WO2011122965A2 - Module de pompe à carburant pour distributeurs de carburant - Google Patents

Module de pompe à carburant pour distributeurs de carburant Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011122965A2
WO2011122965A2 PCT/NZ2011/000041 NZ2011000041W WO2011122965A2 WO 2011122965 A2 WO2011122965 A2 WO 2011122965A2 NZ 2011000041 W NZ2011000041 W NZ 2011000041W WO 2011122965 A2 WO2011122965 A2 WO 2011122965A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fuel
pump
flow
signal
motor
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/NZ2011/000041
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English (en)
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WO2011122965A3 (fr
Inventor
David Jonathan Hassell
John Layne
Glyn Alsop
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SWASHPUMP TECHNOLOGIES Ltd
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SWASHPUMP TECHNOLOGIES Ltd
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Publication of WO2011122965A2 publication Critical patent/WO2011122965A2/fr
Publication of WO2011122965A3 publication Critical patent/WO2011122965A3/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/58—Arrangements of pumps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/58—Arrangements of pumps
    • B67D7/62—Arrangements of pumps power operated
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/58—Arrangements of pumps
    • B67D7/62—Arrangements of pumps power operated
    • B67D7/66—Arrangements of pumps power operated of rotary type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/76—Arrangements of devices for purifying liquids to be transferred, e.g. of filters, of air or water separators
    • B67D7/763—Arrangements of devices for purifying liquids to be transferred, e.g. of filters, of air or water separators of air separators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B49/00—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00
    • F04B49/10—Other safety measures
    • F04B49/106—Responsive to pumped volume
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B53/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B23/00 or F04B39/00 - F04B47/00
    • F04B53/22—Arrangements for enabling ready assembly or disassembly
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B2203/00—Motor parameters
    • F04B2203/02—Motor parameters of rotating electric motors
    • F04B2203/0207—Torque
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B2203/00—Motor parameters
    • F04B2203/02—Motor parameters of rotating electric motors
    • F04B2203/0209—Rotational speed

Definitions

  • the invention relates to improvements for fuel pumping and fuel processing means to be used within a fuel dispenser as used in a gasoline station forecourt; more particularly to selection of a pump, liquid and gas flow paths, and selection of a load-sensitive motor for the pump capable of detecting damage to, fault conditions within, or tampering with the fuel dispenser .
  • a forecourt fuel dispenser includes a GPU ("global pump unit”) device comprising fuel pump, gas separation means, and pressure control means, as inter-connected components assembled as a solid block having industry-standardised dimensions and connection sites.
  • the GPU draws fuel from a reservoir which is usually an underground tank, filters the fuel, removes any entrained air from the fuel, and delivers the fuel to a fuel meter under a controlled pressure.
  • a "Fuel Pump System” or FPS The prime mover is typically a 0.75 KW (1 Hp) AC induction motor driving the fuel pump via a belt at more than a sufficient rate, and a large proportion of the pump output is returned to the input.
  • the separated liquid fuel is returned past a float valve 9 and back to the pump inlet as scavenging flow.
  • the air-free fuel derived from the outer region of the air separator 5 is either returned to the pump inlet through the pressure relief valve 7 or passes through control valve 6 and to a pipe leading through a fuel meter and on to the fuel pump delivery nozzle.
  • the physical size and location of ports and the position of the pump pulley on the GPU have become standardised, to assist field installation and maintenance of the GPU.
  • a diecast block having internal channels and cavities minimises the space occupied by the GPU within the dispenser and minimises the number of external, pressurised sealing surfaces, all of which can be sealed using gaskets or the like; well known in the art.
  • Shunta (US 4222751, filed 1978) described a re-dimensioned GPU for which a ten- fold improvement in air separation effectiveness was claimed, by dimensional changes and an improved connection from the rotary pump to the cyclone separator.
  • the present inventors note that Shunta includes an unidentified and unreferenced tapered insert part (see shaded taper below part 73 in Fig 2 of Shunta) between the pump and the cyclone, to better form the vortex within. That part seems to be essential for effective operation of that cyclone separator.
  • the vane type rotary pump used in any standard GPU provides a 90 litres per minute (1/min) output or delivery rate suitable for automobiles. Extra flow serves to maintain the vortex of the air separator.
  • the only GPU capable of providing 140 1/min suitable for trucks is provided within a block about 20% larger in all dimensions, including a larger vane pump. It cannot be used as a direct replacement for the 90 1/min GPU in an existing fuel dispenser, so a new dispenser must be installed on the forecourt if the higher flow rate is required. Suppliers and maintenance firms must carry stocks of the two sizes.
