Bulk Liquid Tank Delivery Control to Prevent Product Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preventing unauthorized delivery of liquid products into storage tanks are ineffective, as they are post-factum, costly, and do not prevent product contamination, and existing remote-controlled valves are not suitable for bulk liquid drops at low hydrostatic pressure, bidirectional flow, flammable environments, or battery operation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a remote-controlled valve (RCV) and a command and control unit (CCU) that uses an identification transmitter to ensure only authorized deliveries by comparing the product type in the tanker truck with the storage tank type, allowing real-time prevention of unauthorized deliveries and contamination, and is designed for use with flammable liquids and low hydrostatic pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current post-factum monitoring methods are used to detect unauthorized deliveries, then delivery records can be reviewed, but contamination cannot be prevented and investigations are costly and damaging to relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by comparing product type information before delivery occurs. The identification transmitter reads the storage tank's product type, and the control circuitry compares it with the delivered product type, preventing contamination before it happens rather than detecting it afterward.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary identification transmitter is introduced between the delivery process and the storage tank. This transmitter automatically reads and communicates product type information, serving as a mediator that enables automatic verification without requiring manual investigation or complex monitoring infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If remote-controlled valves are used for bulk liquid drops, then delivery control is possible, but they fail at low hydrostatic pressure and are unsuitable for flammable environments
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system operates autonomously using the vehicle's existing hydraulic system to actuate the valve. The control circuitry automatically opens or closes the valve based on product type comparison results, eliminating the need for remote electronic control while maintaining delivery control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simple, robust mechanical valve components that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than complex remote-controlled electronic valves. The system relies on the vehicle's existing hydraulic infrastructure, avoiding expensive specialized components that would be unreliable in flammable environments.
3Measurement precision
If manual investigation methods are used to correct unauthorized deliveries, then deviations can be detected, but the process is costly and damages distributor-customer relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements immediate feedback by automatically comparing delivered product type with storage tank product type and providing real-time verification. This eliminates the need for manual post-delivery investigations, reducing costs and preventing relationship damage while maintaining precise detection of unauthorized deliveries.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual investigation processes are replaced with an automated electronic verification system. The identification transmitter and control circuitry automatically detect and prevent unauthorized deliveries, eliminating the need for costly manual corrections and relationship-damaging investigations.
4Reliability
If product type verification is performed manually, then contamination can be detected, but human error causes improper mixing of fuel products
Solution Approach 1:
Manual product type verification is replaced with automated electronic verification using the identification transmitter and control circuitry. This eliminates human error in product identification and comparison, ensuring reliable prevention of improper fuel mixing through automatic digital comparison of product type codes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method prevent product-type contamination in a bulk liquid storage tank. A control unit receives an indication of a storage product type in the bulk storage and a delivery product type in the tanker truck. The control unit compares the delivery product type with the storage product type and controls delivery based on a result of the comparison.