Mobile fuel tank

Abstract

There is described a mobile fuel tank 2 comprising: an outer housing assembly 4 defining an outer tank; a plurality of inner tanks 18 disposed within the outer tank 14; and a manifold 30, wherein the plurality of inner tanks 18 are fluidically connected to the manifold 30 and wherein the manifold 30 has an outlet for supplying fuel from one or more of the inner tanks 18.

Description

The present application relates to a mobile fuel tank and particularly, but not exclusively, to a fuel tank trailer. BACKGROUND A mobile refueler (referred to herein as a mobile fuel tank) is a bulk storage container provided onboard a vehicle, or on a trailer to be towed by a vehicle, that is used to store and transport fuel (or other liquids). For example, mobile refuelers may be used at construction sites to provide refuelling of vehicles and other equipment, such as generators. It is desired to provide a mobile refueler which has improved usability. SUMMARY In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a mobile fuel tank comprising: an outer housing assembly defining an outer tank; a plurality of inner tanks disposed within the outer tank; and a manifold, wherein the plurality of inner tanks are fluidically connected to the manifold and wherein the manifold has an outlet for supplying fuel from one or more of the inner tanks. Each inner tank may be removable from the outer tank. A base of each inner tank may comprise a locating rib which is received in a complementary slot provided in a base of the outer tank. The outer tank may comprise a central support bar. The inner tanks may be arranged as two columns on either side of the central support bar. Each inner tank may comprise a flange which is supported by the central support bar. Each inner tank may comprise a fill port. The outer housing assembly may comprise a bulkhead which separates the outer tank from an equipment cabinet. The mobile fuel tank may further comprise a pump located within the equipment cabinet. The outer housing assembly may comprise a hatch for accessing the inner tanks. The hatch may be provided with a latch assembly which comprises a latch and a release mechanism. The release mechanism may comprise an actuator which is located within the equipment cabinet. The release mechanism may comprise a linkage which extends from the actuator to the latch. The latch may be a slam latch. The hatch may comprise a gas strut and / or hood spring for moving the hatch to an open position upon release of the latch. Individual valves may be provided between each inner tank and the manifold. The outlet of the manifold may comprise a master valve. The mobile fuel tank may further comprise a trailer configured to be towed by a vehicle; wherein the outer housing assembly is disposed on the trailer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fuel tank trailer in a closed configuration; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the fuel tank trailer in an open configuration; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the fuel tank trailer with an upper portion removed to show an inner tank arrangement; Figure 4 is a rear view of the fuel tank trailer showing a manifold assembly within an equipment cabinet; Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of an inner tank; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an outer housing assembly of the fuel tank trailer; Figure 8 shows an underside of a top panel assembly showing a hatch release mechanism; Figures 9 to 11 are close-up views of portions of the hatch release mechanism; Figure 12 is a close-up view of a hatch in an open position; and Figure 13 is a close-up view of an alternative hatch release mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 shows a mobile refueller (fuel tank trailer) 2 comprising a tank 4 disposed on a trailer 6. In this example, the trailer 6 is a twin axle trailer with four wheels. The tank 4 comprises a pair of forklift pockets 8 at its base for lifting the tank 4 onto and off the trailer 6. A further pair of forklift pockets may be provided which extend perpendicularly to the forklift pockets 8. The tank 4 comprises an outer housing assembly 10. The outer housing assembly 10 is substantially cuboidal and is formed by a left-side panel 11a, a right-side panel 11b, a front panel 11c, a rear panel 11d, a base panel 11e and a top panel 11f. As shown in Figures 2 and 7, the outer housing assembly 10 comprises a bulkhead 12 which divides the interior of the outer housing assembly 10 into two sections which form an outer tank 14 and an equipment cabinet 16 respectively. As shown in Figure 3, the outer tank 14 houses a plurality of inner tanks 18. In this example, the tank 4 comprises six inner tanks 18 which are arranged in a left column of three inner tanks 18 and a right column of three inner tanks 18. The outer tank 14 provides secondary containment for the inner tanks 18 with sufficient capacity to store the contents of at least one of the inner tanks 18. For example, the outer tank may be sized to hold 110% of the capacity of each inner tank 18 (or the largest inner tank 18, if the inner tanks 18 were of different sizes). The inner tanks 18 may have a relatively small capacity (e.g., 119 gallons (450 litres) or less) in order to maximise usability. Each inner tank 18 is cuboidal and defines an inner chamber. Each inner tank 18 comprises a top panel 19 which is provided with a plurality of ports. In this example, the top panel 19 is provided with four ports that are threaded and respectively receive a level gauge 20, such as a spiral gauge, a fill cap 22, a pressure relief vent 24 and a blanking plug 26. The top panel 19 is provided with a further port 28. As shown in Figure 3, the port 28 of each inner tank 18 is connected to a manifold 30 via a respective hose 32. A valve 34 (e.g., a ball valve) is provided between each hose 32 and the manifold 30 such that each inner tank 18 can be individually isolated from the manifold 30 (e.g., for travel). In other examples, the valves 34 may be centrally controlled to allow all valves 34 to be closed and opened at the same time. For example, the valves 34 may be solenoid valves which are controlled by a common input signal. The closing of the valves 34 may be automatically triggered by the closing of the equipment cabinet 16 (i.e., the cabinet door 56 described below). An outlet of the manifold 30 is also provided with a master valve 36 (e.g., a ball valve). The manifold 30 may be connected to a pump 40 (shown schematically in FIG. 4), such as a hand or electric pump, which may be provided with a hose and a dispensing nozzle. The pump 40 can be used to pump fuel from one or more of the inner tanks 18 for refuelling vehicles and other equipment. The top panel 19 is further provided with a pair of lifting points 42 (i.e., tabs, handles) which can be used to lift the inner tank 18 into position within the outer tank 14. As shown in Figure 6, a base panel 21 of the inner tank 18 comprises a locating rib 44 which projects from the base panel 21 and runs partially along the width of the base panel 21. As shown in Figure 7, the base panel 11e of the outer housing assembly 10 is provided with a rail 46 which extends axially from the rear panel 11 d to the bulkhead 12 and parallel to the right-side panel 11b. A corresponding rail 46 is provided parallel to the left-side panel 11a. The rail 46 comprises a plurality (three, in this example) of slots 48 which are sized and positioned to receive the corresponding locating rib 44 of each inner tank 18. The engagement of the locating rib 44 in the corresponding slot 48 fixes the position of each inner tank 18 within the outer tank 14. As shown in Figure 7, the outer tank 14 is further provided with a central support bar 50. The central support bar 50 extends axially from the rear panel 11d to the bulkhead 12 and parallel to, and centrally between, the left-side panel 11a and the right-side panel 11b. The central support bar 50 is suspended