SMART FUELING ELBOW

Abstract

The invention includes a device (205) which prevents situations of fueling incorrect or poor-quality fuels to the tanks during fueling to the storage tanks (210) at fueling stations (200), by analyzing fuel quality and fuel type considering many physical parameters with the help of a sensor (504) that is consist of mechanical resonators, and a smart fueling elbow which has mobile characteristics making possible for the user to carry the elbow to the usage field.

Claims

1. The present invention is related to a system for identifying the passage of the fuel during fueling and characterized by; A sensor (504) which determines the type and quality of the liquid and transmits the generated data to the data control unit (503) by a probe piezoelectric method which includes a mechanical resonator that directly and simultaneously measures the viscosity, density, dielectric constant and temperature of the liquid, A data control unit (503), which blocks the passage of the fuel or permits the passage of the fuel according to its commands, receiving the information of the fuel directly from the sensor (504), A flow control valve (513), which allows or prevents the flow of fuel in situations where it is identified that the results of the comparison revealed a difference or equality in terms of information between the sensor (504) and the data control unit (503) which receives data from the sensor (504), A locking mechanism (508), which allows for easy connection of the device (205), which is defined as a smart fueling elbow, A carrying arm (509) on the device (205), which is defined as a smart fueling elbow, providing the mobile characteristic to the device (205) for easy transportation by the user to the place of use, A battery (506) which allows the device (205) to operate independently in a mobile manner and fulfill the energy needs of the devices such as sensors, detectors and motor (502) which are located on the device (205) that is defined as a smart fueling elbow.

2. The device (205) according to claim 1 is characterized by a transmitter (518) that allows all information, which are transmitted from the data control unit (503) to the other units, to be transferred to the external environment and to be reported.

3. The device (205) according to claim 1 is characterized by a flow control pane (511), which is located on the transferred fuel device (205), providing visual control capability.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0028] FIG. 1The general view of the assembly of the fueling elbow on the line.

[0029] FIG. 2The general view of the structure of the sensor (a) and the display of the sensor on the line (b).

[0030] FIG. 3The block diagram of the digital closed-loop control system.

[0031] FIG. 4The general view of the sensor and flow control valve.

[0032] FIG. 5The general view of a schematic representation of a fuel station in which the respective devices and parts are shown.

[0033] FIG. 6The general view of the fueling elbow.

[0034] FIG. 7The general view of the fueling elbow when the hatch is removed.

[0035] FIG. 8The cross-sectional view of the filling circle.

[0036] FIG. 9The perspective view of the filling mouth used in the assembly of the fueling elbow.

[0037] FIG. 10The schematic view of oscillation modes of vibration fork at the sensor.

[0038] FIG. 11The schematic view of the general circuit of the sensor.

[0039] FIG. 12The schematic view of the control unit.

[0040] FIG. 13The diagram showing the fuel type difference according to the viscosity values taken from the sensor.

[0041] FIG. 14The diagram showing fuel type difference according to di-electricity values taken from the sensor.

[0042] FIG. 15The diagram showing the fuel type difference according to the density values taken from the sensor.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCES

[0043]

TABLE-US-00001 NO NAME OF PART 100 Liquid transfer flow line 101 Type detecting unit 102 Flow control unit 200 Fueling station 201 Vehicle 202 Fuel gun 203 Fuel dispenser 204 Monitoring screen 205 Device 206 Fuel transfer hose 207 Overflow bucket 208 Tanker adapter outlet 209 Fuel reservoir 210 Fuel storage tank 211 Fuel transfer tanker 212 Installation pipe 213 Control room 301 Transfer fuel 302 Transfer approved fuel 303 Inlet mouth 304 Outlet mouth 401 Sealing element 402 Groove 403 Protection cage 404 Vibration Arms 405 Flow direction 502 Motor 503 Data control unit 504 Sensor 505 Display screen 506 Battery 507 Magnet 508 Locking mechanism 509 Carrying arm 510 Elbow 511 Flow control pane 512 Gear group 513 Flow control valve 514 Float 515 Fueling mouth type identification detector 516 Float position sensor 517 Filling mouth 518 Transmitter 519 Buzzer

