel to motor vehicles, comprising at least two fuel dispensing nozzles for dispensing fuel to a motor vehicle tank, a vapour recovery system connected to the fuel dispensing nozzles for recovering fuel vapour from the motor vehicle tank, and a control system for detecting a malfunction and identifying its location in said vapour recovery system.
- the fuel dispensing unit is characterized in that said control system is adapted to execute the method described above. This is advantageous in that since only the fuel dispensing nozzles affected by the malfunction are shut off, the fuel dispensing unit may still function in a satisfying manner while the malfunction is attended to. In this way, the customers stay satisfied and the financial losses for the owner of the fuel dispensing unit are minimized.
- Fig. 1 illustrates a fuel dispensing unit 1, having four hose storage spaces 2 on each opposing side of the fuel dispensing unit 1, an electrical cabinet 3 containing all the electronics for the fuel dispensing unit 1, a hydraulic cabinet 4 containing fuel dispensing means (not shown), e.g. fuel metering means, valves, vapour recovery system etc, and a column 5 extending vertically between and separating the electrical cabinet 3 and the hydraulic cabinet 4 from the hose storage spaces 2.
- the fuel dispensing unit 1 is connected to an underground reservoir (not shown) containing fuel.
- the fuel When filling up the tank of a motor vehicle, the fuel is pumped from the underground reservoir by means of a pump (not shown) which is located in the hydraulic cabinet 4, and from there to the column 5 and out to a fuel dispensing nozzle 6 via a hose (not shown).
- a pump not shown
- the hose When filling-up does not take place, the hose is accommodated in a hose storage place 2 and the fuel dispensing nozzle 6 is inserted in a nozzle boot (not shown).
- a first embodiment of a vapour recovery system 7 conveys fuel vapour from a motor vehicle tank 8 to a vapour tank 9 along a first vapour path 10.
- One end of the vapour path 10 is arranged via a valve 11 within a fuel dispensing nozzle 6.
- Each fuel dispensing nozzle 6 comprises a valve 11.
- a vapour pump 12, a valve 13, a damper 14 and a flow rate measuring means 15 are arranged in the first vapour path 10.
- a second path 16 is at one end connected to the first vapour path 10, and the other end is an open end connected to the atmosphere.
- a valve 17 is arranged in the second path 16.
- the damper 14 is preferably incorporated in the first vapour path 10 in order to reduce variations in vapour flow so that the vapour pump 12 is exposed to a uniform vapour flow.
- the damper 14 can be of a simple construction, e.g. a fixed volume.
- valve 17 During the filling-up of a vehicle, the valve 17 is closed.
- the valve 11 belonging to the fuel dispensing nozzle 6 being used as well as valve 13 are open and the vapour pump 12 is activated. Vapour is thereby drawn from the motor vehicle tank 8 through the valve 11.
- the vapour enters the flow rate measuring means 15, flows through the damper 14 and is accumulated in the vapour tank 9.
- the flow rate measuring means 15 measures the flow rate of vapour.
- the measured flow rate is compared to a reference flow rate corresponding to the actual speed of the vapour pump 12.
- a comparing means (not shown) is connected to the flow rate measuring means 15 and the vapour pump 12 so that a specific pump speed corresponds to a specific reference flow rate.
- the valve 11 is closed and the fuel dispensing nozzle 6 is detached from the motor vehicle tank 8. If the measured vapour flow rate equals the reference flow rate, or lies within a predetermined interval from the reference volume, the vapour recovery system 7 is considered to operate satisfactory and no further action is needed. If the measured flow rate lies outside the predetermined range, the vapour recovery system 7 is considered to malfunction and the built-in control of the vapour recovery system 7 is activated.
- the valve 17 is opened, and the vapour pump 12 draws air from the open end of the second path 16 through the second path 16, the flow rate measuring means 15, the damper 14, the valve 13 and down to the vapour tank 9.
- the flow rate measuring means 15 measures a new flow rate of air, and the measured new flow rate is compared to a new reference flow rate corresponding to the actual speed of the vapour pump 12. If the measured new flow rate lies within a predetermined range, the vapour recovery system 7 is considered to malfunction upstream of where the second path 16 connects to the first path 10. If the measured new flow rate lies outside the predetermined range, the vapour recovery system 7 is considered to malfunction downstream of where the second path 16 connects to the first path 10. Information related to any of these conclusions is e.g.