above the base panel 11e towards an upper edge of the outer tank 14. As shown in Figure 5, the top panel 19 of the inner tank 18 extends to form a pair of flanges. Specifically, in this example, the top panel 19 extends to form a horizontal flange 52 and a vertical flange 54 at either side of the inner tank 18. As shown in Figure 3, the inner tanks 18 are supported on the central support bar 50 by the horizontal flange 52 which is bolted to the central support bar 50. The inner tanks 18 are also bolted to the respective left or right-side panel 11a, 11b by the vertical flange 54. In this example, the central support bar 50 is formed by separate left and right support bars which respectively support the left and right columns of inner tanks 18. However, in other examples, a single bar may be used to support both columns of inner tanks 18. As shown in Figure 2, the outer housing assembly 10 comprises a cabinet door 56 which provides access to the equipment cabinet 16. The cabinet door 56 comprises a vertical portion 58 which forms part of the front panel 11c (when closed) and a horizontal portion 59 which forms part of the top panel 11f (when closed). The horizontal portion 59 of the cabinet door 56 is connected to the top panel 11 f by hinges which each have their axis extending in a widthwise direction extending between the left and right-side panels 11a, 11b. The cabinet door 56 comprises a lockable latch 60 and is moved to and supported in the open position by a pair of gas struts 62. The top panel 11f further comprises left and right hatches 62a, 62b which provide access to the left and right columns of inner tanks 18. In particular, the left and right hatches 62a, 62b provide access for filling each inner tank 18 via the fill cap 22 and for checking the level of fuel in each inner tank 18 using the level gauge 20. The left and right hatches 62a, 62b are connected to a central portion of the top panel 11 f by hinges which each have their axis extending in an axial direction extending between the front and rear panels 11c, 11d. The left hatch 62a opens in a clockwise direction, whereas the right hatch 62b opens in an anticlockwise direction. The left and right hatches 62a, 62b therefore open towards one another. In other examples, the hinges may be provided on opposite sides such that the hatches 62a, 62b open away from one another. The left and right hatches 62a, 62b are each held closed by a latch assembly. As shown in Figure 8, each latch assembly comprises a pair of slam latches 64a, 64b and a release mechanism. The release mechanism comprises a linkage formed by an elongate link bar 66 and a release bar 68. The link bar 66 is arranged axially and is slidably mounted to allow axial movement towards or away from the front or rear panel 11c, 11d. The link bar 66 is connected to each slam latch 64a, 64b via a pair of link plates 72 and brackets 74. Each link plate 72 connects at one end to the respective slam latch 64a, 64 and at the other end to the respective bracket 74 which are spaced along the link bar 66. Each link plate 72 is pivotably connected so as to allow relative rotation between the link plate 72 and the slam latch 64a, 64b and the bracket 74. The release bar 68 is connected to the link bar 66 such that it extends perpendicularly to the link bar 66. The release bars 68 of each latch assembly extend towards one another from their respective link bars 66. Each release bar 68 is pivotably mounted via a pin bracket 70 midway along the length of the release bar 68. Each slam latch 64a, 64b is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, each slam latch 64a, 64b is configured to engage a striker (i.e., catch; hook) portion 65a, 65b provided on an underside of the hatch 62a, 62b. At least a portion of the release bar 68 extends into the equipment cabinet 16, as can be seen in Figure 4. The release bar 68 acts as an actuator which can be grasped by a user (at a portion inboard of the pin bracket 70) and pushed (or pulled, in other examples) towards the bulkhead 12. This causes the release mechanism to move from a rest position to an actuated position. Specifically, this causes the link bar 66 to translate axially towards the front panel 11c and relative to the slam latches 64a, 64b. As described previously, the slam latches 64a, 64b are connected to the link bar 66 via the link plates 72 and brackets 74. Consequently, the translation of the link bar 66 drives the slam latches 64a, 64b to the open position, thereby releasing the striker portions 65a, 65b. Once released, the hatch 62a, 62b is automatically lifted into a fully open position by the combination of a pair of hood springs 80 (which are compressed between the hatch 62a, 62b and the top panel 11f when the hatch 62a, 62b is closed) and a pair of gas struts 82, as shown in Figure 12. As shown in Figure 10, a spring 76 is provided between the slam latch 64a, 64b and the bracket 74 mounted to the link bar 66. The translation of the link bar 66 causes the spring 76 to be stretched which creates a biasing force that acts to return the release mechanism to the rest position. As shown in Figure 11, the slam latch 64a, 64b is also provided with a spring 78 which is stretched in the open position and thus creates a biasing force which acts to return the slam latch 64a, 64b to the closed position. As described, the slam latches 64a, 64b, and thus the hatches 62a, 62b, can only be released by accessing the release bars 68 within the equipment cabinet 16. As described previously, the cabinet door 56 on the equipment cabinet 16 comprises a lockable latch 60 and so this also prevents unauthorized opening of the hatches 62a, 62b. Figure 13 shows an alternative release mechanism. In this example, a compression spring assembly 84 is provided between the link plate 72 and the bracket 74 which creates a biasing force that acts to return the release mechanism to the rest position and to return the slam latch 64a, 64b to the closed position. The compression spring assembly 84 thus replaces the springs 76, 78 described previously. The compression spring assembly 84 comprises a pull rod 86 which passes through a pair of guide plates 90a, 90b. The pull rod 86 is connected at one end to the link plate 72 and at the other end to the bracket 74 via a mounting tab 92. A compression spring 88 is received around the pull rod 86 between the guide plate 90a and a shoulder 94 formed along the pull rod 86. The translation of the link bar 66 causes the pull rod 86 to translate relative to the guide plates 90a, 90b, such that the spring 88 is compressed between the guide plate 90a and the shoulder 94, thereby generating the biasing force. The pull rod 86 is connected to the mounting tab 92 via a nut 96 which is received on a threaded portion of the pull rod 86. This arrangement allows the rest position of the pull rod 86 to be adjusted, thereby varying the compression on the spring 88. It will be appreciated that other release mechanisms may be used for opening the 5 hatches. For example, a cable actuated latch may be used with an actuator (e.g., pull) provided within the equipment cabinet 16. In other examples, only a single hatch may be provided (e.g., if there is only a single column of inner tanks 18). Although the fuel tank trailer has been described in relation to carrying fuel, it will be 10 appreciated that it may be used to carry other hazardous liquids. Further, in other examples, the fuel tank may not be mounted on a trailer and may instead be transported directly by a vehicle i.e., a truck. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and may be modified 15 or adapted without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A mobile fuel tank comprising:an outer housing assembly defining an outer tank;a plurality of inner tanks disposed within the outer tank; anda manifold, wherein the plurality of inner tanks are fluidically connected to the manifold and wherein the manifold has an outlet for supplying fuel from one or more of the inner tanks.

