Fuel Dispenser Test Port With Quick Connect Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel dispenser test ports pose safety hazards due to the need to access pressurized lines, leading to potential injuries and environmental risks from fuel spills, as existing solutions like quick connect fittings can be damaged and fail to manage pressure effectively.
Innovation Solution
A test port apparatus is located at a high line entry point in the fuel dispenser, threadedly engaged with a mounting for a standard fuel filter, incorporating a quick connect fitting for pressure relief, allowing for safe testing of mechanical line leak detectors with most of the actual head pressure present in the line system, and includes a collar with radial threaded ports for secure engagement and stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a plug is removed from the impact/shear valve to access the pressurized line system, then testing and inspection can be performed, but fuel discharge creates mechanical hazards, fire hazards, air quality degradation, and environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The test port is extracted from the impact/shear valve location and positioned at the high line entry point above grade. This separates the testing function from the safety valve location, allowing access to the pressurized line system without removing plugs from the impact/shear valve, thereby eliminating fuel discharge hazards at the valve location.
Solution Approach 2:
A test port with quick connect fitting serves as an intermediary device between the technician and the pressurized line system. This intermediary allows controlled access for testing while preventing uncontrolled fuel discharge, as the quick connect fitting can be properly capped or connected during the testing process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a quick connect fitting is installed to replace the plug, then fuel spray hazards are avoided, but the quick connect fitting may be damaged during impact and create flow paths that defeat the purpose of the impact/shear valve
Solution Approach 1:
The quick connect fitting is extracted from the impact/shear valve location and relocated to the test port at the high line entry point. This separates the quick connect function from the impact valve, allowing the use of convenient quick connect fittings for testing while preserving the integrity and function of the impact/shear valve as the primary safety device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the impact/shear valve remains as the primary safety device at grade level, while the test port with quick connect fitting is a separate testing interface at the high line entry point. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the other.
3Ease of operation
If the plug is turned multiple times to vent line pressure, then pressure is reduced for safe access, but the plug may become dislodged and become a projectile injuring personnel or objects
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief function is extracted from the plug-removal process and relocated to the test port with quick connect fitting. The quick connect fitting allows for controlled pressure relief through proper capping or connection, eliminating the need to repeatedly turn and remove a plug that could become a projectile.
Solution Approach 2:
The test port is pre-equipped with a quick connect fitting that can be capped or connected before approaching the pressurized line system. This preliminary preparation allows for safe pressure management without the need to manually turn and remove plugs during the testing process.
4Ease of operation
If flexible lines or trapped vapor are present in the pressurized line system, then thirty minutes or more are required to safely bleed the line, but this extended time increases exposure to hazards and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The testing function is extracted from the impact/shear valve location to a dedicated test port with quick connect fitting. This allows for faster, more controlled pressure management and testing procedures, reducing the time required to safely access and test the pressurized line system compared to the traditional plug removal method.
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 solution enhances the accuracy of field testing, reduces the likelihood of fuel spills during testing and maintenance, and provides a safe and reliable method for testing fuel line integrity, stabilizing the collar during filter engagement and disengagement, and managing pressure effectively.
Implementation Method 1
A test port is located at a high line of entry in a conventional gasoline/diesel fuel dispenser for vehicles to reduce pressure in the line
Implementation Method 2
A test port is threadedly engaged with a mounting for a standard fuel filter
Implementation Method 3
includes a collar with radial threaded ports for secure engagement and stabilization
Data Source
AI summary
An environmentally-friendly test port mounting in a conventional gasoline/diesel fuel dispenser cabinet to provide a technician access to the fuel line and perform various tests that enables testing to occur at a highline point in the line system. The technician may access the test port while the line system head pressure s maintained at a point above ground. The test port has a quick connect/disconnect fitting disposed in a collar intermediate a mounting for a filter in a conventional gasoline/diesel fuel dispenser and the filter to provide a technician access to the fuel line and perform various tests. The quick connect/disconnect fitting may also be coupled to a hose for draining fuel under pressure into a safety can to prevent spillage during replacement of the filter. The safety can may be emptied into the fuel tank to conserve the fuel, prevent polluting the environment and as a safety measure.