  • Dickson in US 7076330 teaches various independent tests, such as vapour recovery parameters or time measurements to make a delivery of a known quantity. These are only indirectly linked to the measurement of volume and data from any one dispenser and may need to be compared to data from similar dispensers in order to spot an anomaly. See also Dickson US 6745104, which compares particular deliveries with a generalised expectation. Other publications in the general field assume the presence of a sophisticated computer link between dispensers and a central controller that may be disrupted; for example US 6470223 Johnson.
  • An object of the present application is to provide a fuel pump and associated electric drive for use within a fuel dispenser, capable of effectively providing a greater flow rate with greater efficiency and a desired range of delivered flow rates of from about zero up to at least 140 1/min within a housing conforming to a GPU supplying the existing standard 90 1/min flow.
  • Another object of the present application is to provide a fuel dispenser including an inherent monitoring means capable of detecting at least some types of abnormal operation, whether originating in criminal acts or in faulty operation.
  • a further object of this invention is to provide a FPS capable of incorporating more than one alternative type of rotary fuel pump, such as either a vane pump or a swash pump, within a case outwardly dimensioned according to existing standards, and a final object is to provide the public with a useful choice.
  • the invention provides a liquid fuel pumping module intended for direct replacement of an existing module within a forecourt fuel dispenser and providing (a) fuel withdrawal from a supply through a fuel inlet by means of an internal rotary fuel pump, (b) separation of the fuel from air or other included gases, and (c) delivery of the separated fuel under a controlled pressure into an existing fuel meter;
  • the module 1 has substantially identical dimensions and connection points to those of a standard module, and includes an internally smoothly 90 curved conduit 5d located in between an output port of the rotary or nutatory fuel pump 4 and an inlet 5a of a vortex air separator 5 which conduit provides, when in use, unproved operating conditions for air separation at a delivery rate in the range up to at least 140 litres per minute.
  • the direct replacement is a field replacement.
  • the invention provides a fuel pumping module 1 containing a fuel pump 4 95 and fuel processing means 5, 8 herein called a Fuel Pump System or FPS inside a shaped block for use within a dispenser of liquid fuel; the fuel being selected from a range including petrol/gasoline, kerosene, aviation fuel, jet fuel, diesel fuel, ethanol, or combinations thereof, wherein the FPS includes at least one of the following alterations:
  • the external dimensions of the FPS are substantially identical to those of existing FPS or GPU units.
  • an area of the fuel inlet 2b is increased by at least 2.5 times thereby providing, when in use, less restriction to incoming flow of fuel and reduction of a pulsatile pressure component of fuel flow out of the fuel pump 4, thereby providing improved metering conditions and 115 reduced power consumption.
  • an outlet means for air from an end of a vortex air separation means is provided in between the separation means and an atmospheric chamber; the outlet means having at least twice as large a side exit aperture as that of prior-art outlet means.
  • a swash pump cartridge 4 inherently having, when in use, an inherently low pulsatile 120 pressure component of fuel flow is provided for the fuel pumping module 1, thereby providing improved air separation conditions and reduced power consumption.
  • the fuel pump 4 is rotated, when in use, by an electric motor provided with electric power at a controlled turning rate from a variable- speed motor power supply 108 capable of sensing a torque delivered by the motor connected to the supply, and of providing a torque signal 125 111a for use in at least one task selected from the range of: (a) regulating motor speed, (b) sensing pump pressure, (c) regulating pump pressure (d) sensing flow, (e) detecting fault or unusual conditions, or (f) detecting deliberate tampering.
  • the fuel pumping module 1 is provided with computational means 109 capable of receiving as inputs one or more of: a signal 111 describing motor revolution rate , a signal 110 130 describing fuel meter revolution rate, and a signal 111a describing the torque delivered by the motor connected to the supply; said computational means being capable during use of providing an electrical output 115 in the event of a fuel flow discrepancy arising as a result of either a fault, or of tampering with the forecourt fuel dispenser.
  • computational means 109 capable of receiving as inputs one or more of: a signal 111 describing motor revolution rate , a signal 110 130 describing fuel meter revolution rate, and a signal 111a describing the torque delivered by the motor connected to the supply; said computational means being capable during use of providing an electrical output 115 in the event of a fuel flow discrepancy arising as a result of either a fault, or of tampering with the forecourt fuel dispenser.
  • the torque signal is sensed by means independent of the motor drive power supply.
  • the electrical output 115 from the computational means is coupled to electric power supply interruption means 117 capable when activated of immediately halting any fuel pumping activity.
  • the electrical output 115 from the computational means is coupled to an alarm capable of calling the attention of a person.
  • said computational means is capable of being calibrated in the field for a particular combination of motor revolution rate and a corresponding fuel meter measurement rate.
  • the field calibration means takes into account a proportion of pumped fuel used to maintain an air separation means.