2. A mobile fuel tank as claimed in claim 1, wherein each inner tank is removable from the outer tank.

3. A mobile fuel tank as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein a base of each inner tank comprises a locating rib which is received in a complementary slot provided in a base of the outer tank.

4. A mobile fuel tank as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer tank comprises a central support bar; wherein the inner tanks are arranged as two columns on either side of the central support bar; wherein each inner tank comprises a flange which is supported by the central support bar.

5. A mobile fuel tank as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each inner tank comprises a fill port.

6. A mobile fuel tank as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer housing assembly comprises a bulkhead which separates the outer tank from an equipment cabinet.

7. A mobile fuel tank as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a pump located within the equipment cabinet.

8. A mobile fuel tank as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer housing assembly comprises a hatch for accessing the inner tanks; wherein the hatch is provided with a latch assembly which comprises a latch and a release mechanism.

9. A mobile fuel tank as claimed in claim 8 when appended to claim 6 or 7, wherein the release mechanism comprises an actuator which is located within the equipment cabinet.

10. A mobile fuel tank as claimed in claim 9, wherein the release mechanism comprises a linkage which extends from the actuator to the latch.

11. A mobile fuel tank as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the latch is a slam latch.

12. A mobile fuel tank as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the hatch comprises a gas strut and / or hood spring for moving the hatch to an open position upon release of the latch.

13. A mobile fuel tank as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein individual valves are provided between each inner tank and the manifold.

14. A mobile fuel tank as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet of the manifold comprises a master valve.

15. A mobile fuel tank as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a trailer configured to be towed by a vehicle; wherein the outer housing assembly is disposed on the trailer.11

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