WO2022263934A1

WO2022263934A1 - An integrated apparatus for sampling of fuel

Info

Publication number: WO2022263934A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/051029
Authority: WO
Inventors: Neelakrishnan A K
Original assignee: Neelakrishnan A K
Priority date: 2021-06-14
Filing date: 2022-02-07
Publication date: 2022-12-22

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an integrated apparatus for sampling of fuel. The apparatus comprises of a securing portion (101) coupled with a fuel inlet including a first engaging end (101a) and a second engaging end (101b) wherein the first engaging end coupled with the fuel inlet. A sampling portion (103) operatively connected to the second engaging end for allowing flow of fuel for sampling, the sampling portion (103) including a first end (103a) and a second end (103b), wherein the second end inclined at an angle relative to the first end. A main valve portion (104) is coupled to the second end of the sampling portion (103), an extended member (109) protruding from the sampling portion (106) for diverting the flow of fuel for sampling and a valve (108) provided on the main valve portion (104) for facilitating flow of fuel to an underground fuel tank.

Description

AN INTEGRATED APPARATUS FOR SAMPLING OF FUEL

FIELD

[0001] The embodiments herein generally relate to an apparatus for controlling fuel flow. More particularly, the disclosure relates to an integrated apparatus for sampling of fuel flow and discharging of the fuel into underground fuel tanks.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

[0002] Petroleum products in petroleum retail outlets include the necessity of storing prescribed quantity of samples received in tank trucks (tanker lorries) in special sample containers for a certain period of time, as per government regulations.

[0003] The petroleum products are unloaded into underground tanks fuel tanks for storage. Conventionally, before unloading, the petroleum products are unloaded from the tankers into buckets and the samples are taken from the buckets, while the balance of the products are poured back into underground storage tanks. However, this process of transfer of products into buckets and back into the underground fuel tanks is very cumbersome. Further, the process also causes excess spillage, wastage and evaporation of the petroleum products present in the buckets. [0004] Moreover, by orders of the National Green Tribunal, stringent regulations are in place for reducing wastage of fuel due to evaporation of petroleum products in retail outlets. Hence, it is necessary to improve and streamline the process of sampling in petroleum retail outlets while reducing wastage due to evaporation. [0005] Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus for sampling of fuel without loss and wastage of fuel. Moreover, there is a need for an integrated apparatus for effectively sampling and discharging fuel to the underground fuel storages.

OBJECTS [0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure are described herein below:

[0007] The main objective of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for sampling of fuel prior to unloading of fuel from tanker lorry into the underground fuel storage tanks.

[0008] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an integrated apparatus for sampling of fuel and discharging of fuel to underground storage tanks.

[0009] Still another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an efficient and faster apparatus for sampling of fuel and discharging of fuel.

[00010] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an integrated apparatus for sampling of fuel and discharging of fuel without loss and wastage of fuel.

[00011] The other objectives and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated for illustration of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

SUMMARY

[00012] In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides an integrated apparatus for sampling of fuel. [00013] In accordance with an embodiment, the apparatus comprises of a securing portion coupled with a fuel inlet wherein the securing portion including a first engaging end and a second engaging end. The first engaging end is coupled with the fuel inlet. A sampling portion is operatively connected to the second engaging end for allowing flow of fuel for sampling. The sampling portion includes a first end and a second end, wherein the second end inclined at an angle relative to the first end for facilitating the flow of fuel. A main valve portion is coupled to the second end of the sampling portion at the angle of inclination of the second end and a connecting portion is fixed to the main valve portion for facilitating flow of fuel to an inlet of an underground fuel tank. An extended member protrudes from the sampling portion for diverting the flow of fuel for sampling and an outlet is provided on the extended member for discharging the fuel for sampling. A main valve is provided on the main valve portion for facilitating flow of fuel through the connecting portion to the underground fuel tank.

[00014] In an embodiment, a sample collection valve is provided on the outlet for controlling flow of fuel from the extended portion for sampling.

