WO1996015064A1 - Device for identifying hydrocarbon fluids - Google Patents

Device for identifying hydrocarbon fluids Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1996015064A1
WO1996015064A1 PCT/FR1995/001481 FR9501481W WO9615064A1 WO 1996015064 A1 WO1996015064 A1 WO 1996015064A1 FR 9501481 W FR9501481 W FR 9501481W WO 9615064 A1 WO9615064 A1 WO 9615064A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fluid
valve
tank
optical fiber
identifying
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR1995/001481
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Serge Piemont
Original Assignee
Serge Piemont
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 Serge Piemont filed Critical Serge Piemont
Priority to AU41795/96A priority Critical patent/AU4179596A/en
Publication of WO1996015064A1 publication Critical patent/WO1996015064A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67DDISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06Details or accessories
    • B67D7/32Arrangements of safety or warning devices; Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
    • B67D7/34Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
    • B67D7/342Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid by discriminating the kind of liquid by analysis or by physical properties, e.g. vapour-pressure

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for identifying a fluid, in particular a fluid of the hydrocarbon type intended to be transferred from a source tank to a target tank.
  • This device is mainly but not exclusively intended for the identification of hydrocarbon fuels during their transfer between a supply tank and the tanks of a service station ensuring the distribution of fuels.
  • a major problem in the fuel distribution chain, nationally and internationally, is the untimely mixing of fuels of different types.
  • a service station generally has several storage tanks, corresponding to the different types of fuels that are used by customers.
  • service stations generally have six different fuels, each with different combustion characteristics, and being adapted to particular types of engines.
  • These different fuels fall into three main categories, namely, so-called “super” unleaded gasoline, leaded “super” gasoline, and diesel fuel.
  • These different fuels must not be mixed, otherwise they become unfit for use, and even if they are not used, they cause damage and inconvenience on several levels.
  • the object of the present invention is to propose a device making it possible to remedy these drawbacks, by preventing the transfer into a given tank of a service station, of a hydrocarbon of a type different from that which is already contained therein.
  • the invention also aims to provide an identification device which is of a very safe and reliable use, at a reasonable cost compared to the cost of the problems solved.
  • the invention relates to a device for identifying a fluid, in particular a hydrocarbon fuel, intended to be transferred from a source tank provided with a discharge mouth, into a target tank provided with '' a supply mouth, characterized in that it comprises sensor means for measuring in the vicinity of the supply mouth the value of at least one parameter representative of the fluid, and in that said sensor means are connected to means for analyzing the value of the parameter thus measured, in order to check the agreement of the fluid to be transferred with the fluid contained in said target tank.
  • the device further comprises means for cutting off the flow of fluid, arranged upstream of the supply mouth of the target tank, said cutting means being kept closed as long as the fluid to be poured has not been identified as being identical to the fluid already contained in the target tank;
  • Said switching means comprise a controlled valve, located upstream of the supply mouth of the target tank; - said parameter being the color of the fluid, the sensor means consist of at least one optical fiber disposed in the path of the fluid to be poured, this optical fiber being used to send a light beam into the fluid to be identified, and to return the part reflected and / or refracted from the light beam to said analysis means, which determine whether the fluid to be poured is identical to the fluid in the target reservoir;
  • this optical fiber is used to send a light beam into the fluid to be identified, the reflected and / or refracted part of the beam being sent to said means analysis to determine if the fluid to be poured is identical to the fluid of the target reservoir;
  • the device simultaneously comprises at least one sensor for detecting the turbidity of the fluid and at least one sensor for detecting the color of the fluid;
  • the sensors of each valve are connected to the input of a corresponding electronic processing card, so as to compare the quantities sampled by the sensors with reference values stored by the electronic card, the output of each electronic card processing ordering whether or not to open the corresponding valve, depending on the result of the comparison of the values taken and the values stored;
  • each electronic treatment card is connected to the input of a control solenoid valve located in a compressed air circuit, said compressed air circuit actuating the valve flap in opening when the control solenoid valve is on.
  • FIG. 1 shows an overall diagram of the fluid identification device according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows an elevational and sectional view of a valve provided with identification sensors 5 hydrocarbons, for use in the device of Figure 1;
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of the arrangement of identification sensors • hydrocarbons on the valve of Figure 2 in a plane perpendicu ⁇ lar to the movement of hydrocarbons;
  • the identification device 1 mainly comprises a set of valves 3 (only one of which is shown) connected to a control box 5 making it possible to take information from all the valves, and to control these in opening and / or closing.
  • Each valve 3 is intended to be screwed onto a corresponding supply mouth of a target tank (not shown), in particular a supply mouth of an underground fuel tank.
  • the valves 3 simply replace the locked covers which are provided with most of the fuel tank supply outlets according to the current state of the art. For this purpose, it suffices to unscrew the covers in question relative to the tube which generally protrudes from the ground in the vicinity of the service station, then screw a valve 3 according to the invention in place of the cover.
  • the valves 3 used in the context of the invention are preferably pneumatically operated, single-acting normally closed valves.
  • the internal diameter of the valve is generally of the order of 80 mm (3 inches) for the application envisaged in the example, and is therefore identical to the existing pipes leading to the tanks of the service station.
  • the valve 3 preferably has a tapping to facilitate the replacement by screwing of the existing covers screwed onto the supply ends of the service station tanks.
  • Each valve 3 has an inlet 7 intended to be connected to a flexible pipe 9 ( Figure 1) of the supply tank truck, this pipe 9 being itself connected to a discharge outlet of the truck (not shown).
  • the valve 3 also includes an outlet 11 screwed onto the inlet of the supply mouth of a service station tank (not shown), and a valve 13 normally closed, actuated by a rod 15 mounted on a return spring 17
  • the return spring is enclosed in a housing 19 supplied with a compressed fluid, in particular compressed air, so that the opening of the valve 3 is pneumatically controlled.
  • sensor means 21, 22 suitable for reading the value of at least one parameter allowing d '' identify the fuel.
  • sensors are used which are in fact optical sensors connected to the control box 5 by the intermediary of an optical fiber 23.
  • the sensors 21, 22 are arranged upstream of the valve 13 for opening / closing the valve 3, and are connected to means for analyzing the value of the parameter thus measured, located inside the box 5, which will be detailed later.
  • means for analyzing the value of the parameter thus measured located inside the box 5, which will be detailed later.
  • a first type of optical sensor 21 is constituted by a turbidity index sensor (FIG. 3) constituted by the end of an optical fiber 25, supplied by a light source, in particular by a bulb halogen.
