US20080044299A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20080044299A1
Application number: US11/825,410
Authority: US
Inventors: Kent V. Cobb
Original assignee: Liquid Load Logistics LLC
Current assignee: Liquid Load Logistics LLC
Priority date: 2006-08-18
Filing date: 2007-07-06
Publication date: 2008-02-21

Abstract

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker. The apparatus to load and offload a bulk fluid tanker includes a housing configured to attach to at least one of a bulk fluid tanker tractor and a bulk fluid tanker trailer. Additionally, the apparatus may include a compressor configured to supply pressurized air for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tank. The compressor may be powered by an auxiliary power generator coupled to the compressor, wherein the auxiliary power generator is independent of a primary tractor engine. The apparatus also include a control module configured to provide control of the auxiliary power generator and the compressor. In a further embodiment, compressor may also include an air reservoir tank configured to hold a predetermined volume of compressed air.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/838,448 entitled “Utility/Design System for Loading and Off-Loading Bulk Fluid Tanker Trucks” and filed on Aug. 18, 2006 for Kent Vincent Cobb, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to bulk fluid transportation and more particularly relates to an apparatus system and method for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker.

2. Description of the Related Art

A typical bulk fluid transport system includes a tanker tractor and a tanker trailer. The tractor is generally a large diesel powered truck suitable for pulling heavy commercial or industrial loads. The tanker trailer typically includes a cylindrical tank suitable for containing various fluids. For example, a tanker trailer may contain products such as water, milk, gasoline, oil, propane, liquid gases, compressed gases, or the like.

Common bulk liquid transport systems utilize the primary motor of the tanker tractor to power a geared or rotary pump for loading and offloading fluid. In general, the pump is attached to the transmission of the tractor. A typical system includes a specialized gear box or transmission attachment that transfers mechanical power from the tractor motor to the pump. Under normal operation, an operator of the typical system sits in the cab of the tractor to engage or monitor the throttle level of the tractor's primary motor. The throttle level of the tractor's primary motor determines the pumping rate of the pump.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available bulk fluid transport systems. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and method for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker that overcomes many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

In one embodiment, the apparatus to load and offload a bulk fluid tanker includes a housing configured to attach to at least one of a bulk fluid tanker tractor and a bulk fluid tanker trailer. Additionally, the apparatus may include a compressor configured to supply pressurized air for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tank. The compressor may be powered by an auxiliary power generator coupled to the compressor, wherein the auxiliary power generator is independent of a primary tractor engine. The apparatus also includes a control module configured to provide control of the auxiliary power generator and the compressor. In a further embodiment, the compressor may also include an air reservoir tank configured to hold a predetermined volume of compressed air.

The auxiliary power generator may include an auxiliary diesel engine configured to supply power to the compressor. Alternatively, the auxiliary power generator is an auxiliary gasoline engine configured to supply power to the compressor. In a further embodiment, the auxiliary power generator is configured to supply electrical power to one or more auxiliary devices.

In one embodiment, the control module includes an automatic throttle control configured to monitor a pressure level in the air reservoir tank, and to disengage the compressor and modify a throttle level of the auxiliary power generator in response to the air reservoir tank reaching a predetermined pressure level. The control module may further include a regulated line-feed pressure control configured to regulate a pressure level supplied by the air reservoir tank to an air conduit line. Additionally, the control module may include one or more safety controls configured to release pressure supplied to the air conduit line in response to an emergency event. The control module may also include one or more monitoring instruments configured to provide status information to an operator.

A system for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a bulk fluid tank configured to hold up to a predetermined volume of fluid, a pump configured to affect a flow of a fluid conveyed between the bulk fluid tank and an external tank, and a bulk fluid drive unit. The bulk fluid drive unit may be configured to drive the pump. In one embodiment, the bulk fluid drive unit includes a housing configured to attach to at least one of a bulk fluid tanker tractor and a bulk fluid tanker trailer. The bulk fluid drive unit may also include a compressor configured to supply pressurized air for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tank, and an auxiliary power generator coupled to the compressor, wherein the auxiliary power generator is independent of a primary tractor engine, the auxiliary power generator configured to supply power to the compressor. In a further embodiment, the bulk fluid drive unit may also include a control module configured to provide control of the auxiliary power generator and the compressor.

