Automated Fuel Particle Detection and Water Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel dispensing systems for aircraft rely on manual inspection and subjective decisions, leading to inconsistent fuel quality and reduced throughput due to human error, and existing automatic filters can clog, potentially allowing debris to pass through if not replaced promptly.
Innovation Solution
An automated system with a particle detector and electronic control system that monitors fuel quality in real time, determining a particle ratio and water characteristics to initiate corrective actions, such as altering fuel flow or setting alarms, to ensure accurate detection and prevention of particulate and water contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual inspection methods are used to detect water and particulate in fuel, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to human error and subjective decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an automated optical detection system using a particle counter and sensors that automatically detect and quantify water and particulate contamination in fuel, eliminating human error and subjective judgment while providing precise, objective measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the particle counter and control system automatically monitor fuel quality, detect contamination levels, and initiate corrective actions without requiring manual inspection or decision-making by operators
2Reliability
If filters are used to remove particulate and water from fuel, then fuel quality is improved, but device complexity increases and filters may clog requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of water and particulate contamination levels in the fuel before it reaches the filters, allowing the control system to anticipate filter loading and schedule replacements proactively before clogging occurs, ensuring consistent fuel quality while managing filter system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The particle counter provides continuous feedback on fuel contamination levels, which the control system uses to monitor filter performance and determine when filter replacement is needed, creating a closed-loop system that maintains fuel quality while optimizing filter management
3Reliability
If frequent filter replacement is performed to prevent clogging, then fuel quality reliability is maintained, but productivity decreases due to downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of fuel contamination levels and filter loading conditions to predict when filter replacement will be necessary, allowing operators to plan maintenance during scheduled downtime rather than performing unexpected replacements that disrupt refueling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous feedback from particle counters and sensors allows the control system to track filter performance in real-time, extending filter service life to the maximum safe duration while maintaining fuel quality standards, thereby reducing unnecessary replacements and maximizing productivity
4Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect different fuel quality parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The particle counter is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can detect and quantify multiple types of contamination including water, particulate matter, and other impurities in fuel through a single integrated system, providing comprehensive fuel quality monitoring without requiring multiple separate sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple detection functions into a single particle counter unit that combines optical sensors, signal processing, and control capabilities to simultaneously monitor various fuel quality parameters, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
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 system provides real-time, accurate monitoring of fuel quality, reducing the risk of contamination reaching the aircraft and minimizing downtime by automatically addressing contamination levels, even below industry standards, with a single sensor reducing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a particle detector provided in the flow conduit that detects at least one fuel quality characteristic in real time
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A fuel dispensing apparatus and method for delivering fuel from a fuel source, including, without limitation, delivering aircraft fuel from a fuel tank to an aircraft is disclosed. The fuel dispensing apparatus also includes an electronic control system in communication with a particle detector and configured to receive fuel quality sensor information corresponding to at least one detected fuel quality characteristic in real time. The electronic control system is configured to determine, based on the received fuel quality sensor information, a particle ratio defined as an approximate ratio of a measurement of total water and particulate per unit volume of fuel, and a first water characteristic indicative of a presence or absence of a threshold amount of water per volume of fuel. Based on the first water characteristic and on the particle ratio, the electronic control system is configured to determine whether to initiate at least one corrective action.