Unloading system for dry bulk and liquid tank trailers

Abstract

The invention relates to a discharge system for a bulk tank trailer for unloading dry bulk material from a bulk product trailer configured to be towed by a vehicle. The discharge system includes a centrifugal compressor, a drive mechanism, and a speed increaser. The centrifugal compressor is configured to deliver compressed air to force dry bulk material out of the bulk product trailer and to deliver the dry bulk material to a storage tank. The drive mechanism provides rotational motion to the centrifugal compressor (e.g., via a power take-off of the vehicle). The speed increaser is disposed between the centrifugal compressor and the drive mechanism and is configured to increase the speed of the rotational motion provided by the drive mechanism to the centrifugal compressor. The drive mechanism can include a hydraulic system configured to drive a liquid product pump for pumping liquid product from a liquid product storage tank trailer towed by the vehicle.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 569,275, filed March 25, 2024, entitled “Discharge System Adapted for Use in Dry and Liquids Bulk Tank Trailers,” filed under 35 USC §119(e). U.S. Patent No. 6,960,147, filed January 21, 2002, entitled “Planet Gear and Use Thereof,” U.S. Patent No. 2024 / 0255003, filed April 8, 2024, entitled “Heat Exchanger with Curved Core Area and Intended for Use with an Agricultural Pumper Truck,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 569,275, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Technology

[0002] Bulk transport is a method of transporting unpackaged liquid or dry bulk products in tank trucks or dry bulk tank trailers. Bulk transport is a critical part of the supply chain in many industries. Dry bulk tank trailers, or pneumatic trailers, are specialized tank trailers designed to transport dry, non-liquid granular or powdery materials such as cement, flour, plastic pellets, or sand, using pneumatic systems for loading and unloading. A dry bulk tank trailer includes a tank, which may comprise a single compartment or be divided into multiple compartments, or a hopper. Dry bulk material is loaded into the trailer tank through a top manhole and discharged through the bottom via a pneumatic system that uses air pressure to “fluidize” the material and pneumatically transfers it from the trailer to a receiving location via hoses. Attached Figure Description

[0003] The accompanying drawings provide a detailed description. The use of the same reference numerals in different examples in the specification and drawings may indicate similar or identical elements.

[0004] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an unloading system for dry bulk and liquid bulk cargo trailers according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0005] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an unloading system for a dry bulk trailer according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 3 A drive mechanism, such as, according to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the drive mechanism is shown.

[0007] Figure 4 This illustrates exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows the block diagram of the control system for the unloading system.

[0008] Figure 5 According to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1 The first partial isometric view of the unloading system shown includes the drive mechanism, the hydraulic fluid cooling system, the speed increaser, and the centrifugal compressor.

[0009] Figure 6 According to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1 The second partial isometric view of the unloading system shown includes the drive mechanism, the hydraulic fluid cooling system, the speed increaser, and the centrifugal compressor.

[0010] Figure 7 This is a partial exploded view of an unloading system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the speed increaser and centrifugal compressor are connected in series with a power take-off (PTO).

[0011] Figure 8 These are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, respectively composed of, such as Figure 5 The unloading system shown is an isometric view of the dry bulk product trailer and dry product storage tank unloading and loading. Detailed Implementation

[0012] To facilitate understanding of the principles of this subject matter, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and these embodiments will be described using specific language. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter. Any changes and further modifications to the described embodiments, as well as any further applications of the principles of the subject matter as described herein, are contemplated, as would normally be expected by those skilled in the art.

[0013] Overview

[0014] Dry bulk transport vehicles typically consist of vehicles such as tractor-trailers or trucks that tow dry bulk tank trailers to transport dry bulk materials (e.g., powder and granular products) to their destination. Dry bulk transport vehicles often employ pneumatic unloading systems that unload the dry bulk materials from the trailer's tanks and store them in a destination silo for storage. Conventional pneumatic unloading systems use the vehicle's power take-off unit ("PTO") to transmit power from the vehicle's engine to a rotary vane blower, which generates a large volume and low-pressure airflow to pneumatically transfer the dry product from the transport vehicle to the storage silo.

