EP3835256A1 - Distribution de carburant de véhicule - Google Patents

Distribution de carburant de véhicule Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3835256A1
EP3835256A1 EP19215764.2A EP19215764A EP3835256A1 EP 3835256 A1 EP3835256 A1 EP 3835256A1 EP 19215764 A EP19215764 A EP 19215764A EP 3835256 A1 EP3835256 A1 EP 3835256A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fuel
dispenser
unit
vehicle
tank
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP19215764.2A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Tuguy DERVISH
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Fuelmii Ltd
Original Assignee
Fuelmii Ltd
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 Fuelmii Ltd filed Critical Fuelmii Ltd
Priority to EP19215764.2A priority Critical patent/EP3835256A1/fr
Publication of EP3835256A1 publication Critical patent/EP3835256A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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
    • B67D7/58—Arrangements of pumps
    • 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
    • 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
    • B67D7/32—Arrangements of safety or warning devices; Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
    • B67D7/3281—Details
    • 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
    • B67D7/78—Arrangements of storage tanks, reservoirs or pipe-lines
    • 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
    • B67D7/84—Casings, cabinets or frameworks; Trolleys or like movable supports
    • B67D7/845—Trolleys or like movable supports

Definitions

  • This invention relates to vehicle fuel distribution.
  • the conventional method for refuelling a vehicle can be a cumbersome task at times for most people.
  • Most fuel dispensing stations are at a measurable distance from the people who wish to use them. This measurable distance demands both time and money, in the form of fuel costs, from the people who intend to travel to a nearby fuel dispensing station to fill their vehicles with fuel.
  • stress may be induced in the people waiting an extended period of time to carry out the act of filing their vehicle with fuel.
  • the present invention aims to overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the problems set out above.
  • apparatus for a portable fuel distribution system comprising a vehicle, pump, fuel tank and controller, wherein the vehicle is modified to integrally mount the pump, fuel tank and controller, and comprises a dispenser unit, tank unit, driver unit and electrical interlock system; wherein the pump is in fluid communication with the fuel tank and arranged to receive commands from the controller to dispense fuel from the fuel tank, and fuel can be dispensed accurately from the fuel tank down to a quantity of 0.01 litres; and wherein the electrical interlock system is arranged to disable the electrical systems of the driver unit and enable the electrical systems of the dispenser unit once the electrical interlock system is activated.
  • the fuel can be dispensed accurately from the fuel tank.
  • the portable fuel distribution system can accurately deliver a precise amount of fuel to an external vehicle, for example, a customer who wishes to purchase a precise amount of fuel.
  • the vehicle further comprises air vents that are arranged to ventilate the inside of the vehicle.
  • the air vents expel fuel vapours from within the vehicle to the ambient atmosphere outside of the vehicle preventing a build up of unwanted hazardous fuel vapour.
  • the dispenser unit and tank unit are sealed from one another using a structural lining between both units such that liquids cannot inadvertently travel between both units.
  • the sealing of the tank unit from the dispenser unit prevents unwanted hazardous events in one unit from affecting the other unit as the unit seal physically prevents the unwanted transfer of liquids between the two units.
  • the dispenser unit further comprises resilient dispenser mounts, wherein the resilient dispenser mounts are arranged to house and support the fuel dispenser such that the effects of vibrations on the fuel dispenser electronics are dampened.
  • the fuel dispenser becomes more resilient to vibrations from the road which offers more protection to the integral electronics of the fuel dispenser by dampening all road vibration effects experienced by the fuel dispenser.
  • the dispenser unit further comprises an upturned lip to create a bund, wherein the bund is arranged to contain any spilt and/or leaking fuel from the fuel dispenser and/or pump; this prevents any spilt and/or leaked fuel, from the fuel dispenser, pump and/or dispensing hoses, from spilling to the ground outside of the vehicle.