A method for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker is also provided. In one embodiment, the method includes supplying power to compress air, wherein the supply of power is provided independent of a primary tractor engine. The method may additionally include compressing air, wherein the compressed air drives the flow of fluid between a bulk fluid tank and an external tank. In a further embodiment, the method may include providing control of a level of pressure of the compressed air and of the flow of fluid between the bulk fluid tank and the external tank. The method may also include driving a fluid pump, wherein the fluid pump affects the flow of fluid between a bulk fluid tank and an external tank.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only certain embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker;

FIG. 3 is a front view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker;

FIG. 4 is a front view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a control module;

FIG. 5 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker; and

FIG. 6 is a detailed schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of asystem100 for bulk fluid transport. The depicted embodiment includes atanker tractor102 and atanker trailer104. Thetanker trailer104 may include abulk fluid tank106. Additionally, thesystem100 may include afluid drive unit108. Although thefluid drive unit108 may load fluid into thebulk fluid tank106, and offload fluid from thebulk fluid tank106, thefluid drive unit108 is referred to herein as “thedrive unit108” for simplicity. Thesystem100 may additionally include afluid pump110. In further embodiments, thesystem100 may include various hoses114-118,fittings112, and the like.

Thetanker tractor102 may pull thetanker trailer104 to transport fluid stored in thebulk fluid tank106. In one embodiment, thetanker tractor102 is a diesel transport vehicle. Alternatively, thetanker tractor102 may include a gasoline driven truck. In an alternative embodiment, thesystem100 may include a straight body tank truck, where thebulk fluid tank106 is mounted directly to the chassis of atruck102. In such an embodiment, thetanker trailer104 may be omitted from thesystem100.

Thetanker trailer104 may include a full trailer configured with multiple axels. Alternatively, thetanker trailer104 may include a semi-trailer, where the front end of the trailer is carried by one or more rear axels of thetanker tractor102. In such an embodiment, thetanker trailer104 may be connected to thetanker tractor102 using a fifth-wheel assembly. Alternatively, thetanker trailer104 may be connected to thetanker tractor102 by a hitch.

Thebulk fluid tank106 may be coupled to the chassis of thetanker trailer104. Thebulk fluid tank106 may be configured to carry various fluids. For example, in dairy applications, thebulk fluid tank106 may carry dairy products such as milk or cream. Alternatively, thebulk fluid tank106 may carry flammable or hazardous fluids such as petroleum products.

Thedrive unit108 may facilitate loading fluid onto thebulk fluid tank106. For example, in an embodiment where thepump110 is a pneumatic driven pump, such as an air rotary pump, or double diaphragm pump, thedrive unit108 may supply compressed air to thepump110. In one embodiment, thedrive unit108 may supply the compressed air through anair hose118. Thedrive unit108 may also supply compressed air to thebulk fluid tank106 for pressurized offloading of fluid. For example, thedrive unit108 may supply compressed air sufficient to raise the internal pressure of thebulk fluid tank106 to 25-35 Pounds per Square Inch (PSI). The increase in internal pressure of thebulk fluid tank106 may force fluid out of thetank106 through ahose114.

In another embodiment, thebulk fluid tank106 may include an opening with ahose fitting112. Ahose114 may attach to the fitting112 on one end and to apump110 on the other end. Thepump110 may also connect to asecond hose116, which may connect to a separate fluid tank (not shown). In such an embodiment, thepump110 may be driven by thedrive unit108. For example, if thepump110 is pneumatically driven, such as adouble diaphragm pump110, thedrive unit108 may supply compressed air to thepump110 through anair hose118. In an alternative embodiment, thepump110 may include an electric rotary motor. In such an embodiment, thedrive unit108 may supply electric power to thepump110. In another alternative embodiment, thedrive unit108 may supply mechanical power to drive thepump110. For example, thedrive unit108 may include an auxiliary engine. The auxiliary engine is discussed in greater detail below. In such an example, thepump110 may be coupled to the drive shaft of the auxiliary engine using a drive belt, chain, drive shaft, or the like.

In certain additional embodiments, thedrive unit108 may include auxiliary components such as work lights122, ahose rack120, or auxiliary power outlets (not shown) for powering other components on thetanker tractor102. For example, thedrive unit108 may power an air conditioning or heating unit for the cab of thetanker tractor102. Thedrive unit108 may power these auxiliary components when the primary engine of thetanker tractor102 is not in operation.

