Tanker Collector Valve Flow Control for Degassing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensing systems from tanker trucks face inefficiencies due to air pockets and insufficient venting, leading to increased pressure, measurement inaccuracies, and frequent system interruptions, particularly at the beginning of liquid delivery.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control device that initially opens the collector valve with a smaller flow cross section and then transitions to a larger cross section, utilizing a degassing device to prevent air from entering the connecting line, and using a control device to manage the collector valve positions based on degassing detection or predetermined times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the collector valve is opened with a large flow cross section from the beginning, then the liquid dispensing speed is high, but air enters the connecting line causing pressure increase and system interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The collector valve is designed with dynamically adjustable flow cross-section that changes during operation. Initially, a smaller flow cross-section is used to prevent air entry and pressure buildup. After a predetermined time period allowing degassing, the valve transitions to a larger flow cross-section for high-speed liquid dispensing. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between high productivity and system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Before opening the collector valve for liquid dispensing, the system performs preliminary degassing by keeping the valve closed for a predetermined time period. This preliminary action removes air from the connecting line and collector, preventing harmful pressure increases and air lock conditions that would interrupt liquid flow. Only after this preliminary degassing is complete does the system transition to high-speed dispensing.
2Reliability
If the venting device is made larger to prevent air entry, then air venting capability is improved, but installation space and economic feasibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a permanently large venting device that would occupy excessive space, the system uses a small venting device in combination with a timed closure mechanism. The venting device remains small and space-efficient, but its effectiveness is enhanced by closing it at the appropriate moment during operation. This dynamic timing approach allows a compact venting device to achieve the reliability of a much larger permanent venting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting device operates periodically rather than continuously. It is opened during filling and degassing operations to allow air escape, then closed during liquid dispensing to maintain pressure. This periodic operation pattern allows a small venting device to effectively manage air removal without requiring large dimensions, resolving the contradiction between venting capability and device size.
3Productivity
If the collector is lowered to improve liquid flow, then gravity assistance is increased, but ground clearance and measuring system space are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for the fixed collector position by using dynamic pressure control through timed valve operations. Rather than relying solely on gravity from a lowered collector position, the system uses controlled pressure differentials achieved by coordinating the closure of the venting device with the opening of the collector valve. This dynamic pressure management enables effective liquid flow without requiring the collector to be positioned lower, maintaining both ground clearance and measuring system integrity.
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
This approach accelerates liquid dispensing, reduces interruptions, and enhances measurement accuracy by minimizing air inclusion and pressure issues, allowing for faster and more reliable liquid delivery without start-up interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
the collector is equipped with a venting device in order to discharge the air displaced as part of the inflow of the liquid
Implementation Method 2
the tank chambers are filled from below via the connecting lines and the bottom valves, typically at up to 2400 l/min
Implementation Method 3
a control device is provided which, for dispensing liquid from a chamber, uses the collector valve connected to the bottom valve of this chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for dispensing liquid from a tanker which has multiple chambers with at least one respective bottom valve. Each the bottom valves is connected to a collector via a respective connection line and a respective collector valve, and the collector is connected to at least one dispensing valve via at least one dispensing line. The collector additionally has a degassing device, and at least two flow cross-sections of different sizes can be released by the collector valves. A controller is provided which first opens the collector valve connected to the bottom valve of a chamber with a smaller flow cross-section in order to dispense liquid from said chamber and which then opens the collector valve with a larger flow cross-section. The invention additionally relates to a corresponding method.