  • the sensor 21 is screwed into an orifice provided in the body 27 of the valve 3, and its end situated in the fuel path 29 is provided with a metal reflector 31 also arranged in the fuel path.
  • the quantity of reflected light energy collected in the opposite direction by the optical fiber 25 is a function of the fuel turbidity index, and therefore makes it possible to discriminate between the family of “super” based hydrocarbons, and the family of diesel-based hydrocarbons.
  • two sensors 22A and 22B aligned on either side of the body 27 of the valve 3 are used.
  • the quantity of light energy transmitted from the optical fiber 25A to the optical fiber 25B makes it possible to determine the turbidity index of the hydrocarbon in the valve.
  • the physico-chemical parameter of the hydrocarbon which is used is its color.
  • This implementation uses the fact that the different fuels available have been assigned different colors by the oil companies. The color code of the different fuels is summarized in the table below:
  • Each color has a different absorbency and therefore gives a different identification value.
  • the optical response by a given fuel to an optical stimulation sent is calibrated in the laboratory with a certain margin taking into account the temperature variations to which the fuels may be subjected during their distribution.
  • each valve 3 is thus connected to an electronic treatment card 35, specifically programmed to identify the conformity of the fuel at the inlet of the valve with that located in the corresponding tank of the service station.
  • the electronic cards 35 transform the optical input quantity into a digital value which is compared with a stored reference value corresponding to the turbidity index or to the color of the authorized fuel. Consequently, the cards 35 are essentially comparators delivering on their output lines 37 a logic value (0 or 1), depending on the result of the comparison between the input values of the parameters identification, and the stored values. Such cards are commercially available, and will not be described further.
  • each card solenoid valve 35 is connected to the control input of a solenoid valve 39 for controlling the corresponding pneumatic valve 3.
  • Each solenoid valve 39 is supplied with compressed air by a compressed air circuit 41, and the outlet of each solenoid valve 39 is connected by the compressed air circuit 41 to a corresponding valve 3 of the device.
  • the solenoid valves 39 are supplied with compressed air from an air supply mouth 43 apparently arranged on one side of the control box 5.
  • the supply of compressed air can come from any source, and in particular - the compressed air supply source available on the delivery tankers.
  • air filters 45 and air dryers 47 are arranged in the . air supply circuit for the solenoid valves 39.
  • the electronic analysis cards 35 are supplied with direct electric voltage by means of a transformer / rectifier 49 switchable in the 220-volt electrical network via of a switch 51.
  • the use and operation of the device according to the invention are then as follows.
  • the delivery man asks the person in charge of the service station to switch on the control box 5 using a key actuating the power switch 51.
  • the delivery man then connects a pneumatic hose from the truck to the compressed air supply mouth 43 of the control box 5, in order to supply the latter with compressed air.
  • the delivery man connects a flexible oil supply hose 9, between on the one hand the outlet mouth of a tank of the truck and the inlet 7 of the valve 3 of a tank from the service station. Then it activates the manual valve for opening the tank of the truck, thus allowing the fuel to flow through the hose 9 to the inlet of the valve 3 of the identification device, where the fuel is stopped and identified.
  • the turbidity and color sensors 21, 22 described above send their information to the electronic analysis and processing card 35 corresponding to the valve 3 in question.
  • the card 35 analyzes in a few seconds the value of the turbidity and colorimetry parameters, and only issues a command to open the corresponding solenoid valve 39 if the values detected by the sensors 21, 22 correspond to the reference values memorized.
  • the electronic card 35 causes the corresponding solenoid valve 39 to be energized. This opens to let the compressed air pass from the air circuit 41 to the valve 3, and the compressed air activates the opening of the valve 13 of the valve 3.
  • the hydrocarbon can then flow to the corresponding tank of the service station.
  • the operation is successively the same for identifying the fuel at the inlet of the other valves 3.
  • each valve 3 with a single sensor, for determining the turbidity index, or the colorimetry index, or both.
  • the sensor means comprise a first sensor 60 constituted by the end of an optical fiber 62 supplied by a source luminous 64 and also screwed into the body 66 of the valve and a second sensor 70 also constituted by an optical fiber screwed onto the body 66.
  • the two sensors 60 and 70 are offset by about 90 °, that is to say that the axes defined by the corresponding ends of the optical fibers are perpendicular. They are also preferably screwed onto the valve body at a location provided with a glass porthole 72.
  • the light source 64 emits, through the optical fiber 62, radiation which passes through the fuel contained in the body 66 of the valve, in a direction parallel to the axis of the optical fiber 62.
  • the second sensor 70 collects the light energy returned by the fluid in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the emitted radiation.
  • the sensor means which have just been described are connected to analysis means similar to those of FIG. 1 with a view to determining the turbidity or / and the color of the fluid. .
  • certain sensors may allow identification based on different parameters of turbidity or color, and be located outside the valve itself.
  • valves 3 and / or the control box 5 can easily be provided with conventional means of sound and light alerts, for example by indicator light or siren 53, the triggering of which is controlled. by an incorrect connection at the valve inlet, so that the delivery person can quickly correct the connection error.
  • the identification of the hydrocarbon continues throughout the flow of the product, thus making it possible to detect possible impurities. or condensed water mixed with the product, which would also trigger the immediate closing of the valve in question, thus preventing the passage of impurities in the tank of the service station.
  • the device for identifying fluids according to the invention perfectly meets the objectives set, in particular in the field of identifying hydrocarbons which are about to be transferred to a station tank. service.
  • the use of the identifi ⁇ cation device according to the invention eliminates any risk of mixing fuels of different types in the tanks of the service station, and therefore eliminates all the disadvantages which, up to at present, resulted from such a situation.
  • the device is quite effective, since it makes it possible not only to identify the hydrocarbons to be transferred and to verify their conformity with the products already in the respective tanks, but also, in the event of product mismatch. , it blocks the flow, which allows the delivery person to modify the connections accordingly.
  • the identification device has all the security guarantees, since on the one hand the blocking valve is controlled remotely, pneumatically, and on the other hand the optical fiber only carries a low optical energy , which eliminates the risk of explosion linked to the creation of sparks in a hydrocarbon environment.
  • the identification device is very simple to install and implement, and in most cases will not require any modification to the construction of existing installations at the service station.
  • the implementation of the identification device in a service station environment makes it possible to progressively improve the 13 purity of the products contained in the tanks of service stations, and contributes to the quality of the environment by avoiding the oil companies having to manage or destroy accidentally mixed hydrocarbons.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)

