GB2268588A - Leak detecting device for a liquid fuel dispensing system - Google Patents
Leak detecting device for a liquid fuel dispensing system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2268588A GB2268588A GB9205200A GB9205200A GB2268588A GB 2268588 A GB2268588 A GB 2268588A GB 9205200 A GB9205200 A GB 9205200A GB 9205200 A GB9205200 A GB 9205200A GB 2268588 A GB2268588 A GB 2268588A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- fuel
- level
- bore
- detector
- disposed
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
- G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
- G01M3/28—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds
- G01M3/2892—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for underground fuel dispensing systems
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)
Abstract
A leak detection device 28 is provided for a liquid fuel dispensing system which comprises a fuel supply tank, a fuel dispenser in fluid communication with the supply tank by means of a fuel line 18, 24, a fuel pump disposed in the dispenser, and a non-return valve 26 disposed in the dispenser between the fuel pump and the supply tank. The device 28 comprises a housing having a bore therethrough, said housing being adapted to be disposed in the fuel line below the non-return valve whereby fuel can flow from the fuel line through the bore to the non-return valve, a detector for detecting the level of fuel within said bore, and means connected to said detector for indicating when the level of fuel within said falls below a predetermined level which is indicative of a leak within the system. The detector may be of electro-optical type, or use a magnetic or reed float switch. <IMAGE>
Description
Leak Detectina Device for a Liquid Fuel Dispenslna System This invention relates to a leak detecting device for a liquid fuel dispensing system. The invention is particularly concerned with a leak detecting device for a suction fuel dispensing system of the type located in garage fore-courts; such systems usually dispense petrol (also called gasoline) and diesel oil. The fuel dispensers are often referred to as "pumps" although they do not always contain a pump.
There are a large number of fuel dispensers installed in garage fore-courts which operate using a suction system. In these systems the fuel dispenser does contain a puup which is used to draw fluid from a large tank of fuel. This type of system has not previously been provided with any means for detecting leaks. It would be advantageous to provide such fuel dispensers with means for detecting any leak.
According to the present invention there is provided a leak detection device for a liquid fuel dispensing system having a fuel supply tank, a fuel dispenser in fluid communication with the supply tank by means of a fuel line, a fuel pump disposed in the dispenser, and a non-return valve disposed in the dispenser beteeen the fuel pump and the supply tank, said device ccanprising a housing having a bore therethrough, said housing being adapted to be disposed in the fuel line below the non-return valve whereby fuel can flow from the fuel line through the bore to the non-return valve, a detector for detecting the level of fuel within said bore, and means connected to said detector for indicating when the level of fuel within said falls below a predetermdnsd level which is indicative of a leak within the system.
In one embodiment the detector includes an optical arrangement which detects when the level of fuel in the bore falls below said predetermined point by measuring the changes in opacity.
In another embodiment the detector includes a reed float switch which detects when the level of fuel in the bore falls below said predetermined level.
In another embodiment the detector includes a magnetic float switch which detects when the level of fuel in the bore falls below said predetermined level.
Preferably said housing is provided with an aperture extending fran the exterior of the housing to the bore, and at least part of the detector is disposed in the aperture.
Desirably said indicating means is adapted to disable the fuel puup when the level of fuel falls below said predetermined level.
Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic view of part of a petrol pump inoorpating a leak detecting device according to the invention;
Fig. 2 is a plan view of a leak detecting device according to the invention; and
Fig. 3 is a side view of the leak detector shown in figure 2.
In Fig. 1 a liquid fuel dispenser in the form of a "petrol "pump" is generally designated 10. The pump 10 is capable of dispensing any liquid fuel, kit typically it would dispense materials such as petrol (also kncon as gasoline) and diesel oil. Part of the pump 10 is disposed above ground level 12; and part of the pump 10 is disposed below the ground level 12.
The puWp 10 is provided with an exterior pump casing 14, and on each side of the casing 14 there is a cradle 16; the cradle 16 is adapted to receive a dispensing nozzle (not shown) through which the fuel can be dispensed into a vehicle.
