Portable Oil Metering Assembly for Driver Training
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to efficiently train and qualify workers to operate conventional heating oil tank trucks while minimizing the costs and regulatory barriers, as existing systems face difficulties in accurately metering small quantities and complying with stringent regulations, limiting the availability of qualified drivers.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered portable assembly with a NTEP certified meter subsystem is used, allowing unskilled workers to gain experience by delivering small quantities of heating oil using a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight less than 10,000 pounds, enabling them to acquire necessary qualifications and endorsements for operating conventional tank trucks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional tank trucks with high flow rate pumps are used, then large quantities of heating oil can be delivered quickly, but the system cannot accurately meter small quantities of oil in conformance with NTEP certification standards
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the delivery system into two distinct components: a conventional high-flow pump for rapid bulk delivery and a separate NTEP-certified metering system for accurate measurement of small quantities. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The NTEP-certified metering system acts as an intermediary between the high-flow pump and the customer's storage tank. It intercepts and accurately measures the oil flow, ensuring compliance with custody transfer standards while the main pump continues to provide high-volume delivery capability.
2Reliability
If stringent NTEP certification standards and regulatory compliance are maintained, then accurate custody transfer is ensured, but the availability of qualified drivers is limited and training costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be inherently compliant with NTEP standards through its NTEP-certified metering subsystem, eliminating the need for complex procedural training. The equipment performs the compliance function automatically, reducing the burden on operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a simplified version of the conventional tank truck system that replicates the essential high-flow delivery capability while substituting the complex NTEP-certified metering requirement with a separate, dedicated metering unit. This allows operators to work with less complex primary equipment while still achieving compliance through the auxiliary metering system.
3Productivity
If conventional tank trucks with large tank capacities are used, then the utilization of each truck is maximized and fewer returns to the depot are required, but the cost of the truck increases to $150,000 to $300,000
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables conventional tank trucks to perform multiple functions: high-volume bulk delivery using the main pump and accurate small-quantity delivery using the NTEP-certified metering system. This multi-functionality allows a single truck to serve diverse customer needs without requiring separate specialized vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the truck by introducing a dual-pump system with different flow rate capabilities. The main pump operates at high flow rates for bulk deliveries, while the NTEP-certified metering system operates at controlled, lower flow rates for accurate small-quantity transfers, expanding the truck's operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for training a worker to delivery heating oil to homes and commercial establishments, comprises having the worker drive a first truck rated at no more than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, the truck carrying as cargo a portable assembly comprising a less than 119 gallon capacity heating oil tank, an up to 29 gallons per minute pump, and a meter sub-system. The Preferably, the portable apparatus with an oil-filled tank weighs less than 1,500 pounds. By using the first truck, the worker becomes better situated to seek the license and other qualifications needed to drive a conventional heating oil tank second truck that typically carries 2,000 or more gallons of heating oil, to deliver heating oil to customers.