In a further embodiment, asecond air hose124 may couple the drive unit to thebulk fluid tank106. In such an embodiment, thesecond air hose124 is used to fill thebulk fluid tank106 with air for pressurizing thebulk fluid tank106 and forcing fluid out of thetank106. For example, thedrive unit108 may provide sufficient compressed air through thesecond air hose124 to the bulk fluid tank to pressurize thebulk fluid tank106 to a pressure level ranging from twenty-three (23) psi to thirty-two (32) psi. In such an embodiment, the excess pressure in thebulk fluid tank106 may force fluid from thetank106 through the offloadinghose114. This embodiment may not require the use of apump110 which may reduce the weight and size of the equipment required to offload the fluid. Indeed, one benefit of thepresent system100 is its flexibility and modularity. A user of thesystem100 need only carry thepump110 when its use is anticipated.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of adrive unit108. Thedrive unit108 may include ahousing202, acompressor204, anauxiliary power generator206, and acontrol module208. In one embodiment, thedrive unit108 may provide compressed air or power sufficient to drive apump110 for loading and offloading bulk fluids from thebulk fluid tank106. Additionally, thedrive unit108 may provide compressed air for cleaning and maintenance of thetanker truck102, thetanker trailer104, and other components of thetanker system100.

Thehousing202 may include acabinet style housing202 configured to mount behind a cab of atanker tractor102. In such an embodiment, the housing may include one or more access doors or panels. Alternatively, the housing may include a saddle mounted box, or cylinder configured to attach to thetanker tractor102, or thetanker trailer104. The housing may provide environmental and safety protection for other components of thedrive unit108. Additionally, thehousing202 may include one or more storage compartments.

Thecompressor204 may supply compressed air for operating thepump110, for pressurizing thebulk fluid tank106, and for cleaning and maintenance of thetanker tractor102 andtanker trailer104. In one embodiment, the compressor may provide a variable rate of air flow. Further embodiments of the compressor are described with relation toFIG. 3 below.

Theauxiliary power generator206 may generate power for operating thecompressor204, for operating thepump110, or for operating auxiliary components. In one embodiment, theauxiliary power generator206 may include a diesel engine. Alternatively, a gasoline engine may be used. Preferably, the engine used for theauxiliary power generator206 is ten (10) horsepower or less. For example, an engine between five (5) and ten (10) horsepower may be used. In an alternative embodiment, theauxiliary power generator206 may include a solar panel system, a battery bank, a hydrogen cell system, or the like. One benefit of theauxiliary power generator206 is reduced fuel consumption. Whereas a typical pump drive system requires a full 300 to 500+ horsepower tractor engine to power a mechanically driven pump, the present embodiment only requires a small five (5) to fifteen (15) horsepower engine. The resulting fuel cost savings may be considerable. Furthermore, use ofauxiliary power generator206 may reduce exhaust emissions as compared with typical systems.

Thecontrol module208 may be configured to provide user controls and monitoring information for theauxiliary power generator206, thecompressor204, or both. Thecontrol module208 may include one or more buttons, levers, actuators, gauges, switches, dials, or the like. Specific examples of the control panel are discussed with reference toFIG. 4. One benefit of acentralized control module208 is that the operator may control the majority of the operations of thesystem100 from a single position, whereas typical systems require the operator to constantly enter and exit the cab of thetractor102.

FIG. 3 illustrates a specific embodiment of adrive unit108. In the depicted embodiment, the drive unit includes arectangular housing202. In the depicted embodiment, thehousing202 mounts behind the cab of thetanker tractor102, in a so-called “cab guard” position. Specifically, thehousing202 may include one or more mountingbrackets314 for connecting thehousing202 to the chassis of thetanker tractor102. The mountingbrackets314 may be configured to be substantially universally mountable on various frames of tractors and trucks. A benefit of the present embodiment is the mobility and flexibility of thedrive unit108. For example, using the mountingbrackets314, thedrive unit108 may be mounted on any standard truck ortractor102 capable of pulling atanker trailer104. Thedrive unit108 would enable conversion of atractor102 into asuitable tanker tractor102 without requiring modification of the engine or drive components of thetractor102 itself. The only substantial modification may be mounting thedrive unit108 using the mountingbrackets314 which may require considerably less time and complexity.

Thehousing202 may include doors or access panels (not shown). Thehousing202 may additionally include ahose rack120 for conveniently hanging hoses114-118 during transport. In a further embodiment, thehousing202 may include one ormore storage shelves316 for storing auxiliary system components, such as buckets, gloves, fittings, straps, and the like. Thehousing202 may be constructed of metal, such as steel or aluminum.

In the depicted embodiment, thedrive unit108 includes anauxiliary power generator206. In this embodiment, theauxiliary power generator206 is a small horsepower engine. For example, in one specific embodiment, thepower generator206 may include a 10 horsepower diesel engine. In such an embodiment, theauxiliary power generator206 may share a fuel tank with the primary engine of thetanker tractor102, so no additional fuel storage would be required. In a further embodiment, the engine may be coupled to the ignition battery of the primary tractor engine.