  • the invention provides a method for controlling a fuel pumping module as 145 claimed in any previous claim; the method including the steps of receiving at least one signal selected from a range including: a signal 111 describing motor revolution rate , a signal 110 describing fuel meter revolution rate, and a signal 11 la describing the torque delivered by the motor connected to the supply; the step of evaluating said at least one signal within computational means, and the step of providing an alarm signal indication a fuel flow discrepancy arising as a result of either a fault, or of
  • the drive for the fuel pumping module is operated at variable operating speed just sufficient to produce a desired output, when required, from the fuel dispenser.
  • a transmission means coupling the driving means and the rotary fuel pump is changed so that the rotary pump may be turned at a different speed.
  • the driving means used to turn the rotary fuel pump and the rotary fuel pump is caused by the associated controller to turn at a different speed.
  • Fig.l A prior-art schematic diagram of interconnections within a GPU. Zanzoni, US 3,715,863.
  • FIG. 170 Fig 2 An external view of the FPS of the invention, containing a fuel pump and fuel handling means, showing planes of sections used in Figs 3 and 4.
  • Fig 2a A perspective view of an outlet valve 5b for the vortex separator.
  • Fig 3 Sectioned view of the FPS of the invention along A-A in Fig 3.
  • Fig 4 Sectioned view of the FPS of the invention along B-B in Fig 3.
  • Fig 5 Top view of the FPS of the invention with the cover removed.
  • Fig 6 Front view of the FPS of the invention, exposing the shaped conduit.
  • Fig 7 Section of the shaped conduit and the air separator inlet port along A-A in Fig 6.
  • Fig 8a Graph of pressure pulse amplitude, over a range of flow rates, in the fuel discharge from combinations under test, for diesel.
  • Fig 8a Graph of pressure pulse amplitude, over a range of flow rates, in the fuel discharge from combinations under test, for petrol / gasoline.
  • Fig 9a Graph of the effectiveness of air separation, as a deviation, over a range of flow rates in the fuel discharge from combinations under test, for diesel.
  • Fig 9b Graph of the effectiveness of air separation, as a deviation, over a range of flow rates in the 185 fuel discharge from combinations under test, for petrol / gasoline.
  • Fig 10a Graph of the electric motor drive power consumption over a range of flow rates when driving some combinations of pumps and FPS units under test, for diesel.
  • Fig 10b Graph of the electric motor drive power consumption over a range of flow rates when driving some combinations of pumps and FPS units under test, for petrol.
  • Fig 11 is a block diagram of a fuel dispenser showing means for the comparison of two measures of flow volume.
  • Fig 12 is a tracing of the torque during use of a swash pump as a fuel delivery pump, showing three instances of an open-nozzle valve state (lower centre of trace). Diesel was the fuel used in this test.
  • a torque-responsive motor controller and variable-speed drive allows (a) selection of a flow rate, (b) a more efficient drive at a rate just enough to maintain air separation while supplying fuel (Figs 9a, 9b), and (c) means to sense anomalies indicating either faults or fraud and cause a shutdown if required. (Fig 12)
  • the "Fuel Pumping System” or FPS (1 in Fig 2) includes a fuel pump, control valves, and air elimination means for use within a fuel dispenser and emulates a "Global Pumping Unit” or GPU.
  • the same external dimensions, placement of fuel pipes, and motive power connections have been retained, for compatibility and easy field replacement purposes.
  • the FPS is shown from an external elevation view in Fig 2. 4 refers to a largely concealed fuel pump cartridge (see Fig 4) mounted behind the driven "V-belt" type pulley 4a.
  • the control valve 6 and bypass valve 7 are mounted from the front inside bored holes reaching to an internal manifold.
  • the housing covering the atmospheric chamber is shown at 8.
  • the outlet 8A is referred to later.
  • a vortex type air separator 5 is retained.
  • Fig 3 is a cross section along the lines A-A in Fig 2, including the central axis of the longitudinally sectioned bypass valve 7 and that of the control valve 6.
  • the outflow manifold 5e carries de-aerated fuel from the air separator 5 to the inlets of both the bypass valve 7 and the control valve 6.
  • Fig 3 shows that the control valve 6 has been moved to a higher position inside the FPS, but still in line with the manifold 5e.
  • control valve 6 both provides a minimum back-pressure of from 10 to 15 psi for the air separator 5 and includes an axial over-pressure bleed valve to dissipate over-pressure conditions that may arise in the outlet pipe, such as if the delivery hose, while full of petrol/gasoline is heated by sunlight or is driven over while lying on the ground.
  • Fig 3 also shows that the bypass valve 7 is 235 moved to a higher position, still in line with the manifold 5e.
  • Fig 3 shows a glimpse of the inlet port 4b of the swash pump (an option) behind and slightly below the outflow side of the bypass valve 7, keeping the bleed circuit short. Valves 6 and 7 were moved to allow use of a larger diameter inlet valve 2.