Abstract

A device (1) for identifying a fluid, particularly a hydrocarbon fluid to be transferred from a source tank with an outlet into a target tank with an inlet. The device comprises sensors (21, 22) for measuring at least one representative parameter of the fluid in the region of said inlet, and said sensors (21, 22) are connected to a processing means (33) for processing the value of the measured parameter in order to check that the fluid to be transferred is the same as the fluid in the target tank. Said device is particularly useful for identifying fuels during the filling of storage tanks at service stations.

Description

Dispositif d'identification de fluides hydrocarbures. La présente invention concerne un dispositif d'identification d'un fluide, notamment d'un fluide du type hydrocarbure destiné à être transvasé à partir d'un réservoir source dans un réservoir cible. Ce dispositif est principalement mais non exclusivement destiné à l'identification de carburants hydrocarbures lors de leur transvasement entre une citerne d'alimentation et les réservoirs d'une station-service assurant la distribution de carburants. Un important problème posé dans le cadre de la chaîne de distribution de carburants, à l'échelon national et international, réside dans les mélanges intempestifs de carburants de types différents. Device for identifying hydrocarbon fluids. The present invention relates to a device for identifying a fluid, in particular a fluid of the hydrocarbon type intended to be transferred from a source tank to a target tank. This device is mainly but not exclusively intended for the identification of hydrocarbon fuels during their transfer between a supply tank and the tanks of a service station ensuring the distribution of fuels. A major problem in the fuel distribution chain, nationally and internationally, is the untimely mixing of fuels of different types.
De façon très concrète, le problème tient aux constatations suivantes : une station-service possède en général plusieurs cuves de stockage, correspondant aux différents types de carburants qui sont utilisés par la clientèle. Ainsi, en France, les stations-service disposent en général de six carburants différents, ayant chacun des caractéristiques de combustion différentes, et étant adaptés à des types particuliers de moteurs. Ces différents carburants se répartissent en trois principales catégories, à savoir, l'essence dite "super" sans plomb, l'essence "super" plombée, et le gas-oil moteur. Ces différents carburants ne doivent pas être mélangés, faute de quoi ils deviennent impropres à l'utilisation, et même en l'absence d'utilisation, ils créent des dommages et des inconvénients à plusieurs niveaux.Very concretely, the problem stems from the following observations: a service station generally has several storage tanks, corresponding to the different types of fuels that are used by customers. Thus, in France, service stations generally have six different fuels, each with different combustion characteristics, and being adapted to particular types of engines. These different fuels fall into three main categories, namely, so-called "super" unleaded gasoline, leaded "super" gasoline, and diesel fuel. These different fuels must not be mixed, otherwise they become unfit for use, and even if they are not used, they cause damage and inconvenience on several levels.
Ainsi, un mélange de carburants dans une cuve de station-service a, avant d'être découvert, des conséquences négatives pour les automobilistes, qui doivent faire nettoyer et réparer le moteur endommagé de leur véhicule. Ensuite, les répercussions du mélange s'étendent aux compa¬ gnies pétrolières qui alimentent les stations-service, en ternissant leur image, aux stations-service qui doivent purger leurs cuves et perdent ainsi plusieurs heures d'ex- ploitation, et aux compagnies d'assurance qui assurent ces risques et doivent rembourser les dommages correspondants aux différentes parties intéressées.Thus, a mixture of fuels in a tank of service station has, before being discovered, negative consequences for the motorists, who must have cleaned and repaired the damaged engine of their vehicle. Then, the repercussions of the mixture extend to the petroleum companies which supply the service stations, by tarnishing their image, to the service stations which must purge their tanks and thus lose several hours of ex- exploitation, and to the insurance companies which insure these risks and must reimburse the corresponding damages to the various interested parties.
En outre, le convoyage des carburants étant souvent assuré entre les dépôts d'hydrocarbures et les stations-service par des compagnies de transport indépend¬ antes, celles-ci ainsi que leur personnel sont également menacés par ce genre d'incidents, puisqu'un mélange de carburants est considéré comme étant une faute grave pouvant conduire au licenciement du livreur fautif.In addition, since fuel is often conveyed between oil depots and service stations by independent transport companies, these and their staff are also threatened by this type of incident, since mixture of fuels is considered to be a serious fault which may lead to the dismissal of the offender.
Or, malgré toutes les consignes données par les transporteurs à leurs livreurs, il n'existe à ce jour aucun procédé permettant de contrôler, juste avant son écoule¬ ment, la concordance d'un produit provenant d'un comparti- ment de camion-citerne avec le produit stocké dans une cuve de station-service.However, in spite of all the instructions given by the carriers to their deliverers, there is to date no process making it possible to check, just before it runs out, the concordance of a product coming from a truck compartment. tank with product stored in a service station tank.
De ce fait, un mélange accidentel peut avoir lieu lorsque le livreur branche simultanément plusieurs compar¬ timents de camion-citerne, contenant en général des carburants différents, sur plusieurs cuves différentes de la station-service, à l'aide des tuyaux flexibles prévus à cet effet.As a result, accidental mixing can take place when the delivery person simultaneously connects several tank truck compartments, generally containing different fuels, on several different tanks of the service station, using the flexible pipes provided for this effect.
Comme un livreur effectue en général plusieurs tournées dans une journée, pour alimenter différentes stations-service avec des types et des quantités de carburants variables qui se retrouvent successivement dans des compartiments différents du camion-citerne, une erreur de manipulation ne peut pas être exclue, conduisant à un mélange accidentel qui vient d'être décrit ci-dessus. La présente invention a pour but de proposer un dispositif permettant de remédier à ces inconvénients, en empêchant le transvasement dans une cuve donnée de station- service, d'un hydrocarbure de type différent de celui qui y est déjà contenu. L'invention a également pour but de proposer un dispositif d'identification qui soit d'une utilisation très sure et fiable, à un coût raisonnable par rapport au coût des problèmes résolus.As a delivery man generally makes several rounds in a day, to supply different service stations with variable types and quantities of fuels which are successively found in different compartments of the tank truck, a handling error cannot be excluded, leading to an accidental mixing which has just been described above. The object of the present invention is to propose a device making it possible to remedy these drawbacks, by preventing the transfer into a given tank of a service station, of a hydrocarbon of a type different from that which is already contained therein. The invention also aims to provide an identification device which is of a very safe and reliable use, at a reasonable cost compared to the cost of the problems solved.
A cet effet, l'invention concerne un dispositif d'identification d'un fluide, notamment d'un carburant hydrocarbure, destiné à être transvasé à partir d'un réservoir source pourvu d'une bouche de déversement, dans un réservoir cible pourvu d'une bouche d'alimentation, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte des moyens capteurs pour mesurer au voisinage de la bouche d'alimentation la valeur d'au moins un paramètre représentatif du fluide, et en ce que lesdits moyens capteurs sont connectés à des moyens d'analyse de la valeur du paramètre ainsi mesurée, afin de vérifier la concordance du fluide à transvaser avec le fluide contenu dans ledit réservoir cible. Selon d'autres caractéristiques de l'invention :To this end, the invention relates to a device for identifying a fluid, in particular a hydrocarbon fuel, intended to be transferred from a source tank provided with a discharge mouth, into a target tank provided with '' a supply mouth, characterized in that it comprises sensor means for measuring in the vicinity of the supply mouth the value of at least one parameter representative of the fluid, and in that said sensor means are connected to means for analyzing the value of the parameter thus measured, in order to check the agreement of the fluid to be transferred with the fluid contained in said target tank. According to other characteristics of the invention:
- le dispositif comporte en outre des moyens de coupure de l'écoulement de fluide, disposés en amont de la bouche d'alimentation du réservoir cible, lesdits moyens de coupure étant maintenus fermés tant que le fluide à verser n'a pas été identifié comme étant identique au fluide déjà contenu dans le réservoir cible ;- The device further comprises means for cutting off the flow of fluid, arranged upstream of the supply mouth of the target tank, said cutting means being kept closed as long as the fluid to be poured has not been identified as being identical to the fluid already contained in the target tank;
