Mobile Fuel Transloading System with Articulating Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile fuel transloading systems face limitations such as labor-intensive operations, frequent vapor-lock issues, lack of automation and data capture, and inadequate vapor control, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns during the transfer of fuels between transportation vessels.
Innovation Solution
A mobile liquid transferring system featuring articulating fluid conduits, a pump, flow meter, and control valves, along with an air eliminator, vapor balance system, and remote terminal unit, which allows for precise control and automation of fuel transfer, including overfill prevention and fire suppression, to address the inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If stationary transloading terminals are used, then transloading can be accomplished at a fixed location with complete equipment, but the system lacks mobility and must be located at specific terminal sites
Solution Approach 1:
The stationary transloading terminal is segmented into modular components (pump, flow meter, control valves, articulating conduits) that can be independently mounted on mobile platforms, allowing the system to be divided and relocated while maintaining functional integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile transloading system is designed with universal components that can perform multiple functions - the articulating conduits serve both as fluid transfer pathways and positioning mechanisms, while the control system handles multiple parameters (flow rate, pressure, vapor balance) through integrated controllers
2Ease of operation
If conventional mobile transloading equipment is used, then mobility is achieved, but the equipment is difficult to operate and prone to frequent vapor-lock
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates flow meters with pickoffs for different liquid viscosities that provide continuous feedback to the control system, enabling automatic adjustment of pump speed and valve positions to maintain optimal flow conditions and prevent vapor-lock
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically changes operating parameters (flow rate, pressure, pump speed) based on detected liquid properties and system conditions, adapting to different fuels and operational scenarios to prevent vapor-lock and ease operation
3Productivity
If manual transloading operations are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but labor demands are high and data capture is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transloading system performs self-service through automated control where the meter register and control valves automatically regulate flow based on pre-programmed parameters, eliminating the need for manual intervention while capturing operational data
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with electronic control systems that use sensors, flow meters, and automated valves to manage the transloading process, substituting human labor with electronic-mechanical systems that provide both automation and data capture
4Object-affected harmful factors
If basic mobile equipment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but vapor control and safety features are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
A vapor balance system acts as an intermediary between the transloading operation and the environment, capturing and managing vapors generated during fuel transfer through dedicated vapor lines and balance tanks that mediate vapor pressure and composition
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 enhances operational efficiency by reducing labor demands, minimizing vapor-lock occurrences, and ensuring accurate and safe fuel transfer with improved data capture and communication, thereby increasing safety and reducing operational risks.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the first articulating fluid conduit and the second articulating fluid conduit may comprise a spring proximal a joint, the spring configured to counterbalance a weight of at least a portion of the at least one of the first articulating fluid conduit and the second articulating fluid conduit
Implementation Method 2
a pump positioned on a platform, the pump comprising a pump inlet and a pump outlet, the pump inlet in fluid communication with the first articulating fluid conduit
Implementation Method 3
a flow meter in fluid communication with the pump, the flow meter comprising a first pickoff for a first liquid of a first viscosity and a second pickoff for a second liquid of a second viscosity
Implementation Method 4
a flow control valve in fluid communication with the flow meter and configured to alter flow of at least one of the first liquid and the second liquid in response to a communication from the meter register
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile liquid transferring system comprising a first articulating fluid conduit configured to couple to a first tank, a pump comprising a pump inlet in fluid communication with the first articulating fluid conduit, a flow meter comprising a first pickoff for a first liquid of a first viscosity and a second pickoff for a second liquid of a second viscosity, a meter register configured to control flow of the first liquid and the second liquid in accordance with one or more loading parameters and one or more liquid parameters, a flow control valve in fluid communication with the flow meter and configured to alter flow of at least one of the first liquid and the second liquid in response to a communication from the load rack controller, and a second articulating fluid conduit in fluid communication with the flow control valve and configured to couple to a second tank.