  • Fig 4 is a cross section along the lines B-B in Fig 2. It includes the centre of the longitudinally 240 sectioned inlet valve 2 which is a non-return valve.
  • the inlet valve is located inside a hole made from the rear of the FPS, giving access to the inlet port of the pump 4 at 4b. Note the deliberately large size of the inlet valve. Ducts leading recirculated fuel from the float valve 9 inside the atmospheric chamber 8, and from the bypass valve 7 also merge near the inlet port of the pump at 4b.
  • One aspect of the invention is to reduce obstructions to incoming flow.
  • a larger 245 flow is intended.
  • a pump is typically required to apply a suction corresponding to an about 4 metres head of the fuel in use.
  • the inventors note that pressure fluctuations in the output are reduced when the inlet flow is unobstructed.
  • the inventors have confirmed that reduced restriction to flow preceding the inlet port 4b of the fuel pump 4 results in a less pulsatile flow of fuel from the outlet of the pump (see Fig 8a, 8b and discussion, below), and reduces a tendency to draw in air bubbles.
  • a 250 larger inlet 2b surrounds spring-loaded sliding shaft 2a of non-return valve 2.
  • the internal diameter of the inlet valve is 31.3 mm but the area taken up by a spider for holding an internal spring-loaded sliding shaft which supports the valve itself, leaves a remaining open area of about 455 mm 2 .
  • the total inlet diameter is 1450 mm 2 but 114 mm 2 must be subtracted for the spider and central spring (2) an J d valve support shaft, 255 leaving 1235 mm open area.
  • the relative increase in valve area provided by the present invention is 2.7 times over that of a prior-art inlet valve.
  • an inlet filter is usually placed in the line 3.
  • a clogged filter may cause obstruction and its diameter should be maximised.
  • An inlet filter is not shown to the right side or 260 below inlet valve at or near 2, because there are at least two different preferred sites.
  • the vortex air separation device in the current GPU discharges an axial sample of the fuel spiralling along the vortex and containing any air that has been separated into the atmospheric chamber 8 of the GPU through a hexagonal or circular cap (5b on figure 6).
  • the prior-art cap has two side
  • Fig 5 is a plan view of the chamber of the FPS. Liquid entering the cylindrical vortex or cyclone air separator module 5 at the inlet 5a is caused to run to the right (in regard to the
  • FIG 6 is an elevation view showing the novel shaped conduit 5d in face view, connecting either type of rotary pump 4, only part of which is shown, to the air separator 5a - 5 - 5c.
  • One purpose of conduit 5d is to seal the outlet port of either type (vane or swash) of pump cartridge 290 4 used within the FPS, and another is to carry the output with minimal turbulence to the inlet 5a of the separator, entering at one side as shown in Fig 7 such that flow is directed along a tangential line produced from the periphery of the vortex separator.
  • the shaped conduit 5d has a wide inlet capable of covering an outlet port of either selected type of pump so that a field replacement of pump cartridges can be done with minimal difficulty.
  • Fig 7 shows a vertical section of the shaped conduit 295 perpendicular to lines A-A in Fig 6.
  • Bolts such as 5h fix and press the shaped conduit in place upon the casing of the rotary pump and, with preferred sealing means such as gaskets, seal the interior of the shaped conduit around the outlet port of the pump.
  • This shaped conduit is physically produced around a part-circular profile so that the outlet port of either pump will when in use expel fuel under pressure into the open base of the shaped conduit.
  • the outlet of the shaped conduit 5d is both tapered and curved as shown in Fig 7 to provide least impediment to a flow of a carried liquid at the coupling to inlet 5a of the air separator.
  • the outlet is a rectangle.
  • the coupling made from the shaped conduit 5d to the air separator 5 especially at the junction between parts 5a and 5d directs the flow of fuel into the air separator approximately along a tangential line produced from the periphery of the air separator, and
  • 305 is smoothly curved, with minimised internal obstructions in order to ensure that a vortex will reliably be started and maintained within the cyclone air separator.
  • Surface finishing around the junction between the parts 5a (an inlet part for the air separator)and 5d (the shaped conduit) may be required in order to eliminate discontinuities that appear after assembly, that are likely to cause turbulence, downstream eddies or the like when the FPS is used, especially at a high flow rate.
  • the shaped conduit may be required in order to eliminate discontinuities that appear after assembly, that are likely to cause turbulence, downstream eddies or the like when the FPS is used, especially at a high flow rate.
  • conduit 5d at least in its present embodiment is preferably made as a separate part, not as part of the casting of the FPS.
  • the prototype shaped conduits have been made as a pair of flat parts each having a complementary raised edge along their side, welded together to form a flattened hollow shaped conduit. Other manufacturing processes such as injection moulding techniques are known to those skilled in the relevant arts.
