US3240241A

US3240241A - Transfer apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3240241A
Application number: US392157A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert W Kenney
Original assignee: AO Smith Corp
Current assignee: AO Smith Corp
Priority date: 1964-08-26
Filing date: 1964-08-26
Publication date: 1966-03-15
Anticipated expiration: 1983-03-15

Description

March 15, 1966 R. w. KENNEY 3,240,241

TRANSFER APPARATUS Filed Aug. 26, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR ROBERT IM KENNEY ndrus f 52Qrke Arfarne s March 15, 1966 R. w. KENNEY TRANSFER APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 26 1964 INVENTOR. Roemr W KENNEY (/Qvdrw F Siar/(k.

Affarne United States Patent Ofi ice 3,249,241 Patented Mar. 15, 1966 3,248,241 TRANSFER APPARATUS Robert W. Kenney, Pasadena, Calif, assignor to A. 0. Smith Corporation, Milwaukee, Win, a corporation of New York Filed Aug. 26, 1964, Ser. No. 392,157 18 Claims. (Cl. 141*217) This invention relates to a transfer apparatus and particularly to a flow controller for initiating discharge from a conduit means which provides improved safety in transfer and delivery of explosive liquids or fluids such as gasoline, kerosene and other petroleum products.

In the distribution of petroleum products and like liquids, substantial quantities of the products are stored in suitable tanks at bulk plants for subsequent distribution through transport trucks and the like. Generally, in the transport or delivery of the fuel, counter mechanisms are provided for automatically delivering a preselected quantity of the product from the storage tank to the tank truck. In view of the substantial quantities purchased at any one time, the transfer or flow in the system from the storage unit is usually at a substantial flow rate and the automatic control systems preferably provide means to protect against the dangers encountered if the mass of flowing liquid is suddenly stopped at any one point. For example, if applicants copending application entitled Set Stop Control Valve filed February 15, 1963, with Serial No. 258,854, now Patent No. 3,185,344, of May 25, 1965, a set stop control valve is shown including an electrically actuated hydraulic responsive means for stopping flow in sequential steps. As a result, the flow at the terminal portion is produced in stages before complete stoppage and thereby establishment of abnormally high and dangerous pressures in the piping system is prevented.

In the transfer system, a control or block valve is normally spaced from the terminal end of the system and the final tube drains as a result of the inertia, gravity and like effect. As a result, when the delivery is initially started, the product flows through the empty terminal portion of the piping between the final block valve and the discharge end of the filling tube. Applicant has realized that the rapid flowing fuels may result in an accumulation of static charges which can create a dangerous explosive condition in the presence of explosive fumes. The electrical charge accumulation to a dangerous level is directly the result of and related to the high initial flow rate between the valve and the discharge end of the filling tube immediately established in the high rate of flow systems employed in the transfer of petroleum products.

The present invention is particularly directed to an automatic control system to eliminate the accumulation of electrostatic charges to a dangerous and explosive level; particularly through an automatic control system which provides an initial relatively slow feed through the filling tube or conduit means. Once the tube is completely filled, however, the control is returned to normal flow to provide a high flow rate until the sequential final stepped cutoff of flow which prevents creation of abnormal pressures.

The present invention is particularly adapted to be incorporated into the structure of applicants set stop control valve set forth in the previously identified copending application. In accordance with the present invention, the

normal flow rate control valve of that system is provided with an overriding pneumatic control responsive to the condition of the filled tube or conduit means to provide during the initial filling period a relatively slow flow rate notwithstanding the flow rate valve is actuated by the main control system to establish a high flow rate.

In accordance with the present invention, an eductor or similar device is coupled in parallel with the main set-stop valve such that flow through the main valve and the eductor occurs simultaneously. The vacuum chamber of the inductor is connected to pneumatic control for the overriding control of the flow rate valve. A flow sensing means terminates in an opening immediately adjacent the terminal end of the filled tube and is connected to the vacuum chamber. Consequently, during the initial startup of flow through the filling system, the eductor will draw air from the sensing system and prevent creation of an operating vacuum in the vacuum chamber and in the connection to the pneumatic overriding control unit. Consequently, the flow rate valve will be actuated to a slow start position. However, once the fuel has passed the end of the filling tube and starts filling the truck, the sensing tube is covered with the flowing fuel and consequently the drawing of air through the vacuum chamber of the eductor is prevented. As a result, a vacuum will be drawn on the pneumatic flow control unit and deactivate the overriding control thereby returning the flow rate valve to its normal operation.

