Pneumatic Fuel Tank Refilling for Remote Well Site Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Equipment at well sites requires frequent refueling, which disrupts operations due to the need for personnel to enter a hazardous exclusion zone, leading to costly downtime and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A fuel delivery system utilizing pneumatically controlled valves that automatically adjust refueling flow rates based on fuel levels, eliminating the need for electronic components and allowing continuous operation without manual intervention, using a remote bulk storage tank, pressure tubes, and a mechanical pressure indicator to maintain optimal fuel levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual refueling is performed by personnel entering the exclusion zone, then the fuel tank can be refilled, but equipment operation is interrupted and personnel safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service refueling through an automatic level-sensing mechanism that detects fuel levels and controls the refueling process without human intervention. The mechanical float indicator inside the fuel tank automatically signals when fuel reaches the desired level, and the pneumatic valve system autonomously controls fuel flow, eliminating the need for personnel to enter the exclusion zone while maintaining equipment continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
A pneumatic valve system acts as an intermediary between the remote bulk storage tank and the equipment fuel tank. This intermediary mechanism receives pneumatic signals from the level-sensing system and automatically controls the fuel transfer process, allowing refueling to occur remotely without direct human intervention in the hazardous exclusion zone
2Extent of automation
If electronic control systems are used for automatic refueling, then automation is improved, but system complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces electronic control with a pneumatic control mechanism. A pneumatic valve receives pneumatic pressure signals from the level-sensing system and uses pneumatic force to open or close the fuel flow path. This eliminates the need for electronic components, microcontrollers, and external power sources, simplifying the system while maintaining automatic refueling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes mechanical and pneumatic systems for electronic control systems. The automatic refueling is achieved through mechanical float indicators that trigger pneumatic signals, which then actuate pneumatic valves to control fuel flow. This mechanical-pneumatic approach replaces complex electronic controls, reducing device complexity and eliminating power requirements
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
Enables continuous operation of equipment at well sites by remotely and automatically refueling, reducing downtime and safety risks while simplifying power requirements and improving system reliability through mechanical controls.
Implementation Method 1
A pneumatic valve may be disposed in the valve assembly. The pneumatic valve is operable between a closed position, to prevent a flow of fuel from exiting the valve assembly, and an open position, to enable a flow of fuel through the valve assembly.
Implementation Method 2
The valve assembly includes one or more pressure tubes to detect changes in the level of fuel in the fuel tank between an under-filled condition and an overfilled condition inside the equipment fuel tank.
Implementation Method 3
In response to the fuel in the fuel tank reaching an overfilled position, a pressure switch actuates the pneumatic valve to the closed position. And in response to an under-filled condition, the pressure switch maintains the pneumatic valve in the open position.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for delivering fuel to an equipment fuel tank. The system includes a remote fuel storage tank and a valve assembly coupleable to the equipment fuel tank. The system includes a fuel supply line extending between the remote fuel storage tank and the valve assembly and a pneumatic valve disposed in the fuel supply line. The pneumatic valve can prevent flow of fuel into the fuel supply line or can enable flow of fuel into the fuel supply line. The valve assembly includes pressure tubes to detect changes in fuel level inside the equipment fuel tank. A switch actuates the pneumatic valve to prevent the flow of fluid in response to an overfilled position; and actuates the pneumatic valve to enable the flow of fluid in response to an underfilled position.