[0015] There are several disadvantages to using rotary vane blowers in dry bulk pneumatic unloading systems. The first disadvantage is the weight and size of the blowers. They are quite large and heavy, making them inconvenient to transport with the unloading system, and can weigh over 300 pounds (300 lbs.), with some "compact" models exceeding 700 pounds (700 lbs.). This weight reduces the effective load of dry bulk material that can be transported by the carrier vehicle. Another disadvantage is the need for direct alignment of the blower with the PTO via a drive shaft connecting the blower and the PTO. Due to this limitation, rotary vane blowers must be mounted to the vehicle chassis. However, with the outdated design of blowers, it is becoming increasingly difficult to provide blowers suitable for current and potentially future vehicle chassis designs, especially in vehicles with advanced environmental controls that occupy a significant portion of the available chassis space. This outdated blower design, along with its size and weight requirements, complicates the direct alignment of the blower with the PTO and limits its use to certain vehicle models compatible with this arrangement.

[0016] Furthermore, because the rotary vane blowers used in traditional unloading systems rely solely on the velocity of the airflow to transport material, the unloading process can take a significant amount of time to complete. Blowers have a limited operating speed range and often fail to meet the commercial pressures required to reduce unloading time. This limited speed range also restricts the types of bulk materials (products) a given dry bulk tank trailer can accommodate, as different materials may require higher or lower rated speeds for efficient transport by a pneumatic unloading system. Finally, blowers typically require lubricating oil to lubricate and cool the blower's rotating blades; when mixed with the transported airflow, this lubricating oil can contaminate the bulk products to be transported during unloading from the trailer.

[0017] Therefore, the present invention relates to a pneumatic unloading system for unloading dry bulk materials from a mobile bulk tank trailer towed by a vehicle such as a tractor or truck. The pneumatic unloading system includes a centrifugal compressor operable to supply a flow of compressed air to pressurize the unloading system, thereby pneumatically conveying the dry bulk materials from the mobile bulk tank trailer to a storage facility (e.g., storage tanks, facilities, etc.). The centrifugal compressor is driven by a drive mechanism configured to engage with the vehicle's PTO to transmit rotational motion to the centrifugal compressor. A speed increaser is disposed between the drive mechanism and the centrifugal compressor to increase the speed of the rotational motion supplied from the drive mechanism to the centrifugal compressor.

[0018] In several embodiments, the drive mechanism includes a hydraulic system comprising a hydraulic motor for transmitting rotary motion from the vehicle's PTO to the centrifugal compressor. Because the hydraulic system is indirectly connected to the PTO via a hydraulic pump and hoses, the pneumatic unloading system allows for greater flexibility in arranging various unloading system components on the vehicle chassis (e.g., on the side of the chassis, above the chassis frame, etc.) compared to conventional systems that directly drive the PTO. In several embodiments, the drive mechanism may also drive a liquid product pump configured to pump liquid product from a tank in a liquid tank trailer towed by the vehicle.

[0019] In several embodiments, the unloading system includes a control system configured to control the operation of the pneumatic unloading system. The control system can monitor the operational status of the unloading system and change the operating mode of the unloading system based on the monitored operational status or user input. In several embodiments where the unloading system includes a liquid product pump for use with a liquid tank trailer, the control system can enable the unloading system to unload both dry bulk materials and liquid products by changing the operating mode from dry bulk unloading to liquid unloading.

[0020] The centrifugal air compressor is configured to provide a pressurized airflow to the unloading system to efficiently transport dry bulk materials at high speeds within a shorter timeframe and using a smaller footprint than conventional rotary vane blowers. Furthermore, the weight of the pneumatic unloading system employing the centrifugal air compressor described in this application is less than one-third (1 / 3) of the weight of an unloading system employing a conventional rotary vane blower, and when mounted on a vehicle chassis, its footprint (e.g., size and / or volume) is approximately one-quarter (1 / 4) of that of a system employing a conventional blower. In addition, the unloading system of the present invention offers the flexibility to operate over a wider compressor speed range to accommodate different bulk materials.