Fuel is supplied to the pu 10 fran a fuel tank via a suction line 18. The line 18 is upstream of the nozzle, ie, fuel flows fran the line 18 to the nozzle. The line 18 is secured to a flexible connector 20. At the upper end of the connector 20 there is provided an lEEperEneable membrane 22 which is secured between the connector 20 and the casing 14: any fuel kic;h leaks above the membrane 22 is prevented by the membrane 22 fran entering the lower or underground portion of the puny 10.
A line 24 is connected to the dispensing nozzle, and delivers the fuel fran the line 18 to said nozzle. A non-return valve 26 is provided between the line 24 and the connector 20. he non-return valve 26 is designed to prevent fuel in the line 24 fran flowing yon. 'Ihere is a fuel pump (not shown) disposed in the line 24 between the non-return valve 26 and the dispensing nozzle. the fuel pump is used to draw fluid fran the fuel tank.
If the system is operating properly then there will always be fuel in all the flow lines right up to the non-return valve 26. The presence of an air pocket in the flow lines just below the non-return valve 26 is indicative of a leak at sane point upstream of the system.
A leak detecting device 28 is disposed between the non-return valve 26 and the connector 20; the device 28 is disposed above the inpermeable membrane 22. the device 28 is shown in greater detail in Figs. 2 and 3.
the device 28 comprises a housing 30 of generally triangular cross-section, which has a central bore 32 through which the fuel can flow. The thickness of the housing 30, and hence the length of the bore 32 is about 20-35 mm. The device 28 is provided with an aperture 34 which extends through the housing 30 and is sulstaltially perpendicular to the central bore 32. The aperture 34 receives a level detector generally designated 36 (in Fig. 2 the detector 36 is shown separated fron the housing 30). Leads 38 electrically connect the detector 36 to a controller 38.
The detector 36 is an optical detector which utilises optical fibres.
An optical signal is transmitted by the detector 36 into the bore 32 and is reflected baok to the detector 36 off the inner surface of the hausing 30. Due to the difference in opacity between the fuel and air, the strength of the reflected signal is dent upon whether there is any fuel in the bore 32, . In the event that the reflected signal is of a strength which indicates the presence of air, the control unit generates a warning signal, to draw attention to a potential leak in the system. me controller can also disable the pump in order to prevent it from being used while the leak remains.
Claims (7)
1. A leak detection device for a liquid fuel dispensing system having a fuel supply tank, a fuel dispense in fluid cammunication with the supply tarik by means of a fuel line, a fuel pump disposed in the dispenser, and a non-return valve disposed in the dispeser between the fuel pull!p and the supply tank, said device cwprising a housing having a bore therethraxgh, said housing being adapted to be disposed in the fuel line below the non-return valve whereby fuel can flow fran the fuel line through the bore to the non-return valve, a detectcr for detecting the level of fuel within said bore, and means connected to said detector for indicating when the level of fuel within said falls below a predetermined level which is indicative of a leak within the system.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the detector includes an optical arrangement which detects when the level of fuel in the bore falls below said predetermined point by measuring the changes in opacity.
3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the detector includes a reed float switch which detects when the level of fuel in the bore falls below said predetmined level.
4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the detector includes a magnetic float switch which detects when the level of fuel in the bore falls below said predeterminZ level.
5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said housing is provided with an aperture extending fram the exterior of the hausing to the bore, and at least part of the detector is disposed in the aperture.
6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein said indicating means is adapted to disable the fuel pump when the level of fuel falls below said predetermined level.
