Pollution measuring device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a device that can determine the level and type of pollutants in fuel tanks in vehicles and electricity generators. The present disclosure provides a pollution measuring device for fuel tanks comprising an outer tube having a cylindrical shape with an upper opening and closed bottom, constructed from transparent material such as glass or diesel-resistant plastic, with an outer gate positioned near the closed bottom for fuel entry. An inner tube is positioned concentrically within the outer tube, constructed from transparent material and being rotatable within the outer tube, having an inner gate that aligns with the outer gate in an open position and misaligns with the outer gate in a closed position. A rod extends vertically through the device and is connected to the inner tube, the rod being constructed from non-iron metal such as aluminum. A handle positioned at the rod's upper end enables rotational manipulation of the inner tube between the open position and the closed position. A sealant positioned between the outer tube and inner tube traps fuel samples within the inner tube when the inner tube is rotated to the closed position.

Description

POLLUTION MEASURING DEVICEFIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device that can determine the level and type of pollutants in fuel tanks in vehicles and electricity generators.  The present disclosure relates to fuel tank monitoring systems, and more particularly to a mechanical sampling device for measuring the level and type of pollutants in fuel tanks of vehicles and electricity generators.BACKGROUND

[0002] Fuel tanks in vehicles and electricity generators accumulate various types of pollutants over time that can compromise system performance and reliability. Over time, pollutants form in the tank due to their presence in the fuel when filling, as well as the presence of debris resulting from the corrosion of the metal tank wall. These contaminants typically include sediments present in the fuel during filling operations, debris resulting from corrosion of metal tank walls, water infiltration, microorganisms, and other foreign particles that settle within the tank environment.

[0003] The accumulation of pollutants in fuel systems presents ongoing challenges for equipment operators and maintenance personnel. These pollutants cause the fuel filter to be blocked or pass through it and block the fuel spray ducts or cause the fuel pump to malfunction and thus the entire equipment malfunction. Contaminated fuel can cause blockages in fuel filters, obstruct fuel spray ducts, and lead to fuel pump malfunctions. Such contamination-related failures can result in equipment downtime, increased maintenance costs, and potential damage to downstream fuel system components.

[0004] Traditional approaches to monitoring fuel tank contamination often rely on electronic sensing systems that utilize ultrasonic technology or multiple sensor arrays to detect and characterize substances within the tank. For example, U.S. Patent No. US8096177B2 dated January 17, 2012, discloses a device and a method depending on sensing pollutants based on ultrasound to measure fuel stocks and detect and describe substances in the tank, including sludge, water, microorganisms, and different viscosity and density materials found in the tank, as well as their location can be determined remotely from the tank. These systems typically employ computer programs and data analysis software to interpret sensor readings and provide contamination assessments. While such electronic monitoring systems can provide remote monitoring capabilities, they generally require specialized technical expertise for installation, operation, and maintenance.

[0005] The complexity of electronic monitoring systems often necessitates involvement of multiple specialists, including programming experts, sensor technicians, and contamination assessment professionals. Such systems have drawbacks of inaccuracy in determining impurity types as well as their association with operation systems of multiple sensors, all of which depend on electronic measurement determinants without obtaining an actual sample that can be viewed and evaluated by urgently obtaining it, and they also need more than one specialist to know the readings, for example, a specialist in programming, and in setting and following up on sensors, as well as a specialist to assess impurity status in the tank, data analysis, and so on. Additionally, these systems may face challenges in providing direct visual confirmation of contamination types and levels, as they rely on interpreted sensor data rather than physical samples that can be examined directly.

[0006] There remains a need for contamination monitoring approaches that can provide direct, visual assessment of fuel tank pollutants while offering simplified installation and operation procedures. Such approaches would benefit from mechanical reliability and the ability to obtain actual fuel samples for detailed examination and analysis.SUMMARY

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a device for measuring pollutants in fuel tanks of vehicles and electricity generators is provided.  In particular, a pollution measuring device is provided that operates to determine the level and type of pollutants in fuel tanks of vehicles and electricity generators. The device may be installed at the top of a fuel tank with components extending downward to reach the bottom of the tank where contaminants typically accumulate. The device may enable users to collect fuel samples at regular intervals to assess the type and quantity of contamination present within the tank system.