- a control system 18 electrically connected (as indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 2 ) to the flow rate measuring means 15.
- Further equipment (not shown) is used to let an operator receive said information. Such equipment may e.g. enable wireless transmission of the information to a server. Malfunction as described above may e.g. be a result of dust particles which have been drawn into the first vapour path 10 via the fuel dispensing nozzle 6.
- the flow rate measuring means 15, the damper 14, the valve 13 and the fuel pump 12 may be arranged in another order along the first vapour path 10 than is shown in Fig. 2 . Further components may also be arranged in the first vapour path 10 in order to enhance the function or efficiency of the vapour recovery system 7.
- no reference flow rate is provided.
- the valve 11 is closed and the fuel dispensing nozzle 6 is detached from the motor vehicle tank 8.
- the built-in control of the vapour recovery system is activated whereby the valve 17 is opened, and the vapour pump 12, operating at the same speed as during the previously performed filling-up, draws air from the open end of the second path 16 through the second path 16, the flow rate measuring means 15, the damper 14, the valve 13 and down to the vapour tank 9.
- the flow rate measuring means 15 measures a new flow rate of air.
- a malfunction of the vapour recovery system is considered to be present somewhere in the first path upstream of where the second path is connected. Such malfunction may e.g. be an effect of a constriction in the first vapour path, e.g. in the fuel dispensing nozzle.
- the built-in control is activated after each filling-up, or after a predetermined number-of filling-ups. In one method, the built-in control is activated when necessary, i.e. after an indication of a malfunction in the vapour recovery system 7.
- a fuel dispensing unit 100 is shown schematically.
- the fuel dispensing unit 100 has a fuel dispensing means 50 and a vapour recovery system 7.
- the fuel dispensing means 50 has a fuel pump 54 that draws fuel from a fuel tank 58, via a fuel path 52 through a flow meter 56 and to a fuel dispensing nozzle 6.
- the fuel dispensing nozzle 6 is connected to a motor vehicle tank 8.
- the fuel pump 54 is activated, and the flow meter 56 measures a volume of dispensed fuel.
- the flow meter 56 and the fuel pump 54 are connected to control means (not shown) for adjusting the speed of the fuel pump 54.
- the measured volume of dispensed fuel is transmitted to a second control means (not shown) for adjusting the speed of the vapour pump 12.
- the fuel tank 58 and the vapour tank 9 can be arranged as one single unit.
- a plurality of fuel dispensing nozzles 6, each having a valve 11, may be connected to the fuel dispensing means 50 and the vapour recovery system 7.
- the valve 11 has two separate valves, one positioned inside the fuel path 52 and one positioned inside the vapour path 10.
- the two valves arranged in the valve 11 are automatically closed when the fuel dispensing nozzle 6 is put in a vertical direction, i.e. after filling-up is finished.
- the vapour recovery system 7 enables the built-in control to be performed when said valves 11 are closed i.e. at any time before or after filling-up.
- the control system 18 which is electrically connected to the flow rate measuring means 15. If a predetermined number of successive malfunctions, e.g. 10, are detected at the same location, the fuel dispensing nozzles 6 affected by the malfunction will be adjusted. Accordingly, if the successive malfunctions are located at one fuel dispensing nozzle 6 or its valve 11, thereby only affecting this one fuel dispensing nozzle 6, it will be adjusted while the other fuel dispensing nozzles 6 of the fuel dispensing unit 1 remain unadjusted.
- a malfunction considered to be located at the fuel dispensing nozzle 6 could actually depend on a clogging of the coaxial vapour recovery path within the fuel dispensing hose. However, if the successive malfunctions are located downstream of the second path 16 and thereby affects a plurality of fuel dispensing nozzles 6, they will all be adjusted.
- the fuel dispensing nozzles 6 may be adjusted by a rectified vapour recovery regulation or by being shut off.
- the vapour recovery system 7 may e.g. be regulated by means of the pump 12 or the valve 13, e.g. by the speed of the pump 12 being increased or the opening of the valve 13 being increased so that the vapour flow rate is increased.
- the predetermined number of successive malfunctions may be 5-15, preferably 8-12, and more preferable about 10.
