Fuel Dispensing Gas Detection via Flow Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel dispensing units are complex and expensive, and struggle to accurately detect and prevent the dispensing of entrained gas, leading to erroneous fuel flow meter readings and unnecessary payment for gas contaminants.
Innovation Solution
A method and fuel dispensing unit that monitors the fuel stream for variations caused by gaseous fluid, using a valve unit and control means to detect and prevent the flow of fuel if the gas level exceeds a specific threshold, employing a valve unit with a resilient element and sensors to manage flow, pressure, and movement, ensuring only fuel with acceptable contamination levels is dispensed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gas separation devices and detection means are added to fuel dispensing units, then gas detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel stream itself is used to generate the detection signal by creating flow variations that indicate gas presence. The system uses the fuel's own flow characteristics rather than requiring external detection devices, making the fuel stream serve the dual purpose of being both the object to be dispensed and the medium for detection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical gas separation and detection devices with a simplified system that uses flow measurement and control. Instead of mechanical separators and sophisticated gas sensors, the system uses a valve unit and flow detector to monitor flow variations caused by gas entrainment
2Measurement precision
If complex gas separation and detection devices are used, then gas detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses inexpensive, simple components such as a basic valve unit and flow detector rather than expensive, complex gas separation equipment. The system prioritizes cost-effective components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential detection function from complex gas separation systems. Instead of implementing full gas separation and detection, the system extracts the critical capability of detecting gas presence through flow measurement, eliminating unnecessary complexity and cost
3Reliability
If existing gas detection methods are implemented, then gas presence detection is improved, but the complexity of detecting flow problems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow detector and valve unit serve multiple functions: they monitor flow rate, detect gas presence through flow variations, control fuel dispensing, and prevent gas contamination. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices for each function
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 effectively detects and prevents the dispensing of gaseous fluid, providing a cost-efficient and uncomplicated design that ensures accurate fuel measurement and payment for only the fuel dispensed, without gas contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
generating a variation of the flow of the fuel stream by means of a valve unit, said variation based on the amount of gaseous fluid in the fuel stream
Implementation Method 2
detecting pressure variations by means of a pressure sensor arranged in the fuel line
Implementation Method 3
employing a valve unit with a resilient element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A method of monitoring a fuel stream (F) flowing from a fuel storage tank (4), through a fuel line (3) and to a fuel dispensing nozzle (6) of a fuel dispensing unit (1). The method comprises the steps of: generating a variation of the flow of the fuel stream (F), said variation based on the amount of gaseous fluid in the fuel stream (F), detecting the variation of the flow of the fuel stream (F), and determining if the detected variation exceeds a specific level.