[0009] The pollution measuring device may offer several advantages over traditional electronic monitoring systems. The device may provide direct visual assessment of actual fuel samples, allowing users to examine contamination characteristics without relying on interpreted sensor data. The mechanical operation of the device may eliminate the need for specialized programming expertise or complex sensor calibration procedures, potentially simplifying installation and operation requirements.

[0010] The device may enable proactive maintenance scheduling by allowing users to monitor contamination trends over time through periodic sampling operations. The ability to collect and examine actual fuel samples may facilitate early detection of contamination issues, potentially enabling tank cleaning operations to be performed before contamination levels reach thresholds that could cause equipment malfunctions or system failures. The device may provide contamination assessment capabilities that support informed maintenance decisions based on observed sample characteristics rather than predetermined maintenance intervals.

[0011] The device traps pollutants and determines their quantity and type, wherein the sample has a quantity that can be examined with the naked eye or transferred to laboratories as it is for examination. The pollution measuring device comprises two main overlapping tubes of two different sizes and contains the following components. The first tube is the larger main protection outer tube 1, which is cylindrical and long in shape and made of glass or transparent processed plastic resistant to diesel and has an upper opening and is closed from the bottom and has a main gate on its side from the bottom. The fuel can enter through the gate and the head of this outer tube 1 is outside the tank and has side fasteners to fix it and ensure that it does not move, and the base contacts the bottom of the tank. The second inner tube 12 is installed inside it, which is a smaller tube called the inner tube 12, which is a freely movable tube and its walls are adjacent to the main outer tube 1, and it has a gate naturally opposite to the gate of the larger protection outer tube 1, as well as it has a measurement gradient and it is also made of glass or transparent resistant plastic. The device has a stick made of metal (e.g. aluminium metal) on top being tolerant to diesel and extends to the top of the larger main outer tube 1 and at the end of it located a handle that allows the user to hold it and move it in a circular manner when examining the sample or the upper and lower movement when starting to lift the tube by the chain and then take out the whole device to see the sample and its levels.

[0012] After being installed in the tank, the device operates by allowing fuel to enter through the inlet of the large outer tube 1 to pass through the inlet of the smaller inner tube 12 and settle inside it, thus we will have a sample of the same fuel sample in the tank, then the user spins the handle linked to the stick to spin the smaller inner tube 12 until the gate is closed and the sample is trapped inside, then he lifts the entire larger outer tube 1 out of the tank. The user can watch the sediments as well as see their level through the gradient inside the small inner tube 12, after which the entire amount of the device is discharged into an external vessel and the sample is fully examined. The contents can be unloaded into a container by opening the screw for discharging and sending the sample to the laboratory for testing.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for installing a pollution measuring device in the fuel tank of vehicles and electricity generators is provided. The device is installed through an upper opening in the fuel tank and operates after installation to allow the fuel to enter it through the side inlet of the large outer tube 1 to pass through the inlet of the smaller inner tube 12 and settle inside it.

[0014] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the method may include one or more of the following features. The dispersion of pollutants inside the tank may be prevented by the reciprocating movement from the bottom to the top by taking a sample of the fuel in the tank and knowing the amount of pollution inside it by gently rotating the stick of the small inner tube 12, wherein the mode of the device changes from the blue top point to the red point due to the movement until the gate is closed and the sample is reserved inside the small inner tube 12, so that the sealant operates to trap the quantity inside the inner tube 12, then the user lifts the entire larger outer tube 1 out of the tank by lifting the chain upwards and taking out the entire device, then the professional watches the debris and the details of the impurities as well as sees their level through the gradient inside the small inner tube 12, after which the entire amount of the device is emptied into an external container and the sample is fully examined. A magnetic ball may be located inside the small inner tube 12, in case of tank corrosion, metal impurities can adhere to it and watch it at examination. An upper plug may prevent the entry of pollutants from outside the tank into the device as well as prevents the exit of liquids from the tank to the outside. The pollutants may be discharged from the small inner tube 12 and the process of cleaning it also by opening the screw for the discharge in a circular way to extract the impurities, wherein the opening is counterclockwise and the closure is by moving it clockwise.

[0015] The foregoing general description of the illustrative embodiments and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure and are not restrictive.

[0016] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0017] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following figures.

[0018] illustrates an exploded perspective view of a pollution measuring device for fuel tanks, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] illustrates a side view of the pollution measuring device ofinstalled within a fuel tank, according to aspects of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following description sets forth exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the description also encompasses combinations and modifications to those exemplary aspects described herein.

[0021] Referring to, a pollution measuring device for fuel tanks may be configured to determine the level and type of pollutants present in fuel storage systems. The device comprises two main concentric tubes that work together to collect representative fuel samples from within a tank. The device may be designed for installation at the top of a fuel tank, with the sampling components extending downward to reach the bottom of the tank where pollutants typically accumulate over time. The device operates through a mechanical process that does not require electrical power or electronic sensors, providing direct access to actual fuel samples for accurate assessment of contamination types and levels.

[0022] With continued reference to, an outer tube 1 serves as the main protective housing of the pollution measuring device. The outer tube 1 has a cylindrical elongated shape that extends from the top of a fuel tank down to the tank bottom and is constructed from transparent materials such as glass or transparent processed plastic resistant to diesel fuel. The outer tube 1 has a length configured to extend from a top opening of a fuel tank to a bottom surface of the fuel tank. The outer tube is closed at the bottom. Its primary function is to protect the inner tube and securely contain the sample, preventing it from leaking when the entire device is withdrawn from the fuel tank. This transparent construction allows users to observe the internal components and monitor the sampling process while providing durability and chemical compatibility with fuel environments. The cylindrical configuration facilitates insertion into fuel tanks through standard openings and provides structural stability when positioned within the tank environment. The transparent construction of the outer tube 1 allows users to observe the internal components and monitor the sampling process, including clear visibility of the measurement gradient 10 marked on the inner tube 12, while providing durability and chemical compatibility with fuel environments.

[0023] An outer gate 2 is positioned on the side of the outer tube 1 near the lower end to serve as the primary entry point for fuel during the sampling process. The outer gate 2 is strategically located near the bottom portion to facilitate fuel entry from the lower regions of a fuel tank where pollutants and contaminants typically accumulate, enabling the device to collect samples that are representative of the actual contamination levels present in the tank.

[0024] Fasteners 3 and 5 are provided on the exterior surface of the outer tube 1 to secure the pollution measuring device in a fixed position within a fuel tank. The fasteners prevent unwanted movement of the device during operation and maintain proper positioning of the outer tube 1 within the tank environment, including during vehicle movement or generator vibrations. The fasteners are positioned at strategic locations along the length of the outer tube 1 to provide stable anchoring points that resist displacement forces and maintain the outer tube 1 in proper vertical alignment within the tank. The fasteners secure the device such that a base of the outer tube 1 contacts the bottom of the fuel tank.

[0025] An open position indicator 8 and a closed position indicator 4 are provided on the pollution measuring device to guide users during operation of the sampling mechanism. These position indicators on the outer tube 1 visually indicate when the inner tube 12 is in the open position and when the inner tube 12 is in the closed position. The open position indicator 8 is marked in blue coloring to provide clear visual identification of the operational position where fuel entry is permitted into the device. The closed position indicator 4 is marked in red coloring to indicate the operational position where the sampling process is completed and the collected fuel sample is sealed within the device. This color coding system comprises a first color indicator for the open position and a second color indicator for the closed position, providing intuitive operational guidance that reduces the likelihood of user error during the sampling process.

[0026] An upper opening 6 is located at the top end of the outer tube 1 to provide access to the internal components of the pollution measuring device. An upper plug 7 is configured to seal the upper opening 6 and serves a dual protective function by preventing external contaminants from entering the device while simultaneously preventing fuel vapors or liquids from escaping from the tank through the upper opening 6. This dual sealing capability maintains the integrity of both the sampling process and the tank environment during device operation.

[0027] A rod 9 extends vertically through the pollution measuring device to provide a mechanical connection for user manipulation of internal components. The rod 9 may be constructed from non-iron metal materials, such as aluminum metal, that exhibit tolerance to diesel fuel environments while providing corrosion resistance and chemical compatibility with fuel systems. The rod 9 is positioned to extend from internal components of the device upward through the upper opening 6, providing external access for operational control while maintaining the sealed configuration of the device.

[0028] A handle 19 is positioned at the upper end of the rod 9 to provide a user interface for manipulating the pollution measuring device. For example, the handle may be in the shape of a loop, as illustrated infor ease of holding and facilitating rotation. The handle 19 serves as a handle that allows operators to grasp and rotate the rod 9 during sampling operations, enabling control of internal components through mechanical connection. The handle 19 may be configured to enable both rotational manipulation and vertical lifting of the device. The handle 19 enables users to rotate the rod 9 in a circular manner to adjust the operational configuration of the device between the open and closed positions, and also facilitates vertical movement of the rod 9 during certain operational phases of the sampling process.

[0029] An inner tube 12 is positioned concentrically within the outer tube 1 to serve as the sample collection chamber of the pollution measuring device. The inner tube 12 is configured as a freely movable component that can rotate within the outer tube 1 while maintaining proper alignment for sampling operations. The inner tube 12 and outer tube 1 have adjacent walls that maintain alignment during rotation of the inner tube 12. The inner tube 12 has walls that are adjacent to the inner surface of the outer tube 1, creating a close-fitting arrangement that allows rotational movement while maintaining structural alignment. The inner tube 12 is constructed from transparent resistant plastic materials or glass that provide chemical compatibility with diesel fuel environments and enable visual observation of collected fuel samples.

[0030] An inner gate 11 is positioned on the inner tube 12 to control fuel entry into the sample collection chamber. The inner gate 11 serves as the secondary opening that works in conjunction with the outer gate 2 to regulate fuel flow during the sampling process. The inner gate 11 is positioned at a location that corresponds to the position of the outer gate 2 when the device is in the open configuration, creating a direct alignment that allows fuel from the surrounding tank environment to flow through both openings and enter the inner tube 12 for sample collection. When the inner tube 12 is rotated from the open position to the closed position, the inner gate 11 moves out of alignment with the outer gate 2, effectively closing the fuel entry path and sealing the collected sample within the inner tube 12.

[0031] A measurement gradient 10 is marked along the length of the inner tube 12 to provide quantitative assessment capabilities for collected fuel samples. The measurement gradient 10 serves as a visual reference system that enables users to determine the level and quantity of pollutants present in fuel samples captured within the inner tube 12 during sampling operations. The gradient markings enable users to observe and quantify the amount of sediment, debris, and other contaminants that have settled within the collected fuel sample, providing measurable data for contamination assessment and enabling users to measure the depth or height of settled contaminants within the inner tube 12. The measurement gradient 10 is marked along the length of the inner tube 12 to provide quantitative assessment capabilities for collected fuel samples. The transparent construction of both the outer tube 1 and inner tube 12 enables the measurement gradient 10 to be clearly visible through the outer tube 1, allowing users to read contamination levels without requiring disassembly of the device.

[0032] The measurement gradient 10 provides quantitative assessment capabilities that enable direct visual evaluation of contamination levels through a mechanical device that does not depend on electricity or software. The device deals with contamination assessment more accurately by obtaining a real sample for each tank separately and determining the proportions and type of impurities accurately. Users can extract the device and examine the collected sample to determine pollution levels and contaminant types using the gradient scale markings, facilitating informed maintenance decisions regarding tank cleaning schedules or continued monitoring until contamination reaches predetermined threshold levels through systematic tank assessment and maintenance record documentation. The device is easy to install and does not need a specialized professional to install it or remove it from the tank, providing reliable mechanical operation without requiring electronic sensors or computer-based analysis systems that may introduce measurement uncertainties.

[0033] A discharge screw 13 is provided at the lower end of the inner tube 12 to enable controlled emptying of collected fuel samples from the pollution measuring device. The discharge screw 13 serves as a removable closure mechanism that allows users to discharge sample contents into external containers for detailed examination and analysis. The screw 13 on the inner tube 12 is used for discharging the sample after the inner tube has been completely removed from the outer tube 1. The discharge screw 13 functions as a threaded closure that can be opened through counterclockwise rotation and closed through clockwise rotation to control the release of sample contents from the inner tube 12. The positioning of the discharge screw 13 at the bottom portion of the inner tube 12 facilitates complete drainage of collected samples through gravitational flow and enables cleaning and maintenance of the inner tube 12 between sampling operations. The discharge screw 13 is positioned to enable gravitational drainage of the fuel sample from the inner tube 12.

[0034] A magnetic ball 14 is contained within the inner tube 12 to provide specialized detection capabilities for metallic contamination in collected fuel samples. The magnetic ball 14 serves as a magnetic collection element that attracts and captures ferrous impurities that may be present in fuel due to corrosion of metal tank components. In case of tank corrosion, metal impurities can stick to the magnetic ball 14 and be observed during examination. The magnetic ball 14 enables identification and assessment of metallic contamination that could indicate tank degradation or the presence of metal debris within the fuel system. The magnetic ball 14 may be discharged from the inner tube 12 along with the fuel sample when the discharge screw 13 is opened. This discharge process enables the inspector to collect and examine the metallic impurities that have adhered to the magnetic ball 14 during the sampling operation. After the magnetic ball 14 has been thoroughly cleaned to remove attached contaminants, the magnetic ball 14 may be reinserted into the inner tube 12 for subsequent sampling operations. The removable and reusable nature of the magnetic ball 14 enables repeated contamination assessments without requiring replacement of the magnetic element. The magnetic ball 14 provides a means for detecting the presence of metallic contamination that might not be readily visible through standard visual inspection of fuel samples by attracting and collecting dispersed ferrous particles into visible accumulations that can be easily identified during sample examination.

[0035] A handling chain 15 can be attached to the pollution measuring device to facilitate lifting and removal of the entire assembly from a fuel tank after sample collection operations have been completed. The handling chain 15 serves as a mechanical lifting mechanism that enables users to extract the device from tank environments without requiring direct contact with components that may have been exposed to fuel during sampling operations. The handling chain 15 is configured to support the weight of the assembled device components during lifting operations and provides the mechanical advantage needed to lift the device assembly from tank installations where the outer tube 1 extends to the bottom of the tank.

[0036] A sealant 16 is positioned between the outer tube 1 and inner tube 12 to provide controlled sealing capabilities for the pollution measuring device during sample collection and containment operations. The sealant 16 serves as a barrier element that prevents unwanted fluid movement between the outer tube 1 and inner tube 12 when the device is configured for sample retention and extraction from fuel tank environments. The sealant 16 functions to trap collected fuel samples within the inner tube 12 when the inner tube 12 is rotated from the open position to the closed position, ensuring that fuel samples captured during the sampling process remain contained within the inner tube 12 and do not leak back into the surrounding tank environment or escape from the device during extraction operations. The sealant 16 is configured to create a fluid-tight seal between the outer tube 1 and inner tube 12 when the inner tube 12 is in the closed position.

[0037] Referring to, the pollution measuring device may be configured for installation within a tank 17 to enable comprehensive monitoring of fuel contamination levels in various fuel storage applications. The tank 17 may represent fuel storage systems used in vehicles, electricity generators, and other applications where fuel quality monitoring is beneficial for maintaining equipment performance and preventing contamination-related failures. The pollution measuring device is positioned within the tank 17 with the outer tube 1 extending from the top opening of the tank 17 downward to reach the bottom surface of the tank 17, with the upper opening 6 and upper plug 7 remaining accessible for operational manipulation while the lower end containing the outer gate 2 contacts the bottom surface where contamination typically accumulates.