- lesdits moyens de coupure comportent une vanne commandée, située en amont de la bouche d'alimentation du réservoir cible ; - ledit paramètre étant la couleur du fluide, les moyens capteurs sont constitués par au moins une fibre optique disposée dans le trajet du fluide à verser, cette fibre optique étant utilisée pour envoyer un faisceau lumineux dans le fluide à identifier, et pour renvoyer la partie réfléchie et/ou réfractée du faisceau lumineux auxdits moyens d'analyse, qui déterminent si le fluide à verser est identique au fluide du réservoir cible ;- Said switching means comprise a controlled valve, located upstream of the supply mouth of the target tank; - said parameter being the color of the fluid, the sensor means consist of at least one optical fiber disposed in the path of the fluid to be poured, this optical fiber being used to send a light beam into the fluid to be identified, and to return the part reflected and / or refracted from the light beam to said analysis means, which determine whether the fluid to be poured is identical to the fluid in the target reservoir;
- ledit paramètre étant la turbidité du fluide, cette fibre optique est utilisée pour envoyer un faisceau lumineux dans le fluide à identifier, la partie réfléchie et/ou réfractée du faisceau étant envoyée auxdits moyens d'analyse pour déterminer si le fluide à verser est identique au fluide du réservoir cible ;said parameter being the turbidity of the fluid, this optical fiber is used to send a light beam into the fluid to be identified, the reflected and / or refracted part of the beam being sent to said means analysis to determine if the fluid to be poured is identical to the fluid of the target reservoir;
- le dispositif comporte simultanément au moins un capteur de détection de la turbidité du fluide et au moins un capteur de détection de la couleur du fluide ;- The device simultaneously comprises at least one sensor for detecting the turbidity of the fluid and at least one sensor for detecting the color of the fluid;
- les capteurs de chaque vanne sont reliés à 1'entrée d'une carte électronique de traitement correspon¬ dante, de façon à comparer les grandeurs prélevées par les capteurs à des valeurs de référence mémorisées par la carte électronique, la sortie de chaque carte électronique de traitement commandant ou non l'ouverture de la vanne correspondante, en fonction du résultat de la comparaison des valeurs prélevées et des valeurs mémorisées ;- the sensors of each valve are connected to the input of a corresponding electronic processing card, so as to compare the quantities sampled by the sensors with reference values stored by the electronic card, the output of each electronic card processing ordering whether or not to open the corresponding valve, depending on the result of the comparison of the values taken and the values stored;
- pour commander la vanne correspondante, la sortie de chaque carte électronique de traitement est connectée à l'entrée d'une électrovanne de commande disposée dans un circuit d'air comprimé, ledit circuit d'air comprimé actionnant en ouverture le clapet de la vanne lorsque l'électrovanne de commande est passante.- to control the corresponding valve, the output of each electronic treatment card is connected to the input of a control solenoid valve located in a compressed air circuit, said compressed air circuit actuating the valve flap in opening when the control solenoid valve is on.
L'invention sera mieux comprise en se référant à la description suivante et aux dessins ci-annexés. Il est à noter que la description de l'invention est faite, de manière nullement limitative, dans son application au déchargement de carburants d'un camion-citerne vers les cuves d'une station-service, étant entendu que l'invention trouve son application, de façon beaucoup plus générale, dans des domaines connexes mettant en oeuvre un transfert de fluides : fluides alimentaires, industriels, chimiques, etc. Dans les dessins :The invention will be better understood by referring to the following description and to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the description of the invention is made, in no way limiting, in its application to the unloading of fuels from a tank truck to the tanks of a service station, it being understood that the invention finds its application, in a much more general way, in related fields implementing a transfer of fluids: food, industrial, chemical fluids, etc. In the drawings:
- la Figure 1 représente un schéma d'ensemble du dispositif d'identification de fluides selon l'invention ;- Figure 1 shows an overall diagram of the fluid identification device according to the invention;
- la Figure 2 représente une vue en élévation et en coupe d'une vanne pourvue de capteurs d'identification 5 des hydrocarbures, destinée à être utilisée dans le dispositif de la Figure 1 ;- Figure 2 shows an elevational and sectional view of a valve provided with identification sensors 5 hydrocarbons, for use in the device of Figure 1;
- la Figure 3 représente une vue schématique de la disposition des capteurs d'identification dhydrocarbu- res sur la vanne de la figure 2, dans un plan perpendicu¬ laire à la circulation des hydrocarbures ; et- Figure 3 shows a schematic view of the arrangement of identification sensors hydrocarbons on the valve of Figure 2 in a plane perpendicu¬ lar to the movement of hydrocarbons; and
- la Figure 4 représente un autre mode de réalisation des moyens capteurs.- Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the sensor means.
On se réfère à la Figure 1. Le dispositif d'identification 1 selon l'invention comporte principale¬ ment un ensemble de vannes 3 (dont une seule est représen¬ tée) reliées à un coffret 5 de commande permettant de prélever des informations de toutes les vannes, et de commander celles-ci en ouverture et/ou en fermeture. Chaque vanne 3 est destinée à être vissée sur une bouche d'alimentation correspondante d'un réservoir cible (non représenté), en particulier une bouche d'alimentation d'une cuve souterraine de carburants.. En fait, les vannes 3 viennent simplement remplacer les couvercles verrouillés dont sont pourvues la plupart des bouches d'alimentation de cuves de carburants selon l'état actuel de la technique. A cet effet, il suffit de dévisser les couvercles en question par rapport à la tubulure qui en général dépasse du sol au voisinage de la station-service, puis de visser une vanne 3 selon l'invention en lieu et place du couvercle.Reference is made to FIG. 1. The identification device 1 according to the invention mainly comprises a set of valves 3 (only one of which is shown) connected to a control box 5 making it possible to take information from all the valves, and to control these in opening and / or closing. Each valve 3 is intended to be screwed onto a corresponding supply mouth of a target tank (not shown), in particular a supply mouth of an underground fuel tank. . In fact, the valves 3 simply replace the locked covers which are provided with most of the fuel tank supply outlets according to the current state of the art. For this purpose, it suffices to unscrew the covers in question relative to the tube which generally protrudes from the ground in the vicinity of the service station, then screw a valve 3 according to the invention in place of the cover.
On se réfère aux figures 2 et 3. Les vannes 3 utilisées dans le cadre de l'invention sont de préférence des vannes à commande pneumatique, à simple effet normale¬ ment fermées. Le diamètre interne de la vanne est en général de l'ordre de 80 mm (3 pouces) pour l'application envisagée dans l'exemple, et est de ce fait identique aux tubulures existantes menant aux cuves de la station- service. La vanne 3 possède de préférence un taraudage pour faciliter le remplacement par vissage des couvercles existants vissés sur les embouts d'alimentation des cuves de station-service. Chaque vanne 3 comporte une entrée 7 destinée à être connectée à un tuyau flexible 9 (Figure 1 ) du camion- citerne d'approvisionnement, ce tuyau 9 étant lui-même relié à une bouche de déversement du camion (non représen- tée). La vanne 3 comporte aussi une sortie 11 vissée sur l'entrée de la bouche d'alimentation d'une cuve de station service (non représentée), et un clapet 13 normalement fermé, actionné par une tige 15 montée sur un ressort de rappel 17. Le ressort de rappel est enfermé dans un logement 19 alimenté par un fluide comprimé, notamment de l'air comprimé, de sorte que l'ouverture de la vanne 3 est à commande pneumatique.Reference is made to FIGS. 2 and 3. The valves 3 used in the context of the invention are preferably pneumatically operated, single-acting normally closed valves. The internal diameter of the valve is generally of the order of 80 mm (3 inches) for the application envisaged in the example, and is therefore identical to the existing pipes leading to the tanks of the service station. The valve 3 preferably has a tapping to facilitate the replacement by screwing of the existing covers screwed onto the supply ends of the service station tanks. Each valve 3 has an inlet 7 intended to be connected to a flexible pipe 9 (Figure 1) of the supply tank truck, this pipe 9 being itself connected to a discharge outlet of the truck (not shown). The valve 3 also includes an outlet 11 screwed onto the inlet of the supply mouth of a service station tank (not shown), and a valve 13 normally closed, actuated by a rod 15 mounted on a return spring 17 The return spring is enclosed in a housing 19 supplied with a compressed fluid, in particular compressed air, so that the opening of the valve 3 is pneumatically controlled.
Afin de déterminer si l'hydrocarbure à transvaser en provenance d'un camion-citerne à travers une conduite flexible 9, est celui autorisé, il est nécessaire de déterminer la nature exacte de l'hydrocarbure en question parmi les six types possibles (en France). Cette opération doit se faire sans générer d'étincelles, ni de possibilités d'erreurs humaines. A cet effet, comme représenté plus en détail dans les Figures 2 et 3, on dispose à proximité ou à l'intérieur des vannes 3, des moyens capteurs 21,22 appropriés à la lecture de la valeur d'au moins un paramètre permettant d'identifier le carburant. Dans un mode de réalisation tel que représenté, on utilise des capteurs qui sont en fait des capteurs optiques reliés au coffret de commande 5 par l'intermé¬ diaire d'une fibre optique 23.In order to determine whether the hydrocarbon to be transferred from a tank truck through a flexible pipe 9, is the one authorized, it is necessary to determine the exact nature of the hydrocarbon in question among the six possible types (in France ). This must be done without generating sparks or the possibility of human error. To this end, as shown in more detail in Figures 2 and 3, there are available near or inside the valves 3, sensor means 21, 22 suitable for reading the value of at least one parameter allowing d '' identify the fuel. In one embodiment as shown, sensors are used which are in fact optical sensors connected to the control box 5 by the intermediary of an optical fiber 23.