- each vapour recovery system 7 is connected to four different fuel dispensing nozzles 6, respectively (see Fig. 2 ). If a malfunction is detected concerning one of the fuel dispensing nozzles 6 or its valve 11, i.e. upstream of the second path 16, a predetermined number of times, e.g. 3 times, the fuel dispensing nozzle 6 will be adjusted by means of a rectified vapour recovery regulation.
- the vapour recovery regulation is rectified by means of the valve 13, which is opened to a larger extent than the default value such that the suction from the pump 12 increases when the affected fuel dispensing nozzle 6 is used. Accordingly, the adjustment will only apply for this one fuel dispensing nozzle 6 affected by the detected malfunction.
- vapour recovery system 7 If a malfunction is detected in the vapour recovery system 7 downstream of the second path 16, one possible cause may be liquid in the vapour recovery system 7. Since all of the fuel dispensing nozzles 6 connected to the vapour recovery system 7 will be affected by such an event, an indication of liquid in the vapour recovery system 7 could be that all of its connected fuel dispensing nozzles 6 starts to malfunction.
- the built-in control of the vapour recovery system 7 is activated.
- the valve 17 is opened, and the vapour pump 12 draws air from the open end of the second path 16 through the second path 16, the flow rate measuring means 15, the damper 14, the valve 13 and down to the vapour tank 9. This way, the vapour recovery system 7 will be emptied from possible liquids.
- a fuel dispensing unit is provided, which is adapted to execute the method according the above described features.
Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to a fuel dispensing unit for dispensing fuel to motor vehicles. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling such a fuel dispensing unit.
- When filling the fuel tank of a motor vehicle, it is a common measure to recover the vapour escaping the tank when filling it with liquid fuel. This measure is taken for both safety and environmental reasons. The vapour recovery is achieved, for instance, by arranging a vapour suction nozzle next to the fuel dispensing nozzle of a pistol grip for filling the tank with fuel. Vapour is then removed from the tank during filling, at a certain rate, which is often controlled by the standard rate of at which fuel is dispensed to the tank. Because of the importance of having a vapour recovery system that is intact, several methods for detecting possible malfunctions within the vapour recovery system and even the location of the malfunctions are available on the market today. A fuelling method according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from
US 6 244 310 . -
EP-1,995,209 discloses a method for control of a vapour recovery system for recovering vapour from a motor vehicle tank, said method comprising the steps of measuring a vapour recovery flow rate through a first vapour path between a fuel dispensing nozzle and a vapour tank and including a vapour pump and a flow rate measuring means, characterised in that a second flow rate is measured through a second path one end of which is connected to the first path downstream of the fuel dispensing nozzle and upstream of the flow rate measuring means and the vapour pump, and comparing the measured vapour recovery flow rate with the second flow rate in order to detect malfunction of the vapour recovery system. - There are, however, problems with the method disclosed above as well as with other prior art available on the market today. Todays fuel dispesning units usually have several nozzle boots on each side of the unit. Each nozzle boot accomodates a pistol grip with a fuel dispensing nozzle and a vapour suction nozzle. If a malfunction is detected in the vapour recovery system of the fuel dispensing unit, all of the fuel dispensing nozzles connected to the vapour recovery system at both pump sides or at least at one of the two pump sides is shut off, thereby making a plurality of fuel dispensing nozzles unusable. This is a major inconvenience for the customers using the fuel dispensing unit and also results in large financial losses for the owner of the fuel dispensing unit.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide an improvement of the prior art methods. More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a more reliable and financially superior fuel dispensing unit. Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for controlling such a fuel dispensing unit.
- These and other objects as well as advantages that will be apparent from the following description of the present invention are achieved by a method for controlling a fuel dispensing unit and a fuel dispensing unit according to the independent claims.
- Thus, a method is provided for controlling a fuel dispensing unit having at least two fuel dispensing nozzles which are connected to a vapour recovery system, comprising detecting a malfunction in the vapour recovery system of said fuel dispensing unit, and identifying the location of the malfunction. The method is characterized in that after a predetermined number of successive malfunctions at the same location, at least one fuel dispensing nozzles in the fuel dispensing unit is adjusted. This is advantageous in that since only the fuel dispensing nozzles affected by the malfunction are shut off, the fuel dispensing unit may still function in a satisfying manner while the malfunction is attended. In this way, the customers will be satisfied and the financial losses for the owner of the fuel dispensing unit are minimized.
