WO2019158322A1 - Fuel dispensing unit with pressurised storage tank and method - Google Patents

Fuel dispensing unit with pressurised storage tank and method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019158322A1
WO2019158322A1 PCT/EP2019/051465 EP2019051465W WO2019158322A1 WO 2019158322 A1 WO2019158322 A1 WO 2019158322A1 EP 2019051465 W EP2019051465 W EP 2019051465W WO 2019158322 A1 WO2019158322 A1 WO 2019158322A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fuel
pump
storage tank
dispensing unit
fuel dispensing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2019/051465
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Bengt I. Larsson
Original Assignee
Wayne Fueling Systems Sweden Ab
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 Wayne Fueling Systems Sweden Ab filed Critical Wayne Fueling Systems Sweden Ab
Priority to EP19702037.3A priority Critical patent/EP3755654B1/en
Publication of WO2019158322A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019158322A1/en

Links

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
    • B67D7/32—Arrangements of safety or warning devices; Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
    • B67D7/3245—Arrangements of safety or warning devices; Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid relating to the transfer method
    • B67D7/3263—Arrangements of safety or warning devices; Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid relating to the transfer method using a pressurised gas acting directly or indirectly on the bulk of the liquid to be transferred
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/76—Large containers for use underground
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/04—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring fuels, lubricants or mixed fuels and lubricants
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/32—Arrangements of safety or warning devices; Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
    • B67D7/3227—Arrangements of safety or warning devices; Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid relating to venting of a container during loading or unloading
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/58—Arrangements of pumps
    • B67D7/70—Arrangements of pumps of two or more pumps in series or parallel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/78—Arrangements of storage tanks, reservoirs or pipe-lines