[00015] In an embodiment, a main valve shaft is connected to a main valve of the main valve portion for allowing the flow of fuel and the main valve is movable with the main valve shaft for discharging the flow of fuel through main valve portion to the connecting portion. [00016] In an embodiment, the connecting portion includes a first engaging member coupled to the main valve portion and a second engaging member coupled to the inlet of the underground fuel tank. In an embodiment, latching elements are fixed to the securing portion for securing to the fuel inlet. [00017] In accordance with an embodiment, a method for sampling of fuel using an integrated apparatus, comprises the steps of securing a securing portion to a fuel inlet and allowing flow of fuel from a fuel inlet to the securing portion, next containing the flow of fuel in the sampling portion by closing a valve provided in the main valve portion, then discharging the fuel through an extended portion provided on the sampling portion by opening a sample collection valve, collecting a sample quantity of the fuel and closing the sample collection valve. Next, redirecting the flow of fuel to the main valve portion by opening the main valve and discharging the fuel through a connecting portion coupled to the main valve portion to an underground fuel tank.

[00018] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00019] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

[00020] Fig. la illustrates an isometric view of an integrated apparatus for fuel flow, according to an embodiment herein; [00021] Fig. lb illustrates a side view of the integrated apparatus for fuel flow, according to an embodiment herein;

[00022] Fig.lc illustrates a rear view of the integrated apparatus for fuel flow, according to an embodiment herein; and [00023] Fig. Id illustrates a rear view of the integrated apparatus for fuel flow, according to an embodiment herein.

LIST OF NUMERALS

101 - Securing portion

101a - First engaging end

101b - Second engaging end

103 - Sampling portion

103 a - First end

103b - Second end

104 - Main valve portion

104a - Main valve

105 - Connecting portion

105 a - First engaging end

105b - Second engaging end

107 - Main valve shaft

108 - Main valve handle

109 Extending member

110 Outlet

111 Sample collection valve DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[00024] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non -limiting embodiments and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well- known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[00025] As mentioned above, there is a need for an apparatus for sampling of fuel without loss and wastage of fuel. In particular, there is a need for an integrated apparatus for effectively sampling and discharging fuel to the underground fuel storages. The embodiments herein achieve this by providing “An integrated apparatus for sampling of fuel”. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Fig. la through Fig. Id, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.

[00026] Fig. la illustrates an isometric view of an integrated apparatus for fuel flow. In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes a first portion 101, a sampling portion 103, a main valve portion 104 and a connecting portion 105.

[00027] In an embodiment, the first portion 101 includes a first engaging end 101a and a second engaging end 101b. The first engaging end 101a is provided for coupling to a discharge valve of a fuel tanker. The second engaging end 101b is provided for coupling to the sampling portion 103. Latching elements 102 are provided at sides of the first portion 101 for securing the apparatus to the discharge valve of the fuel tanker. [00028] In an embodiment, the sampling portion 103 is coupled at one end to the second engaging portion 101b of the first portion 101. The sampling portion 103 includes an extended member 109 for diverting flow of fuel from the first portion. The extended member 109 includes an outlet 110 and a sample collection valve 111. The outlet 110 allows discharge of fuel from the extended member 109 and the sample collection valve 111 controls discharge of the fuel from the outlet 110. Another end of the sampling portion 103 is engaged to the main valve portion 104.

[00029] The main valve portion 104 includes a main valve shaft 107. A valve handle 108 is fixed to the main valve shaft 107 for controlling movement of the fuel. In an embodiment, movement of the valve handle 108 imparts rotating movement of the main valve shaft 107 relative to the main valve portion 104 for discharging fuel from the sampling portion 103 to the connecting portion 105 through the main valve portion 104. [00030] In an embodiment, the main valve portion 104 is coupled to the connecting portion 105. The connecting portion 105 includes a first engaging end 105a and a second engaging end 105b. The first engaging end 105a is coupled to the main valve portion 104 and the second engaging end 105b is coupled to an unloading hose pipe connected to an inlet of an underground fuel tank for transferring fuel supplied from the fuel tanker.

[00031] In an embodiment, the connecting portion 105 is a 3-inch male grooved adaptor capable of mating with a standard 3 -inch cam lock coupler in unloading hose of the underground fuel storage tank.

