Patent Publication Number: US-11660646-B2

Title: Fluid delivery system and method

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to fluid delivery systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a system and method for clearing a fluid delivery system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Delivery of bulk fluids such as fuel, oil, kerosene, lubricating oil, etc. from a fluid delivery system is conventionally achieved by providing a tanker vehicle with a tank having a number of internal compartments or individualized storage tanks, each of which can hold a different bulk fluid. Typically, each of the storage tanks are connected to a manifold, and fluid can be pumped from one of the tanks to a downstream nozzle. 
     When an amount of fluid is to be delivered from one of the tanks to a receiving container, the appropriate tank is selected using a controller and the delivery line is connected to the receptacle into which the fluid is to be delivered. Operating a pump causes fluid to flow from the tank into the receiving container, often through a meter which records the amount of fluid delivered. 
     At the end of the delivery, the fluid delivery line is still filled with residual fluid from the previous delivery. In some cases, at least a portion of the residual fluid has already been recorded as being delivered by the meter. 
     When the fluid delivery system is to make a subsequent fluid delivery, if the liquid to be dispensed is different from that dispensed on the previous delivery, the fluid delivery line must first be emptied of the residual fluid and filled with the new liquid to be dispensed. This makes it difficult, if not impossible, to change fluid tanks without wasting the residual fluid trapped within the fluid delivery line. As such, an improved fluid delivery system is desired in the art. In particular, a fluid delivery system and method that reduces and/or entirely eliminates fluid waste when changing fluid tanks, is desired. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the methods and systems in accordance with the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the technology. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, a method for purging a fluid delivery system is provided. The method includes dispensing, via a nozzle, a first fluid from a first fluid storage tank of at least two fluid storage tanks. The at least two fluid storage tanks being separately fluidly coupled to a manifold via respective fluid supply lines. A fluid delivery line fluidly couples the nozzle to the manifold. A residual first fluid remains within the delivery line after the dispensing step. The method further includes connecting the nozzle to a clearance tank. A clearance outlet line fluidly coupling the clearance tank to the manifold. The method further includes purging the residual first fluid from the fluid delivery line into the clearance tank. The method also includes delivering the residual first fluid from the clearance tank to the first fluid storage tank. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, a fluid delivery system is provided. The fluid delivery system includes a manifold and a first fluid storage tank fluidly coupled to the manifold via a first fluid supply line. The system further includes a second fluid storage tank fluidly coupled to the manifold via a second fluid supply line. The fluid delivery system also includes a nozzle that is fluidly coupled to the manifold via a fluid delivery line. The nozzle is operable to dispense fluid from one of the first fluid storage tank or the second fluid storage tank. The fluid delivery system further includes a clearance tank fluidly coupled to the manifold via a clearance outlet line. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment, a fluid delivery vehicle is provided, the fluid delivery vehicle includes a fluid delivery system mounted to the fluid delivery vehicle. The fluid delivery system operable to selectively dispense one or more fluids. The fluid delivery system includes a manifold and a first fluid storage tank fluidly coupled to the manifold via a first fluid supply line. The system further includes a second fluid storage tank fluidly coupled to the manifold via a second fluid supply line. The fluid delivery system also includes a nozzle that is fluidly coupled to the manifold via a fluid delivery line. The nozzle is operable to dispense fluid from one of the first fluid storage tank or the second fluid storage tank. The fluid delivery system further includes a clearance tank fluidly coupled to the manifold via a clearance outlet line. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present systems and methods will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the technology. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present systems and methods, including the best mode of making and using the present systems and methods, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic fluid delivery vehicle, which is equipped with a fluid delivery system, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a schematic diagram of a fluid delivery system, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  3    is a flow chart of a method for purging a fluid delivery system, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the present assemblies/systems/methods, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation, rather than limitation of, the technology. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present technology without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed technology. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description have been used to refer to like or similar parts of the invention. As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. 
     As used herein, the terms “upstream” (or “forward”) and “downstream” (or “aft”) refer to the relative direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the direction to which the fluid flows. Terms of approximation, such as “generally,” or “about” include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. 