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a fuel dispensing unit for refueling vehicles and a method for handling a fuel dispensing unit.
  • a typical fuel dispensing environment such as the forecourt of a retail fuel dispensing station, comprises a large number of components both for fuel handling and for conducting fuel dispensing transactions.
  • components include fuel dispensers, fuel piping, underground storage tanks, submersible turbine and self-contained pumps, motors, and dispensing nozzles.
  • fuel dispensers themselves typically contain flow meters, pulsers, control electronics, valves, card readers, manifolds, and internal fuel and vapor recovery piping, among others. Many of these components are subject to regulatory requirements to maintain a high degree of accuracy and safety and to guard against environmental impact.
  • these components require periodic maintenance or replacement. Some of these components tend to wear over time, which may cause loss of accuracy or efficiency in a fueling transaction or other operational issues. Component wear can be caused by manufacturing defects, poor fuel quality, or excessive use, among other causes. Eventually, the components may fail (e.g., failure of a pump motor or a leak in the fuel piping) leading to downtime while the components are replaced. Further, some of the components may fail to operate properly, leading to customer frustration or the inability to complete a fueling
  • Symptoms of this operating condition may include one or more of the following; dramatic loss of flow rate, gauge bouncing, ratchet or grinding sounds from pump, inconsistent or loss of fuel pressure and temperatures above 50°C.
  • Loss of fuel delivery pressure will also result in a lean-out condition, and may also result in pump damage. Typically, even with very short time periods of exposure to cavitation (depending on severity) may cause damage to the fuel pump. Such damage results in a direct loss of capacity and efficiency. Eventually, the fuel system will not be able to build or maintain pressure.
  • the fuel dispensing unit comprises a storage tank for storing fuel, a pump with a suction side and a pressure side for pumping fuel along a fuel flow path between the storage tank and a nozzle, and a vent line connected to the storage tank.
  • the fuel dispensing unit is characterized in that the vent line comprises a fan adapted to blow air in the vent line and towards the storage tank to create an overpressure inside the storage tank.
  • the overpressure makes it possible to increase the fuel pressure at the inlet of the pump thereby reducing the cavitation phenomena. In other words, this is a simple way of eliminating cavitation issues on existing refueling stations at a low cost. It is particularly interesting for unleaded fuel having a high vapor pressure.
  • the fuel dispensing unit may further comprise a control unit connected to the fan and adapted to control the fan.
  • the pump itself may comprise or constitute the control unit.
  • the vent line may further comprise a valve for controlling the pressure of in the storage tank. Normally, a pressure of between -5 and 30 mbar is normally preferred.
  • the fuel dispensing unit may be equipped with a monitoring system which may be connected to control unit and adapted to monitor the refueling operations of the fuel dispensing unit to ensure that the fan in the vent line is turned off during the refueling operations.
  • the fuel dispensing unit may further comprise a detection means connected to the control unit and adapted to detect a parameter linked to a cavitation risk in the pump.
  • the detection means may comprise a pressure gauge, a temperature sensor, an ultrasonic sensor and/or a flow meter.
  • the control unit may be adapted to control the fan based on the parameter detected by the detection means.
  • the fuel dispensing unit may further comprise a secondary pump connected to the suction side of the pump.
  • the secondary pump is preferably placed as close to the storage pump as possible. The function of the secondary pump is to push the liquid and thus decrease the required vacuum to help with cavity issues.
  • the secondary pump may be connected to the control unit.
  • the control unit may be adapted to control the secondary pump based on the parameter detected by the detection means.
  • the parameter e.g. temperature, pressure, flow rate, etc.
  • the parameter may accordingly trigger the small pump to start and will then work as an additional pump. If it for example is installed close to the storage tank it will help pushing the liquid forward in the fuel flow path and thus decrease the required vacuum which in turn helps eliminate any cavity issues.
  • the storage tank may comprise an underground reservoir.
  • the fuel dispensing unit comprising a storage tank for storing fuel, a pump with a suction side and a pressure side for pumping fuel along a fuel flow path between the storage tank and a nozzle, a vent line connected to the storage tank, the vent line comprising a fan adapted to blow air in the vent line and towards the storage tank to create an overpressure inside the storage tank, a control unit connected to the fan, and a detection means connected to the control unit.
  • the method is characterized in that is comprises detecting a parameter linked to a cavitation risk in the pump, and controlling the fan based on the parameter detected by the detection means.
  • the method may further comprise the step of controlling a secondary pump connected to the suction side of the pump based on the parameter detected by the detection means.