- The at least one fuel dispensing nozzle effected by the successive malfunctions may be adjusted by a rectified vapour recovery regulation. This is advantageous in that the entire fuel dispensing unit will still be usable for a customer during this adjustment. Another advantagous is that if only one fuel dispensing nozzle is affected by the successive malfunctions, then only this one fuel dispensing nozzle is adjusted while the remaining nozzles of the fuel dispensing unit are left unadjusted.
- The at least one fuel dispensing nozzle effected by the successive malfunctions may be adjusted by being shut off. If the at least one fuel dispensing nozzle effected by the successive malfunctions cannot be adjusted in a simple manner, it will be shut off in order to prevent fuel vapour from leaking out into the surronding environment. This is a way to ensure a safe and reliable fuel dispensing unit with regard to the surronding environment.
- One fuel dispensing nozzle may be shut off if the successive malfunctions are located at this fuel dispensing nozzle. This is advantageous in that the entire fuel dispensing unit will be functioning as usual, except for this one fuel dispensing nozzle which is shut off under a short period until being cleaned or repaired. The inconveniences for the customers using the fuel dispensing unit and the financial losses for the owner due to the shut off fuel dispensing nozzle are thus minimized.
- A plurality of fuel dispensing nozzles may be shut off if the successive malfunctions are located downstream from the fuel dispensing nozzles. By downstream from the fuel dispensing nozzles is meant further down in the vapour recovery system at a location where all of the fuel dispensing nozzles connected to the vapour recovery system are affected by the malfunction, e.g. by a vapour pump. If the malfunction is located in a part within the vapour recovery system concerning a plurality of fuel dispensing nozzles, accordingly, all of the effected fuel dispensing nozzles will be shut off until the malfunction has been attended to.
- The predetermined number of successive malfunctions may be 5-15, preferably 8-12, and more preferable about 10. This is advantageous in that the malfunction will established in a certain and reliable manner.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention, the invention relates to a fuel dispensing unit for dispensing fuel to motor vehicles, comprising at least two fuel dispensing nozzles for dispensing fuel to a motor vehicle tank, a vapour recovery system connected to the fuel dispensing nozzles for recovering fuel vapour from the motor vehicle tank, and a control system for detecting a malfunction and identifying its location in said vapour recovery system. The fuel dispensing unit is characterized in that said control system is adapted to execute the method described above. This is advantageous in that since only the fuel dispensing nozzles affected by the malfunction are shut off, the fuel dispensing unit may still function in a satisfying manner while the malfunction is attended to. In this way, the customers stay satisfied and the financial losses for the owner of the fuel dispensing unit are minimized.
- Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the [element, device, component, means, unit, etc]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, unit, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.
- The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, where the same reference numerals will be used for similar elements, wherein:
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Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary fuel dispensing unit, -
Fig. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary vapour recovery system. -
Fig. 3 is a schematic view of an exemplary fuel dispensing unit. -
Fig. 1 illustrates a fuel dispensing unit 1, having fourhose storage spaces 2 on each opposing side of the fuel dispensing unit 1, an electrical cabinet 3 containing all the electronics for the fuel dispensing unit 1, a hydraulic cabinet 4 containing fuel dispensing means (not shown), e.g. fuel metering means, valves, vapour recovery system etc, and acolumn 5 extending vertically between and separating the electrical cabinet 3 and the hydraulic cabinet 4 from thehose storage spaces 2. The fuel dispensing unit 1 is connected to an underground reservoir (not shown) containing fuel. When filling up the tank of a motor vehicle, the fuel is pumped from the underground reservoir by means of a pump (not shown) which is located in the hydraulic cabinet 4, and from there to thecolumn 5 and out to afuel dispensing nozzle 6 via a hose (not shown). When filling-up does not take place, the hose is accommodated in ahose storage place 2 and thefuel dispensing nozzle 6 is inserted in a nozzle boot (not shown). - Below, exemplary methods for detecting a malfunction and its location within a vapour recovery system will be discussed.