  • the FPS can deliver air-free fuel at an outlet port of the FPS at any fuel
  • the inventors have found that the air separator 5 will function well at all delivery rates especially if (Improvement 9) a swash pump cartridge is used, since that pump has a less pulsatile output.
  • a prior-art vane pump may be used in the FPS of the present invention.
  • 320 The outlet port of this type of pump is inherently positioned at about the position marked 4v, under the left lower part 5f of the shaped conduit. It is noted that a vane pump of the size that fits into a 90 1/min GPU does not reliably support a 140 1/min if turned 1.56 times faster. Yet an objective is to provide 140 1/min fiiel delivery.
  • the inventors prefer to replace the vane pump with a physically compatible swash pump cartridge.
  • 325 speed 1.25 kW AC induction motor (or a variable speed drive) can deliver 140 litres per minute at the nozzle of the dispenser, with flow to spare for operating the vortex air separation means.
  • the preferred swash pump is volumetric. Its inherent resistance to turning (such as is caused by friction at seals or at rubbing surfaces) is sufficiently low in comparison to the work done on the liquid being pumped that it is possible to sense the liquid flow if torque or power measurement means is included.
  • the preferred swash pump can reliably maintain a nozzle delivery rate of 140 litres per minute simply by being turned faster, assuming a motor drive which is not a fixed-speed AC induction motor - or if it is, assuming replacement of pulleys with a set that provides the higher pump speed.
  • the vane pump cartridge presently used in a 90 1/min GPU cannot 335 sustain a 140 1/min output by being turned faster.
  • the outlet port of this type of pump is inherently positioned at about the position marked 4s under the right lower part 5g of the shaped conduit as shown in Fig 6, at an angular position which differs from that of industry-standard vane pumps.
  • the prototype example this comprises a brushless DC motor with a compatible controller 109 such as are manufactured by Wellington Drives (Auckland, New Zealand), or an equivalent. Since existing GPUs use a 1 horsepower (0.75 KW) induction motor, the direct drive controller should have a similar capacity. Such controllers are responsive to torque and can be operated in a constant-torque more or, especially if run at a constant speed, can provide a "torque being used" or "power being
  • delivered- volume information can be derived from use of a substantially volumetric pump for which each revolution delivers a known amount of fuel, and comparing the pump revolutions with the raw
  • Fig 12 shows test results illustrating that a signal representing torque can easily represent the load seen by the pump, and shows a contrast between nozzle open, when pump output is easily taken out through the hose and nozzle, and nozzle closed, when the internal pressure rises and the pump outflow is recycled through a valve within the FPS.
  • Improvements 1-9 are preferred requisites. Improvement 7 is preferred over improvement 6 since a swash pump has less inherent friction than a vane pump and it becomes much easier to detect anomalies in flow as reflected through the load on the prime mover used to drive the pump. Improved - that is - with fewer obstructions to flow - fluid pathways in the FPS assist in differentiating any anomalies. In order to retain compatibility with existing GPU installations the
  • 370 motor is driven through a transmission linkage, hitherto a rubber V-belt drive.
  • Either a pair of pinion gears, or a chain drive may be used as a type of transmission having lower inherent losses. If for some reason the FPS was no longer required to match the physical dimensions of a prior-art GPU and serving as a field replacement, a preferred direct drive brushless DC motor may be used in line with the axis of the pump itself.
  • Fig 11 shows details of a fuel dispenser 100 according to Improvement 10.
  • This Example shows no vortex air separation device and assumes that the over-pressure relief channel 114 is normally sealed by a form of safety valve 113 that will open only in the event of failure of the intended pressure control arrangement (see below).
  • This bypass may also be opened momentarily by a solenoid acting to open valve 113 at the end of a fuel delivery cycle, after pump
  • Block 108 in this Example is a brushless DC motor with a 385 compatible torque- sensing controller 109 The controller will produce a signal indicating that one revolution (or part of one) has actually been completed. Both the pump and the usual volume- sensitive meter will provide pulses at consistent rates in direct proportion to the volume passed through.
  • the motor revolutions signal may be brought to the exterior along line 111 or used within internal added means capable of performing a ratio comparison against an output indicating meter
  • the fuel pump with controller unit has several functions - (a) providing a volumetric flow, (b) providing a torque as an indication of generated pressure - to be interpreted within the controller as an actual pressure so that the fuel emerging from the pump is at a reasonably constant pressure, and (c) providing a turning rate signal.
  • the revolution rate of the pump may vary from near zero to perhaps 1200-1500 rpm.
  • Preferred direct drive controllers typically including a microprocessor may be modified using spare computational capacity, or a separate module for ratio comparison, the construction of which is apparent to one skilled in the art, may be used.