[0038] The installation configuration positions the outer gate 2 and inner gate 11 at the lowest point within the tank 17 where impurities 18 tend to settle due to gravitational forces and density differences between contaminants and fuel. The impurities 18 may include sediments, water, metal particles from corrosion, and other debris that accumulate at the bottom of the tank 17 over time during normal fuel storage and usage cycles. This positioning enables the pollution measuring device to collect samples that are representative of the highest contamination levels present within the fuel storage system.

[0039] The operational sequence of the pollution measuring device follows a coordinated process that enables controlled fuel sampling and contamination assessment. The sampling operation begins with the device positioned within the tank 17 according to the open position indicator 8, where the outer gate 2 and inner gate 11 are aligned to create a continuous flow path for fuel entry into the sample collection system. During the initial sampling phase, fuel from the tank 17 enters the pollution measuring device through the outer gate 2, continues through the aligned inner gate 11, and flows into the inner tube 12 where it settles to form a representative sample of the tank contents.

[0040] The inner tube 12 may be manipulated through reciprocating motion from bottom to top during the sampling process to prevent dispersion of pollutants inside the tank 17 when taking samples. This reciprocating motion is achieved through vertical manipulation of the rod 9 via the handle 19, causing the inner tube 12 to move upward and downward within the outer tube 1. This motion minimizes disturbance of settled impurities 18 at the bottom of the tank 17, ensuring that the collected sample accurately represents the contamination levels present in the undisturbed fuel rather than reflecting artificially dispersed contaminants.

[0041] The sample sealing phase is initiated when the user rotates the handle 19 in a circular manner to transmit rotational force through the rod 9 to the inner tube 12. The rotational manipulation causes the inner tube 12 to rotate within the outer tube 1, progressively moving the inner gate 11 out of alignment with the outer gate 2. As the inner tube 12 rotates from the open position indicator 8 toward the closed position indicator 4, the flow path between the tank environment and the sample collection chamber is progressively restricted. The rotational movement activates the sealant 16 to create an effective barrier between the outer tube 1 and inner tube 12 when the device reaches the closed position, effectively trapping the fuel sample and associated contaminants within the inner tube 12 for subsequent extraction and examination. Users can monitor the position indicators on the outer tube 1 during rotation of the inner tube 12 to confirm transition from the open position to the closed position.

[0042] The sample extraction phase commences when the user manipulates the handling chain 15 to lift the entire device assembly from the tank 17. The handling chain 15 provides the mechanical advantage needed to extract the outer tube 1, inner tube 12, and all associated components from the tank installation while maintaining the sealed configuration established by the sealant 16. During the extraction operation, the upper plug 7 maintains sealing of the upper opening 6 to prevent fuel vapors from escaping the tank 17 and to prevent external contaminants from entering the device assembly.

[0043] The examination phase begins once the device has been extracted from the tank 17 and positioned in a suitable location for sample assessment. The transparent construction of the inner tube 12 enables visual observation of the collected sample, including any settled impurities 18 that have been captured during the sampling operation. Users can visually observe the fuel sample through the transparent inner tube 12 to assess contamination type and level. The measurement gradient 10 provides quantitative assessment capabilities, allowing users to measure the depth and volume of contamination layers within the collected sample. The magnetic ball 14 may be observed through the transparent walls of the inner tube 12 to assess the presence and quantity of ferrous contaminants that have been attracted during the sampling process, providing immediate indication of metallic contamination levels without requiring discharge of the sample through the discharge screw 13. The fuel sample can be discharged from the inner tube 12 through the discharge screw 13 positioned at the lower end of the inner tube 12, wherein discharging the fuel sample comprises rotating the discharge screw 13 counterclockwise to open and rotating the discharge screw 13 clockwise to close. The fuel sample may be transferred to a laboratory for detailed analysis.

