WO2002069066A2 - Procede et appareil permettant d'ajouter un additif a un liquide - Google Patents

Procede et appareil permettant d'ajouter un additif a un liquide Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002069066A2
WO2002069066A2 PCT/IE2002/000025 IE0200025W WO02069066A2 WO 2002069066 A2 WO2002069066 A2 WO 2002069066A2 IE 0200025 W IE0200025 W IE 0200025W WO 02069066 A2 WO02069066 A2 WO 02069066A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
additive
fluid
delivery
operable
controller
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IE2002/000025
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2002069066A3 (fr
Inventor
Brian Francis Mooney
Kevin Dowling
Original Assignee
Brian Francis Mooney
Kevin Dowling
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 Brian Francis Mooney, Kevin Dowling filed Critical Brian Francis Mooney
Priority to AU2002234842A priority Critical patent/AU2002234842A1/en
Publication of WO2002069066A2 publication Critical patent/WO2002069066A2/fr
Publication of WO2002069066A3 publication Critical patent/WO2002069066A3/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/36—Arrangements of flow- or pressure-control valves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/20—Measuring; Control or regulation
    • B01F35/21—Measuring
    • B01F35/211—Measuring of the operational parameters
    • B01F35/2111—Flow rate
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/20—Measuring; Control or regulation
    • B01F35/22—Control or regulation
    • B01F35/221—Control or regulation of operational parameters, e.g. level of material in the mixer, temperature or pressure
    • B01F35/2211—Amount of delivered fluid during a period
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/20—Measuring; Control or regulation
    • B01F35/22—Control or regulation
    • B01F35/221—Control or regulation of operational parameters, e.g. level of material in the mixer, temperature or pressure
    • B01F35/2217—Volume of at least one component to be mixed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/80—Forming a predetermined ratio of the substances to be mixed
    • B01F35/88—Forming a predetermined ratio of the substances to be mixed by feeding the materials batchwise
    • B01F35/882—Forming a predetermined ratio of the substances to be mixed by feeding the materials batchwise using measuring chambers, e.g. volumetric pumps, for feeding the substances
    • B01F35/8822—Forming a predetermined ratio of the substances to be mixed by feeding the materials batchwise using measuring chambers, e.g. volumetric pumps, for feeding the substances using measuring chambers of the piston or plunger type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/74—Devices for mixing two or more different liquids to be transferred
    • B67D7/743—Devices for mixing two or more different liquids to be transferred electrically or electro-mechanically operated
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D11/00—Control of flow ratio
    • G05D11/02—Controlling ratio of two or more flows of fluid or fluent material
    • G05D11/13—Controlling ratio of two or more flows of fluid or fluent material characterised by the use of electric means
    • G05D11/131—Controlling ratio of two or more flows of fluid or fluent material characterised by the use of electric means by measuring the values related to the quantity of the individual components
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/40—Mixing liquids with liquids; Emulsifying
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/74—Devices for mixing two or more different liquids to be transferred
    • B67D2007/745—Devices for mixing two or more different liquids to be transferred for obtaining fuel of a given octane level
    • B67D2007/748—Devices for mixing two or more different liquids to be transferred for obtaining fuel of a given octane level by mixing fuel with additives, e.g. anti-knocking agents

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for adding an additive to a fluid.
  • the invention relates particularly, but not exclusively, to a method and apparatus for adding a fluid additive to fluid dispensed from a delivery means which is required to deliver fluid with and without an additive.
  • the invention also relates particularly, but not exclusively, to a delivery means which is a heating oil tanker truck and to a method for adding a fluid additive to heating oil.
  • the description of the invention relates particularly but not exclusively to adding a fluid additive to a fluid, such as fuel, delivered from a tanker truck delivery vehicle which is required to deliver fuel with and without the additive.
  • a fluid additive such as fuel
  • the truck is fitted with a duct, a fluid delivery means and fluid flow measurement means comprising a fuel delivery pipe, a fuel delivery hose and a fuel meter-register, or an apparatus such as a truck computer which delivers an output related to the output from a meter-register, for example an output compensated for temperature variations.
  • the apparatus includes an additive storage means, an additive adding means and an additive connection means comprising an additive storage tank, an additive injection pump and a line connecting the pump to the fuel delivery pipe.
  • the apparatus also includes a controller means which comprises a programmable electronic controller and may also include some other logic components on the truck.
  • the apparatus also includes a pre-set means, a selection means and optionally by timing means comprising an electronic pre-set device, an electrical selector switch and an electronic timer device within the controller.
  • the apparatus additionally includes a detection means and a communication means comprising a visual check by the operator into the customer's fuel tank and a radio controlled link from the operator to the controller on the truck.
  • the apparatus further includes a recording means and an operating element of the addition of additive to the fuel comprising the controller and a screen which visually displays the records and a link to some element of the additive injection process, such as a count of the strokes of the injection pump. It also includes a resetting means, comprising an operator reset button which allows the operator to reset the record where required.
  • the apparatus also includes a securing means comprising a wire seal and enclosure containing the controller, where the wire seal secures the door of the enclosure.
  • the apparatus also includes a setting or adjusting means which comprises alterations to the software in the controller which can only be made where there is direct physical access to the controller.
  • the apparatus additionally includes a sensing means comprising an electronic flow sensor on the additive line and the pumping means is of the type which pumps in discrete amounts comprising an injection type pump.
  • the apparatus further includes a sampling means comprising a two way valve which permits a sample to be taken of the output from the additive pump.
  • the description also relates to a method of obtaining a signal from a fluid flow measurement means, where the signal is an electronic pulse signal and the fluid flow measurement means is a meter-register on a fuel tanker truck.
  • the meter-register comprises a metering means, a display means and a casing on the display means, which comprise a fuel meter and a register and its protective casing.
  • the meter-register also includes a rotating driving means, an engagement means on the metering means and an engagement means on the display means which comprise the driving shaft from the meter to the register and the engagement pieces on the meter side and register side which allows the register to be readily separated from and repositioned on the meter.
  • the apparatus includes a target means connected by a connection means comprising a target disk and split bush which allows it to be connected to the rotating components within the register. It further includes a detection means and a controller means which comprise an electronic sensor and an electronic controller, where the sensor detects the movement of projections or holes on the target means and sends corresponding signals to the electronic controller. The signals may be interpreted as changes of state where the controller registers the signal being switched on or off.
  • the controller may also be provided with a calibration means which allows the signals from the apparatus to be converted to whole units of measurement where the register is of the post-calibration type.