The pneumatic flow controller preferably includes a manually adjustable means for presetting the flow rate during the starting portion of the filling cycle.

The present invention thus provides a highly improved safety feature in a product delivery system for petroleum products and the like and in particular, provides a flow rate control system having means to start delivery at a low flow rate to eliminate danger of static charge accumulation and thereafter, during the safe period, deliver at a full flow rate in accordance with the demand.

The drawing furnished herewith illustrates a preferred construction for carrying out the invention and clearly illustrates the advantages heretofore discussed as Well as others which will be clear to those skilled in the art.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a truck loading system for transferring of gasoline or other fuel to a tank truck;

FIG. 2 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the present invention in combination with a set stop valve which is shown in vertical cross-section; and

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the set stop valve.

Referring to the drawing and particularly to FIG. 1, a loading platform 1 of a petroleum product bulk plant is diagrammatically illustrated with a top loading arm 2 connected to a fuel storage tank, not shown. The loading arm 2 is pivotally mounted to be swung outwardly and terminates in a truck fill tube 3 through which the stored products are discharged. A tank truck 4 is shown located adjacent the platform with a top opening 5 having the terminal end of the truck fill tube 3 disposed therein for transferring of fuel from the storage tank to the tank truck. A set stop valve 6 is connected in the circuit of the loading arm 2; to provide a control of the flow, as hereinafter described. The set stop valve 6 is shown in cross section in FIG. 2, and in elevation in FIG. 3, with the fili tube 3 diagrammatically shown and with the hydraulic control lines shown by dashed lines for clarity of explanation. Referring particularly to FIG. 2, the fill tube 3 includes a sensing conductor tube 7 running along the interior portion of the fill tube and having its outer end vconnected to an eductor 8. The edlu-ctor 8 forms part of set stop valve 6 and is connected to provide an overriding control of a rate of flow control valve 9 for reducing the rate of flow through fill tube 3 during initial flow.

In operation, the tank truck driver properly positions the truck 4 and the fill tube 3 for transfer of gasoline or other product. Generally, an automatic control system, such as a preset counter mechanism and the like shown in applicants previously identified application, provides for automatic and preset amounts of fuel being transferred from the storage tank to the tank truck 4.

The set stop valve 6 of this invention generally operates in a manner corresponding to that of applicants previously identified copending application except for the initial flow and the valve 6 is therefore only briefly described hereinafter to the extent necessary to clearly illustrate and describe the improved operation resulting from the present invention.

Set stop valve 6 includes a main flow control valve 10 which is of a hydraulically operated diaphrgam construction. The line pressure biases the valve 10 to a full open position. A set stop pilot valve 11 of the poppet type is mounted on the top thereof, as viewed in FIG. 2. Pilot valve 11 selectively admits and drains the hydraulic actuator of valve 11) with a first stage closing valve 12 and an opening valve 12a interconnected in parallel in the circuit to the pilot valve 11 and the opposite sides of the main valve 10. A valve 13 which is hydraulically actuated is connected directly to actuator of valve 10 and in cooperation with valve 12 and the line pressure hydraulically actuates and positions the main valve 10 between a fully opened, a fully closed and an intermediate throttling position. Generally, the condition of the valve 13 and the connection to pilot valve 11 is controlled by a pair of solenoid valves 14 and 15 which in turn are interconnected to a suitable electrical control system such as a set stop counter, shown as an appropriately labeled block.

Valves 14 and 15 are similarly described and are operably interconnected to an inlet orifice or tap 16 and an outlet orifice or tap 17 of the main valve 10. The valves 14 and 15 are each three-way valves having an operating winding connected to the electrical control and the flow circuit of valve 14 is described with corresponding connections of valve 15 similarly identified by prime numbers. The valve 14 includes a drain tap 18, a supply tap 19 and a power or control tap 20. The supply tap 19 is connected directly to the inlet orifice or tap 16 and the drain tap 18 is connected to the drain or outlet tap 17. The control tap 20 of valve 14 is connected to an acceleration control valve 21 and the corresponding power or control tap 20 of valve 15 is connected to the final closing valve 13 and to a start responsive valve 22.

The acceleration valve 21 is connected to the pilot valve 11 through the first stage valve 12 and to the drain tap 17 through the rate of flow controller valve 9.

