Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6347649
-
Patent Number
6,347,649
-
Date Filed
Thursday, November 16, 200023 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, February 19, 200222 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
- Withrow & Terranova, PLLC
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 141 45
- 141 50
- 141 94
- 141 59
- 141 285
- 141 286
- 141 301
- 141 302
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A pressure sensor includes a pair of inputs for determining the pressure within a vapor recovery path. The inputs are positioned about a flow restrictor within the vapor recovery path. The vapor recovery path may include a mounting platform for attaching the pressure sensor and positioning the inputs relative to the flow restrictor. In one embodiment, a vapor sensor may also be positioned within the vapor recovery path. An inlet port and an outlet port direct vapor from the vapor recovery path to a sensor. The inlet and outlet ports are positioned relative to the flow restrictor for forcing the vapor through the sensor. In this embodiment, a common flow restrictor within the vapor recovery path may accommodate both the vapor sensor and the pressure sensor. If vapor is not being returned in the vapor return path properly, the fuel dispenser may set an alarm condition and/or shut down the fuel dispenser operation. If vapor is not being returned at the proper rate, the vapor pump speed may be adjusted, for example, to bring the vapor return rate to the proper level.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a pressure sensor within a vapor recovery system and, more particularly, to a pressure sensor mounted about a flow restrictor within a vapor recovery path.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A vapor recovery system captures vapors produced during a fueling operation. The system usually includes a vapor recovery path that extends between a nozzle, used for dispensing fuel, and a fuel storage tank. A vapor recovery pump, or other vacuum creating device, creates a vacuum within the path such that the vapor is pulled into the nozzle end, through the vapor recovery path, and into the underground storage tank. The system prevents the unwanted emissions of hydrocarbon and other potentially harmful gases that may be detrimental to the environment.
To ensure the system is effectively capturing vapors, it is necessary for sensors or other like monitoring equipment to be placed along the vapor recovery path. Governing bodies, such as the California Air Resources Board (CARB), set specific requirements for the amount of vapor captured and returned to the storage tank to comply with the U.S. Federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.
However, many vapor recovery systems cannot recognize if vapor is actually being returned through the fuel dispenser to the underground storage tank. Failure of vapor being returned may be due to the occurrence of a pump failure or a leak along the vapor recovery path. Even though the vapor recovery system may be operational, such a failure or leak may not be detected by the system allowing vapors to escape into the atmosphere.
One manner of providing self-compliant vapor recovery systems is to provide technology to determine if a flow rate exits in the vapor return path when the vapor recovery system is operational. If flow rate does not exist in the vapor return path, vapors are not being recovered. This may be due to a malfunction in the vacuum creating device or a leak in the hose, but, nevertheless vapors are not being recovered as intended.
A vapor flow meter, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,457, entitled “Gasoline Vapor Recovery System and Method of Utilizing Vapor Detection” is one type of device that can be used to measure flow rate of vapor being returned in the vapor return path. However, a vapor flow meter is expensive, can be damaged by the presence of liquid or debris in the vapor stream, and is difficult to access and replace when damaged. The meter should meet certain safety requirements, such as those established by Underwriter's Laboratories (hereinafter, U.L.), since the vapor may be at a flammable level.
Therefore, there exists a need to provide other devices that are less expensive and are easily connected to the vapor recovery return path that can measure flow rates in a vapor recovery return path.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a pressure sensor positioned along a vapor recovery path. In one embodiment, a flow restrictor is positioned along the vapor recovery path. The pressure sensor includes a first input and a second input, with each of the inputs being positioned about the flow restrictor to determine the pressure change.
The flow restrictor may have a variety of structures, including an orifice, laminar flow element, venturi, etc. Within the venturi, the inputs are positioned about the neck, narrowing sections, and vapor recovery path to sense the change in pressure.
Another embodiment of the invention features a vapor sensor positioned adjacent to the flow restrictor. The vapor sensor includes an inlet and an outlet extending from said vapor recovery path for directing vapor through a testing zone. The inlet and outlet of the vapor sensor, and the inputs of the pressure sensor are positioned about the flow restrictor for efficient operation.