  • Figure 1 shows, in diagrammatic form, an apparatus for adding additive to fuel on a tanker truck
  • Figure 2 shows in diagrammatic form, an underneath view of an electronic pulser suitable for use with a mechanical fuel meter-register
  • Figure 3 shows in diagrammatic form, a side view of the pulser 18 shown in Figure 2.
  • Fuel is stored in tank compartments on a tanker truck and is delivered through a fuel delivery pipe 20 to a reel mounted delivery hose 21.
  • a fuel meter-register 17 is located on the fuel line 20 and records the quantity of fuel delivered when a delivery is made.
  • Additive is stored in an additive tank 1 mounted in a location on the truck which is convenient for refilling.
  • An outlet pipe from the additive tank 1 ducts additive through a suction pipe to an injection pump 4 via an inlet check valve 3.
  • the injection pump 4 delivers additive through an outlet check valve 10 to an additive pipe 11 through which it is ducted to a further check valve 15.
  • the outlet from this check valve 15 is connected into the fuel delivery pipe 20 on the truck.
  • the injection pump 4 comprises an air actuator which is connected to a pump housing 5.
  • the air actuator comprises an air cylinder 6 and air piston 7 with air connections on either side of the air piston 7 and a guide bush at one end.
  • a plunger 8 is connected to the piston 7 and extends into a cavity in the pump housing 5.
  • the cavity in the pump housing 5 communicates with an inlet and outlet port. These ports are provided with screw threads and the inlet and outlet check valves 10 are screwed into them.
  • the cavity in the pump housing 5 is provided with a stationary seal in the region adjacent the air actuator.
  • the plunger 8 passes through the seal and a sealing contact is made between it and the seal.
  • the plunger 8 has a smooth surface suitable for making sealing contact with the seal.
  • the seal may comprise a U seal made from an elastomeric material, such as VITON.
  • An injection pump 4 of this type has many advantages over conventional injection pumps. It has only one moving part and is simple, reliable and accurate. The small diameter plunger facilitates the development of high additive pressures. It is inexpensive to manufacture.
  • the following preferred embodiment is suitable where the additive is added to fuel at nominal ratios ranging from around 1:500 to 1:5000.
  • the injection pump 4 has a nominal stroke capacity of 5ml. It has a plunger of 10mm diameter and stroke length of 63.7 mm. This embodiment will deliver one pump stroke of additive for every 10 litres of fuel where the proportion of fuel to additive is 1 part to 2000.
  • the injection pump 4 pressure is significantly higher than the pressure of the fuel in the fuel delivery pipe 20, which can typically be up to about 10 bar.
  • the additive pressure is principally determined by the air line pressure and the ratio of the areas of the air piston to the plunger. Compressed air is obtained from the truck air system.
  • an air piston diameter of 25mm and plunger diameter of 10mm are used which causes the additive pressure to be intensified to more than six times the air supply pressure.
  • the use of an injection pump 4 with a relatively high delivery pressure has the advantage that its output is less likely to be affected by pressure variations in the fuel delivery pipe 20.
  • the additive pipe 11 is provided with a bypass outlet to allow the injection pump 4 operation to be checked and calibrated.
  • the bypass outlet is normally closed. However, by means of stop valves 2 on the bypass outlet and on the additive pipe 11 downstream of the bypass outlet, the output from the injection pump 4 can be selectively diverted to the bypass outlet. Alternatively, a three way valve can be used to selectively direct the additive flow to the additive pipe 11 or to the bypass outlet.
  • the injection pump 4 is controlled by a controller 22.
  • the controller 22 may be an electronic or electrical controller which sends a control signal to a solenoid operated air valve, where the signal is converted to a compressed air signal which operates the injection pump 4. Alternatively, the controller may be a pneumatic controller which directly operates the injection pump 4.
  • the controller 22 may comprise a relay-type electronic programmable controller, with electronic or electrical inputs and outputs.
  • This type of controller is commercially available from many different manufacturers.
  • a controller of this type henceforth referred to as a relay-type controller, is capable of accepting electrical or electronic inputs, executing simple logic according to how it has been programmed and giving appropriate electrical or electronic outputs.
  • PLCs personal computers
  • PLCs computers
  • PLCs computers
  • PLCs computers
  • PLCs computers
  • PLC is also very limited in its ability to transfer data internally from one part of the controller to another.
  • a relay-type controller has the relative advantages of being easy to program and less prone to software problems.
  • PLCs or computers usually has the advantages of being of lower cost and smaller size than PLCs or computers.
  • the relay-type controller also usually differs from PLCs and computers in that it has a small integral display screen, which is principally provided to facilitate programming and to allow visual monitoring of the status of its inputs and outputs.
  • the present invention overcomes the relay-type controller's limitations in performing mathematical functions and transmitting or transferring data while retaining its advantages over PLCs and computers.
  • the controller When a fuel delivery is made which requires additive, the controller operates the injection pump 4 by one of two operating modes. When a fuel delivery is made which does not require additive, the operator does not switch the controller to the operating position and no additive is added to the delivery of fuel.
  • pulser mode use is made of a pulse signal from a pulser 18 on the fuel meter-register 17 to regulate and pace the addition of additive.
  • the pulser 18 is electrically connected to an input terminal on the controller.
  • the controller 22 monitors and counts pulse signals from the pulser 18. These pulse signals can be arranged to issue at different rates, and the controller is programmed to signal the pump to stroke each time a counter in the controller, counting the pulse signals, reaches the number which corresponds to the amount of fuel to be mixed with the amount of additive in one injection stroke. The controller then resets the counter to zero and repeats the process through the duration of the delivery.
  • the controller 22 operates in the following manner.
  • the operator switches on the controller 22 and enters a number or selection on an operator interface, henceforth referred to as the pre-set number and pre-set interface, where the number or selection corresponds to the volume of fuel in the delivery or to the amount of additive to be added in the delivery.
  • the program in the controller 22 converts the entry to the appropriate number of pump strokes.
  • the controller 22 can be arranged to delivery additive into the fuel at a rate which is different to the nominal rate, yet still add the correct proportion to the pre-set amount of fuel. This can advantageously be used to avoid the final portion of additive from one delivery being retained in the hose and carried to the next delivery. The unavoidable retention of the final portion would otherwise cause problems where all successive deliveries did not require additive.
  • the controller 22 causes the injection pump 4 to operate in three stages over the course of the delivery. Initially, additive is injected at a rate significantly higher than the nominal rate. In the second stage, additive is injected at the nominal rate. This stage continues until sufficient pump strokes have occurred to deliver the correct amount of additive into the pre-set quantity of fuel. In the final stage, additive injection stops and the final portion of the delivery is made without additive.