     Referring now to the figures,  FIG.  1    illustrates a schematic diagram of a fluid delivery vehicle or truck  100  (in some embodiments the vehicle  100  may be a van), which may be equipped with a fluid delivery system  200  capable of selectively dispensing one or more types of fluid. For example, the fluid delivery system  200  may be mounted or otherwise attached to the fluid delivery vehicle  100 . As shown the fluid delivery system  200  may include one or more fluid storage tanks  202  attached to the chassis of the fluid delivery vehicle  100 . In various embodiments, the one or more fluid storage tanks  202  may be internally partitioned into separate storage chambers, which may each contain a different fluid. In other embodiments, the one or more fluid storage tanks  202  may be a plurality of individualized tanks attached to the fluid delivery vehicle  100  or stored therein. Each fluid storage tank in the one or more fluid storage tanks  202  may contain or house a separate fluid, which may be delivered via a nozzle  204  in fluid communication with the fluid storage tanks  202 . The fluid to be delivered may be selected using a controller (e.g., controller  232 ), which may be integral with the nozzle  204  or may be positioned on or within the truck  100 . 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a schematic diagram of the fluid delivery system  200 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the fluid delivery system  200  may include one or more fluid storage tanks  202  fluidly isolated from one another and separately fluidly coupled to a manifold  206 . For example, the fluid delivery system  200  may include a first fluid storage tank  208  and a second fluid storage tank  210 , which may contain different fluids or liquids such as fuel, oil, kerosene, lubricating oil, or other fluid. In particular embodiments, the first fluid storage tank  208  may contain or house a first fluid  209 , and the second fluid storage tank  210  may contain or house a second fluid  211  that is different than the first fluid  209 . Although only two fluid storage tanks  208 ,  210  are illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the fluid delivery system may include any number of fluid storage tanks separately fluidly coupled to the manifold  206 , e.g., the system may include ten or more fluid storage tanks. In various embodiments, the system may include multiple manifolds, e.g., the system may include up to ten or more manifolds either separately or collectively coupled to one or more fluid storage tanks. 
     In many embodiments, the first fluid storage tank  208  may be fluidly coupled to the manifold  206  by a first fluid supply line  212 , and the second fluid storage tank  210  may be fluidly coupled to the manifold  206  by a second fluid supply line  214 . In many embodiments, multiple fluid supply lines may fluidly couple the storage tanks  208 ,  210  to the manifold  206 . As used herein, the term “line” may refer to a hose, piping, or tube that is used for carrying fluid(s). For example, the fluid supply lines  212 ,  214  may each be in the form of a hose or pipe assembly that extends from the respective fluid storage tank  208 ,  210  to the manifold  206 . In various embodiments, a first fluid supply valve  216  may be positioned in fluid communication on the first fluid supply line  212 . For example, the first fluid supply valve  216  may be positioned on the first fluid supply line  212  between the first fluid storage tank  208  and the manifold  206 . Similarly, a second fluid supply valve  218  may be positioned in fluid communication on the second fluid supply line  218 . For example, the second fluid supply valve  218  may be positioned on the second fluid supply line  214  between the second fluid storage tank  210  and the manifold  206 . In exemplary embodiments, the fluid supply valves  216 ,  218  may be selectively actuated between an open position and a closed position by a controller (e.g., controller  232 ). For example, one of the valves  216 ,  218  may be selectively opened to allow for flow of fluid from the respective fluid storage tank  208 ,  210  to the manifold  206 . By contrast, when the fluid supply valves  216 ,  218  are in a closed position, the flow of fluid from the respective fluid storage tank  208 ,  210  is restricted or otherwise prevented. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the fluid delivery system  200  may include a nozzle  204  fluidly coupled to the manifold  206  via a fluid delivery line  220 . the nozzle  204  operable to selectively dispense the first fluid  209  from the first fluid storage tank  208  or the second fluid  211  from the second fluid storage tank  210 , e.g., into a receptacle or receiving container. In many embodiments, the fluid delivery system  200  may further include a fluid delivery valve  222 , an air inlet valve  224 , a pump  226 , an air outlet ejection valve  228 , and a meter  230  disposed in fluid communication with the fluid delivery line  220 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the fluid delivery valve  222  may be positioned on the fluid delivery line immediately downstream from the manifold  206 , such that it is operable to prevent fluids from reaching the other components positioned on the fluid delivery line  220  when in a closed position. 
     In various embodiments, the air inlet valve  224  may be positioned on an air inlet line  225  that is fluidly coupled to the fluid delivery line  220  downstream from the fluid delivery valve  222  and upstream from the pump  226 . The air inlet line  225  and valve  224  advantageously provide a means for flushing or clearing the fluid delivery line  220  after fluid from one of the storage tanks  208 ,  210  has been dispensed. For example, after a fluid has been dispensed from the nozzle  204 , a residual amount of fluid may remain within the fluid delivery line  220 . The residual fluid may be cleared by closing the fluid delivery valve  222 , opening the air inlet valve  224 , and operating the pump  226 , thereby allowing a flow of air (e.g., either pressurized air or ambient air) to enter the fluid delivery line  220  and flush out the residual fluid. After such an operation, fluid delivery line  222  may be filed with air downstream of the fluid delivery valve  222 . 