  • the actual "normal ratio" for any particular fuel dispenser may be set up during field calibration and stored in memory device 112.
  • Block 109 or an equivalent internal to the motor controller is arranged to compare the ratios and
  • an existing residual current detector (RCD) 117 is shown between the incoming AC power line (phase) 118 and the power supply 119 to
  • the RCD is made to interrupt the electricity supply by first closing an attached relay or other switching means 122 (shown with normally-open contacts above it) which connect a series resistor 123 between the AC mains phase wire, after the RCD, and electrical ground at point 124, so that the inward and outward currents
  • Resistor 123 should be of perhaps 10,000 to 20,000 ohms, to cause a tripping current of perhaps 1 to 10 rnilliamperes at 117 or 230 V AC (rms) as required for setting off the RCD.
  • the RCD is reset by a responsible forecourt operator, in order that the dispenser can operate again. A situation may arise in which the operator responsible for the dispenser is under duress by one or more miscreants and cannot refuse them.
  • 415 status of terminal 115 may be carried to an indicator panel under supervision of a forecourt attendant, where the actual delivery rate data may be shown.
  • the status of terminal 115 may also be transmitted directly to a remote supervising site such as an owner's premises, a security firm, local police station, or the like. Nevertheless, local action as described in Option 1 means that the dispenser is protected regardless of the status of forecourt communications.
  • the pump will be turning so as to provide a torque, but the fuel meter may not be operating.
  • the comparison device 109 causes the RCD 117 to 430 open and delivery stops until an operator comes to the dispenser.
  • Fig 12 shows the ease with which the torque signal shows a difference between the delivery nozzle being closed (high torque, 201) and the delivery nozzle feeding fuel into a tank (at 202, 203 and 204).
  • the pressure transducer 116 may be installed as a modification of the GPU itself.
  • Link 116a carries information to the comparison device 109.
  • the pressure transducer 116 is replaced by sensing the position of the pressure- 440 sensitive relief valve 113, which is closed during normal delivery, for instance by a suitably placed physical displacement transducer sensing valve movement (such as a magnet attached to the valve and a suitably located Hall-effect sensor).
  • the electrical output of the fuel meter 104 as transmitted through line 110 can be compared in module 109 with the status of the pressure relief valve. This is not shown in Fig 11. 445 Problem 2: Fuel is lost from fuel line C; delivery nozzle valve 105A has not been opened.
  • the pump will be turned according to the predetermined torque, but the fuel meter will not be operating.
  • the comparison device 109 detects output of an additional transducer means (not shown) giving an electrical signal indicating that the nozzle valve 105A is not open, although the pump and meter are turning in accordance with a predetermined ratio, and causes the RCD 117 to 450 open and delivery stops until an operator comes to the dispenser.
  • Meter 104 becomes inaccurate for any reason. A significant mismatch between the meter 104 and the volumetric pump 106 output arises. Meter 104 maybe deliberately miscalibrated - such as to indicate more flow than actually exists, so that the public is charged at a higher rate for the fuel it buys (the actual volume delivered being less than indicated), and the forecourt operator, 455 who has bought fuel by volume from a supplier, profits from each sale. That sort of modification may allow the forecourt operator to offer an attractively lower apparent price per unit volume than those of his competitors.
  • the comparison device 109 detects the situation that the predetermined correct ratio between the meter and the pump is not evident during delivery, and causes the RCD 117 to open and 460 delivery stops until an operator comes to the dispenser. Proper field calibration of the predetermined correct ratio requires that the actual delivered volume be proved using a calibrated container, in case the meter is already mis-adjusted.
  • Controller 109 detects this rate and causes the RCD 117 to open and delivery stops until an operator comes to the dispenser.
  • a Coriolis or equivalent mass-sensitive meter is an as yet not widely used alternative fuel meter. It is not influenced by unknown amounts of essentially mass-free air 470 mixed with the fuel, so that an air or gas separation device forming part of the FPS as previously described in this section may be deleted.
  • the volume passing though the fuel pump 106 when operating, is continuously compared with the mass passing though the mass-sensitive fuel meter at 104. If no air separation or cyclone device is used within a fuel dispenser, the volume passed through the fuel pump 106 is more nearly comparable to the mass passed through the fuel 475 meter, since none of the fuel pump flow is used to create an air vortex.
  • Fig 8a (diesel fuel) Graph of pressure pulse amplitude against flow rate, in the fuel discharge from combinations under test.