[0044] The invention includes a device (205) which prevents the situations of fueling incorrect or poor-quality fuels to the tanks, during fueling to the storage tanks (210) at fueling stations (200), by analyzing fuel quality and fuel type considering many physical parameters with the help of a sensor (504) consist of mechanical resonators, and a smart fueling elbow which has mobile characteristics making possible for the user to carry the elbow to the usage field.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] The invention is used during the fuel transfer to the fueling station (200) of the fuel transfer tank (211) in a fueling station (200). The liquid transfer flow line (100) must be installed with the purpose of performing fuel transfer from the fuel transfer tanker (211) to the fuel storage tanks (210) at the fueling station (200). In this liquid transfer flow line (100), the fuel in the fuel reservoir (209) of the fuel transfer tanker (211) is connected to the fuel transfer hose (206), which will form the transfer line to be used in transfer to the tanker adapter outlet (208). The device (205) is installed at end of the fuel transfer hose (206) is connected to the tanker adapter outlet (208) of a fuel transfer tanker (211). The outlet mouth (304) of the fuel detection system is attached to the filling mouth (517) at the inlet of the fuel storage tank (210) in which the transfer is required.

[0046] At the fueling station (200), there may be more than one fuel storage tank (210). Accordingly, at the inlet of each fuel storage tank (210), a filling mouth (517) must be provided. These filling mouths (517) can be in the inside of the overflow buckets (207) as well as outside the overflow buckets (207). These fuel storage tanks (210) located in the station (200) are used for the storage of the fuel. The vehicle (201) to be filled with fuel in the fueling station (200) receives fuel through the fuel dispenser (203) from the fuel storage tanks (210) in which the fuel is stored. This fuel in the storage tanks (210) is connected to the fuel dispensers (203) which are used to supply the fuel with the installation pipelines (212).

[0047] The vehicle (201) to be filled with fuel stands next to the fuel dispenser (203) and performs fuel supply through the hose and the fuel gun (202) in the dispensers.

[0048] An intelligent fueling elbow is defined as the device (205) in the system. The device (205) has a locking mechanism (508) that allows easy connection. The carrying arm (509), which the device 205 possesses, is convenient for mobile use. The elbow (510) located in the device (205) allows the connection equipment to be used in fuel transfer to be more conveniently connected. The float (514) located on the device (205) allows the device (205) to change the sleep mode and initiate the analysis of the sensor (504). The float position sensor (516) on the device detects that the liquid transfer flow line (100) is filled with liquid.

[0049] The device (205) supplies energy that it needs by its long-life battery (506). Equipment such as sensors, detectors and the motor (502) located on the device (205) takes their energy needs from the battery located on the device (205).

[0050] When the motor (502) receives the command to move, it controls the flow control valve (513) via the gear group (512).

[0051] The device (205) located on the liquid transfer flow line (100) has a unit (101) for detecting the liquid quality and the type of liquid. The unit (101), which perceives the liquid quality and the type, decides whether or not the transfer should be performed by commanding the flow control unit (102) after evaluating the measurements.

[0052] In the device (205) of an implementation of the present invention, a liquid transfer flow line (100) is formed between the transfer fuel (301) to be transferred from the fuel reservoir (209) in the fuel transfer tanker (211), and the transfer approved fuel (302) which shall go to the fuel storage tank (210) where the fuel is stored in the fuel station (200).