     In many embodiments, the air ejection valve  228  may be positioned on an air ejection line  229  that is fluidly coupled to the fluid delivery line  220  downstream from the pump  226  and upstream from the meter  230 . The air ejection line  229  and valve  228  advantageously provide a means for flushing or clearing the air from the fluid delivery line  220 . For example, after a first fluid  209  has been dispensed and the fluid delivery line  220  has been flushed or cleared of the first fluid  209  with air, the operator of the fluid delivery system  200  may desire to switch to dispensing a second fluid  211 . In such case, the air that remains in the fluid delivery line may be ejected by the air ejection line  229 . For example, the second fluid supply valve  218 , the fluid delivery valve  222 , and the air ejection valve  228  may be opened, while the other valves remain closed, and the pump  226  may be operated thereby ejecting the air from the fluid delivery line  220  until it is backfilled with the second fluid  211 . At which point the air ejection valve  228  may be closed and the second fluid  211  may be dispensed by the nozzle  204  into one or more receptacles. 
     In many embodiments, the meter  230 , such as a flowmeter or other suitable device for measuring the amount of liquid passing through the fluid delivery line  220 , may be positioned immediately upstream from the nozzle  204 . In some embodiments, the meter  230  may be integral with the nozzle  204 . The meter  230  may function to measure the amount of fluid being dispensed by the nozzle  204 , e.g., into a receptacle. In this way, the meter  230  may include one or more sensors in communication with a controller  232  that monitors an amount of fluid passing through the fluid delivery line  220 , thereby allowing the controller  232  to calculate and track how much fluid has been dispensed from the storage tanks  208 ,  210 . In some embodiments, the controller  232  may be in the form of a register directly coupled to the system  200 . 
     In exemplary embodiments the fluid delivery system  200  further includes a clearance tank  238  fluidly coupled to the manifold  206  via a clearance outlet line  240 . A clearance valve  236  may be positioned in fluid communication on the clearance outlet line  240 . The clearance tank  238  may advantageously provide a means for recycling or storing the residual fluid that gets trapped within the delivery line  220  after one or more deliveries. For example, after an operator utilizes the fluid delivery system  200  to dispense a first fluid  209  from a first fluid storage tank  208  for one or more deliveries, a residual amount of first fluid  209  may be trapped within the fluid delivery line  220 . To clear this residual first fluid  209  from the delivery line  220 , the nozzle  204  may be attached, either directly or indirectly, to the clearance tank  238  and a clearance event may be executed on the system (e.g., by selecting the appropriate operation on the user interface  234 ). During the clearance event, all valves may be set by the controller  232  to a closed position with the exception of the air inlet valve  224 , which will be set by the controller  232  to an open position. Operating the pump  226  may force all of the residual first fluid  209  out of the fluid delivery line  220  (e.g., by backfilling the fluid delivery line  220  with air provided by the air inlet valve  224 ) and into the clearance tank  238 . This process may be repeated until the clearance tank  238  is filled with the residual first fluid  209 , at which point the controller  232  may open the clearance valve  236  and the first fluid supply valve  216  and the clearance tank  238  may be emptied, thereby returning the residual first fluid  209  to its original first fluid storage tank  208 . 
     In various embodiments, the nozzle  204  may be removably attached, either directly or indirectly, to the clearance tank  238  during a clearance event in which the fluid delivery line is flushed or cleared. For example, the nozzle  204  may be coupled directly to the clearance tank  238  or to a clearance inlet line  242 . In other words, nozzle  204  may be fluidly coupled directly to the downstream clearance tank  238  or indirectly to the downstream clearance tank  238  through the clearance inlet line  242 , which is upstream from the clearance tank  238  and downstream from the nozzle  204 . 
     In many embodiments, the fluid delivery system  200  may include one or more sensors  244  attached to the clearance tank  238  for detecting the amount of fluid within the clearance tank  238 . For example, the sensor  244  may be any suitable sensor for detecting the amount of fluid within a tank, such as but not limited to a float, displacer, bubbler, differential pressure transmitter, magnetic level gauge, capacitance transmitter, ultrasonic transmitter, laser level transmitter, radar level transmitter, or other. 