Les capteurs 21,22 sont disposés en amont du clapet 13 d'ouverture/fermeture de la vanne 3, et sont connectés à des moyens d'analyse de la valeur du paramètre ainsi mesuré, situés à l'intérieur du coffret 5, qui seront détaillés plus loin. Ainsi, il est impossible de transvaser un carburant dans la cuve (non représentée) de la station- service tant que les capteurs 21,22 et les moyens d'analyse n'ont pas déterminé qu'il s'agissait d'un hydrocarbure compatible avec la destination de la cuve en question.The sensors 21, 22 are arranged upstream of the valve 13 for opening / closing the valve 3, and are connected to means for analyzing the value of the parameter thus measured, located inside the box 5, which will be detailed later. Thus, it is impossible to transfer a fuel into the tank (not shown) of the service station as long as the sensors 21, 22 and the analysis means did not determine that it was a hydrocarbon compatible with the destination of the tank in question.
Selon l'invention, un premier type de capteur optique 21 est constitué par un capteur d'indice de turbi- dite (Figure 3) constitué par l'extrémité d'une fibre optique 25, alimentée par une source lumineuse, notamment par une ampoule halogène. Le capteur 21 est vissé dans un orifice aménagé dans le corps 27 de la vanne 3, et son extrémité située dans le trajet de carburant 29 est pourvue d'un réflecteur métallique 31 également disposé dans le trajet du carburant. Ainsi, lorsque la lumière quitte l'extrémité de la fibre optique 25, une partie de la lumière est réfléchie vers la fibre optique, et le reste subit une altération optique (réflection/diffraction) dans le carburant.According to the invention, a first type of optical sensor 21 is constituted by a turbidity index sensor (FIG. 3) constituted by the end of an optical fiber 25, supplied by a light source, in particular by a bulb halogen. The sensor 21 is screwed into an orifice provided in the body 27 of the valve 3, and its end situated in the fuel path 29 is provided with a metal reflector 31 also arranged in the fuel path. Thus, when the light leaves the end of the optical fiber 25, part of the light is reflected towards the optical fiber, and the rest undergoes optical alteration (reflection / diffraction) in the fuel.
La quantité d'énergie lumineuse réfléchie recueillie en sens inverse par la fibre optique 25 est fonction de l'indice de turbidité du carburant, et permet de ce fait d'effectuer la discrimination entre la famille des hydrocarbures à base de "super", et la famille des hydrocarbures à base de gas-oil.The quantity of reflected light energy collected in the opposite direction by the optical fiber 25 is a function of the fuel turbidity index, and therefore makes it possible to discriminate between the family of “super” based hydrocarbons, and the family of diesel-based hydrocarbons.
Selon une variante de l'invention, on utilise en lieu et place du capteur unique 21, deux capteurs 22A et 22B alignés de part et d'autre du corps 27 de la vanne 3. Dans ce cas, la quantité d'énergie lumineuse transmise de la fibre optique 25A à la fibre optique 25B permet de déterminer l'indice de turbidité de l'hydrocarbure dans la vanne.According to a variant of the invention, in place of the single sensor 21, two sensors 22A and 22B aligned on either side of the body 27 of the valve 3 are used. In this case, the quantity of light energy transmitted from the optical fiber 25A to the optical fiber 25B makes it possible to determine the turbidity index of the hydrocarbon in the valve.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'inven- tion, et quel que soit le type de capteur optique (21,22), le paramètre physico-chimique de l'hydrocarbure qui est utilisé est sa couleur. Cette mise en oeuvre utilise le fait qu'aux différents carburants disponibles ont été affectées des couleurs différentes par les compagnies pétrolières. Le code de couleur des différents carburants est résumé dans le tableau ci-dessous :According to another embodiment of the invention, and whatever the type of optical sensor (21, 22), the physico-chemical parameter of the hydrocarbon which is used is its color. This implementation uses the fact that the different fuels available have been assigned different colors by the oil companies. The color code of the different fuels is summarized in the table below:
GAS-OIL jaune ou marronGAS-OIL yellow or brown
SUPER jaune pâleSUPER pale yellow
SANS PLOMB 95 et 98 vertLEAD FREE 95 and 98 green
FUEL DOMESTIQUE rougeFUEL DOMESTIQUE rouge
GAS-OIL MARINE LEGER bleuGAS-OIL MARINE LIGHT blue
Chaque couleur a un pouvoir absorbant différent et donne donc une valeur d'identification différente. La réponse optique par un carburant donné à une stimulation optique envoyée est calibrée en laboratoire avec une certaine marge tenant compte des variations de température auxquelles les carburants peuvent être soumis pendant leur distribution.Each color has a different absorbency and therefore gives a different identification value. The optical response by a given fuel to an optical stimulation sent is calibrated in the laboratory with a certain margin taking into account the temperature variations to which the fuels may be subjected during their distribution.
Comme représenté dans la Figure 1, les valeurs prélevées par les capteurs 21, 22, correspondant aux indices de turbidité ou aux couleurs des carburants, sont acheminées par les fibres optiques 23 vers un ensemble électronique d'analyse et de traitement 33 disposé dans le coffret de commande 5. Chaque vanne 3 est ainsi reliée à une carte électronique de traitement 35, spécifiquement programmée pour identifier la conformité du carburant à l'entrée de la vanne avec celui situé dans la cuve corres- pondante de la station-service.As represented in FIG. 1, the values taken by the sensors 21, 22, corresponding to the turbidity indices or to the colors of the fuels, are conveyed by the optical fibers 23 to an electronic analysis and processing unit 33 arranged in the box 5. Each valve 3 is thus connected to an electronic treatment card 35, specifically programmed to identify the conformity of the fuel at the inlet of the valve with that located in the corresponding tank of the service station.
Les cartes électroniques 35 transforment la grandeur optique d'entrée en une valeur numérique qui est comparée à une valeur de référence mémorisée correspondant à l'indice de turbidité ou à la couleur du carburant autorisé. Par conséquent, les cartes 35 sont essentielle¬ ment des comparateurs délivrant sur leurs lignes de sortie 37 une valeur logique (0 ou 1), dépendant du résultat de la comparaison entre les valeurs d'entrée des paramètres d'identification, et les valeurs mémorisées. De telles cartes sont disponibles dans le commerce, et ne seront pas décrites davantage.The electronic cards 35 transform the optical input quantity into a digital value which is compared with a stored reference value corresponding to the turbidity index or to the color of the authorized fuel. Consequently, the cards 35 are essentially comparators delivering on their output lines 37 a logic value (0 or 1), depending on the result of the comparison between the input values of the parameters identification, and the stored values. Such cards are commercially available, and will not be described further.
La sortie 37 de chaque électrovanne carte 35 est reliée à l'entrée de commande d'une électrovanne 39 de pilotage de la vanne pneumatique 3 correspondante. Chaque électrovanne 39 est alimentée en air comprimé par un circuit d'air comprimé 41, et la sortie de chaque élec¬ trovanne 39 est reliée par le circuit d'air comprimé 41 à une vanne 3 correspondante du dispositif. Les électrovannes 39 sont alimentées en air comprimé à partir d'une bouche d'alimentation d'air 43 disposée de façon apparente sur un côté du coffret de commande 5. L'alimentation en air comprimé peut provenir d'une source quelconque, et notam- ment de la source d'alimentation en air comprimé disponible sur les camions-citernes de livraison.The output 37 of each card solenoid valve 35 is connected to the control input of a solenoid valve 39 for controlling the corresponding pneumatic valve 3. Each solenoid valve 39 is supplied with compressed air by a compressed air circuit 41, and the outlet of each solenoid valve 39 is connected by the compressed air circuit 41 to a corresponding valve 3 of the device. The solenoid valves 39 are supplied with compressed air from an air supply mouth 43 apparently arranged on one side of the control box 5. The supply of compressed air can come from any source, and in particular - the compressed air supply source available on the delivery tankers.
De préférence, des filtres à air 45 et des sécheurs d'air 47 sont disposés dans le. circuit d'alimenta¬ tion en air des électrovannes 39. Les cartes électroniques d'analyse 35 sont alimentées en tension électrique continue par l'intermé¬ diaire d'un transformateur/redresseur 49 commutable dans le réseau électrique de 220 volts par l'intermédiaire d'un interrupteur 51. L'utilisation et le fonctionnement du dispositif selon l'invention sont alors les suivants.Preferably, air filters 45 and air dryers 47 are arranged in the . air supply circuit for the solenoid valves 39. The electronic analysis cards 35 are supplied with direct electric voltage by means of a transformer / rectifier 49 switchable in the 220-volt electrical network via of a switch 51. The use and operation of the device according to the invention are then as follows.
