Coriolis Flow Meter Fuel Dispensing Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel dispensing technologies face limitations in measurement accuracy and maximum flow rates due to internal restrictions and fluidic impedances, particularly when dealing with varying flow rates and pressures across a range of fuel types and grades.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Coriolis mass flow meters and a controller system that manages inlet and outlet valves to ensure accurate dispensing of individual fuels and blended combinations, with reverse flow purging sequences and vapor recovery mechanisms, enhances measurement accuracy and flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If positive displacement meters or inferential meters are used in fuel dispensers, then the device structure is relatively simple and easier to manufacture, but the measurement accuracy is limited and maximum flow rates are restricted by internal restrictions and fluidic impedances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical positive displacement meters and inferential meters with electromagnetic flow measurement technology. The electromagnetic flow meter uses electromagnetic fields to measure fuel flow rate and direction, eliminating mechanical moving parts and internal restrictions that limit measurement accuracy and maximum flow rates in conventional meters.
2Productivity
If traditional flow meters with internal restrictions are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the maximum flow rate capability and measurement accuracy across varying flow rates are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic flow meter replaces mechanical flow measurement systems that use internal restrictions, orifices, and moving parts. This substitution enables measurement of higher flow rates without mechanical wear or restriction-induced pressure drops, while maintaining accuracy across the full range of flow rates through electromagnetic field sensing.
3Reliability
If traditional meters are used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability is reduced due to moving parts and internal restrictions that can fail
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic flow meter eliminates mechanical moving parts such as rotors, pistons, and internal restrictions that are prone to wear, clogging, and failure in traditional meters. The solid-state electromagnetic sensing system has no moving parts, significantly improving reliability and reducing maintenance requirements while enabling precise measurement of fuel flow rate and direction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides high accuracy in fuel dispensing, allows for precise blending of fuels, detects contaminants, and extends the operational range of fuel dispensing systems beyond traditional limitations, ensuring reliable and efficient fuel delivery across different flow rates and pressures.
Implementation Method 1
coriolis flow meter providing a flow signal indicative of flow therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for dispensing liquid fuel comprises a plurality of inlet valves, each connected in-line with a respective inlet pipe in fluid communication with a respective source of a specific liquid fuel. A plurality of outlet valves are also provided, each connected in-line with a respective outlet pipe. A respective fuel hose is in fluid communication with each of the outlet pipes. The apparatus further comprises a Coriolis mass flow meter located between the inlet valves and outlet valves, the Coriolis mass flow meter providing a flow signal indicative of flow therethrough. A controller is operative to receive the flow signal and control the valves such that selected inputs of specific liquid fuels are dispensed to at least one of the fuel hoses. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the selected inputs of specific liquid fuels may include individual liquid fuels and blended combinations thereof. For example, the specific liquid fuels may include at least two of the following: a first octane gasoline, a second octane gasoline, diesel fuel, biodiesel and ethanol.