The present invention is also directed to a pressure sensor that is mounted to the vapor recovery path. The vapor recovery path has an interior passage for containing vapors and an exterior mounting platform. An aperture extends between the interior passage and the mounting platform. The pressure sensor is mounted to the mounting platform and includes a pressure sensor controller and at least one input. The input includes a first end operatively connected to the pressure sensor controller and a second end sized to extend through the aperture into the interior passage.
In this embodiment, the pressure sensor controller may be mounted within a mounting device, also referred to as a “mount.” The mount may have a substantially flat surface that mates with a substantially flat surface of the mounting platform. Fasteners may provide for removably mounting the pressure sensor to the mounting platform.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a cross-sectional side view of a fuel dispenser having a vapor recovery system;
FIG. 2
is a schematic view of a pressure sensor having first and second inputs positioned about a flow restrictor within the vapor recovery path;
FIG. 3
is a schematic view of a vapor recovery path having a flow restrictor about which are mounted a vapor sensor having an inlet and outlet and a pressure sensor having first and second inputs;
FIG. 4
is a partial perspective exploded view of a mounting platform positioned on an exterior of the vapor recovery path and a top side of a pressure sensor housing;
FIG. 5
is a perspective view of a bottom side of the pressure sensor housing and pressure sensor;
FIG. 6
is a perspective view of a pressure sensor mounted to the vapor recovery path; and
FIG. 7
is a flowchart illustration the steps comprising sensing the pressure within the vapor recovery path in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings in general and
FIG. 1
in particular, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describing a preferred embodiment of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention thereto. As best seen in
FIG. 1
, in a typical service station, a vehicle
100
is illustrated being fueled from a fuel dispenser or pump
18
. A spout
28
of nozzle
2
is shown inserted into a filler pipe
22
of a fuel tank
20
during the refueling of the vehicle
100
.
A fuel delivery hose
4
having vapor recovery capability is connected at one end to the nozzle
2
, and at its other end to the fuel dispenser
18
. As shown by the cutaway view of the interior of the fuel delivery hose
4
, a fuel delivery line
12
is formed within the fuel delivery hose
4
for distributing liquid fuel pumped from an underground storage tank
5
to the nozzle
2
. A fuel pump
68
delivers the fuel from the underground storage tank
5
to the nozzle
2
.
In one embodiment, spout
28
of the nozzle
2
has numerous apertures (not illustrated). The apertures provide an inlet for fuel vapors to enter the vapor recovery path
8
of fuel dispenser
18
from the vehicle's filler pipe
22
. As liquid fuel rushes into the fuel tank
20
during the fueling operation, fuel vapors are forced out of the fuel tank
20
through the filler pipe
22
. The fuel dispenser's vapor recovery system pulls fuel vapor through the apertures, along the vapor recovery path
8
, and ultimately into the underground storage tank
5
.
Vapor recovery path
8
transfers fuel vapors expelled from the vehicle's fuel tank
20
to the underground storage tank
5
. The fuel delivery hose
4
is depicted as having an internal vapor recovery hose
10
for creating a section of the vapor recovery path
8
. The term “vapor recovery path” as used herein refers to the flow path along which vapors recovered during the fueling operation are returned to a storage point. One such storage point is an underground storage tank
5
, however, other types of storage points may also include intermediate vapor collection devices. Thus, a device installed in the vapor recovery path
8
may be installed at various positions along the path described above.
Vapor pump
14
creates a vacuum in the vapor recovery path
8
for removing fuel vapor during the fueling operation. The vapor pump
14
may be placed anywhere along the vapor recovery path
8
between the nozzle
2
and the underground fuel storage tank
5
. The vapor recovery system using the pump
14
may be any suitable system such as those shown in U.S. Reissue Pat. No. 35,238; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,195,564; 5,333,655; or 3,016,928, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. The vapor pump
14
may be either a constant speed or variable speed vapor pump. There may be one vapor pump
14
for each side of a fuel dispenser
18
or one vapor pump
14
for both sides of a fuel dispenser
18
.