[0021] Detailed description of example embodiments

[0022] See in general Figures 1 to 8 This document describes an unloading system 100 for a dry bulk trailer 122 (also known as a dry product trailer 122), configured to be towed by a vehicle 50 such as a truck or tractor. As shown, the unloading system 100 includes a pneumatic system comprising a drive mechanism 102, a speed increaser 108, and a centrifugal compressor 110. In several embodiments, the drive mechanism 102 includes a hydraulic system 103 having a hydraulic fluid pump 104 and a hydraulic motor 106, such as... Figure 3 As shown. In other embodiments, drive mechanism 102 may include an electric motor (not shown) configured to provide rotational motion to drive centrifugal compressor 110. In several embodiments where vehicle 50 is an electric vehicle (EV), the electric motor may be powered by the vehicle's battery.

[0023] The unloading system 100 is configured to be coupled to a power take-off (PTO) 52 of the vehicle 50. The PTO 52 may be located in the truck's transmission to transmit power from the vehicle's engine (not shown) to a hydraulic fluid pump 104 of the drive mechanism 102 upon engagement. The hydraulic fluid pump 104 generates a hydraulic fluid flow that powers a hydraulic motor 106 to drive a centrifugal compressor 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the hydraulic system 103 also includes a hydraulic cooling system 114, which includes a hydraulic fluid filter 111, a hydraulic fluid reservoir 113, and a heat exchanger 115. The hydraulic cooling system 114 is configured to cool the hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic system 103. The hydraulic filter 111 may be located within the hydraulic fluid reservoir 113 and is configured to filter any impurities in the hydraulic fluid flowing through the hydraulic system 103.

[0024] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the exemplary embodiment shown, heat exchanger 115 is a curved heat exchanger having a curved finned core 117 and a centrifugal fan 119. The finned core 117 is in fluid communication with a hydraulic fluid reservoir 113. The finned core 117 may include a horizontal portion, a vertical portion, and a curved portion connecting the horizontal and vertical portions. The centrifugal fan 119 is configured to provide an airflow through the finned core 117 to cool the hydraulic fluid flowing from the hydraulic fluid reservoir 113 before it is recirculated back to the hydraulic system 103. It should be noted that the curved heat exchanger described herein is a non-limiting example, and other heat exchangers may be used to cool the hydraulic fluid of the drive mechanism 102, including but not limited to shell-and-tube heat exchangers, plate heat exchangers, twin-tube heat exchangers, and air-cooled heat exchangers.

[0025] Drive mechanism 102 drives speed increaser 108 (also called speed multiplier), which is configured to increase the speed of the rotational motion transmitted from drive mechanism 102 to centrifugal compressor 110. In an exemplary embodiment, speed increaser 108 is a traction-driven speed increaser. In such an embodiment, the speed increaser includes a plurality of friction rollers arranged in a planetary arrangement. In other embodiments, the speed increaser may be gear-driven, such as a helical gearbox or a spur gearbox; or it may be a right-angle speed increaser; or it may be a hollow shaft speed increaser. The speed increaser is configured to operate centrifugal compressor 110 at a low-friction, high-speed speed. For example, speed increaser 108 may operate centrifugal compressor 110 at a speed range between 8,000 revolutions per minute (8,000 RPM) and 120,000 revolutions per minute (120,000 RPM). In one exemplary embodiment, centrifugal compressor 110 may operate at a speed range between 60,000 revolutions per minute (60,000 RPM) and 70,000 revolutions per minute (70,000 RPM). In another exemplary embodiment, the centrifugal compressor 110 can operate within a speed range between 80,000 revolutions per minute (80,000 RPM) and 120,000 revolutions per minute (120,000 RPM), and so on. In several embodiments, the speed increaser is a direct-drive speed increaser (i.e., not belt-driven). In other embodiments, the unloading system 100 may also include a pulley system (not shown) configured to increase the speed of the rotational motion supplied from the drive mechanism 102 to the centrifugal compressor 110. Because the centrifugal compressor 110 is capable of operating at higher speeds than conventional blowers, the unloading time of the tank 121 of the dry bulk trailer 122 is significantly reduced.

[0026] As mentioned above, Figure 8 As shown, the centrifugal compressor 110 is configured to supply a pressurized airflow through the compressor outlet 118 to the piping system 124 of the dry bulk trailer 122, which has a discharge pipe 123. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the centrifugal compressor 110 may include an air filter 116 for filtering the airflow from the air inlet to the centrifugal compressor 110. In several embodiments, the total weight of the unloading system 110, including the drive mechanism 102, the speed increaser 108, and the centrifugal compressor 110, ranges from 75 lbs. to 125 lbs. The unloading system 110 is lighter than the rotary vane blowers used in conventional unloading systems, allowing the vehicle 50 to increase its effective load capacity, thus enabling the transport of more product in the trailer 122.

[0027] Piping system 124 may include a plurality of control valves 125 in a valve system, which can be opened and closed to regulate the amount of product flowing from dry bulk trailer 122 (e.g., the hopper of dry bulk trailer 122) and into discharge pipe 123. In several embodiments, the plurality of control valves 125 may be actuated automatically and / or manually independently of each other. For example, a first valve 125 may open a first compartment of dry bulk trailer 122, and a second valve 125 may open a second compartment of dry bulk trailer 122 that contains dry bulk product different from that in the first compartment of dry bulk trailer 122.

[0028] The discharge pipe 123 also includes a discharge valve 120 movable between a normally closed position and an open position. In the normally closed position, the discharge valve 120 prevents the discharge pipe 123 from discharging dry bulk product from the dry bulk trailer 122 to the dry product storage device 128. In the open position, when the centrifugal compressor 110 provides a pressurized airflow to the dry bulk trailer and / or the discharge pipe 123, the discharge valve 120 allows the discharge pipe 123 to discharge dry bulk product from the dry bulk trailer 122 to the dry product storage device 128. In an exemplary embodiment, the mass flow rates of the exhaust air and dry product can be in the range of 0.2 kg / s to 0.5 kg / s. The higher mass flow rate delivered by the discharge system 100 compared to a rotary blade blower allows the operator to discharge the dry bulk trailer 122 in a shorter time.

[0029] In several embodiments, pressurized air is supplied to the dry bulk trailer 122, and once the dry bulk trailer 122 reaches a predetermined pressure, the discharge valve 120 can open to begin pneumatically discharging the material contained in the dry bulk trailer 122. The dry product can then be removed from the dry bulk trailer and discharged through the discharge pipe 123. The discharge system 100 may also include a pressure reducing valve 126 connected to the dry bulk trailer 122, wherein the pressure reducing valve 126 is normally closed.

[0030] exist Figure 7 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the pneumatic unloading system 100 can also be directly connected to the PTO 52. In this embodiment, the PTO 52 directly drives the speed increaser 108 to achieve the unloading operation speed of the centrifugal compressor 110. In this embodiment, the pneumatic unloading system 100 does not include a separate drive mechanism 102 or a hydraulic fluid system 103.