  • the stages are arranged such that the deliberate higher rate of injection in the first stage causes the volume of the final stage to be greater or equal than the volume of the hose and fuel delivery pipe 20 system downstream of the point where additive is injected into the fuel, henceforth referred to as the hose volume.
  • the controller 22 causes the pump 4 to stroke at twice the nominal rate during the first stage, when an amount of fuel equal to the hose volume is registered by the fuel meter 17.
  • a 600 litre delivery may be staged as follows. Injection occurs at a rate of one stroke for every 5 litres of fuel during the first stage, and this stage terminates when 70 litres is recorded by the fuel meter 17, to give an amount equal to the hose volume.
  • the system will therefore have given 14 pump strokes and added sufficient additive for 140 litres of fuel during this first stage of 70 litres.
  • the second stage will run for the next 460 litres of fuel, giving a further 46 pump strokes.
  • the controller will recognise that 60 strokes have been completed, sufficient for 600 litres of fuel and additive injection will stop.
  • the final 70 litre stage of the fuel delivery will be made without additive.
  • the arrangement of the stages may also be achieved on a timed basis with the additive rates being determined by electronic timing devices instead of pulses from the meter- register 17.
  • the timing devices can be set in the knowledge that truck delivery systems have a recognised maximum flow rate.
  • the pulser 18 is only used to provide an indication that flow is in progress.
  • the controller 22 monitors the pulser 18 signals when the apparatus is switched to pre-set mode and initiates the addition of additive when pulses are detected.
  • the controller 22 may continue to monitor pulses from the fuel meter-register 17 and terminate the addition of additive if fuel flow is detected to have stopped or fallen below a threshold level.
  • Pre-set mode which is achieved on a timed basis, can also be used on trucks without meter-register pulsers.
  • alternative means can be used to detect fuel flow. These means may include the use of a differential pressure switch connected to two positions on the fuel delivery pipe 20, across which a pressure difference arises when fuel flow takes place.
  • the apparatus is arranged such that it is capable of adding additive either using pulser mode or pre-set mode.
  • a selector switch is provided which allows the operator to select the required operating mode on a delivery-by-delivery basis.
  • the apparatus When pulser mode additive addition is selected, the apparatus automatically doses the correct amount using the fuel meter-register 17 pulses.
  • This method is advantageously selected when there is advance knowledge that successive deliveries require additive. It has the advantage that it saves the operator the trouble of entering the pre-set selection corresponding to the volume of the fuel delivery. It also provides a slightly more even spread of additive into the fuel during delivery.
  • pre-set mode additive addition When pre-set mode additive addition is selected, the operator makes the appropriate volume entry and the apparatus automatically doses the correct amount, using the staged injection described earlier. Dosing only takes place during fuel flow and the controller 22 paces the dosing such that it ends prior to the final hose volume of the delivery.
  • Pre-set mode additive addition is advantageously selected when there is any uncertainty or knowledge that successive deliveries might not require additive. It has several advantages. It eliminates the need to pre-plan deliveries or flush hoses. It allows the decision to add or not add additive to be made at the point-of-sale. It allows the operator to ensure that the customer receives the correctly dosed amount.
  • the ability to select either the pulser mode or the pre-set mode allows the apparatus to be used with advantage over a range of delivery conditions.
  • the pre-set interface limits the selection of the pre-set amounts to relatively large multiples of the unit volume measurement, for example in multiples of 100 litres instead of multiples of single litres. This is based on the required amount not usually being known with an accuracy greater than this large multiple in advance of filling the customer's fuel tank, and the pre-set amount must be decided before the tank is filled.
  • a pre-set interface of this type can be advantageously established with a simple relay-type controller of the type described earlier.
  • the cabinet housing the controller is provided with an external two digit visual display and external push button, henceforth referred to as the pre-set button.
  • the pre-set button When the system is set at pre-set mode and the pre-set button is depressed, a regularly repeating electrical pulse is sent to the controller, for example at a steady rate of one every 300 milliseconds. Each time this pulse is received, it causes the visual display to increase by one unit, and also causes a counter in the controller to increase by one unit, such that the visual display and the counter will be set at the same number. The number may represent multiples of 100 litres of fuel and the final number shown on the display will correspond to the pre-set value.
  • the operator can therefore quickly enter numbers corresponding to many hundreds of litres of fuel on the display by depressing the pre-set button for a few seconds.
  • the system is arranged such that when it is switched off or switched out of pre-set mode, the display and the counter are reset to zero, accordingly, both always commence at zero. Also, if the operator makes an error and causes the display value to go beyond the intended value, the system can be switched out and back to pre-set mode, to reset the values to zero, and the setting process can be started again.
  • the controller 22 When the pre-set delivery takes place, the controller 22 generates a signal corresponding to each multiple of fuel delivered, and this signal simultaneously causes the display and counter to decrease by one unit. When the display and counter reach zero, the controller terminates the operation of the injection pump 4 and addition of additive.
  • the apparatus may be located in various positions on the truck.
  • the cabinet housing the controller 22 may be mounted on the internal rear wall of the truck cab, in a central position above the level of the cab seats.
  • the controller 22 and solenoid valve 23 are located within the cabinet, but with the controller screen visible through an opening or window in the front wall of the cabinet.
  • the visual display, pre-set button and selector switch are panel mounted on the cabinet in positions which are visible and accessible to the operator, who will typically be the truck driver.
  • These components may be positioned on a side wall or portion of a side wall which lies at an angle of about 45° to the front face of the cabinet, facing towards the operator's normal position in the cab.
  • a four digit display may be used, with the final two digits remaining at zero when the display and controller counter are being increased.
  • the final two digits may also remain inactive when the display and controller are being decreased or optionally may become active when the number is being decreased to allow the decrease to occur in smaller multiples or in single units.
  • the pre-set interface mentioned above has several advantages, including the following. It is easy for the operator to understand and operate as it requires just one button pressing action when the system is switched to pre-set mode. It requires only one additional operator button, which accordingly can be provided in a relatively large and robust form. It is suitable for use with a relay-type controller and therefore provides an overall inexpensive solution. It also reduces manufacturing and installation costs by grouping all of the electrical and electronic components, other than the pulser 18, in a single cabinet.
  • the pre-set apparatus and interface may be provided in the following arrangement.
  • the pre-set interface comprises the digital keypad of an electronic countdown relay device, which is used in conjunction with the controller.
  • the count-down device is operable to receive input pulses which incrementally reduce the entered pre-set number. When the number is reduced to zero, the count-down device is operable to produce an output signal.
  • the pre-set number is entered corresponding to the number of units of fuel in the delivery.