FIG. 2
illustrates one embodiment of providing a flow restrictor, generally designated
40
, in the vapor recovery path
8
for determining pressure in the vapor recovery path
8
. The flow rate is related to the pressure difference and may be determined using the Bernoulli equation that is well known in the art that states the total energy of a fluid flowing without friction losses in a pipe is constant. The total energy possessed by the fluid is the sum of its pressure, and kinetic and potential energies. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,508,127; 5,671,785; and 5,860,457 discuss this concept and are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Flow restrictor
40
may take a variety of forms including a venturi, baffle, laminar flow element, orifice plate, aperture controlled orifice, or other like device, each of which is contemplated by the present invention. Flow restrictor
40
may be positioned at a variety of positions along the vapor recovery path
8
between the fuel delivery hose
4
and the storage tank
5
. Additionally, there may be more than one flow restrictor
40
positioned along the vapor recovery path
8
, such as illustrated in
FIG. 1
with a flow restrictor
40
positioned upstream and downstream of the vapor pump
14
.
FIGS. 2 and 3
illustrate embodiments featuring a venturi
40
A. Venturi
40
A includes a neck section
42
having a reduced diameter, bounded by narrowing sections
44
having a diameter d
1
that lead into the vapor recovery path
8
that has a larger diameter “d.”
Pressure sensor
30
includes a first input
32
and a second input
34
extending from a pressure sensor controller
36
. Each input
32
,
34
is positioned within the vapor recovery path
8
and signals to the pressure sensor controller
36
to determine the extent of vapor pressure change between the inputs. In one embodiment, inputs
32
,
34
are passageways to either side of a differential pressure sensor, such as Motorola MPXV 5004G6U. As illustrated in
FIG. 2
, inputs
32
,
34
may be spaced at locations having different diameters along the flow restrictor
40
and vapor recovery path
8
to determine the pressure change. Within the venturi
40
A embodiment, inputs
32
,
34
are spaced about the vapor recovery path
8
having a diameter d, the narrowing sections
44
having a diameter d
1
, and the neck
42
. First input
32
may be positioned either upstream or downstream of the second input
34
.
Pressure sensor controller
36
may further signal the vapor pressure to a main dispenser controller
200
which monitors the vapor recovery process and controls the rate of the vapor pump
14
to ensure adequate vapor removal. Pressure sensor controller
36
may also communicate the signal to a station controller or other external controller (not illustrated) that monitors the vapor recovery system.
FIG. 3
illustrates the pressure sensor
30
and a vapor sensor
50
positioned on the vapor recovery path
8
about a common flow restrictor
40
. Vapor sensor
50
includes an inlet
52
, outlet
54
, and a sensing chamber
56
. Vapor is drawn from the vapor recovery path
8
into the inlet
52
where it is directed into the sensing chamber
56
. A sensing device
58
positioned within the sensing chamber
56
analyzes the vapor and determines a concentration level which may be signaled to the main dispenser controller
200
, or a destination outside of the fuel dispenser
18
. Sensing device
58
may be either a direct of indirect sensor, and may sense hydrocarbons, oxygen, or other gases produced during the fueling process. Outlet
54
directs the vapor from the sensing chamber
56
back into the vapor recovery path
8
. The positioning of the vapor sensor
50
relative to the flow restrictor
40
assists in directing vapor through the inlet
52
, sensing chamber
56
, and outlet
54
. A vapor sensor positioned along a vapor recovery path
8
and along a flow restrictor
40
is discussed in U.S. patent Application Ser. No. 09/188,860 filed Nov. 9, 1998 entitled “Hydrocarbon Vapor Sensing” and continuation-in-part application Ser. No. 09/651,376 that is currently co-pending with this application, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
A pressure sensor
30
is also mounted about the flow restrictor
40
for determining the pressure change within the vapor recovery path
8
. Inputs
32
,
34
are operatively connected to a pressure sensor controller
36
and operate as previously described.
Both the vapor sensor inlet
52
and outlet
54
, and the pressure sensor inputs
32
,
34
may be positioned at a variety of orientations about the flow restrictor
40
. The present invention is advantageous because a single flow restrictor
40
may accommodate both sensors
30
,
50
. As illustrated in
FIG. 3
, vapor sensor inlet
52
opens into the vapor recovery path
8
at a position having a larger diameter then the location of outlet
54
which is positioned at the neck
42
. One pressure sensor input
32
is positioned within the vapor recovery path
8
at a point having a larger diameter than the second input
34
which is positioned at the neck
42
. Pressure sensor inputs
32
,
34
, and inlet
52
and outlet
54
may have a variety of orientations. In one embodiment, pressure sensor input
34
is directed to the low pressure part of the pressure sensor controller
36
while input
32
is directed to the high pressure side. The pressure sensor
30
measures the pressure difference between inputs
32
and
34
which is proportional to flow while vapor sensor
50
uses the pressure difference to create a bypass flow through the sensing chamber
56
.