[0044] Detailed sample analysis may be conducted by opening the discharge screw 13 through counterclockwise rotation to release the collected sample into external containers for laboratory examination. The discharge process enables complete emptying of the inner tube 12, including settled contaminants and any materials attracted to the magnetic ball 14. The controlled discharge capability provided by the discharge screw 13 allows selective extraction of different sample portions for specialized analysis of specific contamination types or concentration levels. The operational sequence may be repeated for subsequent sampling cycles by cleaning the inner tube 12, repositioning the device within the tank 17 using the fasteners 3 and 5, and returning the inner tube 12 to the open position indicated by the open position indicator 8.

[0045] In some embodiments, a fuel contamination sampling system may comprise a transparent outer housing that extends from a top of a fuel tank to a bottom of the fuel tank. The outer housing may have a fuel inlet positioned near the bottom to facilitate collection of contaminants that settle in lower regions of the tank. The transparent construction of the outer housing may enable visual observation of internal components and sampling operations.

[0046] The pollution measuring device may be configured with dimensions that accommodate various fuel tank configurations while maintaining operational effectiveness. The outer tube 1 may have a length of up to 50 inches, for example ranging from about 12 inches to about 50 inches to enable the device to reach the bottom of fuel tanks in different vehicle and generator applications. The outer tube 1 may have a diameter of p to 4 inches, for example ranging from about 1 inch to about 4 inches to provide sufficient internal volume for the inner tube 12 while maintaining structural integrity during installation and operation. These dimensions may be adaptable to the specific size requirements of individual fuel tanks, allowing the device to be customized for different tank depths and access opening configurations. The length of the outer tube 1 may be selected based on the depth of the fuel tank 17 to ensure that the outer gate 2 and inner gate 11 are positioned at the bottom surface where impurities 18 accumulate. The diameter of the outer tube 1 may be selected to accommodate the inner tube 12 while providing clearance for rotational movement and proper alignment of the sealant 16. In some cases, the device dimensions may be modified during manufacturing to match specific tank geometries, enabling the pollution measuring device to function effectively across a range of fuel storage applications. The adaptable dimensional characteristics of the device may facilitate installation in tanks of varying sizes without requiring significant modifications to the core operational components or sampling mechanisms.

[0047] The system may include a transparent inner chamber positioned within the outer housing. The inner chamber may be rotatable between an open configuration that allows fuel entry and a closed configuration that prevents fuel entry. The rotatable configuration may enable the inner chamber to collect fuel samples when in the open configuration and seal collected samples when rotated to the closed configuration.

[0048] A control mechanism may extend from the inner chamber to outside the fuel tank to enable user manipulation of the inner chamber. The control mechanism may facilitate rotation of the inner chamber between the open and closed configurations without requiring the user to access the interior of the fuel tank. The control mechanism may provide mechanical advantage for rotating the inner chamber through the required range of motion.

[0049] The inner chamber may include a measurement scale for quantifying contamination levels in collected fuel samples. The measurement scale may provide visual reference markings that enable users to determine the depth or volume of settled contaminants within the collected sample. The measurement scale may facilitate quantitative assessment of contamination severity and enable tracking of contamination trends over time.

[0050] A magnetic element may be positioned within the inner chamber for attracting ferrous contaminants from fuel samples. The magnetic element may capture metallic particles that result from tank corrosion or other sources of ferrous contamination. The magnetic element may enable identification of metallic contamination that might not be readily visible through standard visual inspection of fuel samples.

[0051] In some embodiments, the system may include a sealing mechanism positioned between the outer housing and the inner chamber. The sealing mechanism may prevent sample leakage when the inner chamber is in the closed configuration. The sealing mechanism may maintain sample integrity during extraction of the system from the fuel tank and during subsequent examination operations.