Lors de la livraison de carburants, le livreur demande au responsable de la station service de mettre le coffret de commande 5 sous tension à l'aide d'une clé actionnant l'interrupteur de mise sous tension 51. Le livreur branche ensuite un tuyau pneumatique du camion à la bouche d'alimentation 43 en air comprimé du coffret de commande 5, afin d'alimenter ce dernier en air comprimé. Ensuite, le livreur branche un tuyau flexible 9 d'ali enta- tion d'hydrocarbures, entre d'une part la bouche de sortie 'une cuve du camion et l'entrée 7 de la vanne 3 d'une cuve de la station-service. Puis il actionne la vanne manuelle d'ouverture de la cuve du camion, laissant ainsi s'écouler le carburant dans le flexible 9 jusqu'à l'entrée de la vanne 3 du dispositif d'identification, où le carburant est arrêté et identifié.During the delivery of fuels, the delivery man asks the person in charge of the service station to switch on the control box 5 using a key actuating the power switch 51. The delivery man then connects a pneumatic hose from the truck to the compressed air supply mouth 43 of the control box 5, in order to supply the latter with compressed air. Then, the delivery man connects a flexible oil supply hose 9, between on the one hand the outlet mouth of a tank of the truck and the inlet 7 of the valve 3 of a tank from the service station. Then it activates the manual valve for opening the tank of the truck, thus allowing the fuel to flow through the hose 9 to the inlet of the valve 3 of the identification device, where the fuel is stopped and identified.
A cet effet, les capteurs 21, 22 de turbidité et de couleur décrits précédemment envoient leurs informations à la carte électronique d'analyse et de traitement 35 correspondant à la vanne 3 en question. La carte 35 analyse en quelque secondes la valeur des paramètres de turbidité et de colorimétrie, et n'émet une commande d'ouverture de 1'électrovanne 39 correspondante que si les valeurs détec¬ tées par les capteurs 21, 22 correspondent aux valeurs de référence mémorisées. En cas d'identification positive, la carte électronique 35 provoque la mise sous tension de 1'électrovanne 39 correspondante. Celle-ci s'ouvre pour laisser passer l'air comprimé du circuit d'air 41 vers la vanne 3, et l'air comprimé actionne l'ouverture du clapet 13 de la vanne 3. L'hydrocarbure peut alors s'écouler vers la cuve correspondante de la station-service. Le fonction¬ nement est successivement le même pour l'identification du carburant à l'entrée des autres vannes 3.To this end, the turbidity and color sensors 21, 22 described above send their information to the electronic analysis and processing card 35 corresponding to the valve 3 in question. The card 35 analyzes in a few seconds the value of the turbidity and colorimetry parameters, and only issues a command to open the corresponding solenoid valve 39 if the values detected by the sensors 21, 22 correspond to the reference values memorized. In the event of positive identification, the electronic card 35 causes the corresponding solenoid valve 39 to be energized. This opens to let the compressed air pass from the air circuit 41 to the valve 3, and the compressed air activates the opening of the valve 13 of the valve 3. The hydrocarbon can then flow to the corresponding tank of the service station. The operation is successively the same for identifying the fuel at the inlet of the other valves 3.
Il est à noter que lorsque la cuve du camion- citerne est vide, les capteurs ne détectent plus la présence d'un hydrocarbure, et envoient de ce fait l' information correspondante aux cartes électroniques 35 qui ordonnent aussitôt la fermeture de la vanne 3.It should be noted that when the tanker tank is empty, the sensors no longer detect the presence of a hydrocarbon, and therefore send the corresponding information to the electronic cards 35 which immediately order the closing of the valve 3.
En variante de l'invention, il est prévu de munir chaque vanne 3 d'un capteur unique, pour la détermination de l'indice de turbidité, ou de l'indice de colorimétrie, ou des deux.As a variant of the invention, provision is made to provide each valve 3 with a single sensor, for determining the turbidity index, or the colorimetry index, or both.
Un autre mode de réalisation des moyens capteurs va maintenant être décrit en référence à la figure 4.Another embodiment of the sensor means will now be described with reference to FIG. 4.
On voit sur cette figure 4 que les moyens capteurs comportent un premier capteur 60 constitué par l'extrémité d'une fibre optique 62 alimentée par une source lumineuse 64 et également vissé dans le corps 66 de la vanne et un deuxième capteur 70 également constitué par une fibre optique vissé sur le corps 66.It can be seen in this FIG. 4 that the sensor means comprise a first sensor 60 constituted by the end of an optical fiber 62 supplied by a source luminous 64 and also screwed into the body 66 of the valve and a second sensor 70 also constituted by an optical fiber screwed onto the body 66.
Les deux capteurs 60 et 70 sont décallés d'envi- ron 90°, c'est-à-dire que les axes définis par les extrémi¬ tés correspondantes des fibres optiques sont perpendiculai¬ res. Ils sont en outre de préférence vissés sur le corps de la vanne à un emplacement muni d'un hublot en verre 72.The two sensors 60 and 70 are offset by about 90 °, that is to say that the axes defined by the corresponding ends of the optical fibers are perpendicular. They are also preferably screwed onto the valve body at a location provided with a glass porthole 72.
Le fonctionnement de ces moyens capteurs est le suivant.The operation of these sensor means is as follows.
La source lumineuse 64 émet, par l'intermédiaire de la fibre optique 62, un rayonnement qui traverse le carburant contenu dans le corps 66 de la vanne, selon une direction parallèle à l'axe de la fibre optique 62. Le deuxième capteur 70 recueille l'énergie lumineuse renvoyée par le fluide selon une direction perpendiculaire à la direction du rayonnement émis.The light source 64 emits, through the optical fiber 62, radiation which passes through the fuel contained in the body 66 of the valve, in a direction parallel to the axis of the optical fiber 62. The second sensor 70 collects the light energy returned by the fluid in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the emitted radiation.
Comme dans les exemples de réalisation précé¬ dents, les moyens capteurs qui viennent d'être décrits sont reliés à des moyens d'analyse similaires à ceux de la Figure 1 en vue de la détermination de la turbidité ou/et de la couleur du fluide.As in the previous embodiment examples, the sensor means which have just been described are connected to analysis means similar to those of FIG. 1 with a view to determining the turbidity or / and the color of the fluid. .
Selon une autre variante, certains capteurs pourront permettre une identification basée sur des paramètres différents de la turbidité ou de la couleur, et être situés à l'extérieur de la vanne elle-même.According to another variant, certain sensors may allow identification based on different parameters of turbidity or color, and be located outside the valve itself.
De plus, les vannes 3 et/ou le coffret de commande 5 (Figures 1 et 2) peuvent aisément être pourvus de moyens classiques d'alertes sonore et lumineuse, par exemple par voyant lumineux ou sirène 53, dont le déclen¬ chement est commandé par un branchement erroné à l'entrée de la vanne, de sorte que le livreur puisse rapidement corriger l'erreur de branchement.In addition, the valves 3 and / or the control box 5 (Figures 1 and 2) can easily be provided with conventional means of sound and light alerts, for example by indicator light or siren 53, the triggering of which is controlled. by an incorrect connection at the valve inlet, so that the delivery person can quickly correct the connection error.
Il est à noter par ailleurs que l'identification de l'hydrocarbure continue tout au long de l'écoulement du produit, permettant ainsi de détecter d'éventuelles impure- tés ou de l'eau de condensation mélangé au produit, ce qui déclencherait également la fermeture immédiate de la vanne en question, interdisant ainsi le passage des impuretés dans la cuve de la station-service. II ressort de ce qui précède que le dispositif d'identification de fluides selon l'invention répond parfaitement aux objectifs fixés, notamment dans le domaine de l'identification d'hydrocarbures qui sont sur le point d'être transvasés dans une cuve de station-service. En effet, l'utilisation du dispositif d'identifi¬ cation selon l'invention élimine tout risque de mélange de carburants de types différents dans les cuves de la station-service, et élimine de ce fait tous les inconvé¬ nients qui, jusqu'à l'heure actuelle, résultaient d'une telle situation.It should also be noted that the identification of the hydrocarbon continues throughout the flow of the product, thus making it possible to detect possible impurities. or condensed water mixed with the product, which would also trigger the immediate closing of the valve in question, thus preventing the passage of impurities in the tank of the service station. It emerges from the above that the device for identifying fluids according to the invention perfectly meets the objectives set, in particular in the field of identifying hydrocarbons which are about to be transferred to a station tank. service. Indeed, the use of the identifi¬ cation device according to the invention eliminates any risk of mixing fuels of different types in the tanks of the service station, and therefore eliminates all the disadvantages which, up to at present, resulted from such a situation.
En outre, le dispositif est tout à fait efficace, puisqu'il permet non seulement d'identifier les hydrocar¬ bures à transvaser et de vérifier leur conformité avec les produits déjà dans les cuves respectives, mais en outre, en cas de discordance des produits, il permet de bloquer l'écoulement, ce qui permet au livreur de modifier les branchements en conséquence.In addition, the device is quite effective, since it makes it possible not only to identify the hydrocarbons to be transferred and to verify their conformity with the products already in the respective tanks, but also, in the event of product mismatch. , it blocks the flow, which allows the delivery person to modify the connections accordingly.