Placing both a vapor sensor
50
and pressure sensor
30
within the vapor recovery path
8
provides for determining the volume of vapor being returned through the vapor recovery path
8
. The volume of vapor is the flow rate through the vapor recovery path
8
times the concentration of the vapor. Another system for determining the volume of vapor is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/442,263 entitled “Vapor Flow and Hydrocarbon Concentration Sensor for Improved Vapor Recovery in Fuel Dispensers” filed Nov. 11, 1999, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Dispenser controller
200
may be programmed to monitor the vapor volume flowing through the vapor recovery path
8
.In one embodiment if the vapor volume is not within a predetermined range that has been programmed within the controller
200
, an error condition may occur in which controller
200
sends a signal to a monitoring location, the fuel dispenser is shut down, or controller adjusts the rate of the vapor pump
14
.
The pressure sensor
30
may be removably mounted to the vapor recovery path such that it may be removed in the event of failure, servicing requirements, or other. Preferably, pressure sensor
30
is positioned within the fuel dispenser
18
at a position to be accessed by a service technician. This includes the area of the vapor recovery path
8
between the fuel deliver hose
4
and a bottom of the fuel dispenser
18
.
FIG. 4
illustrates one embodiment of a removable section
100
that is mounted within the vapor recovery path
8
. The removable section
100
includes three components including a vapor path section
120
, intermediate mounting section
130
, and a pressure sensor mount
140
. The removable section
100
is preferably as small as possible to accommodate installation within a variety of fuel dispensers. The entire removable section
100
may be removed and replaced within the vapor recovery path
8
, or individual components can be removed and replaced as needed. In one embodiment, the removable section
100
is constructed in accordance with the requirements established in U.L. 886 and 1203, each of which is incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Vapor path section
120
includes a vapor recovery passage
129
extending through an interior section that aligns with the vapor recovery path
8
. Couplings
121
at each side of the vapor path section
120
mate with receivers
9
on the vapor recovery path
8
for mounting the section
120
. O-rings
125
or other gaskets may be positioned on the couplings
121
to press against the receiver
9
and prevent vapor leakage. In one embodiment, coupling
121
mates with receiver
9
only in the correct orientation to ensure the removable section
100
is properly mounted. One manner of providing proper alignment is to position fastener holes
127
such that they align with receiver fastener holes
7
during proper alignment.
A mounting platform
126
is positioned adjacent to the vapor recovery passage
129
for mounting the pressure sensor
30
. In one embodiment, mounting platform
126
is substantially smooth and flat according to requirements established in U.L. 886 and 1203. Apertures
122
,
124
are spaced about the mounting platform
126
for receiving the pressure sensor first input
32
and second input
34
. Apertures
122
,
124
extend through the vapor path section and open into the vapor recovery passage
129
. Mounting apertures
128
are positioned about the vapor path section
120
for receiving fasteners for attaching the other components
130
,
140
. A vapor sensor mount
150
is further positioned on the vapor path section
120
and includes the vapor sensor
50
.
Intermediate mounting section
130
mounts onto the vapor path section
120
as a first side
131
mates against the mounting platform
126
. In one embodiment, first side
131
is substantially smooth and flat to seat tightly against the mounting platform
126
. Apertures
132
,
134
align with apertures
122
,
124
respectively within the vapor path section
120
through which the pressure sensor inputs
32
,
34
extend. Recess
136
extends within a second side
133
. A raised platform
135
is positioned within the recess
136
for receiving one of the pressure sensor inputs
32
, or
34
. Holes
138
are positioned about the intermediate mounting section
130
for receiving fasteners for mounting to the vapor path section
120
and pressure sensor mount
140
.
Pressure sensor mount
140
contains the pressure sensor
30
.
FIG. 4
illustrates a first side having holes
144
for receiving fasteners for mounting to the intermediate mounting section
130
and vapor path section
120
. Lead
142
extends through the pressure sensor mount
140
and operatively connects to the main dispenser controller
200
or other processor for receiving the pressure information.