[0031] exist Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the unloading system 100 also includes a liquid pump 112 driven by a drive mechanism 102. The liquid pump 112 can be operated using a hydraulic system 103 of the drive mechanism 102. The liquid pump 112 unloads liquid products from a liquid product trailer 130 (e.g., towed by vehicle 50, rather than from a dry bulk trailer 122) and delivers the liquid products to a liquid product storage device 132. Using the hydraulic system 103 to unload liquid-loaded products allows vehicle 50 or fleet 50 to use the same unloading system 100 to unload different goods. In another exemplary embodiment, the unloading system 100 may unload dry bulk products and does not include a liquid product pump, such as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0032] The method for unloading bulk product trailers according to the present invention reduces unloading time and energy consumption during the emptying of dry or wet bulk product trailers. In several embodiments, by using a centrifugal compressor, the horsepower required to unload dry bulk materials is 25% to 35% less than that of conventional unloading systems using blowers. During use, the speed of the centrifugal air compressor 110 can be varied, allowing the same vehicle 50 to be used to unload different materials. For example, emptying a first bulk commodity or material can be done at a first speed, while unloading a second bulk commodity different from the first bulk commodity can be done at a second speed different from the first speed. The first bulk commodity may differ from the second bulk commodity in at least one material property, including but not limited to the product's density, viscosity, etc. For example, the first bulk commodity may include flour, and the second bulk commodity may include sugar. In another example, the first bulk commodity may include cement, and the second bulk commodity may include ash. In yet another example, the first bulk commodity may include plastic granules having a first size, while the second bulk commodity may include plastic granules having a second size different from the first size of the first bulk commodity.

[0033] Figure 4 Showing the use of Figure 1 and Figure 2 The illustrated unloading system 100 is a non-limiting embodiment of the control system 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the control system 150 includes a controller 152, a sensor assembly 154, a user interface 156, and a control device 158 (e.g., a device for controlling the operation of the compressor 110, drive mechanism 102, valves 120, 126, etc. of the bulk product trailer). However, it should be understood that the illustrated control system 150 is one example of an implementation, and in other embodiments, the control system 150 may include different configurations and / or devices without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0034] like Figure 4As shown, controller 152 includes processor 160, memory 162 (e.g., non-transitory computer-readable storage medium), communication interface 164, and one or more input / output (I / O) ports 166. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this design, controller 152 is shown as a single component. However, those skilled in the art will understand that controller 152 is not limited to this configuration. For example, in several embodiments, controller 152 may be implemented as a distributed system. In such embodiments, controller 152 may include two or more different control units connected via a network (not shown).

[0035] Sensor assembly 154 may include multiple sensors, including but not limited to one or more mass flow sensors 168, one or more compressor speed sensors 170, one or more hydraulic fluid temperature sensors 172, etc. Sensor assembly 154 can monitor the operational status of the piping systems of centrifugal compressor 110 and dry bulk trailer 122 and / or liquid product trailer 130. In several embodiments, mass flow sensor 168 is arranged to monitor the flow rate through discharge pipe 123. Controller 152 can control the position / state of discharge valve 120 and pressure reducing valve 126, and can control the speed of centrifugal compressor 110 by monitoring compressor speed sensor 170. Controller 152 can adjust the speed of centrifugal compressor 110 to improve the performance of centrifugal compressor 110 based on the dry bulk product discharged from dry bulk trailer 122 and other operational statuses of discharge system 100. In several embodiments, the speed of centrifugal compressor 110 can be adjusted by control system 150 to compensate for different environmental conditions that can change the density of the working airflow, including but not limited to altitude, air / ambient temperature, etc. Adjusting the speed of the centrifugal compressor 110 can reduce unloading time and / or increase the efficiency of the unloading system 100.

[0036] Temperature sensor 172 can detect the temperature of the hydraulic fluid within hydraulic system 103. Other temperature sensors 172 can be connected to other components of unloading system 100, including but not limited to centrifugal compressor 110 or speed increaser 108. By monitoring the hydraulic fluid temperature, control system 150 can circulate the hydraulic fluid to heat exchanger 115, or bypass heat exchanger 115 using a bypass valve (not shown).

[0037] The control system 150 can detect conditions that may damage the centrifugal compressor 110. For example, in several embodiments, the control system 150 can shut down the unloading system 100 or vent compressed air to the atmosphere to protect the centrifugal compressor 110 from surge. For instance, when the unloading valve 120 is open and the centrifugal compressor 110 is operating at the unloading rate, and the flow rate indicated by the mass flow sensor 168 is below a predetermined threshold, the controller causes the centrifugal compressor 110 to idle at a speed lower than the minimum unloading rate required to unload the dry bulk trailer 122. In another example, when the unloading valve 126 is open and the centrifugal compressor 110 is operated at the unloading rate, and the mass flow rate discharged through the unloading pipe 123 is below a predetermined threshold, the pressure reducing valve 126 can be opened to avoid damage to the unloading system 100 or the dry bulk trailer 122. The control system 150 can also monitor the temperature sensor 172 to prevent overheating of components such as the drive mechanism 102, the speed increaser 108, and / or the centrifugal compressor 110.

[0038] In several embodiments, the drive mechanism 102 also communicates with the controller 152 and is switchable between a first mode and a second mode. The unloading system 100 may include at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode. For example, the first operating mode may be adapted to empty a first dry bulk product from a dry bulk trailer 122 using a centrifugal air compressor 110. The second operating mode may be adapted to empty a second bulk material, such as a liquid product, from a liquid product trailer 130 using a separate liquid pump 112. As another example, the first and second operating modes may differ from each other in terms of the unloading speed required for the centrifugal air compressor 110 to unload different types of dry bulk products. For example, the first operating mode may be adapted to empty granules, and the second operating mode may be adapted to empty powders.

[0039] Processor 160 may include any number of processors, microcontrollers, or other processing systems, as well as resident or external memory for storing data and other information accessed or generated by control system 150. Processor 160 may execute one or more software programs that implement the processes described herein. Processor 160 is not limited by the materials formed therein or the processing mechanisms employed therein, and therefore may be implemented by semiconductors and / or transistors (e.g., using electronic integrated circuit (IC) components), etc.

[0040] Memory 162 is an example of a tangible computer-readable storage medium that provides storage functionality to store various data related to the operation of control system 150, such as software programs and / or code segments, or other data executable by processor 160 and possibly by a processing system of flow sensor 168 of control system 150 and / or other components of unloading system 100 to perform the processes described herein. Thus, memory 162 can store data, such as instruction programs for operating control system 150 (including its components), unloading system 100 (including its components), etc. It should be noted that while a single memory 162 is described, various types of memory and combinations of memory (e.g., tangible, non-transitory memory) can be employed. Memory 162 can be integrated with processor 160, can include a separate memory, or can be a combination of both.

[0041] I / O port 164 provides access to other components of controller 152 and control system 150 via wired or wireless networks, combinations thereof (e.g., user interface 156, control devices, and various sensors of sensor assembly 154, such as…). Figure 4 The interconnection of (shown) components. In this manner, I / O port 164 allows processor 160 to engage with these components to send / receive data and commands / input. In embodiments, I / O port 164 may include a universal serial bus (USB) port, an Ethernet port (e.g., an RJ-45 port), a serial port, a parallel port, an HDMI port, combinations thereof, etc., which allow communication via a wired network (e.g., a wired Ethernet network, USB, serial connection, etc.).

[0042] I / O port 164 may also include a transmitter / receiver or transceiver that provides communication via a wireless network. Exemplary wireless networks may include, but are not limited to: networks that communicate according to one or more standards of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) (such as the 802.11 or 802.16 (Wi-Max) standards); Wi-Fi standards issued by the Wi-Fi Alliance; Bluetooth standards issued by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG); combinations thereof, etc.

[0043] Communication interface 164 provides interconnection between controller 152 and external systems, network 106, etc. For example, communication interface 164 and / or processor 160 communicate with various networks, including but not limited to: wireless computer communication networks, such as Wi-Fi networks (e.g., wireless local area networks (WLANs) operating using the IEEE 802.11 network standard); the Internet; the Internet; wide area networks (WANs); local area networks (LANs); personal area networks (PANs) (e.g., wireless personal area networks (WPANs) operating using the IEEE 802.15 network standard); public telephone networks; extranets; intranets; RS-232; RS-422; CAN bus; wide area cellular telephone networks, such as 3G cellular networks, 4G cellular networks, 5G cellular networks, or Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks; and so on.