7. A leak detection device for a liquid fuel dispensing system, subtantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9205200A GB2268588A (en) | 1992-03-10 | 1992-03-10 | Leak detecting device for a liquid fuel dispensing system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9205200A GB2268588A (en) | 1992-03-10 | 1992-03-10 | Leak detecting device for a liquid fuel dispensing system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB9205200D0 GB9205200D0 (en) | 1992-04-22 |
| GB2268588A true GB2268588A (en) | 1994-01-12 |
Family
ID=10711841
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9205200A Withdrawn GB2268588A (en) | 1992-03-10 | 1992-03-10 | Leak detecting device for a liquid fuel dispensing system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2268588A (en) |
Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB550303A (en) * | 1941-12-22 | 1943-01-01 | David Hutton Neilson | Improvements in or relating to float actuated means for the control of liquid levels |
| US3541283A (en) * | 1968-09-27 | 1970-11-17 | August Milo | Leak detector for pumped liquid systems |
| US3549893A (en) * | 1968-09-20 | 1970-12-22 | Erich L Gibbs | Photoelectric liquid level sensor using baffle |
| US3969923A (en) * | 1975-08-29 | 1976-07-20 | Valcor Engineering Corporation | Leak detector |
| GB2006966A (en) * | 1977-10-31 | 1979-05-10 | Gretag Ag | Leakage detector |
| US4333016A (en) * | 1980-03-06 | 1982-06-01 | Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. | Liquid presence detector |
| GB2230144A (en) * | 1989-04-01 | 1990-10-10 | Robert Cooper | Liquid level monitoring apparatus |
-
1992
- 1992-03-10 GB GB9205200A patent/GB2268588A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB550303A (en) * | 1941-12-22 | 1943-01-01 | David Hutton Neilson | Improvements in or relating to float actuated means for the control of liquid levels |
| US3549893A (en) * | 1968-09-20 | 1970-12-22 | Erich L Gibbs | Photoelectric liquid level sensor using baffle |
| US3541283A (en) * | 1968-09-27 | 1970-11-17 | August Milo | Leak detector for pumped liquid systems |
| US3969923A (en) * | 1975-08-29 | 1976-07-20 | Valcor Engineering Corporation | Leak detector |
| GB2006966A (en) * | 1977-10-31 | 1979-05-10 | Gretag Ag | Leakage detector |
| US4333016A (en) * | 1980-03-06 | 1982-06-01 | Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. | Liquid presence detector |
| GB2230144A (en) * | 1989-04-01 | 1990-10-10 | Robert Cooper | Liquid level monitoring apparatus |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB9205200D0 (en) | 1992-04-22 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US5363988A (en) | Fuel dispenser controlled in dependence on an electrical signal from a gas detector of the dispenser | |
| EP1237813B1 (en) | Coaxial vapor flow indicator with pump speed control | |
| US6418981B1 (en) | Method of checking that a system for recovering vapour emitted in a fuel dispensing installation is operating correctly and installation enabling said method to be implemented | |
| US5785100A (en) | Liquid level detection system | |
| US4167958A (en) | Hydrocarbon fuel dispensing, vapor controlling system | |
| US5451927A (en) | Automotive fuel filler pipe cap detection system | |
| EP2892843B1 (en) | Filter device with inspection element for a fuel dispensing system | |
| US5131262A (en) | Apparatus for detecting leaks in fuel dispensing systems | |
| GB2268588A (en) | Leak detecting device for a liquid fuel dispensing system | |
| KR900000788B1 (en) | Liquid delivery nozzle | |
| EP0475515B1 (en) | Device for measuring the consumption of fuel in an internal combustion engine | |
| GB2348417A (en) | Vapour recovery system for hydrocarbon dispensers | |
| EP0532202B1 (en) | A fuel dispenser | |
| JPH0551098A (en) | Oil feeding system | |
| JPS624100A (en) | Lubricating device | |
| KR100198698B1 (en) | Oiling device | |
| US6360785B1 (en) | Coaxial vapor flow indicator | |
| EP1061038A1 (en) | Device for preventing the backflow of fuel through a fuel vapour return line | |
| JPH0414399Y2 (en) | ||
| JP3206158B2 (en) | Refueling device | |
| JP2954289B2 (en) | Refueling device with oil type discrimination function | |
| EP0807085A1 (en) | Forecourt fuel pumps | |
| JPH07112880B2 (en) | Refueling device with mixed oil detection function | |
| JPH09194000A (en) | Oil feeder | |
| JP2001304543A (en) | Fuel supply system having fuel leakage detection function |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |