Fuel Sump Verification Using Cameras for Leak Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel handling systems in fuel dispensing facilities lack effective verification methods for proper installation and monitoring of fuel delivery systems, leading to potential leaks and inventory management issues.
Innovation Solution
A fuel management system with a control system that includes a controller, memory, and user interface, capable of receiving and storing installation records, monitoring fuel inventory, and detecting leaks, using cameras and sensors to capture images and data for verification and maintenance purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fuel handling systems are used without verification methods, then the system is simpler to install, but installation correctness cannot be verified leading to potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures images of installation components (flanges, gaskets, bolts) before fuel delivery begins, creating a verification record in advance. This preliminary documentation allows later verification without interrupting operations or adding complex real-time monitoring equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies (images) of the physical installation state and stores them digitally. These image copies serve as verification records that can be reviewed without physically inspecting the installation, replacing the need for complex physical verification mechanisms.
2Reliability
If manual inspection methods are used for installation verification, then the system remains simple, but leak detection capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual visual inspection with automated image capture using cameras. The camera system automatically documents installation details and enables remote verification, substituting mechanical inspection processes with automated optical detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces images as an intermediary between the physical installation and the verification process. Instead of directly inspecting physical components, operators review captured images to verify installation correctness and detect potential leak sources.
3Reliability
If comprehensive monitoring systems are implemented, then leak detection and inventory management improve, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs multiple functions using a single integrated platform: it stores installation images, monitors fuel inventory, detects leaks, and provides verification records. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines image capture, image storage, inventory monitoring, and leak detection functions into a unified control system. By merging these previously separate functions, the system achieves comprehensive monitoring without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Fuel management systems for a fuel dispensing facility including a fuel delivery system are disclosed. The fuel delivery system includes at least one storage tank configured to contain a fuel, at least one dispenser configured to receive the fuel from the at least one storage tank, and a fuel handling system which is configured to one of (1) deliver the fuel to the at least one storage tank, (2) receive the fuel from the at least one storage tank, (3) monitor for a leak within the fuel delivery system, and (4) monitor for a fuel inventory within the fuel delivery system. The fuel management system may include installation records of the fuel handling components. The fuel management system may monitor cameras positioned in sumps of the fuel delivery system. The fuel delivery system may include a camera positioned to monitor an interior of a sump, the interior of the sump being provided by a sump basin and a sump cover. The sump cover may be a sump lid. The sump cover may be a dispenser. The sump cover may be another portion of the fuel delivery system.