[0044] In various embodiments, the communication interface 164 allows the control system 150 (e.g., controller 152) to engage with external systems to send / receive data and commands / inputs. For example, one or more operators can access the control system 150 from a remote device such as a computer, handheld device (e.g., tablet, mobile phone, etc.) via the communication interface 164 and through the controller 152 to provide input (commands) to the control system 150 of the compressed air system 100. The operator can further view operational data (e.g., equipment pressure, flow rate, status, and / or operating time (e.g., compressor status and runtime)). In various embodiments, the communication interface 164 can facilitate secure connectivity of such remote devices via various data security technologies, including but not limited to data encryption, system login requirements, bioassay security protocols, and combinations thereof.

[0045] User interface 156 may include one or more displays, such as an LCD (liquid crystal diode) display, a TFT (thin film transistor) LCD display, an LEP (light-emitting polymer) or PLED (polymer light-emitting diode) display, etc., which display text and / or graphic information to the operator of control system 150. In various embodiments, instead of one or more displays, or in addition to one or more displays, user interface 156 may also include meters, dials, LCD or LED (light-emitting diode) readers, combinations thereof, etc., which can be used to display data and status information of unloading system 100.

[0046] User interface 156 may also include a control interface for inputting / entering data and commands. In various embodiments, the control interface may include a touchscreen interface, allowing an operator to manipulate images and / or selectable items displayed on a monitor using his or her fingers, a stylus, a combination thereof, etc. The touchscreen may be located on one or more monitors, external to a monitor, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, user interface 156 may be operated via a combination of direct touch input received via the touchscreen interface and input received externally to the touchscreen interface. For example, in embodiments, the control interface of user interface 156 may include buttons, soft keys, a keyboard, a keypad, knobs, combinations thereof, etc., which may be used for entering data and commands as an alternative to or supplement to the touchscreen.

[0047] The controller 152 provides control to the user interface 156 via the processor 160, memory 162, I / O port 166, and / or communication interface 164. The processor 160 may be operatively and / or communicatively coupled to components of the user interface 156. The processor 160 may use software, firmware, hardware (e.g., fixed logic circuitry), manual processing, or a combination thereof to control components and functions of the control system 150 and / or compressed air system 100 described herein.

[0048] While the subject matter has been illustrated and described in detail in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, the foregoing is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. It should be understood that only exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, and protection is intended for all changes and modifications falling within the spirit of the subject matter. When reading the claims, the use of words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “one of a plurality” is not intended to limit the claims to a single element unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “installation” and “connection” and their variations are used broadly and cover direct and indirect installation, connection, and coupling. Furthermore, “connection” is not limited to physical or mechanical connections or linkages.

Claims

1. A pneumatic unloading system for unloading dry bulk materials from a dry bulk trailer configured to be towed by a vehicle, the pneumatic unloading system comprising: A centrifugal compressor, operable to provide compressed air to pressurize the pneumatic unloading system, thereby forcing the dry bulk material out of the dry bulk trailer, the compressed air generating an airflow configured to deliver the dry bulk material to a storage tank; A drive mechanism configured to engage the vehicle's power take-off (PTO) device to provide rotational motion to drive the centrifugal compressor; as well as A speed increaser is disposed between the drive mechanism and the centrifugal compressor, and the speed increaser is configured to increase the speed of the rotational motion provided to the centrifugal compressor by the drive mechanism.

2. The pneumatic unloading system according to claim 1, wherein, The drive mechanism includes a hydraulic system that uses a hydraulic motor to provide rotational motion to drive the centrifugal compressor.

3. The pneumatic unloading system of claim 2 further includes a hydraulic fluid cooling system configured to cool the hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic system, the hydraulic fluid cooling system including a hydraulic fluid reservoir and a heat exchanger.

4. The pneumatic unloading system of claim 3 further includes a liquid product pump for pumping liquid products from a liquid product storage tank trailer towed by the vehicle, the liquid product pump being driven by the drive mechanism.

5. The pneumatic unloading system according to claim 1 further includes a control system for controlling the operation of the pneumatic unloading system.