  • the pulses are caused by the turning vanes within the vane pump, or by the peristalsis-like squeezing motion imposed by the swash pump on the fiiel. Pulses were measured with a high-speed pressure transducer between the output of the FPS and the flow meter, using diesel fiiel 485 at ambient temperature, with a 4 meters vertical suction lift. The pressure pulse amplitude ought to be minimized so that the fiiel meter can operate more accurately. Comparison of traces 1 versus either 2 or 3 shows that the improved FPS has a lower pulse amplitude for either a vane or a swash pump. One contributing cause is the larger diameter inlet valve. The swash pump inherently produces a lower pulse amplitude, even at a high delivery rate.
  • Fig 8b (petrol, alias gasoline fuel) Graph of pressure pulse amplitude against flow rate, in the fiiel discharge from combinations under test.
  • the vane pump produces the largest pulsation effect, less so when mounted in a FPS block.
  • the swash pump which has been tested in the FPS block only, produced the smallest fluctuations. Lower fluctuations mean more accurate metering and better air separation.
  • Fig 9a (diesel fuel) Graph of the effectiveness of air separation, as a deviation, against flow rate in the fiiel discharge from combinations under test. Measurements used diesel fiiel at ambient temperature, with a 4 meters vertical suction lift and an artificial air injection rate of 40 hires per minute. The meter reading was noted and compared with a volume collected in a calibrated container over a fixed period of time. The vertical axis shows the percentage deviation of accuracy of the fiiel
  • trace 1 and trace 2 reflects the improved shaped conduit 5d and vortex air separator 5 design in particular.
  • the present invention would meet the requirements of present legislation or ordinances intended to prevent air being metered as if it was fixel within in the volume of fuel sold. It is desirable that the spiral flow pattern is established as soon as the fuel pump 4 starts to turn, and is maintained regardless of delivered flow rate during delivery
  • Fig 9b (petrol or gasoline fuel) Graph of the effectiveness of air separation, as a deviation, against flow rate in the fuel discharge from two combinations under test. Measurements used petrol fuel at ambient temperature, with a 4 meters vertical suction lift and an air injection rate of 40 htres per minute. At 70 1/min the included air is 1 part in 1000 by volume, for a swash pump in a FPS block..
  • Fig 10 a (diesel fuel) Graph of the brushless DC motor drive power consumption over a range of flow rates for the combinations of pumps and FPS units under test. It can be seen that the improved FPS (including the novel shaped conduit) especially when used with a swash pump requires significantly less energy to pump fuel. If the trace 2 is extrapolated to 140 htres per minute then it appears that an at least 1.8 kW (2.5 Hp) motor would be required to drive a vane pump of these
  • the lower power consumption may be a result of (a) reduced obstructions to flow at and preceding the inlet valve, (b) improvements in the air separation means, (c) larger channels within the FPS, and, as shown by the displacement of trace 3 to the right, (d) use of a more efficient swash pump having an intrinsically higher capacity for increased flow.
  • Fig 10 b (petrol or gasoline fuel) Graph of current for a three-phase AC induction motor, at 415 volts 50 Hz, versus delivered flow, for the three combinations.
  • the current drawn is independent of flow rate, but is markedly higher at around 1.9A for the vane pump/GPU block than for the vane pump/FPS block at around 1.6 A and only 1.1 A for the swash pump FPS block.
  • This constant-speed type of motor would not be a good choice for electrical detection of torque by current drawn, but
  • Fig 12 is a graph showing swash pump torque over time as a percentage value, obtained from a torque test point in a brushless DC motor controller as previously described, while driving a swash pump within a GPU.
  • the test liquid was diesel, at ambient temperature, and a 4 m lift load was
  • valve 113 is partly or completely closed.
  • this signal provides a good descriptor of fuel dispenser operation under normal circumstances or during either fault conditions or during theft.
  • the use of a swash pump providing consistent flow and low torque, and to some extent the clean flow paths and maximised apertures provided throughout the FPS block as previously described in this specification
  • the torque signal may be combined with either or both of pump revolution rate and fuel meter revolution rate. This approach has the advantage that no added sensors are used.
  • the sensing means is a self-contained part of the apparatus integral with the drive to the fuel pump so it cannot be interfered with. If the fuel pump cannot operate, there is no fuel available under pressure
  • the torque signal 111a may be used for at least one task selected from the range of: (a) regulating motor speed, (b) sensing pump pressure, (c) regulating pump pressure, (d) sensing flow rate, (e) sensing flow path, (f) detecting fault or unusual conditions, or (g) detecting deliberate tampering by a fuel thief.
  • More sophisticated fraud sensing algorithms will also detect unusual opening or closing patterns in 555 the transition from higher to lower torque and back again, but experiments to explore this option have not yet been done.
  • the relatively sharp on-off torque profile caused by operation of the nozzle valve 105A as shown here is likely to be different to the profile of a bleed of fuel from the pipe (B) before the fuel enters the meter.
  • Another factor that might be sensed is the mean height of the "floor" of the part of the trace during delivery.