[0053] Fuel transfer to the liquid transfer flow line (100) may be accomplished by a fuel transfer hose (206) or may be any means through which the fuel can pass. This liquid transfer flow line (100) has an inlet mouth (303) at one end and an outlet mouth (304) at the other end. This inlet (303) at one end of the liquid transfer flow line (100) is connected to the outlet of the reservoir (209) in the fuel transfer tank and a seal is provided here and the outlet mouth (304) at the other end of the liquid transfer flow line (100) is connected to the fuel storage tank (210) which is located in the fuel station (200) where the fuel is stored or to the device (205) which takes fuel or directly to the filling mouth at the inlet of the fuel storage tank (210) and a seal is formed here as well.

[0054] A device (205) is located in the liquid transfer flow line (100) which provides fuel transfer between the fuel reservoir (209) of the fuel transfer tanker and the fuel storage tank (210) of the fuel station (200). This device (205) is easily capable of being mounted on any preferred portion of the liquid transfer flow line (100) since the fuel flow rate and/or total amount passing through the entire liquid transfer flow line (100), the nature of the fuel, and thus the technical characteristics will not change. In the case where the flow control unit (102) is provided in the liquid transfer flow line (100), all the fuel passing through the liquid transfer flow line (100) passes through this device (205) as well.

[0055] The liquid flow can be observed from the flow control pane (511) during transfer. The transferred fuel can be visually inspected through the flow control pane (511) on the device (205).

[0056] In the device (205), there is a sensor (504) which detects the type of fuel (gasoline, diesel fuel, etc.) and the quality of the fuel passing through the flow control unit (102). When the fuel enters in the device (205), the sensor (504) is able to detect the nature of the fuel from the viscosity, density dielectric, and temperature values of the fuel. The sensor (504) transmits this information from the fuel directly to the data control unit (503).

[0057] The device (205) also includes a flow control valve (513) which inhibits fuel transfer or permits the transfer of fuel if allowed. The flow control valve (513) controls the passage of the fuel passing through the device (205) via the data control unit (503) and prevents passage of the fuel or permits passage of the fuel according to the commands of the data control unit (503).

[0058] This flow control valve (513) in the device (205) is capable of completely stopping the flow according to the commands received from the data control unit (503) and not allowing the fuel flow to pass through the outlet mouth (304) at all. The closing and opening of the flow control valve (513) depends entirely on the commands received from the data control unit.

[0059] The filling mouth detection detector (515) located in the device (205) identifies the fuel type in the liquid transfer flow line (100) where the filling mouth (517) at the inlet of the fuel storage tank (210) to which the fuel is to be discharged, is defined. The nature of the filling mouth (517) at the inlet of the fuel storage tank (210) is determined by the help of the magnet (507) mounted on it. The pole position of the magnet (507) determines the type of filling mouth (517).