  • a fuel dispensing unit for refueling vehicles comprising a storage tank for storing fuel, and a pump with a suction side and a pressure side for pumping fuel along a fuel flow path between the storage tank and a nozzle.
  • the fuel dispensing unit is characterized in that it further comprises a secondary pump connected to the suction side of the pump.
  • the fuel dispensing unit may further comprise a control unit connected to the secondary pump, and a detection means connected to the control unit and adapted to detect a parameter linked to a cavitation risk in the pump.
  • the control unit may be adapted to control the secondary pump based on the parameter detected by the detection means.
  • the fuel dispensing unit comprises a storage tank for storing fuel, a pump with a suction side and a pressure side for pumping fuel along a fuel flow path between the storage tank and a nozzle, a secondary pump connected to the suction side of the pump, a control unit connected to the fan, and a detection means connected to the control unit.
  • the method is characterized in that it comprises detecting a parameter linked to a cavitation risk in the pump, and controlling the secondary pump based on the parameter detected by the detection means.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a part of a fuel dispensing unit according a first aspect of the invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the fuel dispensing unit.
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the fuel dispensing unit.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary fuel dispensing unit 1 , having hose storage spaces 2 on each opposing side of the fuel dispensing unit 1 , an electrical cabinet 3 containing all the electronics for the fuel dispensing unit 1 , a hydraulic cabinet 4 containing fuel dispensing means (not shown), e.g. fuel metering means, valves, vapor recovery system etc., and a column 5 extending vertically between and separating the electrical cabinet 3 and the hydraulic cabinet 4 from the hose storage spaces 2.
  • fuel dispensing means e.g. fuel metering means, valves, vapor recovery system etc.
  • the fuel dispensing unit 1 comprises a storage tank 6 which is constituted by an underground reservoir for storing fuel, a pump 7 with a suction side S and a pressure side P for pumping fuel along a fuel flow path between the storage tank 6 and a nozzle 8, and a vent line 9 connected to the storage tank 6.
  • the vent line 9 comprises a fan 10 which is adapted to blow air in the vent line 9 and towards the storage tank 6 to create an overpressure inside the storage tank 6.
  • the fuel dispensing unit 1 further comprises a control unit 11 which is connected to the fan 10, and a detection means 12 which is connected to the control unit 11 and adapted to detect a parameter linked to a cavitation risk in the pump 7.
  • the detection means 12 is for example constituted by a pressure gauge, a temperature sensor and/or a flow meter.
  • the control unit 11 is in turn adapted to control the fan 10 based on the parameter detected by the detection means 12.
  • the fuel When filling up the tank of a motor vehicle, the fuel is pumped from the underground reservoir 6 by means of the pump 7 which is located in the hydraulic cabinet 4, and from there to the column 5 and out to the nozzle 8 via a hose 13.
  • a main fuel supply pipe 14 extends between the underground reservoir 6 and the suction side S of the pump 7, while the hose 13 extends between the pressure side P of the pump 7 and the nozzle 8.
  • the suction side S provides an underpressure to the main fuel supply pipe 14 and the pressure side S provides an overpressure to the hose 13.
  • the fuel dispensing unit 1 has a nozzle boot 15 in which the nozzle 8 is arranged when not in use.
  • the nozzle boot 15 preferably comprises a sensor (not shown) for detecting if the nozzle 8 is present in the nozzle boot 15. Also, the nozzle 8 is normally equipped with a flow meter (not shown) for
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a further exemplary embodiment of the fuel dispensing unit 1.
  • the fuel dispensing unit 1 is further equipped with a secondary pump 16 connected to the suction side S of the pump 7.
  • the secondary pump 16 is connected to the control unit 11 and the control unit 11 is adapted to control the secondary pump 16 based on the parameter detected by the detection means 12.
  • the size, shape and number of the components in the fuel dispensing unit may be varied.
  • the fan 10 could always run or run under external conditions. In this second case, the fan 10 is connected to the control unit 11.
  • the detection means 12 could be a tank gauge or a temperature sensor, such as the automatic temperature compensation sensor (ATC) of a fuel meter.
  • the fan 10 could be turned on when the tank gauge is measuring that the level in the storage tank 6 is low, when the temperature is high outside the storage tank 6, or when the temperature of the fuel is high.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a fuel dispensing unit (1) for refueling vehicles, comprising a storage tank (6) for storing fuel, a pump (7) with a suction side (S) and a pressure side (P) for pumping fuel along a fuel flow path between the storage tank (6) and a nozzle (8), and a vent line (9) connected to the storage tank (6). The fuel dispensing unit (1) is characterized in that the vent line (9) comprises a fan (10) adapted to blow air in the vent line (9) to create an overpressure inside the storage tank (6). The invention also relates to a method for handling a fuel dispensing unit (1).