The solenoid valve 14 actuates the acceleration valve 21 to selectively connect pilot valve 11 to supply tap 16 and to drain tap 17 through valve 9 and thereby provide a regulated control of the pilot valve 11 and operation of the main valve 10.

The final stage closing valve 13 which is actuated by valve 15, is a normally open valve and is hydraulically responsive to the hydraulic signal from the solenoid valve 15 to hold the valve in the flow position during normal flow or filling of the tank truck 4. The valve 22 is a normally closed valve which is opened simultaneously with operation of valve 13 to connect eductor 8 to valve 10.

Referring particularly to FIG. 2, the rate of flow controller valve 9 includes the main valve structure of applicants previously identified copending application and particularly includes a valve housing or body 23 within which a valve assembly 24 is reciprocally mounted and coupled at the upper end to a first control diaphragm 25. A cover 26 is secured to the body 23 with the diaphragm 25 secured therein and dividing the cover chamber into a pair of opposed control chambers on the opposite sides of the diaphragm 25. Hydraulic control conduits or

lines

27 and 28 are connected in communication with the chambers to the opposite sides of the diaphragm 25 and are connected to opposite sides of an orifice flange plate 29 interposed between the inlet flange of the valve 11 and the inlet orifice or tap 16. The diaphragm 25 is preloaded by a suitable preload spring 30 which acts between the diaphragm 25 and the top portion of cover 26. An adjusting pin or shaft 31 rests upon the center of a coupling plate 32 overlying the top of the preload spring 30 and extends upwardly and outwardly through the top of the cover 26 and is positioned by a low flow start and rate of flow adjustment unit 33, particularly forming the illustrated embodiment of the subject matter of the present invention.

Generally, the unit 33 provides a manual presettable loading of the diaphragm 25 which produces an initial slow flow rate and higher fill flow rate. The operation of valve 9 is generally as follows.

Control lines

27 and 28 establish opposed pressures to the opposite sides of the diaphragm 25 in accordance with the rate of flow through valve 10. The net hydraulic pressure on the diaphragm 25 in cooperation with the bias of the preload spring 30 establishes and controls the flow from the accelerator valve 21 to drain tap 17 and consequently controls the transmission of the pressure to and from the pilot valve 11. The accelerator valve 21 interconnects the inlet tap 16 to the pilot valve 11 and to the valve 9 and the positioning of valve 21 is directly and hydraulically controlled by the output from solenoid valve 14. The valve 21 which is more fully described in applicants copending application includes an orifice for continuous transmission of liquid from tap 16 through valve 21 is connected to the drain tap 17 through the rate of flow controller valve 9 to adjust the pressure transmitted to pilot valve 11 and thereby provided a controlled opening and closing of the valve 10. Thus, valve 9 acts to selectively bleed or by-pass the liquid passing through valve 21 with respect to the valve 11 and correspondingly controls the pressure transmission. In this manner, the positioning of the valve 10 is controlled to provide a rate of flow control system.

Generally, the above system operation is the same as described in the previously identified application. In the present invention, however, the rate of flow control valve 9 includes unit 33 which has preset means to provide a predetermined maximum rate of flow, as above, and, additionally, a second preset means to provide an initial slow rate of flow, as follows.

Unit 33 defines a control diaphragm chamber 34 which is interconnected to the top of the valve 9 thorugh a threaded hub 35. The adjustable pin or shaft 31 is journaled upwardly through the hub 35 and terminates in suitable securement to the central portion of a diaphragm 36 which spans chamber 34 and divides it into two parts. A biasing spring 37 encircles the shaft 31 and acts between the base of chamber 34 and the underside of the diaphragm 36 to continuously urge the diaphragm 36 upwardly in FIG. 2. A limit or adjustment shaft 38 extends from the upper side of the diaphragm 36 and is journaled in an appropriate central opening in the top of the unit 33. A cap 39 overlies the top of shaft 38 and is threaded or otherwise secured to a suitable hub on the unit 33. The outer end of the shaft 38 is threaded to receive a low flow adjustment nut 40 on the outermost end and a high flow adjusting nut 41 between nut 44) and the top wall of unit 33. The nuts 40 and 41 limit the vertical travel and operative positions of the adjustment screw 38 and thus limit the mechanical positioning of the adjusting pin or shaft 31 through the diaphragm 36. Pin 31 determines the preloading of spring 34 and the biasing force applied to flow control diaphragm 25 and with the hydraulic signals of

lines

27 and 28 controls the action of the rate of flow controller valve 9.