[00032] Fig. lb illustrate a side view of the integrated apparatus for fuel flow. The side view shows the sampling portion 103 including a first end 103a and a second end 103b. The first end 103a is coupled to the second engaging end 101b of the first portion 101. The second end 103b is coupled to the main valve portion

7 104. In an embodiment, the second end 103b is inclined at an angle relative to the first end 103 a for facilitating movement of the fuel through the main valve portion 104. In an embodiment, angle of the second end 103b relative to the first end is in a range between 20 degrees to 45 degrees. The sample collection valve 111 is opened for directing the fuel from the sampling portion 101 to the extending member 109. The fuel from the extending member 109 to the outlet 110 when the sample collection valve 111 is open. The fuel from the outlet is collected as a sample. After collection of the sample, the sample collection sample collection valve 111 is closed. The valve 108 is opened and the fuel is directed to the main valve portion 104. The fuel from the main valve portion 104 is directed to the hose through the connecting portion 105.

[00033] Fig. lc illustrates a rear view of the integrated apparatus for fuel flow. The rear view shows an inside surface of the integrated apparatus for fuel flow. [00034] Fig. Id illustrates a sectional view of the integrated apparatus for fuel flow. The sectional view shows an inside surface of the sampling portion 103, the main valve portion 104 and the connecting portion 105. The valve handle 108 is connected to the main valve shaft 107 provided in the main valve portion 104. The valve handle 108 moves the main valve shaft 107 and the main valve 104a for controlling flow of fuel through the main valve portion 104. The valve handle 108 is moved sidewards towards the connecting portion 105 thereby rotating the main valve shaft 107 and the main valve 104a, for opening the main valve portion 104. The rotated main valve 104a allows the flow of fuel through the main valve portion 104. The valve handle 108 is moved sidewards towards the sampling portion 103 thereby rotating the main valve shaft 107 and the main valve 104a for closing the main valve 104a and stopping the flow of fuel through the main valve portion 104. [00035] A main advantage of the present disclosure is that the apparatus provides integrated sampling and discharge of fuel.

[00036] Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the apparatus provides faster sampling and discharge of fuel to underground fuel tanks. [00037] Still another advantage of the present disclosure is that the apparatus provides efficient and improved sampling and discharge of fuel.

[00038] Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is that the apparatus provides sampling of fuel and discharge of fuel to underground storage tanks without loss and wastage of fuel. [00039] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS I/We Claim:

1. An integrated apparatus for sampling of fuel, comprising: a securing portion (101) coupled with a fuel inlet; wherein the securing portion (101) including a first engaging end (101a) and a second engaging end (101b); the first engaging end (101a) of the securing portion (101) coupled with the fuel inlet for allowing flow of fuel; characterized in that a sampling portion (103) operatively connected to the second engaging end (101b) for allowing the fuel for sampling; the sampling portion (103) including a first end (103a) and a second end (103b), wherein the second end (103b) inclined at an angle relative to the first end (103 a) for facilitating the flow of fuel; a main valve portion (104) coupled to the second end (103b) of the sampling portion (103) at the angle of inclination of the second end (103b); a connecting portion (105) fixed to the main valve portion (104) for facilitating flow of fuel to an inlet of an underground fuel tank; an extended member (109) protruding from the sampling portion (103) for diverting the flow of fuel for sampling; an outlet (110) and a sample collection valve (111) provided on the extended member (109) for discharging the fuel for sampling; and a valve (108) provided on the main valve portion (104) for facilitating flow of fuel through the connecting portion (105) to the underground fuel tank.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a sample collection valve (111) provided on the outlet (110) for controlling discharge of the fuel from the sampling portion (103) for sampling.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a main valve shaft (107) connected to a main valve (104a) of the main valve portion (104) for allowing the flow of fuel and the main valve (104a) movable with the main valve shaft (107) relative to the main valve portion (104) for discharging the flow of fuel through main valve portion (104) to the connecting portion (105).

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting portion (105) includes a first engaging end (105a) coupled to main valve portion (104) and a second engaging end (105b) coupled to the inlet of the underground fuel tank.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein latching elements (102) fixed to the securing portion (101) for securing to the fuel inlet.

6. A method for sampling of fuel using an integrated apparatus, comprising the steps of: securing a securing portion (101) to a fuel inlet for allowing flow of fuel; containing the flow of fuel in the sampling portion (103) by closing a main valve (104a) provided in the main valve portion (104); discharging the fuel through an extended portion (109) provided on the sampling portion (103) by opening a sample collection valve (111); collecting a sample quantity of the fuel through the outlet (110) and closing the sample collection valve (111) after collection; redirecting the flow of fuel to the main valve portion (104) by opening the main valve (104a); and discharging the flow of fuel through a connecting portion (105) coupled to the main valve portion (104) to an underground fuel tank.