Par ailleurs, le dispositif d'identification présente toutes les garanties de sécurité, puisque d'une part la vanne de blocage est commandée à distance, de façon pneumatique, et que d'autre part la fibre optique ne transporte qu'une faible énergie optique, ce qui élimine les risques d'explosion liés à la création d'étincelles dans un environnement d'hydrocarbures. De plus, le dispositif d'identification est d'une installation et d'une mise en oeuvre très simples, et ne demandera pas dans la plupart des cas de modification de construction des installations existantes de la station- service. Enfin, de façon générale, la mise en oeuvre du dispositif d'identification dans un environnement de station-service permet d'améliorer progressivement la 13 pureté des produits contenus dans les cuves des stations- service, et contribue à la qualité de l'environnement en évitant aux compagnies pétrolières d'avoir à gérer ou a détruire des hydrocarbures accidentellement mélangés. Furthermore, the identification device has all the security guarantees, since on the one hand the blocking valve is controlled remotely, pneumatically, and on the other hand the optical fiber only carries a low optical energy , which eliminates the risk of explosion linked to the creation of sparks in a hydrocarbon environment. In addition, the identification device is very simple to install and implement, and in most cases will not require any modification to the construction of existing installations at the service station. Finally, in general, the implementation of the identification device in a service station environment makes it possible to progressively improve the 13 purity of the products contained in the tanks of service stations, and contributes to the quality of the environment by avoiding the oil companies having to manage or destroy accidentally mixed hydrocarbons.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Dispositif (1) d'identification d'un fluide, notamment d'un fluide hydrocarbure destiné à être transvasé à partir d'un réservoir source pourvu d'une bouche de1. Device (1) for identifying a fluid, in particular a hydrocarbon fluid intended to be transferred from a source tank provided with a
5 déversement, dans un réservoir cible pourvu d'une bouche d' alimentation, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte des moyens capteurs (21,22;60,70) pour mesurer au voisinage de la bouche d'alimentation la valeur d'au moins un paramètre représentatif du fluide, et en ce que lesdits moyens 10 capteurs (21,22;60,70) sont connectés à des moyens d'ana¬ lyse (33) de la valeur du paramètre ainsi mesurée, afin de vérifier la concordance du fluide à transvaser avec le fluide contenu dans ledit réservoir cible.5 discharge, into a target tank provided with a supply mouth, characterized in that it comprises sensor means (21,22; 60,70) for measuring in the vicinity of the supply mouth the value of at at least one parameter representative of the fluid, and in that said means 10 sensors (21,22; 60,70) are connected to means of analysis (33) of the value of the parameter thus measured, in order to check the agreement fluid to be transferred with the fluid contained in said target reservoir.
2. Dispositif (1) d'identification d'un fluide 15 selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte en outre des moyens de coupure (3,13) de l'écoulement de fluide, disposés en amont de la bouche d'alimentation du réservoir cible, lesdits moyens de coupure (3,13) étant maintenus fermés tant que le fluide à verser n'a pas été 20 identifié comme étant identique au fluide déjà contenu dans le réservoir cible.2. Device (1) for identifying a fluid according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises means for cutting off (3.13) the fluid flow, arranged upstream of the mouth. supplying the target tank, said cut-off means (3,13) being kept closed until the fluid to be poured has not been identified as being identical to the fluid already contained in the target tank.
3. Dispositif (1) d'identification d'un fluide selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens de coupure (3,13) comportent une vanne (3) pourvue3. Device (1) for identifying a fluid according to claim 2, characterized in that said cut-off means (3,13) comprise a valve (3) provided
25 d'un clapet (13) normalement fermé, à commande pneumatique, située en amont de la bouche d'alimentation du réservoir25 a valve (13) normally closed, pneumatically controlled, located upstream of the supply port of the tank
* cible. * target.
4. Dispositif (1) d'identification d'un fluide selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que, ledit4. Device (1) for identifying a fluid according to claim 3, characterized in that, said
30 paramètre étant la couleur du fluide, lesdits moyens capteurs comportent au moins une fibre optique (25,25a,2- 5b) disposée dans le trajet du fluide à transvaser, cette fibre optique étant connectée pour envoyer un faisceau lumineux dans le fluide à identifier, la partie réfléchie et/ou réfractée du faisceau étant fournie par ladite fibre optique auxdits moyens d'analyse (33) pour déterminer si le fluide à verser est identique au fluide du réservoir cible.30 parameter being the color of the fluid, said sensor means comprise at least one optical fiber (25,25a, 2-5b) disposed in the path of the fluid to be transferred, this optical fiber being connected to send a light beam into the fluid to be identified, the reflected and / or refracted part of the beam being supplied by said optical fiber to said analysis means (33) to determine whether the fluid to be poured is identical to the fluid of the target tank.
5. Dispositif (1) d'identification d'un fluide selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que, ledit paramètre étant la turbidité du fluide, la fibre optique (25,25a,25b) est connectée pour envoyer un faisceau lumineux dans le fluide à identifier, la partie réfléchie et/ou réfractée du faisceau étant fournie par la fibre optique auxdits moyens d'analyse (33) pour déterminer si le fluide à verser est identique au fluide du réservoir cible.5. Device (1) for identifying a fluid according to claim 3, characterized in that, said parameter being the turbidity of the fluid, the optical fiber (25,25a, 25b) is connected to send a light beam into the fluid to be identified, the reflected and / or refracted part of the beam being supplied by the optical fiber to said analysis means (33) to determine whether the fluid to be poured is identical to the fluid in the target reservoir.
6. Dispositif (1) d'identification d'un fluide selon les revendications 4 et 5, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte simultanément au moins un capteur de détection de la turbidité du fluide et au moins un capteur de détection de la couleur du fluide.6. Device (1) for identifying a fluid according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that it simultaneously comprises at least one sensor for detecting the turbidity of the fluid and at least one sensor for detecting the color of the fluid.
7. Dispositif d'identification d'un fluide selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que les moyens capteurs comportent une première fibre optique (60,62) pour émettre un faisceau lumineux dans le fluide à identifier et une deuxième fibre optique (70) pour recevoir le faisceau réfracté par le fluide, lesdites première et deuxième fibres optiques étant disposées de façon sensiblement perpendiculaire.7. A fluid identification device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sensor means comprise a first optical fiber (60, 62) for emitting a light beam in the fluid to be identified and a second optical fiber (70) for receiving the beam refracted by the fluid, said first and second optical fibers being arranged substantially perpendicularly.
8. Dispositif (1) d'identification selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les capteurs (21,22) de chaque vanne (3) sont reliés à l'entrée d'une carte électronique (35) de traitement qui compare les grandeurs prélevées par les capteurs à des valeurs de référence mémorisées par la carte (35), la sortie de chaque carte électronique (35) de traitement commandant ou non l'ouverture de la vanne (3) correspondan¬ te, en fonction du résultat de la comparaison des valeurs prélevées et des valeurs mémorisées dudit paramètre.8. Device (1) for identification according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensors (21, 22) of each valve (3) are connected to the input of an electronic card (35) of processing which compares the quantities sampled by the sensors with reference values memorized by the card (35), the output of each electronic card (35) for processing or not controlling the opening of the corresponding valve (3), depending on the result of the comparison of the values taken and the stored values of said parameter.
9. Dispositif (1) d'identification selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que, pour commander la vanne (3) correspondante, la sortie (37) de chaque carte électronique (35) de traitement est connectée à l'entrée d'une électrovanne de commande (39) disposée dans un circuit (41) d'air comprimé, ledit circuit d'air comprimé étant connecté pour actionner en ouverture le clapet (13) de la vanne (3) lorsque l'électrovanne de commande (39) est passante.9. Device (1) for identification according to claim 8, characterized in that, to control the corresponding valve (3), the outlet (37) of each electronic card (35) for processing is connected to the inlet of a control solenoid valve (39) disposed in a compressed air circuit (41), said compressed air circuit being connected to open the valve (3) of the valve (3) when the control solenoid valve (39 ) is busy.
10. Dispositif (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte des moyens d'alarme (53) qui sont actionnés lorsque les moyens d'analyse (33) détectent un fluide inapproprié à l'entré de la vanne (3).10. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises alarm means (53) which are actuated when the analysis means (33) detect a fluid inappropriate for entry of the valve (3).
11. Dispositif (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 10, caractérisé en ce que la vanne (3) possède un taraudage permettant son vissage sur la bouche d'alimentation d'une cuve de station-service. 11. Device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that the valve (3) has a tapping allowing it to be screwed onto the supply mouth of a service station tank.
PCT/FR1995/001481 1994-11-10 1995-11-09 Device for identifying hydrocarbon fluids WO1996015064A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU41795/96A AU4179596A (en) 1994-11-10 1995-11-09 Device for identifying hydrocarbon fluids