  • the bund is arranged to contain any spilt and/or leaking fuel from the fuel dispenser and/or pump; this prevents any spilt and/or leaked fuel, from the fuel dispenser, pump and/or dispensing hoses, from spilling to the ground outside of the vehicle.
  • the vehicle further comprises an emergency stop control, wherein the emergency stop control is in electronic communication with the controller; and wherein the emergency stop control is arranged, via the controller, to stop a flow of electrical power to the dispenser unit and/or the tank unit once the emergency stop control is activated.
  • the emergency stop control can stop the dispenser unit operating in the case of an emergency to prevent potential hazardous and dangerous events from occurring.
  • the vehicle further comprises a wound metallic cable, wherein the wound metallic cable can be attached to an external vehicle to equalise the electrical potential between the two vehicles and preventing discharge sparks from occurring.
  • the vehicle further comprises an electrical interlock system, wherein the electrical interlock system is arranged to disable the electrical systems of the driver unit and enable the electrical systems of the dispenser unit once the electrical interlock system is activated; this prevents the vehicle from moving when dispensing fuel to avoid potential dangerous events whereby the vehicle is accidently moved while dispensing fuel.
  • the electrical interlock system further comprises a gas detection sensor to detect a pre-defined gas, wherein the gas detection sensor is arranged to activate the electrical interlock system upon sensing a pre-determined level of the ambient pre-defined gas.
  • the interlock system would only activate the dispenser unit's electrical systems if a sufficiently low and safe level of pre-defined ambient gas is detected and vice versa; this allows potentially hazardous events, such as fuel vapour poisoning, to be avoided.
  • the vehicle further comprises additional light beacons, wherein the light beacons are arranged to flash when the fuel dispenser is dispensing fuel to alert people within close proximity of the vehicle that fuel is being dispensed; this allows potentially hazardous events, such as physical interference of the hose dispensers while in use, to be avoided.
  • apparatus for a portable fuel distribution system 2 comprises a vehicle 4, pump (not shown), fuel tank (not shown) and fuel dispenser 14 to transport and dispense fuel stored onboard the vehicle 4.
  • the vehicle 4 is able to function as a conventional vehicle in that it is able to be driven, and contains most electronic apparatus found in conventional vehicles.
  • the vehicle 4 is modified to further comprise divided units, whereby the various components of the portable fuel distribution system 2 are housed and mounted within a particular unit section; these sections include a driver unit 6, a tank unit 10 and a dispenser unit 12.
  • the driver unit 6 encompasses the front end of the vehicle 4 and comprises the conventional vehicle components of the vehicle 4. Here, a driver can enter the driver unit 6 to operate and drive the vehicle in a conventional manner. Adjacent to the driver unit 6 is the tank unit 10.
  • the tank unit 10 comprises a fuel tank (not shown) which is mounted within the tank unit 10 and used to store dispensable fuel.
  • tank unit 10 and dispenser unit 12 may be affixed such that they form a separate unit from the driver unit 6, whereby the affixed separate unit can be retrospectively fitted with other vehicles comprising only the driver unit 6 to form the portable fuel distribution system 2.
  • the fuel tank may be a petrol storage tank and store petrol within it.
  • the fuel tank may be a diesel storage tank and store diesel within it.
  • the vehicle 4 further comprises air vents 8 which are arranged to ventilate both the tank unit 10 and dispenser unit 12 from potentially hazardous fuel vapor.
  • the air vents 8 extend from within each unit (10,12) to the roof of the vehicle 4 as shown by the air vents (8a, 8b).
  • the input of each air vent 8 is at a low level with respect to the height of each unit; this is due to fuel vapour being heavier than air. In this way, the air vents are better positioned to expel fuel vapours from within the vehicle 4 to the ambient atmosphere outside of the vehicle 4 preventing the unwanted build up of hazardous fuel vapor.
  • the dispenser unit 12 is adjacent to the tank unit 10 and encompasses the rear end of the vehicle 4.
  • the dispenser unit 12 houses the pump and fuel dispenser 14 and further comprises a controller which are mounted within the dispenser unit 12.
  • the fuel tank, pump and fuel dispenser 14 are in fluid communication such that when the fuel dispenser 14 is prompted to dispense fuel, via the controller, the pump can drive the transport of fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel dispenser 14 to be dispensed.
  • the pump in this case is ideally, but not limited to, a forecourt style pump.
  • the pump and fuel dispenser 14 are able to accurately dispense fuel from the fuel tank at both higher and lower volumes of fuel.
  • the portable fuel distribution system 2 can accurately dispense anywhere from, but is not limited to, 100 - 0.01 litres of fuel. In this way, the system 2 can accurately dispense high or low volumes of fuel to an external vehicle, for example, a customer may wish to purchase a small volume of fuel, whereby the portable fuel distribution system 2 would be able to accurately deliver the small, purchased amount.
  • the tank unit 10 and dispenser unit 12 may be sealed from one another using the structural unit seal 18 such that any inadvertent spillage and/or leaked fuel from the fuel tank, mounted within the tank unit 10, may not enter the dispenser unit 12.
  • any inadvertent spillage and/or leaked fuel from the fuel tank, mounted within the tank unit 10 may not enter the dispenser unit 12.
  • the sealing of the tank unit 10 from the dispenser unit 12 prevents unwanted hazardous events in one unit from affecting the other unit as the unit seal 18 physically prevents the unwanted transfer of liquids between the two units (10,12).
  • the fuel dispenser 14 further comprises dispensing hoses 16 which are in fluid communication with the fuel dispenser 14.
  • an operator can dispense fuel stored in the fuel tank by initialising the fuel dispenser 14, via the controller, with the controls found on the fuel dispenser 14 to dispense fuel through the dispenser hoses 16.
  • the fuel dispenser 14 stimulates the fuel pump to begin pumping fuel from the fuel tank, through the pump, into the fuel dispenser 14 and subsequently through and out of the dispenser hose 16 and into an external vehicle.
  • the operator is able to dispense fuel in a similar fashion to that of conventional stationary fuel filing stations to refuel external vehicles.
  • the fuel dispenser 14 may only dispense petrol or diesel and may only have one dispensing hose 16. Alternatively, as shown by Figure 2 , the fuel dispenser 14 is able to dispense both petrol and diesel and comprises a dispenser hose (16a,16b) for each fuel type.
  • the vehicle 4 may further comprise a keypad which allows an operator to input the amount, or value, of fuel to be dispensed by the fuel dispenser 14.
  • the keypad is connected to the controller and receives an operator's key inputs such that the controller may relay these instructions to the fuel dispenser 14. Prompted by the operator's instructions, via the controller, the fuel dispenser can now dispense the prescribed amount, or value, of fuel.
  • the keypad may be mounted on the fuel dispenser 14. Alternatively, the keypad may be mounted on the side of the vehicle 4 or inside the driver unit 6 or any such place on or within the vehicle 4 that is suitable.
  • the vehicle 4 may further comprise resilient dispenser mounts (not shown) that can be mounted within the dispenser unit 12 to encompass and support the fuel dispenser 14.
  • the fuel dispenser 14 becomes more resilient to vibrations from the road, for example, by cars driving past the vehicle 4; this offers more protection to the integral electronics of the fuel dispenser 14 by dampening all road vibration effects experienced by the fuel dispenser 14.
  • the dispenser unit 12 may further comprise an additional structural upturned lip (not shown).
  • the upturned lip would create a bund to surround the contents of the dispenser unit 12.
  • the now bunded dispenser unit 12 would prevent any spilt and/or leaked fuel, from the fuel dispenser 14, pump and/or dispensing hoses 16, from spilling to the ground outside of the vehicle 4.
  • the vehicle 4 may further comprise an emergency stop control; this control may be mounted anywhere in/on the vehicle but is ideally mounted within the dispenser unit or driver unit.
  • the vehicle 4 may comprise multiple emergency stop controls.
  • the emergency stop control is operable to stop a flow of electrical power to the dispenser unit 12 and or tank unit 10 in the case of an emergency to prevent potential hazardous and dangerous events from occurring.
  • the fuel dispenser 14 may comprise a hose roller (not shown) to provide a rotatable platform for the dispensing hoses 16 to be wound upon.
  • the hose roller is a convenient platform for the dispensing hoses 16 to be stored.
  • the dispensing hoses 16 can be extracted and retracted from the hose roller easier with respect to storing the dispensing hoses 16 on the ground of the dispenser unit 12 as the dispenser hoses 16 may become jumbled up and obstruct their own pathway.
  • the vehicle 4 may further comprise an earth bonding reel and connectors (not shown). Static electricity on the vehicle 4 may build up such that the electrical potential of the vehicle 4 becomes different to that of the electrical potential of the external vehicle.
  • a discharge spark may occur; this could be potentially hazardous as it could injury the operator and/or ignite spilt fuel.
  • the earth bonding reel is connected to the body of the vehicle 4 and, prior to fuelling, the connector may be connected to the tail pipe of the external vehicle, from the bonding reel, thus equalising the electrical potential between the two vehicles and preventing discharge sparks from occurring.
  • the vehicle 4 may further comprise an electrical interlock system (not shown) which may be integrally mounted within the driver unit 6.
  • the electrical interlock system is arranged to disable the electrical systems of the driver unit 6 and enable the electrical systems of the dispenser unit 12 once activated.
  • activating the electrical interlock will disable both the vehicle 4 from moving and the electrical systems associated with the driver unit 6, for example, the rear lights etc.
  • the electrical systems associated with the dispenser unit 12, the fuel dispenser 14 etc will become enabled and fuel can begin to be dispensed to an intended external vehicle.
  • the electrical interlock system can be disabled to disable the dispenser unit's 14 electrical systems and enable the driver unit's 6 electrical systems such that the operator can subsequently drive the vehicle 4 as desired.
  • the electrical interlock system may further comprise a gas detector sensor (not shown) that is in electronic communication with the electrical interlock system such that the sensor may provide electrical signals to the interlock system.
  • the sensor is used to determine the level of an ambient pre-defined gas.
  • the type of sensor integrated with the interlock system can be chosen depending on the desired type of gas to be detected.
  • the sensor may be calibrated such that it sends an electrical signal to the electrical interlock system when a pre-defined level of ambient gas is detected.
  • the electrical interlock system may comprise a plurality of gas detector sensors to detect a plurality of pre-defined gases.
  • the interlock system can determine whether to activate or remain disabled.
  • a threshold level of pre-defined ambient gas is calibrated within the sensor such that the sensor alerts the interlock system if the ambient levels of gas are at the defined threshold level. In this way, the interlock system would only activate the dispenser unit's 14 electrical systems if a sufficiently low and safe level of pre-defined ambient gas is detected and vice versa; this allows potentially hazardous events, such as fuel vapour poisoning, to be avoided.
  • the vehicle 4 may further comprise additional beacon lights such that when the fuel dispenser 14 is dispensing fuel, the beacon lights begin to flash.
  • the flashing mode of the beacon lights helps to alert people within close proximity of the vehicle 4 that fuel is being dispensed. Again, this allows potentially hazardous events, such as physical interference of the hose dispensers 16 while in use, to be avoided.
  • the vehicle 4 may further comprise, separately or in combination, storage for a fuel spill kit, an eye wash kit and a first aid kit; a 240V/3000w pure sine inverter that is mounted within the driver unit 6 to provide a low harmonic distortion output voltage for sensitive electronic equipment; a 12V/110AH AGM leisure battery that is mounted within the driver unit 6a; a battery to battery charger; a kill switch for the pump; deadlocks to all the doors of the vehicle 4; a vehicle alarm system; and plywood flooring.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)
EP19215764.2A 2019-12-12 2019-12-12 Distribution de carburant de véhicule Pending EP3835256A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19215764.2A EP3835256A1 (fr) 2019-12-12 2019-12-12 Distribution de carburant de véhicule

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19215764.2A EP3835256A1 (fr) 2019-12-12 2019-12-12 Distribution de carburant de véhicule

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3835256A1 true EP3835256A1 (fr) 2021-06-16

Family

ID=69005203

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19215764.2A Pending EP3835256A1 (fr) 2019-12-12 2019-12-12 Distribution de carburant de véhicule

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3835256A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19525188A1 (de) * 1995-03-09 1996-09-12 Hsb Umwelttechnik Gmbh System und Verfahren zur Überwachung und Sicherung des Umfüllvorganges zwischen einem Tankfahrzeug und einem unterirdischen Lagerbehälter
WO2004106218A1 (fr) * 2003-05-30 2004-12-09 Syltone Plc Appareil de distribution de fluide avec rinçage du tuyau de distribution
US20140129038A1 (en) * 2012-11-08 2014-05-08 Delaware Capital Formation, Inc. Cross Contamination Control Systems with Fluid Product ID Sensors
US20190119096A1 (en) * 2016-04-22 2019-04-25 American Energy Innovations, Llc System and Method for Automatic Fueling of Hydraulic Fracturing and Other Oilfield Equipment

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19525188A1 (de) * 1995-03-09 1996-09-12 Hsb Umwelttechnik Gmbh System und Verfahren zur Überwachung und Sicherung des Umfüllvorganges zwischen einem Tankfahrzeug und einem unterirdischen Lagerbehälter
WO2004106218A1 (fr) * 2003-05-30 2004-12-09 Syltone Plc Appareil de distribution de fluide avec rinçage du tuyau de distribution
US20140129038A1 (en) * 2012-11-08 2014-05-08 Delaware Capital Formation, Inc. Cross Contamination Control Systems with Fluid Product ID Sensors
US20190119096A1 (en) * 2016-04-22 2019-04-25 American Energy Innovations, Llc System and Method for Automatic Fueling of Hydraulic Fracturing and Other Oilfield Equipment

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5417239A (en) Fuel transfer control apparatus
US5983962A (en) Motor fuel dispenser apparatus and method
US7156134B1 (en) Fuel Transferring system and method of use
US10626857B1 (en) Apparatus for dispensing small quantities of heating oil
US10099915B2 (en) Multiple non-manifolded fuel tanks on a portable platform
US10280067B2 (en) Multiple non-manifolded fuel tanks on a trailer
US10875760B2 (en) Method for delivering heating oil to customers of fuel oil dealers
US20180025345A1 (en) Non-fixed fuel platform that can accept automatic payment for fuel dispensed
CN208069508U (zh) 燃料加注车
JPS5852091A (ja) タンクロ−リ
US5711456A (en) Above ground fuel transfer module
US20090044866A1 (en) Auxiliary Fuel Pump
CN105480927A (zh) 一种油气回收自动监测装置
EP3835256A1 (fr) Distribution de carburant de véhicule
US10138112B2 (en) Smart fuel dispenser for efficient fuel delivery
US20120241041A1 (en) Fueling system
US4047548A (en) Vapor recovery system with safety valve
GB2575059A (en) Vehicle fuel distribution
US3907168A (en) Mobile station for delivery of petroleum products
KR100761098B1 (ko) 휴대용 주유 장치
GB2460111A (en) Fuel storage and dispenser sharing a common bund area
KR200397665Y1 (ko) 휴대용 주유 장치
EP3790835B1 (fr) Dispositif de manipulation de tuyau de carburant avec servomoteur
KR20070007708A (ko) 이동용 주유 장치
KR200397666Y1 (ko) 이동용 주유 장치

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20191212

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20231011