Nozzle Adapter for Liquid Prover Vapor Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid proving systems for gasoline and diesel pumps at filling stations face challenges in achieving accurate volume measurements, particularly in large volume applications, where vapor elimination and multiple proving measurements are hindered by vapor dispersal and inefficient vapor management.
Innovation Solution
A combined top-fill and bottom-fill liquid prover system with a vapor conduit and tank baffle assembly that maintains a saturated vapor environment, along with a nozzle adapter assembly for automatic shut-off nozzles, to enhance vapor control and accuracy in volume measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a bottom drain liquid prover drains into a liquid holding tank for multiple proving measurements, then productivity is improved, but vapor dispersal and loss of substance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful vapor dispersal into a beneficial saturated vapor environment by introducing a vapor barrier liquid (typically the same liquid being measured) into the holding tank. This liquid barrier prevents vapor escape while maintaining a controlled vapor atmosphere that actually improves measurement accuracy by eliminating vapor pressure fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert-like environment by filling the holding tank with a saturated vapor atmosphere maintained by the vapor barrier liquid. This saturated vapor environment acts as an inert atmosphere that prevents further vaporization during the proving process, thereby eliminating vapor loss while allowing multiple measurements.
2Volume of stationary object
If a combined top-fill or bottom-fill and bottom-drain prover is used for large volume applications, then volume capacity is improved, but the ability to perform multiple proving measurements worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the liquid holding system into two distinct parts: the prover (for measurement) and the holding tank (for vapor-controlled storage). This segmentation allows the prover to be emptied and refilled multiple times while the holding tank maintains a stable vapor environment, enabling multiple proving measurements even with large volume provers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vapor barrier liquid as an intermediary substance between the prover and the atmosphere. This intermediary maintains a saturated vapor environment in the holding tank, preventing vapor loss during multiple proving operations and enabling continuous productivity with large volume provers.
3Ease of operation
If vapor is allowed to disperse during liquid proving, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service vapor control system where the vapor barrier liquid automatically maintains a saturated vapor atmosphere in the holding tank. The system self-regulates vapor pressure without external intervention, maintaining measurement precision while requiring minimal operational complexity.
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 improves accuracy by maintaining a saturated vapor environment, reducing vapor loss, and allowing multiple proving measurements without emptying the liquid holding tank, thus providing precise volumetric tests even with highly volatile liquids.
Implementation Method 1
A vapor conduit is provided between the upper section of the prover and the interior volume of the liquid holding tank to establish a saturated vapor environment in the interior volume of the prover
Implementation Method 2
with a vapor conduit and tank baffle assembly that maintains a saturated vapor environment
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle adapter assembly is provided for adapting use of nozzles on liquid dispensing pumps with test and measurement equipment such as liquid provers, test measures and liquid proving systems. The adapter can be used with automatic shut-off nozzles through which the liquid may normally be dispensed.