[0060] The transmitter (518) is located in the device (205) to transmit the entire or a part of the information collected in the data control unit (503) to a receiver located outside. The use and operation of the device (205) is performed as follows. The fuel transfer tanker (211), which replenishes various types of fuels from the refinery reservoirs (209), is provided for transferring this fuel to the fuel storage tank (210). A fluid transfer flow line (100) is formed between the reservoir (209) and the fuel storage tank (210) for carrying out this transfer. In order to form this liquid transfer flow line (100), the inlet mouth (303) at one end of the flow line is mounted at the tanker adapter outlet (208) located in the fuel transfer tanker (211). The filling mouth (517) at the other end of the liquid transfer flow line (100) is installed in one of the fuel storage tanks (210) in the fueling station (200). Thereby, a liquid transfer flow line (100) is formed between the reservoir (209) and the fuel storage tank (210). In this liquid transfer flow line (100), a device is present (205). If it is preferred to transfer the fuel through the liquid transfer flow line (100), the flow control element within the device (205) opens the flow path and proceeds through the fuel inlet mouth (303) and within the liquid transfer flow line (100) all the way to the device (205). The flow control valve (513) in the device (205) does not allow for the flow in its initial position. For this reason, the fuel can only flow until into the device (205). When the fuel enters the device (205), the sensor (504) detects the type of the fuel (gasoline, diesel fuel, etc.) and transmits it to the data control unit (503) and make it possible for the data control unit (503) to identify the fuel. In this time slot, the detector (515) also communicates with the filling mouth (517) on which the magnet (507) is mounted on the fuel storage tank (210) to which the outlet mouth (304) is connected. In each fuel storage tank (210) located at the fueling station (200) there is a filling mouth (517) on which the magnet (507) is mounted and the outlet mouth (304) knows only the fuel type of the fuel storage tank (210) on which it is mounted. By this way, the filling mouth type determination detector (515) can identify which fuel storage tank (210) is in contact with and obtain information on which fuel is contained in the fuel storage tank (210). Subsequently, the data control unit (503) communicates with the detector (515) and receives information from the filling mouth determination detector (515) that the outlet mouth (304) is connected to which fuel storage tank (210). The data control unit (503) compares the fuel type information received from the sensor (504) with the fuel type information received from the detector (515) and if the two pieces of information match each other, then the flow control valve (513) sends a command to make open the flow control valve (513) and allowing for the transferring of the fuel within the liquid transfer flow line (100). However, if the data control unit (503) determines that the information of the two sides are different from each other as a result of this comparison, in this case, it does not send any command to the flow control valve (513) and provides audible and visual warnings while preventing the flow. The visual warning is displayed on the display screen (505) with the led lights on. The audible warning is given by the buzzer (519) in the device (205). If preferred, it can report the information via the transmitter (518) to the fuel transfer monitoring screen (204) in the control room (213) in the fueling station (200) where the fuel is transferred or to any receiver in the external environment. After the audible and visual warnings for the employee who is performing the task, the outlet mouth (304) is mounted to another fuel storage tank (210) by the employee. In this situation, the detector (515) communicates with the filling mouth (517) in the new fuel storage tank (210) where the outlet mouth (304) is installed, and acquires the knowledge of the fuel type in the fuel storage tank (210). This information is transmitted to the data control unit (503). The data control unit (503) compares this new information received from the detector (515) with the information received from the sensor (504) and allows that the flow control valve (513) to flow by sending a command to the flow control valve (513) if the two pieces of information match each other. All information transmitted to the data control unit (503) and transmitted to the other units from the data control unit (503) can be transmitted and reported through the transmitter (518) to the external environment.

[0061] The sensor (504) can directly and simultaneously measure the viscosity, density, dielectric constant and temperature of the liquids.

[0062] As an advantageous point, the sensor (504) monitors the direct and dynamic relationship between the multiple physical properties to determine the quality of the fluids, the condition, and the pollutant load.

[0063] The sensor (504) is mounted on the device (205) with grooves (402). The sealing element (401) on the sensor (504) provides sealing. The vibration arms (404) of the sensor (504) are protected by the protection cage (403).

[0064] In the present invention, the communication of the sensor (504) is preferably achieved easily with the protocol compatible with Universal CAN J1939. Other communication protocols known and used in the state of art can also be applied.

[0065] The vibrating arms (404) on the sensor (504) are excited by a piezoelectric drive. The sensor (504) detects by a resonant piezo electronic element that is emerged on the vibrating arms (404). The voltage magnitude applied to the piezo electronic element is proportional to the pressure applied to the vibrating arms (404) on the sensor (504).

[0066] The vibrating arms (404) on the sensor (504) vibrate steadily at the natural frequency during operation.

[0067] The sensor (504), which identifies the liquid type and quality of the fluid driven by the piezoelectric method, is mounted with grooves (402) in which it has the measurement area, and then an alternative power to the sensor (504) is transmitted so as to make it possible that the actuator can provide vibration in line with its natural frequency. When the sensor (504) is in contact with the liquid, the frequency of the sensor (504) is changed by changing the mass loaded on the vibrating arms (404). The intensity of the liquid being measured is determined by measuring changes in the detector natural frequency or vibration cycle by the detector which measures the change in vibration frequency occurring in the vibration arms (404) on the sensor (504).