6. The pneumatic unloading system according to claim 5, wherein, The control system includes a sensor assembly and a controller. The sensor assembly is configured to sense the operating state of the pneumatic unloading system. The controller is configured to receive the operating state of the pneumatic unloading system sensed by the sensor assembly. The controller is configured to change the operation of the centrifugal compressor when the operating state of the pneumatic unloading system is outside a predetermined operating state range.

7. The pneumatic unloading system according to claim 6, wherein, The sensor assembly includes a mass flow sensor, and the operating status of the pneumatic unloading system is determined by the mass flow rate of the air delivered by the centrifugal compressor.

8. A compressor assembly operable to unload dry bulk material from a dry bulk trailer configured to be towed by a vehicle, the compressor assembly comprising: A centrifugal compressor, operable to provide compressed air to pressurize a pneumatic unloading system, thereby forcing the dry bulk material out of the dry bulk trailer during unloading; A drive mechanism for providing rotational motion to drive the centrifugal compressor; as well as A speed increaser is disposed between the drive mechanism and the centrifugal compressor, and the speed increaser is configured to increase the speed of the rotational motion provided to the centrifugal compressor by the drive mechanism.

9. The compressor assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The drive mechanism includes a hydraulic system that uses a hydraulic motor to provide rotational motion to drive the centrifugal compressor.

10. The compressor assembly of claim 9, further comprising a hydraulic fluid cooling system configured to cool the hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic system, the hydraulic fluid cooling system comprising a hydraulic fluid reservoir and a heat exchanger.

11. The compressor assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The drive mechanism includes an electric motor for providing rotational motion to drive the centrifugal compressor.

12. The compressor assembly of claim 11, further comprising a pump for pumping liquid product from a liquid product storage tank trailer towed by the vehicle, rather than from a dry bulk trailer, the pump being driven by the drive mechanism.

13. The compressor assembly of claim 8, further comprising a control system for controlling the operation of the centrifugal compressor, wherein, The control system includes a sensor assembly and a controller. The sensor assembly is configured to sense the operating state of the pneumatic unloading system, and the controller is configured to receive the operating state of the pneumatic unloading system sensed by the sensor assembly.

14. The compressor assembly of claim 13, wherein, The controller is configured to change the operation of the centrifugal compressor when the pneumatic unloading system is outside a predetermined operating range.

15. The compressor assembly of claim 14, wherein, The sensor assembly includes a mass flow sensor, and the operating status of the pneumatic unloading system is determined by the mass flow rate of the air delivered by the centrifugal compressor.

16. A truck configured to tow dry bulk trailers, the truck comprising: Power take-off (PTO); as well as A pneumatic unloading system, operable to unload dry bulk materials from the dry bulk trailer, the pneumatic unloading system comprising: A centrifugal compressor, operable to provide compressed air to pressurize the pneumatic unloading system, thereby forcing the dry bulk material out of the dry bulk trailer during unloading; A drive mechanism configured to engage the truck's PTO to provide rotary motion to drive the centrifugal compressor; and A speed increaser is disposed between the drive mechanism and the centrifugal compressor, and the speed increaser is configured to increase the speed of the rotational motion provided to the centrifugal compressor by the drive mechanism.

17. The truck of claim 16, wherein, The drive mechanism includes a hydraulic system that uses a hydraulic motor to provide rotational motion to drive the centrifugal compressor.

18. The truck of claim 17, further comprising a hydraulic fluid cooling system configured to cool the hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic system, the hydraulic fluid cooling system comprising a hydraulic fluid reservoir and a heat exchanger.

19. The truck of claim 18, wherein, The drive mechanism includes an electric motor for providing rotational motion to drive the centrifugal compressor.

20. The truck of claim 16, wherein, The truck is also configured to tow a liquid product storage tank trailer instead of a dry bulk tank trailer, and the pneumatic unloading system further includes a liquid product pump for pumping liquid products from the liquid product storage tank trailer, the liquid product pump being driven by the drive mechanism.

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