Description

Fuel dispensing unit and method for handling a fuel dispensing unit
Technical field
The invention relates to a fuel dispensing unit for refueling vehicles and a method for handling a fuel dispensing unit. Background art
A typical fuel dispensing environment, such as the forecourt of a retail fuel dispensing station, comprises a large number of components both for fuel handling and for conducting fuel dispensing transactions. Examples of such components include fuel dispensers, fuel piping, underground storage tanks, submersible turbine and self-contained pumps, motors, and dispensing nozzles. Further, fuel dispensers themselves typically contain flow meters, pulsers, control electronics, valves, card readers, manifolds, and internal fuel and vapor recovery piping, among others. Many of these components are subject to regulatory requirements to maintain a high degree of accuracy and safety and to guard against environmental impact.
As is well known, for a variety of reasons, these components require periodic maintenance or replacement. Some of these components tend to wear over time, which may cause loss of accuracy or efficiency in a fueling transaction or other operational issues. Component wear can be caused by manufacturing defects, poor fuel quality, or excessive use, among other causes. Eventually, the components may fail (e.g., failure of a pump motor or a leak in the fuel piping) leading to downtime while the components are replaced. Further, some of the components may fail to operate properly, leading to customer frustration or the inability to complete a fueling
transaction.
A common failure of high flow fuel systems is cavitation. The
combination of too much heat or too much inlet restriction can create this operating condition, in which the liquid fuel literally vaporizes (boils) inside the pump assembly. Symptoms of this operating condition may include one or more of the following; dramatic loss of flow rate, gauge bouncing, ratchet or grinding sounds from pump, inconsistent or loss of fuel pressure and temperatures above 50°C.
Loss of fuel delivery pressure will also result in a lean-out condition, and may also result in pump damage. Typically, even with very short time periods of exposure to cavitation (depending on severity) may cause damage to the fuel pump. Such damage results in a direct loss of capacity and efficiency. Eventually, the fuel system will not be able to build or maintain pressure.
Summary of the invention
It is an objective of the present invention to provide an improvement of the above technique and prior art. More particularly, it is an objective of this invention to provide an improved fuel dispensing unit to eliminate or at least alleviate the above-mentioned cavitation issues.
According to a first aspect, these and other objects, and/or advantages that will be apparent from the following description of embodiments, are achieved, in full or at least in part, by a fuel dispensing unit. The fuel dispensing unit comprises a storage tank for storing fuel, a pump with a suction side and a pressure side for pumping fuel along a fuel flow path between the storage tank and a nozzle, and a vent line connected to the storage tank. The fuel dispensing unit is characterized in that the vent line comprises a fan adapted to blow air in the vent line and towards the storage tank to create an overpressure inside the storage tank.
The overpressure makes it possible to increase the fuel pressure at the inlet of the pump thereby reducing the cavitation phenomena. In other words, this is a simple way of eliminating cavitation issues on existing refueling stations at a low cost. It is particularly interesting for unleaded fuel having a high vapor pressure.
The fuel dispensing unit may further comprise a control unit connected to the fan and adapted to control the fan. In one embodiment, the pump itself may comprise or constitute the control unit. The vent line may further comprise a valve for controlling the pressure of in the storage tank. Normally, a pressure of between -5 and 30 mbar is normally preferred.
The fuel dispensing unit may be equipped with a monitoring system which may be connected to control unit and adapted to monitor the refueling operations of the fuel dispensing unit to ensure that the fan in the vent line is turned off during the refueling operations. The fuel dispensing unit may further comprise a detection means connected to the control unit and adapted to detect a parameter linked to a cavitation risk in the pump.
The detection means may comprise a pressure gauge, a temperature sensor, an ultrasonic sensor and/or a flow meter.
The control unit may be adapted to control the fan based on the parameter detected by the detection means.
The fuel dispensing unit may further comprise a secondary pump connected to the suction side of the pump. The secondary pump is preferably placed as close to the storage pump as possible. The function of the secondary pump is to push the liquid and thus decrease the required vacuum to help with cavity issues.
The secondary pump may be connected to the control unit.
The control unit may be adapted to control the secondary pump based on the parameter detected by the detection means.
The parameter e.g. temperature, pressure, flow rate, etc.) may accordingly trigger the small pump to start and will then work as an additional pump. If it for example is installed close to the storage tank it will help pushing the liquid forward in the fuel flow path and thus decrease the required vacuum which in turn helps eliminate any cavity issues.
The storage tank may comprise an underground reservoir.
According to a second aspect, these and other objects are achieved, in full or at least in part, by a method for handling a fuel dispensing unit. The fuel dispensing unit comprising a storage tank for storing fuel, a pump with a suction side and a pressure side for pumping fuel along a fuel flow path between the storage tank and a nozzle, a vent line connected to the storage tank, the vent line comprising a fan adapted to blow air in the vent line and towards the storage tank to create an overpressure inside the storage tank, a control unit connected to the fan, and a detection means connected to the control unit. The method is characterized in that is comprises detecting a parameter linked to a cavitation risk in the pump, and controlling the fan based on the parameter detected by the detection means.
The method may further comprise the step of controlling a secondary pump connected to the suction side of the pump based on the parameter detected by the detection means.