[0068] It consists of the sensor (504) unit and closed loop control unit. Sensor unit is consist of the actuator, vibrating arms (404) and detector. The vibrating arms (404) directly detects the liquid density and the detector transmits the signal carrying measurement information to the closed loop control unit for processing and output intensity value. The closed-loop control unit generates an excitation signal to control the actuator and then drives the sensor (504).

[0069] The temperature changes affect the elastic modules of the vibrating arms (404) located on the sensor (504) and since the vibrating arms (404) directly affect the natural frequency of the vibrating arms (404), the instantaneous temperature measuring sensor (504) on the sensor 504 is present. As an advantageous point, the temperature compensates for changes in the elasticity modules occurring on the sensor (504).

[0070] When the sensor (504) is excited by its alternating current at its resonance frequency, the measured electric current reaches the speed of oscillation of the vibration fork (404). When vibrating at low amplitudes, only 1D linear harmonic oscillator is taken, taking into account only the peaks of the oscillating ends. The sensor calculates the density, viscosity and dielectric constant according to the instantaneous temperature value.

[0071] Aforementioned sensor (504), the probe containing a mechanical resonator, is used to determine various properties (e.g., molecular weight, viscosity, specific weight, elasticity, dielectric constant, conductivity, etc.) of the individual liquid elements in a liquid composition.

[0072] The frequency response of the resonator is measured, preferably as a function of time, for the liquid under the test. Resonator properties can be calibrated to a known standard liquid to determine the properties of a fluid whose properties are unknown.

[0073] The sensor (504) uses a method comprising a mechanical piezometric quartz resonator (mechanical resonator) to measure physical and electrical properties, such as viscosity density, dielectric constant, and conductivity of liquid components in the combinatorial chemistry processes. The mechanical resonator is connected to a measuring circuit which transmits a variable frequency input signal, such as a sinusoidal wave, which travels at a predetermined frequency range. The resonator response on the frequency range is monitored to determine the selected physical and electrical characteristics of the tested liquid.

[0074] The resonator responses from all the resonators in the sensor (504) can then be used to obtain additional information about the tested compound. The response of the resonator varies depending on the viscosity, density and dielectric constant, and the conductivity of the liquid can affect the response of the resonator.

[0075] The resonator connected to an input signal source is placed in each liquid composition and a variable frequency input signal which causes the resonator to vibrate is sent to each resonator. The input signal frequency is predetermined to create a unique resonator response for each particular liquid. The resonator response will also be different for each compound.

[0076] Although there is sufficient electrical connection between the resonator and the composition to measure the electrical properties of the compositions, a more detailed electrical connection may be required to more accurately measure the increased measurement accuracy.

[0077] In our invention, preferably, the resonator in the sensor (504) is preferably made of a quartz crystal. The vibrator bars of the resonator swing in the opposite direction and each rod acts as a separate potential acoustic wave generator. In other words, the bars approach each other or move away from each other.

[0078] However, the bars vibrate in opposite directions and in opposite phases, so that the locally generated waves of each bar tend to cancel each other, which causes the resonator to form almost no acoustic wave.

[0079] The resonator is preferably combined with an oscilloscope, which transmits a resonant variable frequency input signal to produce resonator oscillations and receive the resonator response at different frequencies. Before starting the measurement on the broadband, the output of the resonator outlet goes through the amplifier.

[0080] The resonator system is used to monitor the average molecular weight of polystyrene in toluene solutions during the polymerization reaction. The resonator is typically connected to a probe and probe collects the data by scanning the samples. The oscilloscope is used to stimulate resonator oscillations and to take the oscillator's response at various frequencies.

[0081] The resonator response is then recorded as a function of the excitation frequency. The test conditions remained stable throughout all experiments. Environment temperature and test conditions are almost the same. The increased sensitivity of the resonator causes slight differences in chemical structure which causes significant differences in the resonator response. Since the signals generated by the resonator are very distinct and having intervals, they are easier to be analyzed and to be compared.