FIG. 5
illustrates a second side of the pressure sensor mount
140
and includes a chamber
146
for containing the pressure sensor controller
36
. Aperture
148
is sized such that input
34
can extend through and mount through apertures
132
,
122
and into the vapor recovery passage
123
. Mounting surface
149
abuts against the intermediate mounting section.
O-rings and other gaskets (not illustrated) are positioned between the components
120
,
130
,
140
to properly seat them together, and prevent any potential leaks. In one embodiment, removable section
100
is constructed of a U.L. approved material, such as aluminum. To further reduce any potential flame path, surfaces
126
,
131
, and
149
may be designed to meet U.L. flame path requirements as specified by U.L. 886 and 1203. Additionally, in one embodiment, the apertures
122
,
124
within the vapor path section
120
, and apertures
132
,
134
within the intermediate section
130
align forming a bore that is at least about 0.375 inches from the outside edge of the vapor path section
120
, and intermediate mounting section
130
. This distance is illustrated by element number
123
. In one embodiment, the distance between
120
,
130
, and
140
when mounted together may also be less than about 0.0015 inches wide.
FIGS. 4 and 5
illustrate one embodiment of a removable section
100
and pressure sensor
30
that is contemplated by the present invention. Various other embodiments are also contemplated in which the pressure sensor
30
may be mounted to the vapor recovery path
8
.
FIG. 6
illustrates another embodiment in which pressure sensor
30
is mounted into an integral section of the vapor recovery path
8
. The vapor recovery path
8
includes a mounting platform
126
to which pressure sensor
30
is mounted. Inputs extend through openings within the vapor recovery passage to access the interior space and determine the vapor pressure. Removal is accommodated by removing fasteners and removing the pressure sensor from the vapor recovery path
8
. Only pressure sensor
30
is removed and replaced, without removing any sections of the vapor recovery path
8
.
FIG. 7
illustrates a flowchart showing one embodiment of operation of the vapor recovery system when using the pressure sensor
30
of the present invention to determine if vapor is being returned through the vapor recovery return path
8
. The process starts (block
200
), and the main dispenser controller
200
determines if fuel flow has begun in the form of a customer engaging a nozzle
2
(block
202
) or by the presence of pulses from a fuel flow meter (not illustrated). If fuel flow has not begun, the process waits (block
202
).
If fuel flow has begun, the main dispenser controller
200
turns on the vapor pump
14
to create a vacuum in the vapor recovery return path
8
commensurate with the fuel flow rate in order to efficiently capture the vapors expelled from the vehicle fuel tank
20
(block
204
). The main dispenser controller
200
waits a predetermined period of time (block
206
), and then accesses the pressure sensor
30
reading to determine if flow exists in the vapor recovery return path
8
(block
208
). However, the system may still be operable if the dispenser controller
200
does not wait a predetermined amount of time. If the pressure sensor
40
is such that the vapor flow rate is not commensurate with fuel flow rate being delivered through the nozzle
2
(block
210
), the main dispenser controller
200
sets an error condition (block
214
), and the process ends (block
216
). The error condition may be a variety of actions, including setting an alarm condition at the fuel dispenser
18
, sending an alarm to a site controller (not shown) that may be in communication with the fuel dispenser
18
, or sending an alarm remotely from the service station, either through the fuel dispenser
18
or through a site controller. In addition, the fuel dispenser
18
may turn off the vacuum creating device, such as the vapor pump
14
, or the fuel dispenser
8
, so that fuel can no longer be delivered to a vehicle until the fuel dispenser
8
is serviced by a technician. If the vapor flow rate is marginally low or high in proportion to the fuel flow rate, the controller may signal the vapor pump
14
to speed up or slow down in order to adjust the vapor flow to the proper rate.
If the flow rate in the vapor recovery return path
8
is commensurate with the fuel flow being delivered into the fuel tank
20
, the main dispenser controller
200
determines if the customer has stopped dispensing (i.e. disengaged the nozzle
2
) (block
212
). If so, the process ends (block
216
). If not, the process continues to adjust the vapor pump
14
commensurate with the fuel flow rate (block
204
), and the process continues.