  • the controller 22 provides a train of signals to the count-down device, corresponding to units of fuel delivered.
  • the countdown device signals the controller 22 to terminate the operation of the additive pump.
  • the count-down device and its interface may be located at the controller cabinet or may be located remote from it, for example at the dashboard of the truck or externally on the truck near the meter-register.
  • the controller 22 can also be programmed to selectively allow more than one dosing rate, that is the proportion of additive to fuel, to be provided by the apparatus.
  • the apparatus is provided with a switch which is selectively moved to different positions by the operator to activate different electrical inputs on the controller. These inputs cause different counters to be used by the controller.
  • the value in each counter can be programmed in the controller.
  • the ability to readily provide more than one dosing rate can provide several advantages to a fuel distributor.
  • the distributor may use an additive formulation which is suitable for both fuels but which must be used with different proportions of additive to fuel.
  • the distributor may sell a fuel in several different grades, a lowest cost grade with no additive, a higher cost grade with a full proportion of additive and one or more middle grades with proportions of additive less than the full proportion.
  • the apparatus can also be made operable to dose different additives
  • the additives are stored in separate additive tanks 1 and any one of the tank outlets can be selectively connected to the inlet of a common injection pump 4 by means of valves.
  • the valves may be operated manually or may be operated by the controller 22.
  • each additive tank 1 is connected to a separate injection pump 4. The operator selects the appropriate additive on a selector switch and this causes the controller to operate the injection pump 4 associated with the selected additive.
  • the controller 22 also maintains and provides a record of additive delivered.
  • the potential difficulty of the relay-type controller's limitations in communicating data is overcome by using the integral display screen to display the record of additive delivered.
  • the screen can typically display about four lines of characters.
  • Several of the internal electronic counters of the controller 22 are used to count the volume of fuel to which additive has been added. These values are stored in different formats and simultaneously displayed on the screen.
  • One record format is a count of the total amount of fuel-with-additive.
  • Maximum counter values are typically limited to four or five digits and to overcome this limitation, two counters are used in cascade to provide a very high count value. The value may be reset to zero when required by activation of an appropriate input to the controller 22.
  • Another record format is a count of the last quantity of fuel delivered with additive. This can advantageously provide a confirmation of whether additive was or was not added during a delivery which had just taken place.
  • a further record format is a count of the delivered quantity of fuel-with-additive between signals given by an operator, henceforth referred to as the record reset.
  • the signal may comprise the operator pressing a reset button on the apparatus at the occurrence of agreed events.
  • the agreed event may be each beginning or end of a work shift, or may be a regular calendar event such as each beginning or end of a week, or may be an operational event such as each additive tank refill.
  • the relay-type controller's limitations in transmitting data internally or externally presents a potential problem in preserving the record between one record reset and another when a new record reset period commences. The limitation is overcome in the following manner.
  • the controller screen displays two values. One of these values is the current record of fuel-with-additive delivered since the last record reset.
  • the other value is the previous record of fuel-with-additive delivered between the last record reset and the record reset previous to it.
  • the controller program is arranged such that the previous record display is zeroed and the current record becomes the previous record.
  • the purpose of this double record system is to preserve the recorded value for a full reset-to- reset period when the current record is reset to zero. The system does not rely on an operator writing down the record before resetting it since the previous record remains available for inspection.
  • the button used as the record reset button is also used as the button on the pre-set interface.
  • the controller When the selector switch is in pre-set mode, the controller is programmed to accept its signal as the pre-set button.
  • the selector switch When the selector switch is in pulser mode, the controller is programmed to accept its signal as the record reset button.
  • the additive system may be advantageously arranged such that deliveries of fuel-with- additive always contain a full complement of additive. This is achieved by arranging the system such that the controller monitors the status of the hose contents between successive deliveries.
  • the controller 22 causes a compensating volume of additive to be added to a delivery of fuel-with-additive if the contents of the hose at the beginning of the delivery- did not fully comprise fuel-with-additive.
  • the system henceforth referred to as the compensating system, is arranged such that this occurs automatically, thereby ensuring that the customer always receives a full complement of additive when a delivery of fuel-with- additive is made.
  • the compensating system requires delivery sizes to be sufficiently greater than the hose volume to allow time for the addition of the compensating amount of additive.
  • Hose compensation is of importance where the volume of the hose is significant in comparison to the size of the delivery, in particular the size of the smallest normal delivery.
  • the hose volume is about 60 to 70 litres and the minimum size of a fuel delivery is about 300 litres, in which case the volume is about 20% of the delivery size and is very significant.
  • the volume might not be significant.
  • the volume would always be deemed significant if it exceeded 5% of the volume of the smallest normal delivery or where the additive was a potential contaminant in the fluid without additive, the relevant percentage will be the allowable level of contamination.
  • a preferred embodiment of the compensating system includes the following elements and steps.
  • Pre-set mode is of the type which is paced by the pulser 18 on the meter-register 17, and is arranged such that additive injection ceases when the delivery is one hose volume away from the end of the delivery.
  • the controller also causes the fuel delivery to terminate when the amount of fuel entered on the pre-set has been delivered.
  • the controller 22 determines and memorises the quantity of fuel-with-additive in the hose 21 at the end of every delivery. For convenience, this quantity will henceforth be referred to as the residual quantity. It will vary from a minimum of zero to a maximum equal to the hose volume, which is memorised in the program on the controller as a fixed value. The determination of the residual quantity by the controller is done in the following way.
  • the residual quantity is always determined as zero, because the hose will not contain fuel-with-additive.
  • the residual quantity is always determined as the hose volume, because the hose will end full of fuel-with-additive.
  • the residual quantity is determined as zero, unless the actual delivery size differs from the pre-set delivery size. If the delivery is a pre-set mode and the actual quantity of fuel delivered is less than the quantity of fuel entered on the pre-set by a quantity Q, then the residual quantity is set to Q, up to a maximum value equal to the hose volume.
  • the controller 22 checks the status of the hose 21 and if it determines that it is not filled with a full complement of fuel- with-additive, it will automatically strive to make up the full hose amount, by dosing at a greater rate than that which gives the normal concentration of additive in the fuel, until an amount has been dosed which will give the normal concentration when averaged over the full amount of fuel delivered.
  • the additional amount will equal the hose volume less the determined residual quantity. For example, if the increased rate of dosing is twice the normal rate, then when the hose starts empty, this double dosing rate should be carried out while one hose volume of fuel is delivered at the beginning of the delivery. The controller then changes to single dosing as the delivery progresses
  • the delivery is in pulser mode, single dosing is continued up to the end of the delivery. If the delivery is in pre-set mode and a count-down device is being used, single dosing is continued until the pre-set count-down is complete.