  • the normal nozzle will have a characteristic rate of delivery 560 as shown by the torque trace having a particular height, while unauthorised taps may have other torque values; higher or lower than the normal delivery rate. If pipe B should become fractured, the torque would be lowest.
  • a person skilled in the art can easily construct a logic diagram to determine the state of the dispenser and likely outside activity, and take action. In a practical embodiment, the logic diagram can be converted into software or into hardware evaluation means and output means.
  • the torque traces as shown in Fig 12 may have three or even four normal levels: neither nozzle, nozzle A, nozzle B, or A + B are in use. Field calibration should include those conditions.
  • variable speed DC type motor such as a brushless DC motor plus controller, together having sufficient power rating (such as 1.25 to 2 kW) is coupled to the pump so that the pump is turned just fast enough to give a desired pumping rate.
  • the variable speed motor can provide either a high or a low flow rate of fuel delivery from the same FPS, user-switchable from
  • the invention may be used with other types of fuel pump, perhaps with shape or mounting modifications to entrain the outlet flow emerging from a particular position.
  • the changes include (a) a 90 l/min GPU-compatible field replacement FPS including a swash pump, and (b) (if necessary) a replacement motor having a sufficient power output, plus transmission means and motor drive.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Structures Of Non-Positive Displacement Pumps (AREA)
  • Fuel-Injection Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un module de pompe à carburant normalisé s'utilisant dans un distributeur de carburant de piste. Des circuits d'écoulement de fluide améliorés comprennent une conduite façonnée, prévue entre un orifice de sortie d'une pompe à carburant rotative et un séparateur d'air à vortex. Les dimensions internes sont optimisées. Une option de cartouche de pompe à disque flottant pourvue d'un variateur de vitesse permet au distributeur de fournir au moins 140 l/min de carburant exempt d'air. Des signaux de couple et de vitesse de rotation du moteur permettent d'établir des comparaisons avec la vitesse de révolution d'une unité de dosage de carburant afin d'indiquer une fraude ou des erreurs pendant l'apport du carburant, sans transducteurs supplémentaires. Des moyens permettant d'arrêter le distributeur et de produire une alarme sont prévus.
PCT/NZ2011/000041 2010-03-31 2011-03-31 Module de pompe à carburant pour distributeurs de carburant Ceased WO2011122965A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NZ584360 2010-03-31
NZ58436010 2010-03-31
NZ584415 2010-04-01
NZ58441510 2010-04-01

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WO2011122965A2 true WO2011122965A2 (fr) 2011-10-06
WO2011122965A3 WO2011122965A3 (fr) 2011-11-24

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015187976A3 (fr) * 2014-06-04 2016-04-07 Gilbarco Inc. Ensemble pompe de distribution de carburant

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3715863A (en) 1971-03-26 1973-02-13 Bennett Pump Inc Compact pump/air separator apparatus
US4222751A (en) 1978-08-28 1980-09-16 Anthes Imperial Limited Liquid pump with gas separating means
US6470223B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2002-10-22 Omron Corporation Group object in a control system, and a control system using the same
US6745104B1 (en) 2000-01-31 2004-06-01 Gilbarco Inc. Fraud detection through general inference
US7076330B1 (en) 2000-01-31 2006-07-11 Gilbarco Inc. Fraud detection through flow rate analysis

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JPS57210188A (en) * 1981-06-22 1982-12-23 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd Total horsepower control method for a multitude of oil hydraulic pumps
ATE90070T1 (de) * 1990-09-04 1993-06-15 Scheidt & Bachmann Gmbh Vorrichtung zur regelung der zufuhr von fluessigen kraftstoffen zu einem mengenmessgeraet.
US6179163B1 (en) * 1999-06-11 2001-01-30 Delaware Capital Formation, Inc. System and method for evaluating the presence of air in a liquid-state fuel stream
JP4179465B2 (ja) * 2002-07-31 2008-11-12 株式会社小松製作所 建設機械
NZ582354A (en) * 2009-12-24 2010-05-28 Swashpump Technologies Ltd Non-rotating nutating plate pump with compound spherical bearing

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3715863A (en) 1971-03-26 1973-02-13 Bennett Pump Inc Compact pump/air separator apparatus
US4222751A (en) 1978-08-28 1980-09-16 Anthes Imperial Limited Liquid pump with gas separating means
US6470223B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2002-10-22 Omron Corporation Group object in a control system, and a control system using the same
US6745104B1 (en) 2000-01-31 2004-06-01 Gilbarco Inc. Fraud detection through general inference
US7076330B1 (en) 2000-01-31 2006-07-11 Gilbarco Inc. Fraud detection through flow rate analysis

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015187976A3 (fr) * 2014-06-04 2016-04-07 Gilbarco Inc. Ensemble pompe de distribution de carburant

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