According to a third aspect, these and other objects are achieved, in full or at least in part, by a fuel dispensing unit for refueling vehicles, comprising a storage tank for storing fuel, and a pump with a suction side and a pressure side for pumping fuel along a fuel flow path between the storage tank and a nozzle. The fuel dispensing unit is characterized in that it further comprises a secondary pump connected to the suction side of the pump.
The fuel dispensing unit may further comprise a control unit connected to the secondary pump, and a detection means connected to the control unit and adapted to detect a parameter linked to a cavitation risk in the pump.
The control unit may be adapted to control the secondary pump based on the parameter detected by the detection means.
According to a fourth aspect, these and other objects are achieved, in full or at least in part, by a method for handling a fuel dispensing unit. The fuel dispensing unit comprises a storage tank for storing fuel, a pump with a suction side and a pressure side for pumping fuel along a fuel flow path between the storage tank and a nozzle, a secondary pump connected to the suction side of the pump, a control unit connected to the fan, and a detection means connected to the control unit. The method is characterized in that it comprises detecting a parameter linked to a cavitation risk in the pump, and controlling the secondary pump based on the parameter detected by the detection means.
Effects and features of the second, third and fourth aspects of the present invention are largely analogous to those described above in connection with the first aspect of the inventive concept. Embodiments mentioned in relation to the first aspect of the present invention are largely compatible with the further aspects of the invention.
Other objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following detailed disclosure, from the attached claims, as well as from the drawings. It is noted that the invention relates to all possible combinations of features.
Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to“a/an/the [element, device, component, means, step, etc.]” are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise.
As used herein, the term“comprising” and variations of that term are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.
Brief description of the drawings
The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, where the same reference numerals may be used for similar elements, and wherein:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a part of a fuel dispensing unit according a first aspect of the invention.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the fuel dispensing unit.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the fuel dispensing unit.
Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention
Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary fuel dispensing unit 1 , having hose storage spaces 2 on each opposing side of the fuel dispensing unit 1 , an electrical cabinet 3 containing all the electronics for the fuel dispensing unit 1 , a hydraulic cabinet 4 containing fuel dispensing means (not shown), e.g. fuel metering means, valves, vapor recovery system etc., and a column 5 extending vertically between and separating the electrical cabinet 3 and the hydraulic cabinet 4 from the hose storage spaces 2.
In Fig. 2, the fuel dispensing unit 1 is illustrated in greater detail. In this embodiment, the fuel dispensing unit 1 comprises a storage tank 6 which is constituted by an underground reservoir for storing fuel, a pump 7 with a suction side S and a pressure side P for pumping fuel along a fuel flow path between the storage tank 6 and a nozzle 8, and a vent line 9 connected to the storage tank 6. The vent line 9 comprises a fan 10 which is adapted to blow air in the vent line 9 and towards the storage tank 6 to create an overpressure inside the storage tank 6.
The fuel dispensing unit 1 further comprises a control unit 11 which is connected to the fan 10, and a detection means 12 which is connected to the control unit 11 and adapted to detect a parameter linked to a cavitation risk in the pump 7. The detection means 12 is for example constituted by a pressure gauge, a temperature sensor and/or a flow meter. The control unit 11 is in turn adapted to control the fan 10 based on the parameter detected by the detection means 12.
When filling up the tank of a motor vehicle, the fuel is pumped from the underground reservoir 6 by means of the pump 7 which is located in the hydraulic cabinet 4, and from there to the column 5 and out to the nozzle 8 via a hose 13.
A main fuel supply pipe 14 extends between the underground reservoir 6 and the suction side S of the pump 7, while the hose 13 extends between the pressure side P of the pump 7 and the nozzle 8. The suction side S provides an underpressure to the main fuel supply pipe 14 and the pressure side S provides an overpressure to the hose 13.
The fuel dispensing unit 1 has a nozzle boot 15 in which the nozzle 8 is arranged when not in use. The nozzle boot 15 preferably comprises a sensor (not shown) for detecting if the nozzle 8 is present in the nozzle boot 15. Also, the nozzle 8 is normally equipped with a flow meter (not shown) for
measuring the fuel flow rate from the nozzle 8 upon refueling. Fig. 3 illustrates a further exemplary embodiment of the fuel dispensing unit 1. In this embodiment, the fuel dispensing unit 1 is further equipped with a secondary pump 16 connected to the suction side S of the pump 7. The secondary pump 16 is connected to the control unit 11 and the control unit 11 is adapted to control the secondary pump 16 based on the parameter detected by the detection means 12.
It is understood that other variations in the present invention are contemplated and in some instances, some features of the invention can be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.
For instance, the size, shape and number of the components in the fuel dispensing unit may be varied.
The fan 10 could always run or run under external conditions. In this second case, the fan 10 is connected to the control unit 11.
The detection means 12 could be a tank gauge or a temperature sensor, such as the automatic temperature compensation sensor (ATC) of a fuel meter. The fan 10 could be turned on when the tank gauge is measuring that the level in the storage tank 6 is low, when the temperature is high outside the storage tank 6, or when the temperature of the fuel is high.