  • the pre-set count-down is arranged such that only a portion of it causes injection strokes to occur, this portion being the pre-set volume of fuel-with-additive less the residual quantity at the start of the delivery. This is done by signalling an additional number of pulses, corresponding to the residual quantity in the starting hose, to the count-down counter which does not result in operation of the injection pump 4.
  • the system should dose the compensating amount at the maximum rate at which it can be accurately and safely carried out. This will minimise the potential problem of there being insufficient time available to dose the compensating amount.
  • the method described for the compensating system has many advantages, including the following ones. It ensures that the customer always obtains a full complement of additive in a delivery of fuel-with-additive. Furthermore, it achieves this in an automatic manner without additional cost in operator time. It also provides a means where the distributor can minimise the proportion of additive to fuel because no allowance needs to be made for possible dilution of a deliver- ith-additive by a starting hose with fuel without additive. It additionally provides a pre-set mode means by which the fuel distributor can minimise the amount of additive lost where the delivery is changed from fuel-with-additive to fuel without additive, due to additive being retained in the hose between deliveries.
  • the distributor provides a means where the distributor can ensure that additive does not remain in the hose in circumstances where it would constitute an unwanted contaminant in the next delivery.
  • two separate records are kept of fuel-with- additive.
  • One of these records shows the quantity of fuel-with-additive produced by the system and will normally be directly proportional to the number of injection pump 4 strokes carried out in the period corresponding to the record.
  • the other record shows the quantity of fuel-with-additive delivered to customers as fuel-with-additive.
  • the second record is constructed by subtracting from the first record any residual quantity remaining in the hose when a delivery of fuel-without-additive is made.
  • the controller is programmed to reduce the record by the residual quantity when a delivery of fuel-without-additive is commenced.
  • the first record relates to the cost of additive and allows a reconciliation to be made to the records of additive consumed.
  • the second record relates to sales of additive sold in fuel and allows a reconciliation to be made to the records of deliveries of fuel-with-additive.
  • the comparison of one record to the other either as a ratio or as a difference, also provides a measure of additive waste and a measure of operator efficiency in using the pre-set mode to prevent additive waste, waste referring to additive being inadvertently left in the hose and carried into deliveries of fuel sold as fuel-without-additive.
  • the invention also provides an additive system with additional security precautions against accidental or deliberate error by the operator.
  • additional security precautions against accidental or deliberate error by the operator can sometimes be a requirement of regulatory bodies with responsibility for protecting customer interests.
  • the controller is located in an enclosure which is secured with a wire seal or security lock.
  • the enclosure is also provided with a viewing window which allows the secured record to be viewed without the need to open the enclosure.
  • the wire seal may be of the well known type where a wire is affixed to the parts to be sealed in such a way that the wire must be broken to gain access.
  • the ends of the wire are sealed by passing them through a hole or holes in a lead piece which is squeezed in a sealing tool which imprints a seal on the lead piece and at the same time closes the holes and prevent the wires being removed.
  • the sealing tool is only made available to authorised personnel.
  • the means to alter the program or settings on the record are located within the sealed enclosure but the visual record display is external to it.
  • the controller is located within the enclosure and the visual record screen is be panel mounted on outward facing wall of the enclosure, or the enclosure door or cover, but in such a way that its connections or fastenings can only be accessed from inside the enclosure or inside the door or cover.
  • the provision of the secured record has several advantages. Although the fuel distributor will normally maintain routine records of deliveries of fuel, including fuel-with-additive, these records essentially show what was intended to be delivered rather than what was actually delivered. These fuel distributor records may take different forms, including, for example, office records of deliveries or electronic records generated by a computer mounted on the truck.
  • the secured record provided by the invention has the advantage that it provides an independent record which is related to the actual process of additive addition.
  • the invention also provides a flow sensor on systems where security is of importance, its purpose being to verify that the flow of additive into the fuel has actually occurred.
  • the flow sensor may be of the known type which comprises a magnetic piston and a housing with a tapered or stepped bore.
  • the housing with the tapered or stepped bore is located on the additive line.
  • the bore is vertical, with the narrower end at the bottom. Flow in the additive line enters the bottom of the bore and exits from the top.
  • the piston is located in the bore and has a diameter similar to the smallest diameter of the bore. When additive flow occurs, it momentarily drives the piston upwards. When additive flow stops, the piston falls back under the force of gravity.
  • the movement of the magnetic piston is detected by an electronic sensor which is mounted on the outside of the housing.
  • the sensor returns a signal to the controller.
  • the controller checks that the signal occurs each time an injection stroke is signaled to the pump.
  • the controller initiates appropriate responses if the signal is absent.
  • Such responses typically include the activation of a visual or audible alarm to alert the operator.
  • the responses also include shut-down of the additive injection system and prevention of any additions being made to the record of fuel-with-additive deliveries.
  • the activation of the alarm primarily provides security against accidental malfunction of the equipment, including running out of additive.
  • Shut-down of the system and prevention of additions to the record primarily provide security against careless or deliberate misuse by the operator.
  • the controller monitors the signal from the flow sensor and registers an error if the signal does not switch ON and OFF corresponding to the ON and OFF signal operating the injector pump. A very brief time difference is allowed between the two sets of ON and OFF signals such that the controller only recognises a genuine corresponding signal.
  • the sampler valve is located upstream of the flow sensor to ensure that flow through the sampler outlet does not operate the flow sensor. This provides security against possible diversion of additive through the sampler outlet when a fuel-with-additive delivery is being made. It also prevents the possibility of the sampler valve being accidentally left open during a delivery.
  • on-truck computers When trucks are fitted with computers, these are commonly referred to as on-truck computers, or OTCs. They are usually linked to the truck meter register and have various capabilities. One typical capability is the automatic maintenance of records of deliveries. Another is provision of a facility which enables the operator to enter details of the customer's delivery on a keypad which results in the appropriate type of delivery being permitted or made by the truck delivery system. In addition, the OTC usually has the capability to communicate signals with other electronic devices.
  • OTC automatically sends an electronic signal to the controller which in turn activates the additive system.
  • the additive system will then operate in pulser mode, unless the operator overrides this by selecting pre-set mode.
  • the operator interface of the OTC which usually includes a keypad and display screen, may be advantageously used to provide the operator interface for the pre-set mode function, including selection of pre-set mode and entering of the pre-set quantity.
  • the OTC may also be programmed to carry out the pre-set count-down functions.
  • the controller monitors signals from the sensor and shuts down the delivery if the appropriate signals are absent either by sending or terminating an appropriate electronic signal to the OTC or by interrupting a fail safe circuit which causes the delivery to stop.
