Fuel Corrosive Detection Assembly Using Thermoelectric Vapor Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel dispensing systems experience corrosion due to the presence of corrosive substances, particularly in environments without biological reducing inhibitors or with biologically supportive substances like ethanol, leading to operational interruptions and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A fuel dispensing system equipped with a corrosive detection assembly using thermoelectric detectors to identify the presence of corrosive substances, which generate a detector signal interpreted by electronics to produce an output, and may include multiple detectors at different locations with varying response times to assess severity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If alternative fuels with ethanol oxygenate are introduced to reduce pollution, then fuel cleanliness is improved, but corrosion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric detector is installed in the fuel dispensing system to detect corrosive substances before they cause actual corrosion damage. The detector monitors fuel vapor for the presence of corrosives and generates an alarm signal, enabling preventive action to be taken before reliability issues occur.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If thermoelectric detectors are installed to detect corrosives, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical or chemical detection methods with a thermoelectric detector that uses the Seebeck effect. The detector consists of dissimilar conductors forming junctions that generate a voltage signal when exposed to corrosive vapors, providing a simple electrical means of detection without moving parts or complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric detector acts as an intermediary between the fuel vapor environment and the control system. It converts the presence of corrosive substances into an electrical signal that can be easily processed and transmitted to generate alarm signals, simplifying the overall detection system architecture.
3Measurement precision
If multiple thermoelectric detectors are positioned at different locations, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel dispensing system is divided into multiple monitoring zones with thermoelectric detectors positioned at different locations (e.g., in the underground storage tank, at the pump, and at the dispenser). Each detector monitors its specific zone, and the system integrates signals from all detectors to provide comprehensive coverage of the entire fuel delivery system.
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
The system effectively detects corrosive substances, allowing for timely remedial action to prevent corrosion, ensuring continuous operation and reducing maintenance issues.
Implementation Method 1
The thermoelectric detector comprises a sensing circuit having a pair of junctions formed by interconnection of dissimilar conductors, the pair of junctions being configured to experience a substantially same ambient temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
Corrosive detection assembly for use in a fuel dispensing system to identify presence of a corrosive substance in fuel. The corrosive detection assembly has at least one thermoelectric detector positioned to be in contact with fuel vapor in the fuel dispensing system, the thermoelectric detector producing a detector signal indicating presence of the corrosive substance. The thermoelectric detector includes a sensing circuit having a pair of junctions formed by interconnection of dissimilar conductors, the pair of junctions being configured to experience a substantially equivalent ambient temperature. Electronics are in electrical communication with the thermoelectric detector, the electronics being operative to interpret the detector signal and produce an output if the corrosive substance is present.