The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the invention. In one embodiment, the predetermined vapor flow rate or the vapor volume through the vapor recovery path
8
is determined through empirical testing and stored within the main dispenser controller
200
or other memory location. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.
Claims
- 1. A system for measuring vapor comprising:a) a vapor recovery path; b) a flow restrictor positioned along said vapor recovery path; c) a pressure sensor having first and second inputs for measuring a pressure change within said vapor recovery path, one of said inputs being positioned at said flow restrictor; and d) a vapor sensor having an inlet and an outlet extending from said vapor recovery path for directing vapor through a testing zone, one of said inlets and outlets extending from said vapor recovery path at said flow restrictor.
- 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said flow restrictor includes a section having a reduced cross-sectional area, one of said pressure sensor inputs and one of said vapor sensor inlet or outlet being positioned at said section.
- 3. The system of claim 1, wherein said flow restrictor is a venturi having a neck section, one of said pressure sensor inputs and one of said vapor sensor inlet or outlet being positioned at said neck section.
- 4. The system of claim 1, wherein one of said vapor sensor inputs and one of said pressure sensors inlet or outlet are positioned upstream of said flow restrictor.
- 5. The system of claim 1, wherein one of said vapor sensor inputs and one of said pressure sensors inlet or outlet are positioned downstream of said flow restrictor.
- 6. The system of claim 1, wherein said vapor sensor and said pressure sensor determine a vapor volume.
- 7. The system of claim 6, wherein when said vapor volume is outside of a predetermined range, an error condition occurs.
- 8. A device for measuring pressure within a vapor recovery system comprising:a) a vapor recovery path having an upstream end and a downstream end; b) a flow restrictor positioned along said vapor recovery path between said upstream and downstream ends for creating a change in pressure within said vapor recovery path; and c) a pressure sensor having a first input and a second input, one of said inputs being operatively connected to said vapor recovery path at said flow restrictor, said inputs measuring a pressure change within said vapor recovery path to determine a vapor recovery rate.
- 9. The device of claim 8, wherein said flow restrictor is a venturi placed within said vapor recovery path.
- 10. The device of claim 9, wherein one of said inputs is positioned within a neck of said venturi.
- 11. The device of claim 1, wherein one of said pressure sensor inputs is positioned at said flow restrictor.
- 12. The device of claim 11, wherein one of said pressure sensor inputs is positioned within said vapor recovery path at a point upstream of said flow restrictor.
- 13. The device of claim 11, wherein one of said pressure sensor inputs is positioned within said vapor recovery path at a point downstream of said flow restrictor.
- 14. The device of claim 11, wherein one of said inputs is positioned at a point along said flow restrictor having the smallest area through which vapor passes.
- 15. The device of claim 8, further including a controller operatively connected to said first and second inputs.
- 16. A fuel delivery and vapor recovery system comprising:a) a fuel delivery path; b) a vapor recovery path having an upstream end and a downstream end; c) a vapor pump positioned along said vapor recovery path for creating a vacuum for drawing vapors into said upstream end to said downstream end; d) a flow restrictor positioned along said vapor recovery path between said upstream and downstream ends for creating a change in pressure within said vapor recovery path; and e) a pressure sensor having a first input and a second input, one of said inputs being operatively connected to said vapor recovery path at said flow restrictor, said inputs measuring a pressure change within said vapor recovery path.
- 17. A fuel delivery and vapor recovery system comprising:a) a fuel delivery path; b) a vapor recovery path having an upstream end and a downstream end; c) a vapor pump positioned along said vapor recovery path for creating a vacuum for drawing vapors into said upstream end to said downstream end; d) a flow restrictor positioned along said vapor recovery path between said upstream and downstream ends for creating a change in pressure within said vapor recovery path; e) a pressure sensor having first and second inputs for measuring a pressure change within said vapor recovery path, one of said inputs being positioned at said flow restrictor; and f) a vapor sensor having an inlet and an outlet extending from said vapor recovery path for directing vapor through a testing zone, one of said inlet and outlet extending from said vapor recovery path at said flow restrictor.
US Referenced Citations (93)
Foreign Referenced Citations (2)
Number |
Date |
Country |
2316060 |
Feb 1998 |
GB |
WO 0050850 |
Aug 2000 |
WO |