  • the OTC display screen is also used to transmit a warning or alarm to the operator where a problem has been detected by the controller.
  • the additive system is provided with an audible or visual alarm which alerts the driver to the detected error.
  • An increased level of security is achieved when the additive system is directly interfaced with the OTC and is intentionally placed beyond the control of the driver.
  • the additive system is automatically activated and cannot be switched off by the operator.
  • the additive system cannot be activated by the operator by any other means.
  • hose volume management is simplified by this restriction to just one hose as additive waste cannot occur in the short hose. Where trucks are fitted with more than one hose, but without electrical control, the compensator makes the conservative assumption that all deliveries may pass through the long hose and all fuel-with-additive deliveries are compensated in the normal way. Accordingly, hose volume management is very similar to a single hose system and the pre-set device can still be used to prevent additive wastage on all deliveries.
  • the operator may control the size of a delivery into a customer's tank in various ways, typically including one of the following methods. He may set a pre-set on the fuel meter- register 17 which automatically stops the fuel delivery when the required amount is delivered. He may monitor the filling of the tank and stop the delivery by closing the valve on the nozzle at the end of the hose when the level in the tank is detected as being close to the top. Where pre-set mode is used, a difficulty sometimes arises in that the delivery must be stopped before the ordered and pre-set quantity is delivered because the starting contents of the tank was greater than had been predicted.
  • the invention provides a means to overcome this difficulty.
  • the operator is provided with a communication means which allows a signal to be relayed to the additive system giving advance warning when the level in the tank approaches one hose volume away from the desired filling level.
  • the signal causes the additive system to terminate the addition of additive and causes the fuel delivery system to terminate the delivery of fuel one hose volume later. Accordingly, when the delivery ends, the hose is filled with fuel-without- additive.
  • the communication means may comprise a radio signalling device controlled by the operator at the customer's tank and a corresponding radio receiving device connected to the controller or OTC on the truck.
  • the controller or OTC is programmed to cause the appropriate termination of the addition of additive and delivery of fuel.
  • Detection of the level in the tank reaching the level where the signal should be sent can be achieved by various means. For example, the operator may directly observe the level in the tank, stopping and restarting the delivery with the nozzle valve if necessary. Alternatively, the operator may use a probe or level indicator in the tank which detects when its contents reaches the relevant level.
  • the invention also provides a method whereby no additive is carried into deliveries without additive. This is of particular advantage where wasting of additive, or where cross contamination between deliveries with and without additive, must be minimised or prevented.
  • the method is similar to that described earlier where the controller monitors the residual quantity in the hose and automatically adds a compensating amount of additive where the hose does not commence with a full complement, and where the delivery is normally terminated with the hose full of fuel-with-additive unless operator takes steps to arrange the delivery to terminate with the hose containing fuel without additive, for example by using a pre-set device.
  • the controller is arranged such that it prevents the commencement of a new delivery of fuel without additive unless it determines that the hose does not contain additive.
  • the method for preventing the delivery is the same or similar to any of the methods described earlier where an error is detected in a system requiring security.
  • This method for preventing additive waste or cross contamination requires the operator to plan ahead where the delivery type is changed from fuel-with-additive to fuel without additive. Where an unplanned change to fuel without additive arises and the hose contains fuel-with-additive from the previous delivery, the operator may make a small delivery, equal to one hose volume, back into a compartment on the tanker truck set aside for that purpose.
  • the additive system is not provided with either pre-set means or hose compensation.
  • pre-set means or hose compensation is not required, for example where a truck is provided with separate hoses for fuel with and without additive, or where there is a policy to flush the contents of the hose back into one of the tank compartments when a change is made from one type of fuel to the other.
  • the injection pump 4 is provided without any possibility of mechanical adjustment.
  • the pump operating program is arranged such that the number of fuel pulser signals, which cause the injection pump 4 stroke signal, can be varied from the nominal value, if required.
  • This number is reset to compensate for any differences found between the actual measured stroke capacity of the pump and the nominal value, if a sampling test indicates that the pump capacity differs from its nominal value.
  • This method of calibration has several advantages. It simplifies the construction of the pump, increasing its reliability and reducing its cost. It provides a single stage calibration method, because the pump does not need to be retested when the adjustment is made since no mechanical adjustment is made to the pump. It provides a more secure system by eliminating the possibility of a mechanical pump adjustment device changing or being changed where change is not required.
  • the nominal number is arithmetically adjusted to directly compensate for the variation from the nominal value. For example, where the pulse rate is 10 pulses per litre, the nominal pump stroke capacity is 5.0ml and the proportion of additive to fuel is 1 : 2,000, the count required for each operation of the pump will have a nominal value of 100, corresponding to 10 litres of fuel. If tests show that the actual pump stroke capacity is 4.9ml, then the number is reset in the controller at 98, corresponding to 9.8 litres of fuel.
  • the system uses two alternative methods for recalibrating the pump, depending on whether the pump can be adequately calibrated in complete increments of the units recorded by the pulser 18 or whether smaller divisions of these increments is required.
  • a truck is fitted with a pulser 18 which records flow at a relatively high resolution, such as the example shown above where pulses are delivered at 10 per litre of fuel
  • the calibration can be done directly as indicated in the example.
  • the main counter is set at 10
  • the second counter is set at 9
  • the third counter is set at 17. This will cause the pump to operate on every tenth pulse for sixteen cycles and then operate on the ninth pulse on the following seventeenth cycle.
  • This sequence is repeated throughout the delivery.
  • the net effect is to reduce the average number of pulses per pump stroke from 10.00 to 9.94, as can be seen from the calculation ⁇ [(16 x l0) + (l ⁇ 9)] / 17 ⁇ .
  • the main counter is again set at the nominal value, but this time the second counter is set at a value above the nominal value.
  • the main counter is set at 10
  • the second counter is set at 11
  • the third counter is set at 13. This will cause the pump to operate on every tenth pulse for 12 cycles and then operate on the eleventh pulse on the following thirteenth cycle.
  • Such other systems include metered additive systems where control of the additive flow is achieved by regulating the flow of additive into the flow of fuel by opening or closing a valve and measuring the flow of additive with a flow meter.
  • Such systems can be used in pulser and pre-set modes in a manner similar to the injection system.
  • the invention also provides a pulser 18 for mechanical fuel meters and registers on trucks.
  • Such meters and registers sometimes referred to as meter-registers, typically have the following characteristics.
  • the meter comprises- a vane or lobe type positive displacement device, which causes its mechanism to rotate in proportion to the volume of fuel passing through it.
