Fuel Dispenser Flow Meter Vapor Pressure Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel flow meters in fuel dispensers experience errors due to seasonal variations in fuel temperature, leading to inaccurate measurements and the need for frequent recalibration to comply with regulatory requirements, which can result in temporary shutdowns if not addressed properly.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a temperature sensor to determine a vapor compensation factor, which is applied to the measured flow rate using an algorithm or static lookup table, optionally incorporating fuel density, to correct for vapor-related errors and maintain measurement accuracy throughout varying temperature conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional flow meters are used without vapor pressure correction, then the device complexity remains low, but measurement precision deteriorates due to seasonal temperature variations causing vapor pressure errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing temperature and pressure sensors to detect environmental parameters, then using these parameters to dynamically adjust the flow measurement through vapor pressure correction calculations. The system changes the measurement parameters from simple volumetric flow to corrected flow rate that accounts for vapor pressure effects at different temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a correction factor or compensation algorithm that acts as a mediator between the raw flow meter reading and the actual dispensed volume. This intermediary calculation layer corrects the measurement error without requiring complete redesign of the flow meter hardware.
2Measurement precision
If frequent meter testing and recalibration are performed to maintain accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to temporary shutdowns and operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing vapor pressure correction data in lookup tables or algorithms before operation. The system prepares correction factors based on anticipated temperature and pressure conditions, so that during actual fuel dispensing, the correction is automatically applied without requiring real-time calculation or shutdown for recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring temperature and pressure conditions and automatically adjusting the flow measurement in real-time. The system feeds back the environmental conditions to the correction algorithm, which then adjusts the measured flow rate to compensate for vapor pressure effects, maintaining accuracy without manual intervention.
3Measurement precision
If vapor pressure correction using temperature sensors and algorithms is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating a mathematical model or lookup table that replicates the vapor pressure correction relationship. Instead of complex real-time physics calculations, the system uses pre-computed correction tables or simplified algorithms that copy the essential correction behavior, reducing processing complexity while maintaining accuracy.
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 approach effectively reduces the impact of seasonal vapor pressure changes, ensuring accurate fuel measurement and reducing the frequency of recalibrations, thus preventing regulatory non-compliance and potential shutdowns by providing a continuous and precise flow rate measurement.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the temperature of the fuel using a temperature sensor
Implementation Method 2
a vapor compensation factor is determined. The measured flow rate is converted to a corrected flow rate by applying the vapor compensation factor
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for improving the accuracy of fuel flow meters by compensating for the presence of vapor bubbles generated within the flow meter. The method comprises measuring the temperature of the fuel flowing through the meter and using an algorithm or static lookup table to determine a vapor compensation factor based on that temperature. Because the tendency of fuel to vaporize depends largely on seasonal variations in fuel temperature, applying a temperature-dependent vapor compensation factor promotes year-round accuracy of the flow meter output.