The unit 33 is actuated and controlled by a signal fed to the underside of the diaphragm 36 via a signal control line or conduit 42 which is connected to an appropriate opening in the bottom wall of chamber 3- The control line =32 is connected to the eductor 8 in common with the outer end of the sensing tube 7.

The illustrated eductor 3 may be of any suitable wellknown variety and generally includes a diffuser tube or body 43 connected directly to the discharge or drain tap 17 by a suitable outlet line or discharge line 44. An ejector or inlet nozzle 45 is connected by a normally closed control valve 22 to the inlet tap 16 of the main valve via a suitable line 46. A suction chamber 47 is connected to a common line 48 from the low fiow start and rate adjustment line 42 and the sensing tube 7.

Generally, the hydraulic control valve 22 is of any suitable construction and in the illustrated embodiment of the invention, is diagrammatically shown as a normally closed hydraulically responsive control valve having its control input connected directly to the output control tap of the solenoid valve 15. Thus, when the solenoid valves 14 and 15 are actuated to initiate flow, a control signal is fed directly to the valve 22 to open the valve and provide a path through the eductor 8 in parallel with the main valve 10. When flow is stopped through the main valve 10, the output of the solenoid valve 15 will also be terminated and consequently the valve 22 will correspondingly revert to the normally closed position to prevent rurther operation of the eductor S.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the fill tube 7 is diagrammatically shown in FIG. 2 as terminating in a deflector cone unit 49 at the lowermost end such that the fuel or other liquid product is discharged laterally of the end of the tube to provide annular discharge. The end of the fill tube 3 projects downwardly into the tank truck 5 opening beyond the extent of the deflector cone unit 49.

In accordance with the present invention, a small opening 50 is provided in tube 3, spaced axially from cone unit 49 a slight distance. The sensing tube 7 is mounted within the fill tube 3, with the inner end terminating adjacent opening 59. A suitable fitting 51 at the upper end of fill tube 3 is connected to the outer end of tube 7 with a coupling tube 52 connecting the fitting and thereby tube 7 to the line 42 and eductor 8. Thus, the sensing tube 7 interconnects the vacuum chamber of the eductor 8 to the atmosphere and ambient immediately adjacent the small sensing opening 56 in the lower end of the fill tube 3.

Generally, in operation, the flow adjustment nuts 40 and 41 are set on shaft 38 to provide maximum movement of the diaphragm of the rate of flow control valve 9. The solenoid valves 14 and 15 are actuated by the tank truck driver through a suitable presettable control to initiate flow to the tank truck. Energizing of the solenoid 14 connects the pilot valve 11 to the exhaust or drain tap 17 of the main valve through the accelerator valve 21 and the rate of flow controller valve 9. Simultaneously, the solenoid valve 15 will transmit a hydraulic pressure to the final stage closing valve 13 to close it and prevent transmission of a closing pressure to the main valve. The line pressure will then be effective to open the main valve 10 and establish flow to fill tube 3.

The same pressure or signal supplied to valve 13 is also supplied to the normally closed control valve 2?; which opens and creates the flow through the eductor 8.

During the initial starting flow, the terminal portion of loading arm 2 and particularly tube 3 will be devoid of fuel and consequently, the flow through the eductor 8 will draw air upwardly through the sensing tube 7 and prevent creation of any substantial vacuum within the vacuum chamber. correspondingly, the pressure in the control line 42 to the unit 22 will be at some positive or very low negative pressure insufficient to overcome the action of the biasing spring 37 acting on diaphragm 36 in chamber 34. Diaphragm 36 is held in the uppermost position as preset by the positioning of the nut 40. Consequently, the pressure on the biasing spring will be relieved and the rate of flow control valve 9 will be positioned to a maximum open position and connect valve 21 to tap 17. This reduces the flow rate through the main valve. The precise rate will be determined by the adjustment or setting of the low flow rate adjustment nut 49.

The fuel flows at the controlled rate through the loading arm 2 and till tube 3 into the tank truck 4. When the tube 3 is filled, the discharge opening will be covered with the flowing liquid and, in essence, a liquid or fluid seal is created across the end of the sensing tube 7. Consequently, the eductor 8 now draws a vacuum in chamber 47. A corresponding vacuum is created in the diaphragm chamber of the low flow start and rate adjustment unit 33. Consequently, the diaphragm 36 Will be pulled downwardly overcoming the bias of the spring 37 and carry the adjustment screw 38 to the lowermost position with the high fiow adjustment nut 41 bottoming on the adjacent portion of unit 33. This motion is transmitted through the pin or shaft 31 to the preload spring 30 and therefrom to the diaphragm 25. This, then, sets the rate of flow controller valve 9 to the maximum flow rate with modulating occuring in accordance with the actual fiow as a result of the opposing signals from

lines

27 and 28 which sense the actual flow rate.