  • the register is fitted above the meter and connects to it through a mechanical drive, which drives various several outputs including a display of digit wheels, which are externally visible, and a printer drive and a printer, which has the capability to print a customer ticket showing the amount of fuel dispensed during a delivery.
  • the register comprises an external casing, which is sealed in accordance with weights and measures regulations.
  • the casing comprises a main box like section with a removable top cover.
  • the register and its casing are flange mounted above the meter casing.
  • the register mechanism occupies the lower region of the register casing and is designed to fill this region with very little space wasted. It is withdrawn through the top opening when maintenance or setting is required.
  • the printer occupies the upper region of the casing and the design is significantly more spacious in this region due to the shape requirements and reciprocating movement requirements of the printer.
  • the relationship between the amount of fuel delivered and the rotation of the drive shaft into the register, the shaft driving the display and the shaft driving the printer, is usually a round number associated with the fuel flow measurement. Typically, one revolution of these shafts will correspond to 10 litres or 1 gallon of fuel, depending on the units of measurement used.
  • pre- calibration type the number of revolutions of the shafts, will correspond exactly with the round number because mechanical calibration of the meter and register takes place on the meter side of the meter to register interface.
  • the register drive shaft 33 On other types of meters, which will be referred to as post-calibration types, mechanical calibration of the meter and register takes place within the register between the first register drive shaft 33, henceforth referred to as the register drive shaft 33, and the display and printer shafts. Accordingly, the number of revolutions of the display and printer shaft will correspond exactly with the round number but the number of revolutions of the register drive shaft 33 can be a little smaller or greater than it.
  • the drive between the meter and the register is effected by two vertical coaxial shafts, one being the register drive shaft 33 and other being its counterpart in the meter.
  • the shafts are connected by engagement pieces. The engagement pieces allow separation and re- engagement of the register and meter for maintenance or calibration purposes.
  • the engagement pieces frequently take the form of a fork with two or more radial arms with short downward prongs, mounted on the end of the register drive shaft 33, and a star wheel with multiple radial prongs, mounted on the end of the meter drive shaft.
  • the engagement piece is frequently spaced a small distance away from the underside of the register mechanism and its drive shaft is often fitted with a tubular shaped spacer bush. This spacing is typically provided to accommodate various other small components, such as gears and spindle ends, which are located below the underside of the register mechanism and which otherwise might come into contact with either of the engagement pieces.
  • the register engagement pieces and drive shaft is usually provided with a small amount of axial play to facilitate its connection to the meter engagement piece.
  • FIG. 2 and 3 there is shown a pulser 18 which can be fitted to a mechanical meter-register 17.
  • the figures show the pulser 18, the register drive shaft engagement piece 34 and the lower end of the register drive shaft 33.
  • other parts of the register are omitted in the figures.
  • the pulser 18 comprises a target wheel 25, which is attached to and rotates with the register drive shaft 33. It also comprises a sensor 27, which is attached to a stationary part of the register and can detect movement of the target wheel 25.
  • the sensor comprises an inductive proximity sensor 27 which can reliably detect the presence of a steel target up to 3mm distant. Such sensors 27 can be obtained in very small sizes, typically with a diameter of 8mm and a length of 25mm.
  • the sensor 27 has a threaded cylindrical body, which allows easy adjustment of its position relative to the target.
  • the sensor 27 is also available in an intrinsically safe format, which is suitable for installation within an explosive environment.
  • the sensor 27 is mounted on a base plate 32 which is fastened to the underside of the register mechanism.
  • the base plate 32 is made from flat sheet metal with a small flat portion bent at 90° to the base.
  • the sensor 27 is mounted through a hole in the bent portion and secured in position using lock nuts on its threaded surface.
  • the portion of the base plate which fastens to the register is provided with appropriate holes and cut-outs to allow the base plate fit over the various small register components which are located on the underside of the register mechanism. For clarity, these are not shown in the figures.
  • the target wheel 25 comprises a mild steel cogged wheel with five cogs.
  • the sensor 27 detects the external edge of the cogs each of which forms part of a cylindrical surface.
  • the wheel is made from 5mm thick material in order to present a relatively large target surface to the sensor. Mild steel is used because it is amongst the most readily detected material for sensors of this type.
  • the wheel is manufactured by laser cutting and is zinc plated to prevent corrosion.
  • the wheel is provided with five cogs to give the minimum wheel dimensions which can provide ten changes of state in the sensor, corresponding to the ten litres delivered for each revolution of the wheel.
  • the cogs and the spaces between them are made equal around the diameter of the wheel and the sensor detects ten alternating on and off signal changes as the wheel rotates through one revolution, each signalling one litre of fuel. Accordingly, the pulser 18 has the advantage of providing a finely resolved indication of units of fuel flow, typically giving an accurate indication per litre or per one tenth of a gallon.
  • An alternative target wheel comprises a thinner cogged disk where the sensor detects the sides of the cogs rather than the edges. Where this is used, it may be necessary to overcome the potential problem of axial play in the drive shaft where this would otherwise be translated to the target wheel, as this axial play may exceed the available sensing range of a proximity sensor. The potential problem may be overcome by eliminating or reducing the axial play in the target wheel or in the shaft itself. Alternatively, a sensor may be used which is capable of tolerating the axial play, such as an optical sensor.
  • the target wheel 25 is arranged such that it can be fitted to the register drive shaft 33 without the need to disassemble any of the register components, including the drive shaft 33 or the engagement piece 34.
  • This is achieved by fitting a split bush 29 on the exposed portion of the drive shaft 33 between the engagement piece 34 and the register mechanism, which can be fitted without disassembling the drive shaft 33.
  • the split bush 29 comprises two halves, each with a half cylindrical centre, which clamp around the drive shaft 33 or its spacer bush, and which are held together with two retaining screws.
  • the split bush 29 is also provided with a face with a locating rim and threaded holes on its surface which will face towards the meter.
  • the target wheel 25 is located on this face and a hole in its centre locates on the locating rim.
  • the target wheel 25 is fastened to the split bush with two further retaining screws, which are fitted subsequent to the split bush being fastened to the drive shaft 33.
  • the hole in the target wheel 25 is also appropriately shaped to allow it to pass over the register engagement piece 34. This also ensures that the wheel 25 rotates as one with the drive shaft 33 and engagement piece 34.
  • the holes in the target wheel 25, for the retaining screws, are counterbored to prevent the heads of the retaining screws standing fully proud of the surface of the target wheel.
  • the arrangement of the pulser 18 is very much limited by the confined space available within the lower region of the register casing.
  • the target wheel 25 occupies a region which is originally provided merely as clearance for the rotating engagement pieces 34.
