Magnetostrictive Probe for Fuel Phase Separation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underground fuel storage tanks face challenges in detecting phase separation between ethanol and water mixtures, which can lead to non-compliant fuel exposure and equipment damage due to the absorption of water by ethanol, causing a homogeneous mixture to separate into distinct layers, and existing leak detection sensors do not effectively monitor this separation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a magnetostrictive probe with floats and magnets to measure fuel density at different levels within the tank, determining if phase separation has occurred by comparing densities at the top and bottom surfaces, and calculating the height of the phase separation boundary, allowing for early warning systems to prevent improper fuel dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional leak detection sensors are used in underground fuel storage tanks, then basic inventory measurement is achieved, but phase separation detection capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetostrictive probe is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures both fuel level and fuel density using the same device. The probe incorporates floats with magnets that interact with the magnetostrictive wire to provide both height and density measurements, eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing system complexity while improving measurement capability for phase separation detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects phase separation by monitoring changes in fuel density parameters. By measuring density at different heights within the tank and comparing these values, the system can identify phase separation conditions. This parameter-based approach enables accurate detection without requiring complex analytical instruments.
2Measurement precision
If density measurements are taken at multiple levels to detect phase separation, then detection accuracy is improved, but measurement time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetostrictive probe is pre-configured with multiple floats at specific heights along the probe shaft. These floats are positioned in advance to correspond with critical measurement levels in the tank. When measurement is needed, the floats automatically indicate their positions based on the fuel level and density conditions, eliminating the need for sequential manual measurements and reducing measurement time 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
The solution enables accurate detection of phase separation, preventing exposure to non-compliant fuels and equipment damage by determining the exact height of the phase separation boundary, ensuring the integrity of fuel storage and dispensing systems.
Implementation Method 1
there is magnetic repulsion between the first magnet of the first float and the first magnet of the second float
Implementation Method 2
a first float carrying a first magnet, the first float being slidably disposed for movement along the probe shaft and adapted to float at a top surface of the first fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining if phase separation into an upper layer of a first fluid and a lower layer of a first fluid has occurred in a tank containing a first fluid, the method including determining a first density of the first fluid adjacent a top surface of the first fluid, determining a second density of the first fluid adjacent a bottom of the tank, and comparing the first density of the first fluid to the second density of the first fluid to determine if the first fluid has separated into the upper layer of the first fluid and the lower layer of the first fluid separated by a phase separation boundary.