Overfill Valve Remote Testing Without Drop Tube Leak Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overfill prevention valves in underground storage tanks create a leak point by physically penetrating the drop tube segment, allowing vapor from the ullage space to enter the drop tube, and lack a reliable method for remote testing without actual overfill conditions.
Innovation Solution
An overfill prevention valve system with a non-contact test mechanism that allows manual actuation from the inlet end of the drop tube, using magnetic actuators to simulate a full storage tank condition without physically penetrating the conduit wall, ensuring proper valve function verification without creating a leak path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical linkage physically penetrates the drop tube segment wall to connect the float to the valve body, then the overfill prevention valve can be actuated to close the fill point, but vapor contained in the ullage space can enter into the drop tube through the penetration point creating a leak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical linkage system with a magnetic field-based actuation system. Magnets positioned outside the drop tube segment wall interact with a magnetically actuable component inside the wall to open or close the valve without physical penetration. This eliminates the vapor leak pathway while maintaining reliable overfill prevention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the external actuator and the internal valve mechanism. The magnetic field transfers force across the drop tube segment wall without requiring physical contact or penetration, thus preventing vapor leakage while enabling valve actuation.
2Reliability
If the overfill prevention valve is tested by creating an actual overfill condition, then the valve function can be verified, but the storage tank is exposed to overfilling risks and potential damage during testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary testing of the overfill prevention valve by simulating the overfill condition through magnetic actuation rather than actual overfilling. The magnetic system can trigger the valve closure in advance, allowing verification of valve function without exposing the storage tank to the harmful effects of real overfilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simulated version of the overfill condition using magnetic actuation to replicate the effects of float rise without actual fuel overfilling. This copying approach allows comprehensive valve testing while eliminating the risks associated with real overfill scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If a mechanical linkage penetrates the drop tube segment wall for valve actuation, then the valve can be controlled from outside the drop tube, but the penetration creates a potential vapor leak path and reduces system integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the penetrating mechanical linkage with a non-contact magnetic actuation system. Magnets positioned externally generate magnetic fields that actuate the valve mechanism internally without breaching the conduit wall, thereby maintaining seal integrity while enabling remote operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary that transmits actuation force across the conduit wall without physical penetration. This allows the valve to be operated from outside the drop tube while preserving the完整性 of the conduit seal and preventing vapor leakage.
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
Prevents vapor entry into the drop tube by eliminating the need for physical penetration and allows for remote testing of the valve's functionality without an actual overfill condition, ensuring accurate operation and reducing potential leaks.
Implementation Method 1
a non-contact test mechanism selectively coupled to the valve actuator and moveable between a service position and a test position... the non-contact test mechanism engaging the valve actuator in the test position
Data Source
AI summary
An overfill-prevention valve system includes a testing mechanism, operable by a user from the inlet end of the drop tube, which can be used to verify proper valve function without actually filling the storage tank. The testing mechanism allows the user to actuate the valve manually using a test probe, such as by elevating a float to simulate a full storage tank. The testing mechanism may be located upstream of the valve to facilitate the testing operation without interfering with the valve body. The mechanism may further provide non-contact functionality, such as with magnetic actuators on either side of the drop tube wall, to eliminate a potential test mechanism leak points. The test probe used to actuate the test mechanism may be shaped to define a desired rotational position at the test location within the drop tube, ensuring proper rotational alignment of the magnetic actuators.