- In
Fig. 2 , a first embodiment of a vapour recovery system 7 is shown. The vapour recovery system 7 conveys fuel vapour from amotor vehicle tank 8 to a vapour tank 9 along afirst vapour path 10. One end of thevapour path 10 is arranged via avalve 11 within afuel dispensing nozzle 6. Eachfuel dispensing nozzle 6 comprises avalve 11. Avapour pump 12, avalve 13, adamper 14 and a flow rate measuring means 15 are arranged in thefirst vapour path 10. Asecond path 16 is at one end connected to thefirst vapour path 10, and the other end is an open end connected to the atmosphere. Avalve 17 is arranged in thesecond path 16. Thedamper 14 is preferably incorporated in thefirst vapour path 10 in order to reduce variations in vapour flow so that thevapour pump 12 is exposed to a uniform vapour flow. Thedamper 14 can be of a simple construction, e.g. a fixed volume. - During the filling-up of a vehicle, the
valve 17 is closed. Thevalve 11 belonging to thefuel dispensing nozzle 6 being used as well asvalve 13 are open and thevapour pump 12 is activated. Vapour is thereby drawn from themotor vehicle tank 8 through thevalve 11. The vapour enters the flow rate measuring means 15, flows through thedamper 14 and is accumulated in the vapour tank 9. The flow rate measuring means 15 measures the flow rate of vapour. - According to a first method, the measured flow rate is compared to a reference flow rate corresponding to the actual speed of the
vapour pump 12. Thus, a comparing means (not shown) is connected to the flow rate measuring means 15 and thevapour pump 12 so that a specific pump speed corresponds to a specific reference flow rate. After filling-up, thevalve 11 is closed and thefuel dispensing nozzle 6 is detached from themotor vehicle tank 8. If the measured vapour flow rate equals the reference flow rate, or lies within a predetermined interval from the reference volume, the vapour recovery system 7 is considered to operate satisfactory and no further action is needed. If the measured flow rate lies outside the predetermined range, the vapour recovery system 7 is considered to malfunction and the built-in control of the vapour recovery system 7 is activated. Thevalve 17 is opened, and thevapour pump 12 draws air from the open end of thesecond path 16 through thesecond path 16, the flow rate measuring means 15, thedamper 14, thevalve 13 and down to the vapour tank 9. The flow rate measuring means 15 measures a new flow rate of air, and the measured new flow rate is compared to a new reference flow rate corresponding to the actual speed of thevapour pump 12. If the measured new flow rate lies within a predetermined range, the vapour recovery system 7 is considered to malfunction upstream of where thesecond path 16 connects to thefirst path 10. If the measured new flow rate lies outside the predetermined range, the vapour recovery system 7 is considered to malfunction downstream of where thesecond path 16 connects to thefirst path 10. Information related to any of these conclusions is e.g. stored in acontrol system 18 electrically connected (as indicated by the dashed line inFig. 2 ) to the flow rate measuring means 15. Further equipment (not shown) is used to let an operator receive said information. Such equipment may e.g. enable wireless transmission of the information to a server. Malfunction as described above may e.g. be a result of dust particles which have been drawn into thefirst vapour path 10 via thefuel dispensing nozzle 6. The flow rate measuring means 15, thedamper 14, thevalve 13 and thefuel pump 12 may be arranged in another order along thefirst vapour path 10 than is shown inFig. 2 . Further components may also be arranged in thefirst vapour path 10 in order to enhance the function or efficiency of the vapour recovery system 7. - According to a second method of the present invention, no reference flow rate is provided. After filling-up, the
valve 11 is closed and thefuel dispensing nozzle 6 is detached from themotor vehicle tank 8. The built-in control of the vapour recovery system is activated whereby thevalve 17 is opened, and thevapour pump 12, operating at the same speed as during the previously performed filling-up, draws air from the open end of thesecond path 16 through thesecond path 16, the flow rate measuring means 15, thedamper 14, thevalve 13 and down to the vapour tank 9. The flow rate measuring means 15 measures a new flow rate of air. If the measured flow rate does not equal the measured vapour flow rate, or lies outside a predetermined range from the measured vapour flow rate, a malfunction of the vapour recovery system is considered to be present somewhere in the first path upstream of where the second path is connected. Such malfunction may e.g. be an effect of a constriction in the first vapour path, e.g. in the fuel dispensing nozzle. The built-in control is activated after each filling-up, or after a predetermined number-of filling-ups. In one method, the built-in control is activated when necessary, i.e. after an indication of a malfunction in the vapour recovery system 7. Infig. 