Patent ID: 7451789

Claim:
A method for automatically maximizing the quantity of a fluid which can be placed within a tank car comprising the steps of: placing a probe having a movable float thereon within a tank car to be filled with a fluid, wherein the float is buoyed by the fluid; determining a maximum product weight of the fluid for the tank car using the lesser of either the maximum weight limit of the tank car and the maximum calculated product weight at 2% outage; wirelessly activating one of either a pump or a control valve to begin addition of fluid to the tank car; calculating an outage value of the tank car based on a float line created by the float in the fluid; wirelessly directing the outage value to a controller, calculating a float line correction for a given fluid at a determined temperature; wirelessly directing the float line correction to the controller; adjusting, via the controller, the outage value of the tank car based on the float line correction; repeating the steps of calculating a float line correction through adjusting the outage value for fluid temperature changes of at least 10 degrees F. during addition of fluid to the tank car; calculating the full point tank volume prior to complete filling of the tank car based upon the formula: determined actual maximum product weight/(specific gravity of fluid at fluid temp×8.33 lbs/gallons); wirelessly directing the calculated full point tank volume to the controller; determining, via the controller, a level point corresponding to the full point tank volume calculated; then deactivating either one of a pump or a control valve to cease addition of fluid to the tank car when the fluid reaches the level point.