The initial load flow will be selected to prevent accumulations of static electricity normally attendant high flows. As a result, the danger of explosion in connection with the transmission of explosive fluids or other products is essentially eliminated.

In the final position, a full flow loading cycle is in operation and the flow will be maintained through the main valve in accordance with the rate of flow control setting of the valve 9.

A flow meter or the like will drive a counter or other preset means to provide for a selected quantity of flow after which the solenoid valves 14 and 1d are sequentially de-energized. The solenoid valve 14 is de-energized to open valve 21 and provide line pressure connection to pilot valve 11 and create an initial reduction in the flow rate which continues for a selected period in the throttling position, in accordance with the setting or the first stage closing valve 12 and pilot valve 11. When the proper amount has been delivered; for example, when a counter reaches a zero reading, the second solenoid valve 15 is deenergized to remove the line pressure from the final closing stage valve 13 which will be forced open by the supply connection line hydraulically operates the main valve 10 to closed position. Simultaneously, with removal of the line pressure from the control valve 13, the paralleled valve 22 is also cut off and flow through eductor 8 ceases. The control valve 9 returns to the normal standby position until a subsequent delivery is made.

The present invention thus provides a highly practical and important improvement in the provision of a reliable, safe means for delivering and metering preselected quantities of explosive fluids at normally high rates and pressures. The present invention can be readily interconnected in any hydraulically actuated control unit to provide the highly desirable flow start.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.

I claim:

1. In liquid transfer apparatus for initiating flow of a liquid through a conduit means having flow rate control means in the conduit means spaced upstream from a discharge end for controlling the rate of flow, the improvement in said apparatus for automatically controlling the initial flow rate comprising control means disposed Within the discharge end and responsive to the flow through the discharge end of the conduit means and having an output means for connection to the flow rate means to actuate the latter during the initial flow and until flow is established through said discharge end.

2. A liquid transfer apparatus for initiating flow of a liquid through a conduit means having a terminal delivery portion which is empty at the start of a delivery, the improvement in said apparatus for automatically controlling the initial flow rate comprising,

a pressure responsive means for controlling the rate of stop means to limit said pressure responsive means to establish a selected minimum constant flow rate and a maximum flow rate,

first means biasing said pressure responsive means to a selected one of the flow rates, and

control means responsive to the flow through said terminal delivery portion having an output means for connection to the flow rate means whereby the minimum contant flow rate is established until the terminal delivery portion is essentially filled and thereafter a maximum flow rate is established through said conduit means.

3. In fluid transfer apparatus for initiating flow of a fluid through an empty conduit means having a pressure responsive means for controlling the rate of flow, the improvement in said apparatus for automatically controlling the initial flow rate comprising pressure generating means responsive to the flow through said conduit means and having an output means for connection to the flow rate means, said generating means establishing a first control pressure during the initial flow and a second control pressure after the conduit means is essentially filled whereby said delivery begins at a slow constant rate until said conduit means is essentially filled and thereafter establishes a substantially faster flow rate,

4. Fluid transfer apparatus for controlling liquid delivery with the initial flow created in sequential stages, comprising a main flow valve having an inlet means and a discharge means and being hydraulically actuated,

a discharge conduit connected to the discharge means and extending therefrom,

a flow rate valve connected to control said main flow valve and being hydraulically actuated by the flow through the main valve to increase the flow through the valve, and

an auxiliary control connected to the flow rate valve to modify the response of the flow rate valve to the flow and having an input means responsive to the flow through the outer end portion of the discharge conduit to reduce the flow until fluid essentially fills the discharge conduit means.

