Fast fuel system
Encyclopedia
A Fast fuel system allows speedy refuelling of vehicles. Most large earthmoving and mining vehicles with diesel fuel tanks over 150 gallons (567.8 l) are equipped with fast refueling systems. Fast refueling systems utilize an automatic shut off fuel nozzle, receiver and level control device. Fast refuel systems operate by connection of a fill nozzle to the vehicle's fuel tank
and a source mounted pump delivers fuel into the tank at rates up to 150 gallons (567.8 l) per minute.
Fast fill systems in general allow for ground level refueling and automatic shut-off upon a full tank. Ground level refueling increases operator safety as climbing onto vehicles during refueling is not necessary as the fill point receiver may be located in a location on the vehicle which is easily accessed.
track type tractor replacing the original pressurized system.
Pressurized refuel systems operate via sealing the fuel tank at the appropriate fill point thus creating internal pressure. The automatic shut off nozzle shuts off when pressure in the fuel system reaches 9 psi (62 kPa) or greater. Due to the pressure introduced into the fuel tank, most tanks require additional structure to prevent bursting or damaged weld joints.
Non-pressurized refuel systems reduce fuel spills and provided more accurate filling when used with worn automatic refuel nozzles. The system is also designed to prevent overfilling or manual override of the fueling system. David Juleff of Shaw Development, LLC was the design engineer that tailored an aerospace non-pressurized refuel system to be first introduced on the Caterpillar D11
track type tractor in 1998. A number of non pressure fueling systems are available in OEM and retrofit applications from FloMeg, Shaw Delelopment and others
Non-pressurized refueling systems meet European directive 97/23/EC which permits their use in the European Union
as any tank pressurization during refuel is less than 7.3 psi (0.5 bar).
Installation procedures for non-pressurized fast fill systems are documented in Fast Fill Fueling Installation for Off-Road Self-Propelled Work Machines SAE J176 . Proper installation is important to maintain operator safety and proper functionality of the system.
Fuel tank
A fuel tank is safe container for flammable fluids. Though any storage tank for fuel may be so called, the term is typically applied to part of an engine system in which the fuel is stored and propelled or released into an engine...
and a source mounted pump delivers fuel into the tank at rates up to 150 gallons (567.8 l) per minute.
Fast fill systems in general allow for ground level refueling and automatic shut-off upon a full tank. Ground level refueling increases operator safety as climbing onto vehicles during refueling is not necessary as the fill point receiver may be located in a location on the vehicle which is easily accessed.
Pressurized refuel system
Pressurized refuel systems were developed in the 1950’s and installed on almost all large vehicles. Caterpillar introduced a non-pressurized refueling system in 1998 on the Caterpillar D11Caterpillar D11
The Caterpillar D11 is a large bulldozer, manufactured by Caterpillar Inc. in East Peoria, Illinois, and mainly used in the mining industry. Primarily designed as a bulldozer, it also used for push-loading scrapers, and ripping rock overburden.-D11N:...
track type tractor replacing the original pressurized system.
Pressurized refuel systems operate via sealing the fuel tank at the appropriate fill point thus creating internal pressure. The automatic shut off nozzle shuts off when pressure in the fuel system reaches 9 psi (62 kPa) or greater. Due to the pressure introduced into the fuel tank, most tanks require additional structure to prevent bursting or damaged weld joints.
Non-pressurized refuel system
Non-pressure refuel systems operate via a closed loop system where all pressure is contained interior to signal lines, level control, and a shut-off valve. When the fuel tank fill point is reached, a bleed line signal is closed and back pressure is applied to a diaphragm valve at the fuel entry point. Due to differential pressure and an internal spring, the diaphragm is forced closed and cannot be overfilled. Non-pressurized refueling systems do not require tank pressurization for automatic nozzle shut-off, thus allowing their use on thin-walled metallic and composite material fuel tanks.Non-pressurized refuel systems reduce fuel spills and provided more accurate filling when used with worn automatic refuel nozzles. The system is also designed to prevent overfilling or manual override of the fueling system. David Juleff of Shaw Development, LLC was the design engineer that tailored an aerospace non-pressurized refuel system to be first introduced on the Caterpillar D11
Caterpillar D11
The Caterpillar D11 is a large bulldozer, manufactured by Caterpillar Inc. in East Peoria, Illinois, and mainly used in the mining industry. Primarily designed as a bulldozer, it also used for push-loading scrapers, and ripping rock overburden.-D11N:...
track type tractor in 1998. A number of non pressure fueling systems are available in OEM and retrofit applications from FloMeg, Shaw Delelopment and others
Non-pressurized refueling systems meet European directive 97/23/EC which permits their use in the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
as any tank pressurization during refuel is less than 7.3 psi (0.5 bar).
Installation procedures for non-pressurized fast fill systems are documented in Fast Fill Fueling Installation for Off-Road Self-Propelled Work Machines SAE J176 . Proper installation is important to maintain operator safety and proper functionality of the system.
Images
Non-pressurized Shaw Development fast fill system installed on a plastic fuel tank.