  • the target wheel 25 does not interfere with this clearance because it is fastened to one of the rotating pieces and because its shape is confined within a relatively small disk shaped envelope.
  • the base plate lies flat against the existing register mechanism base and can be readily accommodated.
  • the sensor 27 can also be readily accommodated, it is small and can be mounted on any radial position relative to the target wheel, provided that its sensing end is within the 3 mm sensing range.
  • the changes of state signalled by the sensor can be used as a direct indication of units of fuel flow.
  • the changes of state will not provide an exact indication of units of fuel flow, but may differ by up to about 1%. However, any such variations will be corrected automatically when the injection pump 4 is calibrated in accordance with the method of the invention.
  • a significant advantage is gained from fitting the pulser 18 in the region of the engagement pieces rather than in the more spacious upper region of the register. It permits the pulser 18 to be fitted without any disassembly of the components of the meter-register 17 other than separation of the register head from the meter. This results in substantial savings in installation time.
  • Meter-registers 17 are frequently difficult to take apart and reassemble due to corrosion and damage caused by exposure to weather and difficult working conditions. It can also result in substantial savings in installation cost because it is not necessary to employ installation personnel skilled in meter-register maintenance. It additionally avoids the costs associated with the possibility of the meter-register being damaged or having its settings inadvertently altered during disassembly or reassembly.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)
  • Accessories For Mixers (AREA)
  • Feeding, Discharge, Calcimining, Fusing, And Gas-Generation Devices (AREA)

Abstract

Le procédé et l'appareil selon l'invention permettent d'ajouter un additif dans le refoulement d'un liquide dans un conduit. De l'additif est stocké dans un réservoir pour additif (1). Une pompe à injection (4) débite l'additif dans un tuyau pour additif (11) qui l'amène jusque dans le canal de refoulement (20). Le débit de liquide est mesurée par indicateur du compteur (17). Un tableau de commande (22) obtient des signaux provenant de l'indicateur du compteur (17) et régule le taux selon lequel l'additif est ajouté au liquide. Le canal de refoulement (20) peut contenir un volume important de liquide par rapport au débit. Le taux de régulation par le tableau de commande (22) peut varier en fonction des circonstances et des besoins.
PCT/IE2002/000025 2001-02-27 2002-02-27 Procede et appareil permettant d'ajouter un additif a un liquide WO2002069066A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2002234842A AU2002234842A1 (en) 2001-02-27 2002-02-27 Method and apparatus for adding an additive to a fluid

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

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IES20010180 2001-02-27
IE20010180 2001-02-27
IES20010406 2001-04-24
IE20010406 2001-04-24
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IES20010874 2001-10-04
IES20020078 2002-02-06
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US9279419B2 (en) 2013-01-16 2016-03-08 Prochem Ulc System and process for supplying a chemical agent to a process fluid
US10747240B1 (en) * 2019-12-03 2020-08-18 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Flow exchanger system, trans-pressure conduction system for high pressure sand slurry delivery system
WO2023018764A1 (fr) * 2021-08-11 2023-02-16 Gilbarco Inc. Distributeur de carburant ayant une capacité d'auto-étalonnage de débitmètre
SE2151136A1 (en) * 2021-09-16 2023-03-17 Dover Fueling Solutions Uk Ltd A pumping system with an equalizer tube
US11939209B2 (en) 2020-06-11 2024-03-26 Wayne Fueling Systems Llc Metering pumps for fueling applications

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US3425435A (en) * 1966-09-28 1969-02-04 Metropolitan Petro Chem Co Inc Rotary oscillating piston pump additive injection device for fluid delivery system
US3465789A (en) * 1966-10-21 1969-09-09 Frank A Suess Method and apparatus for adding tetramethyl lead to hydrocarbon fuels
US4131215A (en) * 1977-07-05 1978-12-26 Sun Oil Company Of Pennsylvania Dispenser with additive option
US5271526A (en) * 1990-12-07 1993-12-21 Titan Industries, Inc. Programmable additive controller
EP0611015A2 (fr) * 1990-10-22 1994-08-17 Norapp-Joh. H. Andresen Procédé et ensemble pour l'injection d'additifs
US5878772A (en) * 1996-01-26 1999-03-09 Irving Oil Limited Tank truck fuel delivery system having a selective dye injection system
US5944074A (en) * 1995-07-27 1999-08-31 Chemical Control Systems, Inc. Method and apparatus for injecting additives
US6161060A (en) * 1996-10-10 2000-12-12 Tokheim Corporation Octane sensitive dispenser blending system

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3425435A (en) * 1966-09-28 1969-02-04 Metropolitan Petro Chem Co Inc Rotary oscillating piston pump additive injection device for fluid delivery system
US3465789A (en) * 1966-10-21 1969-09-09 Frank A Suess Method and apparatus for adding tetramethyl lead to hydrocarbon fuels
US4131215A (en) * 1977-07-05 1978-12-26 Sun Oil Company Of Pennsylvania Dispenser with additive option
EP0611015A2 (fr) * 1990-10-22 1994-08-17 Norapp-Joh. H. Andresen Procédé et ensemble pour l'injection d'additifs
US5271526A (en) * 1990-12-07 1993-12-21 Titan Industries, Inc. Programmable additive controller
US5944074A (en) * 1995-07-27 1999-08-31 Chemical Control Systems, Inc. Method and apparatus for injecting additives
US5878772A (en) * 1996-01-26 1999-03-09 Irving Oil Limited Tank truck fuel delivery system having a selective dye injection system
US6161060A (en) * 1996-10-10 2000-12-12 Tokheim Corporation Octane sensitive dispenser blending system

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9279419B2 (en) 2013-01-16 2016-03-08 Prochem Ulc System and process for supplying a chemical agent to a process fluid
US10747240B1 (en) * 2019-12-03 2020-08-18 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Flow exchanger system, trans-pressure conduction system for high pressure sand slurry delivery system
US11939209B2 (en) 2020-06-11 2024-03-26 Wayne Fueling Systems Llc Metering pumps for fueling applications
WO2023018764A1 (fr) * 2021-08-11 2023-02-16 Gilbarco Inc. Distributeur de carburant ayant une capacité d'auto-étalonnage de débitmètre
SE2151136A1 (en) * 2021-09-16 2023-03-17 Dover Fueling Solutions Uk Ltd A pumping system with an equalizer tube
SE545426C2 (en) * 2021-09-16 2023-09-05 Dover Fueling Solutions Uk Ltd A pumping system with an equalizer tube

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WO2002069066A3 (fr) 2002-11-21

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