5. In liquid transfer apparatus for initiating flow of a fluid through a conduit means having a discharge opening into a receiving means and having flow rate means for controlling the rate of flow, the improvement in said apparatus for automatically controlling the initial flow rate comprising,

eduction means having a main flow passageway with an intermediate vacuum section,

' flow sensing conduit means having one end communicating with the vacuum section and an opposite end for communication with the main conduit means at the discharge opening, and

a hydraulically responsive control for the flow rate means including input control means connected to said throat section.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said control includes a diaphragm actuated valve having resilient means urging the valve to a selected low flow position,

hydraulic responsive preset means having a diaphragm positioner coupled to stress said resilient means and resiliently biased to a position of minimum stress,

means to limit the movement of the diaphragm position, and

a vacuum chamber means including said diaphragm positioner connected to said throat section.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said control includes,

a diaphragm actuated valve having resilient means urging the valve to a selected low flow position,

an override diaphragm actuator mounted on said valve and having a positioning diaphragm forming a wall of a vacuum chamber and coupled to the resilient means by a positioning pin and a separate resilient means biasing the diaphragm to relieve the stress of the first named resilient means,

means connecting the vacuum chamber to the throat section of the eduction means and responsive to vacuum conditions to increase the stress in the first and second named resilient means,

a limit pin coupled to the positioning diaphragm, and

stop means limiting the travel of the limit pin and therefore the positioning diaphragm under the action of the resilient means and the vacuum chamber.

8. In liquid transfer apparatus for initiating flow of a fluid through a conduit means having a discharge opening into a receiving means and having fiow rate means for controlling the rate of flow, the improvement in said apparatus for automatically controlling the initial flow rate comprising a fill tube for securement to the conduit means and having a discharge end,

education means having a main flow passageway with a throat section,

means establishing flow through the main flow passageway in synchronism with flow through the conduit means,

a sensing tube having one end communicating with the throat section and an opposite end communicating with the terminal end of the fill tube, and

a hydraulically responsive control for the flow rate means including input control means connected to said throat section to reduce the flow until the fill tube is filled with liquid.

9. Transfer apparatus for controlling liquid delivery with the flow being started in sequential stages, comprismg a main flow valve having an inlet means and a discharge means and being hydraulically actuated,

a flow rate valve connected to control said main flow valve and being hydraulically actuated by the flow through the main valve,

an auxiliary hydraulically responsive means for modifying the flow rate valve and being responsive to a selected vacuum to increase the flow,

a final discharge conduit means for delivery of the liquid and having a discharge end,

a sensing tube having an inlet within the discharge end of the tube and an outlet, and

an eductor having a main passageway connected in parallel with the main flow valve with an intermediate suction chamber connected to the outlet of the sensing tube and to the auxiliary hydraulically responsive means to control the latter, whereby said eductor draws air through said sensing tube until the outlet is covered with flowing liquid and thereafter creates the selected vacuum in the auxiliary hydraulically responsive means.

11 Transfer apparatus for controlling delivery of an explosive liquid with the initial flow created in sequential stages, comprising a flow line,

a main flow valve having an inlet means and a discharge means serially connected in the flow line and being hydraulically actuated,

control valve means connected to control said main flow valve and having a flow rate controller hydraulically actuated by the flow through the main flow valve,

a hydraulically responsive auxiliary means for modifying the flow rate valve and including limit means to create a minimum and maximum flow rate,

means biasing said auxiliary means to create a minimum flow rate,

a sensing tube having an inlet within the discharge end of the flow line and an outlet end,

an eductor having a main passageway connected in parallel with the main flow valve with an intermediate suction chamber connected to the outlet end of the sensing tube and to the auxiliary hydraulically responsive means to control the latter, whereby said eductor draws air through said sensing line until the outlet is covered with fluid and thereafter creates a vacuum in the hydraulically responsive auxiliary means and actuates the auxiliary means to permit the maximum flow rate, and

means to simultaneously actuate said control valve means and said eductor.

11. Transfer apparatus for controlling delivery of an explosive flowable medium with the initial flow created in sequential stages, comprising a conduit means for said medium having an initial void portion,

a flow rate valve means connected to control the rate of flow of the medium through said initial void portion and having a movable member to vary said rate,

an auxiliary control for positioning said movable member including a diaphragm positioner with an output member coupled to the movable member and having a start control input for actuating the diaphragm position in response to a selected vacuum,

an eductor and having a vacuum chamber input,

a sensing tube to sense the flow through the initial void portion, and

means connecting said vacuum chamber input to said sensing tube and to the start control input whereby the eductor creates a vacuum in the latter only in the presence of flow passed the sensing tube in the void portion.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 having adjustable means for presetting the movement of the output member of the auxiliary control and thereby limiting the flow rate adjustment of the flow rate valve means.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said auxiliary control includes a vacuum chamber with a diaphragm forming a portion of one wall thereof and said output member is secured thereto,

means connecting the last named vacuum chamber to the first named vacuum chamber,

a stop pin secured to the diaphragm and projection therefrom and having a pair of adjustable stop members adjustable secured thereto, and

fixed stop members secured in axially spaced relation to the opposite sides of the adjustable stop members and limiting the travel of the corresponding diaphragm.

