Refueling Tank Additive Detection to Prevent DEF-FSII Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The improper mixing of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) and fuel system icing inhibitor (FSII) in refueling storage tanks poses a significant risk due to their physical similarities, leading to potential contamination and catastrophic engine failures, as current prevention methods relying on storage restrictions and operator training are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensors and a computing device or programmable hardware logic that determines the additive introduced into the refueling storage tank, providing an output when the identified additive does not match the predetermined additive, thereby preventing improper mixing and introduction into the fuel system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If storage restrictions and operator training are used to prevent improper mixing, then operational simplicity is maintained, but reliability of prevention is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically detecting the additive type through sensors and providing alerts without requiring operator intervention or decision-making. The sensor system autonomously monitors the refueling process and triggers warnings when improper additives are detected, eliminating reliance on operator training and memory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/preventive measures (storage restrictions and training) with an electronic detection system. Sensors, computing devices, and alert systems substitute for human judgment and procedural compliance, transforming a human-dependent prevention system into an automated technological system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If DEF and FSII are stored separately with clear labeling, then contamination risk is reduced, but ease of operation decreases due to additional precautions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the refueling process through sensors that detect the type of additive being introduced. The computing device receives sensor data, compares it against the expected additive type, and provides immediate feedback through alerts when a mismatch is detected, allowing operators to correct errors in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system acts as an intermediary between the additive container and the fuel system. Rather than relying on operator judgment or physical separation alone, the sensor intermediary automatically identifies the additive type and communicates this information to the control system, which then provides appropriate warnings or shutdowns.
3Reliability
If operator training is intensified to prevent misidentification, then prevention capability is improved, but loss of time in training and verification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the identification function that would otherwise require trained operators. The sensor system automatically determines additive type through physical or chemical properties, eliminating the need for operators to undergo extensive training on distinguishing between similar-looking additives like DEF and FSII.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes human cognitive processes (visual inspection, memory recall, judgment) with automated sensor detection. The system uses scientific principles such as refractive index measurement, conductivity testing, or chemical sensing to identify additives, replacing time-consuming human verification with rapid automated detection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of preventing improper mixing of additives in a refueling storage tank includes receiving, by a computing device, data related to an additive introduced to the refueling storage tank from a sensor positioned in the refueling storage tank. The additive introduced to the refueling tank is determined, by the computing device, based on the data received from the sensor. An output is provided, by the computing device, when the determined additive does not match a predetermined additive for the refueling storage tank. Devices and systems for preventing improper mixing of additives in a refueling storage tank are also disclosed.