3 , afuel dispensing unit 100 is shown schematically. Thefuel dispensing unit 100 has a fuel dispensing means 50 and a vapour recovery system 7. The fuel dispensing means 50 has afuel pump 54 that draws fuel from afuel tank 58, via afuel path 52 through aflow meter 56 and to afuel dispensing nozzle 6. During the filling-up of a vehicle, thefuel dispensing nozzle 6 is connected to amotor vehicle tank 8. Thefuel pump 54 is activated, and theflow meter 56 measures a volume of dispensed fuel. Theflow meter 56 and thefuel pump 54 are connected to control means (not shown) for adjusting the speed of thefuel pump 54. The measured volume of dispensed fuel is transmitted to a second control means (not shown) for adjusting the speed of thevapour pump 12. The vapour recovery system 7, having thevalve 17 closed, operates so that vapour is recovered from themotor vehicle tank 8. Thefuel tank 58 and the vapour tank 9 can be arranged as one single unit. Naturally, a plurality offuel dispensing nozzles 6, each having avalve 11, may be connected to the fuel dispensing means 50 and the vapour recovery system 7. - The
valve 11 has two separate valves, one positioned inside thefuel path 52 and one positioned inside thevapour path 10. The two valves arranged in thevalve 11 are automatically closed when thefuel dispensing nozzle 6 is put in a vertical direction, i.e. after filling-up is finished. The vapour recovery system 7 enables the built-in control to be performed when saidvalves 11 are closed i.e. at any time before or after filling-up. - When a malfunction has been detected and located in the vapour recovery system 7 according to one of the methods above, or another suitable method, information regarding the malfunction is stored in the
control system 18 which is electrically connected to the flow rate measuring means 15. If a predetermined number of successive malfunctions, e.g. 10, are detected at the same location, thefuel dispensing nozzles 6 affected by the malfunction will be adjusted. Accordingly, if the successive malfunctions are located at onefuel dispensing nozzle 6 or itsvalve 11, thereby only affecting this onefuel dispensing nozzle 6, it will be adjusted while the otherfuel dispensing nozzles 6 of the fuel dispensing unit 1 remain unadjusted. A malfunction considered to be located at thefuel dispensing nozzle 6 could actually depend on a clogging of the coaxial vapour recovery path within the fuel dispensing hose. However, if the successive malfunctions are located downstream of thesecond path 16 and thereby affects a plurality offuel dispensing nozzles 6, they will all be adjusted. Thefuel dispensing nozzles 6 may be adjusted by a rectified vapour recovery regulation or by being shut off. The vapour recovery system 7 may e.g. be regulated by means of thepump 12 or thevalve 13, e.g. by the speed of thepump 12 being increased or the opening of thevalve 13 being increased so that the vapour flow rate is increased. The predetermined number of successive malfunctions may be 5-15, preferably 8-12, and more preferable about 10. - In one preferred embodiment of the invention, each vapour recovery system 7 is connected to four different
fuel dispensing nozzles 6, respectively (seeFig. 2 ). If a malfunction is detected concerning one of thefuel dispensing nozzles 6 or itsvalve 11, i.e. upstream of thesecond path 16, a predetermined number of times, e.g. 3 times, thefuel dispensing nozzle 6 will be adjusted by means of a rectified vapour recovery regulation. The vapour recovery regulation is rectified by means of thevalve 13, which is opened to a larger extent than the default value such that the suction from thepump 12 increases when the affectedfuel dispensing nozzle 6 is used. Accordingly, the adjustment will only apply for this onefuel dispensing nozzle 6 affected by the detected malfunction. However, if the malfunction remains so that a predetermined number, e.g. 10, of successive malfunctions eventually are detected at this onefuel dispensing nozzle 6, it will be shut off. The same principle also applies for a malfunction detected downstream of thesecond path 16, thereby affecting all of the fourfuel dispensing nozzles 6. However, in this case all of thefuel dispensing nozzles 6 will be adjusted or shut off. - If a malfunction is detected in the vapour recovery system 7 downstream of the
second path 16, one possible cause may be liquid in the vapour recovery system 7. Since all of thefuel dispensing nozzles 6 connected to the vapour recovery system 7 will be affected by such an event, an indication of liquid in the vapour recovery system 7 could be that all of its connectedfuel dispensing nozzles 6 starts to malfunction. When suspecting liquid in thevapour recovery system 6, the built-in control of the vapour recovery system 7 is activated. Thevalve 17 is opened, and thevapour pump 12 draws air from the open end of thesecond path 16 through thesecond path 16, the flow rate measuring means 15, thedamper 14, thevalve 13 and down to the vapour tank 9. This way, the vapour recovery system 7 will be emptied from possible liquids. - According to a second aspect of the invention a fuel dispensing unit is provided, which is adapted to execute the method according the above described features.