     In particular embodiments, the fluid delivery system  200  may include a vent valve  246  fluidly coupled to the clearance tank  238 . The vent valve  246  may be selectively actuated between an open position and a closed position by the controller  232 . In particular, the vent valve  246  may be selectively opened to allow air to pass to or from the clearance tank  238 . For example, the vent valve  246  may be selectively opened to allow for air to be evacuated from the clearance tank  238  (such as evacuated into the atmosphere) while the tank is being filled with fluid by the nozzle  204 . The air may be evacuated by the vent valve  246  while the clearance tank  238  is being filled with fluid until the sensor  244  detects that the clearance tank  238  is full. At which point, the vent valve  246  may be closed. When the vent valve  246  is in a closed position, the flow of air from the clearance tank  238  into the atmosphere is restricted or otherwise prevented. 
     As shown, the fluid delivery system  200  may include a user interface  234  that is operatively coupled to the controller  232  (e.g., electrically or wirelessly via a suitable communications line). The user interface  234  may allow a user to select which fluid (and corresponding fluid storage tank) the system is to dispense. In exemplary embodiments, the user interface  234  may be mounted or integral with the nozzle  204 , such that a user may operate the entire system  200  from the nozzle  204 . In other embodiments, the user interface  234  may be mounted or integral with the truck  100 , or another suitable location. 
     Operation of fluid delivery system  200  may be generally controlled by a processing device or controller  232 . The controller  232  may, for example, be operatively coupled to user interface  234  for user manipulation to select features and operations of the fluid delivery system  200 , such as which fluid is to be dispensed or flushing/clearing operations. The controller  232  can operate various components of fluid delivery system  200 , in order to dispense a desired fluid from the system and/or clear the fluid delivery line  220 . In exemplary embodiments, the controller  232  is operably coupled (e.g., in electrical or wireless communication) with each of the valves, e.g., the first fluid supply valve  216 , the second fluid supply valve  218 , the fluid delivery valve  222 , the air inlet valve  224 , the air ejection valve  228 , and the clearance valve  236 . Thus, the controller  232  can selectively actuate and operate the first fluid supply valve  216 , the second fluid supply valve  218 , the fluid delivery valve  222 , the air inlet valve  224 , the air ejection valve  228 , and the clearance valve  236  (e.g., based on signals received the user interface  234 ). Each of the valves may be selectively actuated by the controller  232  between an open position and a closed position. For example, one of the valves may be selectively opened to allow for flow of fluid through the respective line or piping to which it is attached. By contrast, when the valves are in a closed position, the flow of fluid through the respective line or piping to which the valve is attached may be restricted or otherwise prevented. Similarly, the pump  226  may be selectively operated by the controller  232  (e.g., based on signals received by the user interface  234 ). For example, the controller  232  may be operable to enable and disable the pump  226 , thereby controlling the transfer of fluids within the system. 
     The controller  232  may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of the fluid delivery system  200 . The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, the controller  232  may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry; such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. In some embodiments, the system  200  may be controlled by pneumatics (such as pneumatic controls or a pneumatic system). One or more portions of the fluid delivery system  200  may be in communication with the controller  232  via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses (shown as dashed lines in  FIG.  2   ). A battery pack (not shown) may be in electrical communication with controller  232  and other components to supply an electrical current thereto, as would be understood. 
       FIG.  3    is a flow chart of a sequential set of steps  310  through  360 , which define a method  300  of for purging a fluid delivery system  200 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     As shown, the method may include a step  310  of dispensing, via the nozzle  204 , a first fluid  209  from a first fluid storage tank  208  of at least two fluid storage tanks  208 ,  210 . The at least two fluid storage tanks  208 ,  210  may be separately fluidly coupled to the manifold  206  via respective fluid supply lines  212 ,  214 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the fluid delivery line  220  fluidly couples the nozzle  204  to the manifold  206 . After the first fluid  209  has been dispensed from the nozzle  204 , a residual first fluid  204  remains within the delivery line  220 . The method step  310  may be accomplished opening the first fluid supply valve  216  and the fluid delivery valve  222  and operating the pump  226  (e.g., to motivate fluid therethrough). For example, an operator of the system  200  may select, using the user interface  234 , that they wish to dispense a first fluid  209  from the first storage tank  208 . In response to the selection, the controller  232  may actuate the first fluid supply valve  216  and the fluid delivery valve  222  to an open position (e.g., while keeping all the other above-described valves in a closed position) and operate the pump  226 , thereby providing a flow of first fluid  209  through the system  200  and out of the nozzle  204 . 