Claims

1. A fuel dispensing unit (1 ) for refueling vehicles, comprising:
a storage tank (6) for storing fuel,
a pump (7) with a suction side (S) and a pressure side (P) for pumping fuel along a fuel flow path between the storage tank (6) and a nozzle (8), and a vent line (9) connected to the storage tank (6),
characterized in that the vent line (9) comprises a fan (10) adapted to blow air in the vent line (9) and towards the storage tank (6) to create an overpressure inside the storage tank (6).
2. The fuel dispensing unit (1 ) according to claim 1 , further comprising a control unit (11 ) connected to the fan (10) and adapted to control the fan (10).
3. The fuel dispensing unit (1 ) according to claim 2, further
comprising a detection means (12) connected to the control unit (11 ) and adapted to detect a parameter linked to a cavitation risk in the pump (7).
4. The fuel dispensing unit (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the detection means (12) comprises a pressure gauge, a temperature sensor and/or a flow meter.
5. The fuel dispensing unit (1 ) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control unit (11 ) is adapted to control the fan (10) based on the parameter detected by the detection means (12).
6. The fuel dispensing unit (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a secondary pump (16) connected to the suction side (S) of the pump (7).
7. The fuel dispensing unit (1 ) according to claim 6, wherein the secondary pump (16) is connected to the control unit (11 ).
8. The fuel dispensing unit (1 ) according to claim 7, wherein the control unit (11 ) is adapted to control the secondary pump (16) based on the parameter detected by the detection means (12).
9. The fuel dispensing unit (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage tank (6) comprises an underground reservoir.
10. The fuel dispensing unit (1 ) according to claim 9, further comprising a safety valve to ensure that the pressure in the tank does not exceed a predetermined value.
11.A method for handling a fuel dispensing unit (1 ), the fuel dispensing unit (1 ) comprising:
a storage tank (6) for storing fuel,
a pump (7) with a suction side (S) and a pressure side (P) for pumping fuel along a fuel flow path between the storage tank (6) and a nozzle (8), a vent line (9) connected to the storage tank (6), the vent line (9) comprising a fan (10) adapted to blow air in the vent line (9) and towards the storage tank (6) to create an overpressure inside the storage tank (6),
a control unit (11 ) connected to the fan (10), and
a detection means (12) connected to the control unit (11 ),
characterized in that the method comprises:
detecting a parameter linked to a cavitation risk in the pump (7), and controlling the fan (10) based on the parameter detected by the detection means (12).
12. The method according to claim 11 , further comprising the step of controlling a secondary pump (16) connected to the suction side (S) of the pump (7) based on the parameter detected by the detection means (12).
13. A fuel dispensing unit (1 ) for refueling vehicles, comprising:
a storage tank (6) for storing fuel, and
a pump (7) with a suction side (S) and a pressure side (P) for pumping fuel along a fuel flow path between the storage tank (6) and a nozzle (8), characterized in that the fuel dispensing unit (1 ) further comprises a secondary pump (16) connected to the suction side (S) of the pump (7).
14. The fuel dispensing unit (1 ) according to claim 13, further comprising a control unit (11 ) connected to the secondary pump (16), and a detection means (12) connected to the control unit (11 ) and adapted to detect a parameter linked to a cavitation risk in the pump (7).
15. The fuel dispensing unit (1 ) according to claim 14, wherein the control unit (11 ) is adapted to control the secondary pump (16) based on the parameter detected by the detection means (12).
16. A method for handling a fuel dispensing unit, the fuel dispensing unit comprising:
a storage tank (6) for storing fuel, and
a pump (7) with a suction side (S) and a pressure side (P) for pumping fuel along a fuel flow path between the storage tank (6) and a nozzle (8), a secondary pump (16) connected to the suction side (S) of the pump
(7),
a control unit (11 ) connected to the secondary pump (16), and a detection means (12) connected to the control unit (11 ),
characterized in that the method comprises:
detecting a parameter linked to a cavitation risk in the pump (7), and controlling the secondary pump (16) based on the parameter detected by the detection means (12).
PCT/EP2019/051465 2018-02-19 2019-01-22 Fuel dispensing unit with pressurised storage tank and method WO2019158322A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19702037.3A EP3755654B1 (en) 2018-02-19 2019-01-22 Fuel dispensing unit with pressurised storage tank and method

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE1850179-1 2018-02-19
SE1850179A SE543451C2 (en) 2018-02-19 2018-02-19 Fuel dispensing unit and method for handling a fuel dispensing unit

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2019158322A1 true WO2019158322A1 (en) 2019-08-22

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PCT/EP2019/051465 WO2019158322A1 (en) 2018-02-19 2019-01-22 Fuel dispensing unit with pressurised storage tank and method

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EP (1) EP3755654B1 (en)
SE (1) SE543451C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2019158322A1 (en)

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CH400908A (en) * 1963-01-30 1965-10-15 Bbc Brown Boveri & Cie Method and device for emptying tankers
US7032630B1 (en) * 2003-04-10 2006-04-25 Vapor Systems Technologies, Inc. Control of A/L ratios in vacuum assist vapor recovery dispensers
JP2011001076A (en) * 2009-06-17 2011-01-06 Tokiko Techno Kk Oil feeder
WO2015187976A2 (en) * 2014-06-04 2015-12-10 Gilbarco Inc. Fuel dispenser pump assembly

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SE543451C2 (en) 2021-02-23
SE1850179A1 (en) 2019-08-20
EP3755654A1 (en) 2020-12-30
EP3755654B1 (en) 2022-03-16

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