[0052] The system may include a discharge outlet at a bottom of the inner chamber for controlled emptying of collected fuel samples. The discharge outlet may enable complete drainage of samples through gravitational flow and may facilitate cleaning of the inner chamber between sampling operations. In some embodiments, the discharge outlet may comprise a threaded screw that opens through counterclockwise rotation and closes through clockwise rotation. The threaded configuration may provide secure closure during sampling operations while enabling convenient access for sample discharge.

[0053] Position indicators may be provided on the outer housing to visually indicate when the inner chamber is in the open configuration and when the inner chamber is in the closed configuration. The position indicators may provide intuitive operational guidance that reduces the likelihood of user error during sampling operations. In some embodiments, the position indicators may use color coding to distinguish between operational states, such as a first color indicating the open configuration and a second color indicating the closed configuration.

[0054] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

A pollution measuring device for fuel tanks, comprising:an outer tube having a cylindrical shape with an upper opening and a closed bottom, the outer tube being constructed from a transparent material, the outer tube having an outer gate positioned near the closed bottom;an inner tube positioned concentrically within the outer tube, the inner tube being constructed from a transparent material and being rotatable within the outer tube, the inner tube having an inner gate that aligns with the outer gate in an open position and misaligns with the outer gate in a closed position;a rod extending vertically through the device and connected to the inner tube;a handle positioned at an upper end of the rod to enable rotational manipulation of the inner tube between the open position and the closed position; anda sealant positioned between the outer tube and the inner tube to trap a fuel sample within the inner tube when the inner tube is rotated to the closed position.The device of claim 1, further comprising fasteners positioned on an exterior surface of the outer tube to secure the device within a fuel tank.The device of claim 1, further comprising a measurement gradient marked along a length of the inner tube to provide quantitative assessment of collected pollutant levels.The device of claim 1, wherein the rod is constructed from non-iron metal.The device of claim 4, wherein the rod is constructed from aluminum.The device of claim 1, wherein the transparent material comprises glass or diesel-resistant plastic.The device of claim 1, further comprising a magnetic ball contained within the inner tube to attract and capture ferrous impurities from collected fuel samples.The device of claim 7, wherein the magnetic ball enables detection of metallic contamination resulting from tank corrosion.The device of claim 1, further comprising a discharge screw positioned at a lower end of the inner tube to enable controlled emptying of collected fuel samples.The device of claim 9, wherein the discharge screw operates through counterclockwise rotation to open and clockwise rotation to close.The device of claim 1, further comprising a handling chain attached to the device to facilitate lifting and removal of the device from a fuel tank.The device of claim 1, further comprising an upper plug configured to seal the upper opening and prevent entry of external contaminants while preventing escape of fuel vapors.The device of claim 1, further comprising position indicators on the outer tube to visually indicate when the inner tube is in the open position and when the inner tube is in the closed position.A method for measuring pollutants in a fuel tank, comprising:installing a pollution measuring device in the fuel tank through an upper opening of the fuel tank, the device having an outer tube with an outer gate and an inner tube with an inner gate positioned concentrically within the outer tube;positioning the device so that the outer gate and inner gate are located at a bottom of the fuel tank where impurities settle;allowing fuel to enter the device through the outer gate and inner gate when the inner gate is aligned with the outer gate in an open position;rotating the inner tube via a rod connected to the inner tube to move the inner gate out of alignment with the outer gate to a closed position, thereby sealing a fuel sample within the inner tube; andextracting the device from the fuel tank to examine the fuel sample for pollutants.The method of claim 14, further comprising a step of performing reciprocating movement of the inner tube from bottom to top during fuel entry to prevent dispersion of pollutants within the fuel tank.The method of claim 14, further comprising a step of securing the device within the fuel tank using fasteners positioned on an exterior surface of the outer tube.The method of claim 14, further comprising a step of measuring contamination levels in the fuel sample using a measurement gradient marked along a length of the inner tube.The method of claim 14, further comprising a step of observing a magnetic ball contained within the inner tube to detect ferrous impurities attracted during the fuel sampling process.Use of the device of claim 1, for monitoring fuel contamination levels in vehicle fuel tanks and / or in electricity generator fuel tanks.

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