14. Fluid transfer apparatus for controlling fluid delivery with the initial flow created in sequential stages, comprising a main flow valve having an inlet means and a discharge means and being hydraulically actuated,

an auxiliary control for modifying the flow rate valve including a diaphragm positioner with an output member coupled to the flow rate valve and adjustable member for presetting the movement of the output member and thereby limiting the flow rate adjustment of the How rate valve, said diaphragm positioner having a start control input responsive to a selected vacuum to move the flow rate valve to a high flow setting,

an eductor connected in parallel with the main valve and having a vacuum chamber input,

a final fill tube for transporting of fluid to a receiving means and having a sensing aperture adjacent the discharge end,

a sensing tube within the fill tube terminating adjacent the sensing opening, and

means connecting said vacuum chamber input to said sensing tube and to the start control input whereby the eductor creates a vacuum in the latter only when the sensing aperture is closed.

15. Transfer apparatus for controlling delivery of petroleum products and the like with the initial flow created in sequential stages, comprising a main flow valve having an inlet means and a discharge means and being hydraulically actuated,

a flow rate valve connected to control said main flow valve and having a diaphragm within a chamber and subjected to different pressures on the opposite sides in accordance with the flow rate, a biasing means urging said diaphragm to produce a high flow rate,

an auxiliary control for modifying the flow rate valve including a chamber mounted on the flow rate valve and having a diaphragm coupled to the biasing means by a shaft and having a positioning shaft projecting outwardly of the corresponding chamber, a pair of stop nuts adjustably secured to the positioning shaft, a cap releasably connected to chamber and overlying said positioning shaft,

an eductor having a main passageway connected in parallel with the main valve and having a vacuum chamber input,

start valve means interposed between the inlet side of the main passageway and the main valve,

means to actuate said start valve means,

means connecting said vacuum chamber input to said sensing tube and to the chamber of the auxiliary control whereby the eductor creates a vacuum in the latter only when the sensing aperture is closed by flowing fluid.

16. The method of delivering petroleum products at a normal fill rate through a discharge piping system having an empty terminal portion of substantial length, comprising the steps of initiating and maintaining the flow at a selected flow rate substantially below the normal fill rate, and

increasing the flow rate to the normal flow rate only after essentially filling the empty terminal portion.

17. In liquid transfer apparatus for initiating flow of a liquid through a conduit means having a main valve spaced from a discharge portion with the conduit means between the main valve and the discharge portion being essentially empty at the initiation of transfer of liquid, the improvement in said apparatus of means for automatically controlling the initial flow rate comprising a pressure responsive means for controlling said initial flow rate control means,

and a pressure generating means connected to the pressure responsive means and to the discharge portion with a common connect-ion portion whereby said pressure generating means is ineffective until flowing liquid covers the connection at the discharge portion.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said pressure responsive means includes a pair of presettable limit means for presetting the minimum and maximum flow through the conduit means.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,495,324 1/ 1950 Griswold 137-497 LOUIS It DEMBO, Primary Examiner.

HADD S. LANE, Examiner.

Claims

1. IN A LIQUID TRANSFER APPARATUS FOR INITIATING FLOW OF A LIQUID THROUGH A CONDUIT MEANS HAVING FLOW RATE CONTROL MEANS IN THE CONDUIT MEANS SPACED UPSTREAM FROM A DISCHARGE END FOR CONTROLLING THE RATE OF FLOW, THE IMPROVEMENT IN SAID APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING THE INITIAL FLOW RATE COMPRISING CONTROL MEANS DISPOSED WITHIN THE DISCHARGE END AND RESPONSIVE TO THE FLOW THROUGH THE DISCHARGE END OF THE CONDUIT MEANS AND HAVING AN OUTPUT MEANS FOR CONNECTION TO THE FLOW RATE MEANS TO ACTUATE THE LATTER DURING THE INITIAL FLOW AND UNTIL FLOW IS ESTABLISHED THROUGH SAID DISCHARGE END.