     The method may further include a step  320  of connecting the nozzle  204  to a clearance tank  238 , thereby providing fluid communication between the upstream clearance tank  238  and the downstream fluid delivery line  220 . As described above, the nozzle  204  may be connected to the clearance tank  238  either directly or indirectly. For example, the nozzle  204  may be fluidly connected directly to the clearance tank  238  or to a clearance inlet line  242 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , a clearance outlet line  240  fluidly couples the clearance tank  238  to the manifold  206 . 
     In many embodiments, the method may further include a step  330  of purging the residual first fluid  209  from the fluid delivery line  220  into the clearance tank  238 . The step  330  may include opening the air inlet valve  224 , operating the pump  226 , and dispensing the residual first fluid  209  from the fluid delivery line  220  into the clearance tank  238 . As a result of step  330  a flow of air from the air inlet valve  224  may backfill the fluid delivery line  220 . For example, an operator of the system  200  may select, using the user interface  234 , that they wish to purge the residual fluid from the fluid delivery line  220  (this operation may be referred to as a clearance event). In response to the selection, the controller  232  may actuate the air inlet valve  224  to an open position (e.g., while keeping all the other above-described valves in a closed position) and operate the pump  226 , thereby purging the residual fluid (e.g., a residual first fluid  209  trapped within the fluid delivery line  220  as a result of the dispensing operation) from the fluid delivery line  220  and into the clearance tank  238 . 
     The method  300  may further include a step  340  of delivering the residual first fluid  209  from the clearance tank to the first fluid storage tank  208 . For example, an operator of the system  200  may select, using the user interface  234 , that they wish to deliver the residual first fluid  209  from the clearance tank  238  back to the original first tank  208 . In response to the selection, the controller  232  may actuate the clearance valve  236 , the air inlet valve  224 , and the first fluid supply valve  216  to an open position (e.g., while keeping all the other above-described valves in a closed position) and operate the pump  226 , thereby emptying the clearance tank  238  and returning the residual first fluid  209  back to the original first storage tank  208 . 
     In some embodiments, the method  300  may include an optional step of accumulating the residual first fluid  209  within the clearance tank  238  by repeating the dispensing, connecting, and purging steps before performing the delivering step. In this way, the clearance tank  238  may store up residual first fluid before being emptied during the delivering step  340 . In many embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  2   , the one or more sensors  244  attached to the clearance tank  238  may actively detect or monitor the level fluid within the clearance tank  238 . In exemplary embodiments, delivering step  340  may end when the one or more sensors  244  detects that the tank  238  is empty (e.g., of liquid therein). In other words, the delivering step  340  may be halted in response to a signal detected at the one or more sensors  244  indicating the tank  238  is empty. For example, the sensor  244  may be in electrical communication (either wired or wireless) with the controller, and when the sensor  244  detects that the clearance tank  238  (i.e., liquid therein) has fallen below a predetermined level or has completely emptied, the controller  232  may close the corresponding valves and end the delivering step  340 . 
     In optional embodiments, the method  300  may further include an optional step  360  of dispensing, via the nozzle  204 , a second fluid  211  from a second fluid storage tank  210  of the at least two fluid storage tanks  208 ,  210 . However, after the purging of the residual first fluid  209  from the fluid delivery line  220  in step  330 , the fluid delivery line  220  may be filled with air. As such, the method  300  may further include an optional step  350  of ejecting, via an air ejector valve  228  (and/or vent valve  246  in some embodiments), air from the fluid delivery line  220 . In exemplary embodiments, the steps  350  of ejecting the air and the step  360  of delivering a second fluid  211  may happen simultaneously. For example, an operator of the system  200  may select, using the user interface  234 , that they wish to dispense a second fluid  211  from the second storage tank  210 . In response to the selection, the controller  232  may actuate the second fluid supply valve  218  and the fluid delivery valve  222  to an open position (and in some cases the air ejection valve  228  may be opened if air remains in the fluid delivery line  220 ) (e.g., while keeping all the other above-described valves in a closed position) and operate the pump  226 , thereby providing a flow of second fluid  211  through the system  200  and out of the nozzle  204 . In some embodiments, the controller  232  may require that a predetermined volume of the second fluid  211  (e.g., as detected at the sensor  244 ) be supplied in the clearance tank  238  before the meter  230  is permitted to measure the amount of liquid (e.g., second fluid  211 ) passing through the fluid delivery line  220 . 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.