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9413865A FR2726910B1 (en) 1994-11-10 1994-11-10 HYDROCARBON FLUID IDENTIFICATION DEVICE
FR94/13865 1994-11-10

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1996015064A1 true WO1996015064A1 (en) 1996-05-23

Family

ID=9468956

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/FR1995/001481 WO1996015064A1 (en) 1994-11-10 1995-11-09 Device for identifying hydrocarbon fluids

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU4179596A (en)
FR (1) FR2726910B1 (en)
WO (1) WO1996015064A1 (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6341629B1 (en) 1996-11-01 2002-01-29 Bp Oil International Limited Testing device and method of use
US8485233B2 (en) 2007-11-08 2013-07-16 Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Bio-fuels vehicle fueling system
WO2016046519A1 (en) * 2014-09-22 2016-03-31 Mechtronic Ltd Fuel delivery apparatus and method
EP2910520A4 (en) * 2012-10-19 2016-06-29 Tatsuno Corp Fueling device
WO2018165705A1 (en) * 2017-03-14 2018-09-20 Ray Bradley A product identifier and a delivery method
WO2019158945A1 (en) * 2018-02-16 2019-08-22 Berrys (Holdings) Technologies Limited Fuel delivery spout for avoiding misfuelling and method therefor

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ATE400526T1 (en) * 2002-04-15 2008-07-15 Dezidata Gmbh REFUELING METHOD, DEVICE AND SYSTEM
DE102005023656A1 (en) * 2005-05-23 2006-12-07 Fafnir Gmbh Method for detecting the fuel type of motor vehicles at a gas station
EP2925667B1 (en) 2012-11-08 2018-01-17 Delaware Capital Formation, Inc. Cross contamination control systems with fluid product id sensors
US10407296B2 (en) * 2016-10-12 2019-09-10 Knappco Corporation Optical fluid sensors for cross contamination control systems
TR201710647A2 (en) * 2017-07-20 2017-10-23 Bulgurcu Berkehan ONE INTELLIGENT FUEL FILLING ELBOW
AU2018347983A1 (en) 2017-10-09 2020-04-09 Knappco, LLC Control systems for liquid product delivery vehicles

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0296705A2 (en) * 1987-05-22 1988-12-28 Gec Aerospace Limited Optical sensing arrangements
EP0298464A2 (en) * 1987-07-09 1989-01-11 Junkosha Co. Ltd. Liquid supply apparatus
FR2640921A1 (en) * 1988-12-28 1990-06-29 Shell Int Research Appliance for preventing mixing of fuels when filling a tank
EP0518662A2 (en) * 1991-06-11 1992-12-16 Emco Wheaton U.K. Limited Fluid discharge monitor system and method
DE4124243A1 (en) * 1991-07-22 1993-01-28 Ingo Dohmann Safety monitoring system for fuel transfer from tanker vehicle to storage tank - sends air pulse through filling hose, and detects air movement at venting nozzle of tank for control of filling process
EP0566345A1 (en) * 1992-04-13 1993-10-20 Tatsuno Corporation Fuel dispensing apparatus capable of automatically discriminating fuel sort
WO1994008226A1 (en) * 1992-10-05 1994-04-14 Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V. An apparatus for fuel quality monitoring
JPH07330098A (en) * 1994-06-15 1995-12-19 Nippon Stand Service Kk Device for preventing mixture of oil

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0296705A2 (en) * 1987-05-22 1988-12-28 Gec Aerospace Limited Optical sensing arrangements
EP0298464A2 (en) * 1987-07-09 1989-01-11 Junkosha Co. Ltd. Liquid supply apparatus
FR2640921A1 (en) * 1988-12-28 1990-06-29 Shell Int Research Appliance for preventing mixing of fuels when filling a tank
EP0518662A2 (en) * 1991-06-11 1992-12-16 Emco Wheaton U.K. Limited Fluid discharge monitor system and method
DE4124243A1 (en) * 1991-07-22 1993-01-28 Ingo Dohmann Safety monitoring system for fuel transfer from tanker vehicle to storage tank - sends air pulse through filling hose, and detects air movement at venting nozzle of tank for control of filling process
EP0566345A1 (en) * 1992-04-13 1993-10-20 Tatsuno Corporation Fuel dispensing apparatus capable of automatically discriminating fuel sort
WO1994008226A1 (en) * 1992-10-05 1994-04-14 Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V. An apparatus for fuel quality monitoring
JPH07330098A (en) * 1994-06-15 1995-12-19 Nippon Stand Service Kk Device for preventing mixture of oil

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
DATABASE WPI Section PQ Week 9608, Derwent World Patents Index; Class Q39, AN 96-074365 *

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6341629B1 (en) 1996-11-01 2002-01-29 Bp Oil International Limited Testing device and method of use
US8485233B2 (en) 2007-11-08 2013-07-16 Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Bio-fuels vehicle fueling system
EP2910520A4 (en) * 2012-10-19 2016-06-29 Tatsuno Corp Fueling device
WO2016046519A1 (en) * 2014-09-22 2016-03-31 Mechtronic Ltd Fuel delivery apparatus and method
WO2018165705A1 (en) * 2017-03-14 2018-09-20 Ray Bradley A product identifier and a delivery method
WO2019158945A1 (en) * 2018-02-16 2019-08-22 Berrys (Holdings) Technologies Limited Fuel delivery spout for avoiding misfuelling and method therefor
GB2585793A (en) * 2018-02-16 2021-01-20 Berrys Holdings Tech Limited Fuel delivery spout for avoiding misfuelling and method therefor
US11130669B2 (en) 2018-02-16 2021-09-28 Berrys (Holdings) Technologies Limited Fuel delivery spout for avoiding misfuelling and method therefor
GB2585793B (en) * 2018-02-16 2022-06-29 Berrys Holdings Tech Limited Fuel delivery apparatus and method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU4179596A (en) 1996-06-06
FR2726910B1 (en) 1996-12-27
FR2726910A1 (en) 1996-05-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO1996015064A1 (en) Device for identifying hydrocarbon fluids
EP1943456B1 (en) Element for controlling filling and/or drawing of a pressurized gas, tank and circuit provided with such an element
EP1779026B1 (en) Gas storage system, method using same and vehicle incorporating same
EP1974164B1 (en) Method and device for filling pressure gas containers
US20210380398A1 (en) Fluid delivery apparatus and method
EP0086154B1 (en) Liquid container and working method thereof
EP3455159B1 (en) Facility for storing and dispensing fuel
CN110114300B (en) Optical fluid sensor for cross-contamination control system
EP0034098A1 (en) Process for filling liquefied-gas bottles and installation for carrying it out
FR2914293A1 (en) DEVICE FOR PREVENTING FLUID SUPPLY ERRORS FROM A RESERVE
EP2474500B1 (en) Device for connecting a storage vat to a supply and method for managing such a connection
EP3411624B1 (en) Cryogenic liquid delivery system
EP2243995B1 (en) Leak detection device for a LPG distribution installation
EP2283223A1 (en) Pressurized gas receiving device, dispenser-receiving device assembly, and corresponding supply system
EP3762296B1 (en) Aircraft refuelling device and method for manufacturing a wing coupling for such a device
WO2007101960A2 (en) Device and method for identifying a fuel
EP0047217B1 (en) Overpressure indicating valve for containers
JPH06144499A (en) Method and apparatus for prevention of oil mixing at the time of oiling
JPH082595A (en) Apparatus for preventing oil mixture
FR2816033A1 (en) Multi-valve for pressurised gas tank e.g. for LPG has optical level detector and filling limiter combined with controller and gauge
FR2504907A1 (en) Delivery metering arrangement from multi-compartment tanker vehicles - uses flow turbine at entrance to measuring chamber feeding magnetic impulses to counter circuit driving display and printer
FR2917804A1 (en) Gas cartridge connecting system for use in e.g. healthcare facility, has control module with unit emitting control signal to open valve in case of positive comparison between cartridge gas type and utilization gas type identification data
KR940007940Y1 (en) Liquid supply apparatus
JPH082597A (en) Apparatus for preventing oil mixture
EP0018277B1 (en) Device permitting the registration of volumes of liquid put back in a reservoir after flow control

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AM AU BB BG BR BY CA CN CZ EE FI GE HU IS JP KG KP KR KZ LK LR LS LT LV MD MG MK MN MX NO NZ PL RO RU SG SI SK TJ TM TT UA US UZ VN

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): KE LS MW SD SZ UG AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN ML MR NE SN TD TG

DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase