Fuel Water Separator Probe for Corrosion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel delivery systems face challenges with premature corrosion in underground storage tanks and sumps due to the presence of water and particulate matter, which can lead to acidic corrosion and contamination of fuel.
Innovation Solution
A control system comprising a controller, monitors, an output, and a remediation system is implemented to detect corrosive environments and automatically warn operators. Additionally, a filtration system is activated concurrently with fuel dispensation, using an eductor to draw contaminated fuel from the bottom of storage tanks and filter it to remove water and particulate matter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fuel additives (biocides and corrosion inhibitors) are used to control corrosion, then corrosion protection is improved, but the additives may be ineffective against certain microbial species, become depleted over time, and cause fouling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical corrosion control methods (fuel additives) with a mechanical/physical monitoring and remediation system. The probe continuously monitors for corrosive conditions and triggers a remediation system that uses mechanical agitation and filtration to remove contaminants, eliminating reliance on depletable chemical additives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-monitoring and self-remediation of the fuel storage system. The probe automatically detects corrosive environments and triggers the remediation system without external intervention, allowing the system to maintain itself continuously rather than relying on periodically added chemicals.
2Reliability
If rigorous water maintenance practices are implemented, then corrosion control is improved, but the practices are time-consuming and disfavored by operators
Solution Approach 1:
The probe provides continuous real-time feedback on the presence of corrosive environments in the fuel storage system. This automated monitoring eliminates the need for manual, time-consuming water maintenance practices by continuously detecting and alerting operators to corrosive conditions that require attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic self-monitoring and self-remediation, eliminating the need for operator-intensive maintenance routines. The probe continuously assesses corrosion risk and triggers automated remediation actions, freeing operators from time-consuming manual maintenance tasks.
3Reliability
If water and particulate matter accumulate in storage tanks, then fuel quality deteriorates due to acidic corrosion, but continuous monitoring and remediation increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The probe extracts and removes water and particulate matter from the fuel storage system through its remediation function. By continuously removing these contaminants, the system prevents acidic corrosion and maintains fuel quality without requiring complex external monitoring and remediation infrastructure.
4Reliability
If manual detection and remediation of contaminants are performed, then fuel contamination is addressed, but the process is not timely and allows corrosion to progress
Solution Approach 1:
The probe provides continuous monitoring and continuous remediation of fuel contamination. Rather than relying on periodic manual sampling and treatment, the system operates continuously to detect and remove water and particulate matter, preventing acidic corrosion before it can progress and maintaining fuel quality at all times.
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 system effectively limits acidic corrosion and prevents the accumulation of water and particulate matter in fuel storage tanks, ensuring the quality and safety of the fuel delivered.
Implementation Method 1
a water float buoyant on a quantity of water; a probe shaft having a longitudinal axis, the water float restrained for displacement along a longitudinal axis of the probe shaft
Implementation Method 2
a portion of pressurized fuel delivered by the dispensation pump is diverted to an eductor designed to create a vacuum by the venturi effect
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided for controlling a fuel delivery system to limit acidic corrosion. An exemplary control system includes a controller, at least one monitor, an output, and a remediation system. The monitor of the control system may collect and analyze data indicative of a corrosive environment in the fuel delivery system. The output of the control system may automatically warn an operator of the fueling station of the corrosive environment so that the operator can take preventative or corrective action. The remediation system of the control system may take at least one corrective action to remediate the corrosive environment in the fuel delivery system. One or more sensors may be employed to signal proper operation of the remediation system.