- The invention has mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (7)
- A method for controlling a fuel dispensing unit having at least two fuel dispensing nozzles which are connected to a vapour recovery system, comprising
detecting a malfunction in the vapour recovery system of said fuel dispensing unit, and
identifying the location of the malfunction, characterized in that
after a predetermined number of successive malfunctions at the same location, at least one fuel dispensing nozzle in the fuel dispensing unit is adjusted. - A method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fuel dispensing nozzle affected by the successive malfunctions is adjusted by a rectified vapour recovery regulation.
- A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one fuel dispensing nozzle affected by the successive malfunctions is adjusted by being shut off.
- A method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein one fuel dispensing nozzle is shut off if the successive malfunctions are located at this fuel dispensing nozzle.
- A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of fuel dispensing nozzles are shut off if the successive malfunctions are located downstream from the fuel dispensing nozzles.
- A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined number of successive malfunctions is 5-15, preferably 8-12, and more preferable about 10.
- A fuel dispensing unit (1) for dispensing fuel to motor vehicles, comprising
at least two fuel dispensing nozzles (6) for dispensing fuel to a motor vehicle tank (8),
a vapour recovery system (7) connected to the fuel dispensing nozzles for recovering fuel vapour from the motor vehicle tank (8), and
a control system (18) for detecting a malfunction and identifying its location in said vapour recovery system (7),
characterized in that said control system (18) is adapted to execute the method according to claims 1-6.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP09157988A EP2241532B1 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-04-15 | A fuel dispensing unit, and a method for controlling such a fuel dispensing unit |
ES09157988T ES2376825T3 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-04-15 | A fuel dosing unit, and a method for controlling a fuel dosing unit of this type |
PT09157988T PT2241532E (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-04-15 | A fuel dispensing unit, and a method for controlling such a fuel dispensing unit |
AT09157988T ATE533728T1 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-04-15 | FUEL DELIVERY UNIT AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SUCH A FUEL DELIVERY UNIT |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP09157988A EP2241532B1 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-04-15 | A fuel dispensing unit, and a method for controlling such a fuel dispensing unit |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2241532A1 EP2241532A1 (en) | 2010-10-20 |
EP2241532B1 true EP2241532B1 (en) | 2011-11-16 |
Family
ID=42026078
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP09157988A Not-in-force EP2241532B1 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2009-04-15 | A fuel dispensing unit, and a method for controlling such a fuel dispensing unit |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2241532B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE533728T1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2376825T3 (en) |
PT (1) | PT2241532E (en) |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AU752463B2 (en) * | 1998-08-25 | 2002-09-19 | Marconi Commerce Systems Inc. | Fuel delivery system |
FR2796636B1 (en) * | 1999-07-23 | 2002-01-04 | Solutions Serv Syst France | METHOD FOR MONITORING THE PROPER OPERATION OF THE VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM EMITTED IN A FUEL DISTRIBUTION INSTALLATION AS WELL AS AN INSTALLATION ALLOWING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS PROCESS |
EP1995209A1 (en) | 2007-05-24 | 2008-11-26 | Dresser Wayne Aktiebolag | A vapour recovery system, a method for control thereof, and a fuel dispensing apparatus |
-
2009
- 2009-04-15 PT PT09157988T patent/PT2241532E/en unknown
- 2009-04-15 AT AT09157988T patent/ATE533728T1/en active
- 2009-04-15 EP EP09157988A patent/EP2241532B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2009-04-15 ES ES09157988T patent/ES2376825T3/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ES2376825T3 (en) | 2012-03-20 |
EP2241532A1 (en) | 2010-10-20 |
PT2241532E (en) | 2012-02-08 |
ATE533728T1 (en) | 2011-12-15 |
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