In one embodiment, the engine may be coupled to a power generator to generate electrical power. For example, the engine may be coupled to an alternator motor using an alternator belt. Thus the engine may provide mechanical power to generate electrical power sufficient to operate the compressor, the pump, and/or other auxiliary components of thesystem100.

In one embodiment, thedrive unit108 also includes acompressor204. In the depicted embodiment, thecompressor204 is a V-type configuration. Thecompressor204 may be mechanically coupled to thedrive shaft304 of theengine206 using adrive belt308, drive chain, drive shaft, or the like. In such an embodiment, the compressor may be mechanically powered by thepower generator206. Similarly, thecompressor204 may include a fly-wheel306 coupled to a shaft configured to drive one or more compression heads. Alternatively, thecompressor204 may include an independent electric motor, where the electric motor is electrically coupled to theauxiliary power generator206. In one specific embodiment, the compressor may include a five (5) horsepower one hundred (100) psi compressor cable compressing twenty (20) Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM).

Thecompressor204 may include, or may be coupled to anair reservoir tank302. In a particular embodiment, theair reservoir tank302 may have a twenty (20) to thirty (30) gallon capacity. Varying tank volumes may be used, depending on system requirements. In a further embodiment, theair reservoir tank302 may be configured to withstand an internal pressure of one hundred and fifty (150) psi. Theair reservoir tank302 may additionally include a pressure release valve for safety. Theair reservoir tank302 may also include a condensation bleed valve to minimize oxidization of the tank. Additionally, the air reservoir may include a one way valve coupled to anair line310 from thecompressor204. Theair reservoir tank302 may further include an air outlet coupled to anoutlet hose312.

In a further embodiment, thedrive unit108 may include acontrol module208. Referring now toFIG. 4, thecontrol module208 may include anignition switch402 configured to start theauxiliary power generator206. In a particular embodiment, theignition switch402 may require a key404 to start theauxiliary power generator206.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of acontrol module208. Thecontrol module208 may be coupled to thehousing202. For example, thecontrol module208 may include a plate or panel configured to mount to thehousing202. In one embodiment, thecontrol module208 may be mounted within thehousing202. Alternatively, thecontrol module208 may be coupled to the exterior of thehousing202. In a further embodiment, thecontrol module208 may be separate from thehousing202. For example thecontrol module208 may include a remote control device, a cab mount device, or the like.

Thecontrol module208 may include various control knobs, control levers, control buttons, measurement gauges, and the like. In a further embodiment, thecontrol module208 may include automated control devices. For example, thecontrol module208 may include an automatic throttle control (not shown). The automatic throttle control may receive a feedback signal from one or more measurement devices. For example, the automatic throttle control may receive a feedback signal from a pressure measurement device configured to monitor a pressure level in theair reservoir tank302. In one embodiment, the automatic throttle control may trigger a valve to open in response to the pressure level of thereservoir tank302 reaching a predetermined pressure level. Opening the valve may cause the compression heads to lose compression. Additionally, where theauxiliary power generator206 is an engine, the automatic throttle control may cause theengine304 to idle or to reduce the throttle level. The automatic throttle control may be used in conjunction with either a gasoline engine or a diesel engine.

In a further embodiment, thecontrol module208 may include a manualengine throttle control422. The manualengine throttle control422 may include a lever, knob, mechanical actuator, or the like. Themanual throttle control422 may enable a system user to manually adjust a throttle level of theauxiliary power generator206. In a further embodiment, when theauxiliary power generator206 is an engine, thecontrol module208 may include a gauge configured to monitor a rotation speed of thecrank shaft304 of theengine206.

Further embodiments of thecontrol module208 may include one or

more pressure gauges

408,410,412. For example, thecontrol module208 may include an air reservoirtank pressure gauge410 configured to indicate a level of air pressure in theair reservoir tank302. Additionally, thecontrol module208 may include an airline pressure gauge408 configured to indicate a pressure level of anair line118. In a further embodiment, thecontrol module208 may include a fluidtank pressure gauge412 configured to indicate a pressure level inside thebulk fluid tank106.

The airreservoir pressure gauge410, and the airline pressure gauge412 may facilitate regulation of air flow through theair line hose118. For example, the control module may include an air flow regulator (not shown). The air flow regulator may include aregulator control knob406. An operator may adjust a level of air flow in theair line hose118 by turning theregulator control knob406. The airline pressure gauge410 may indicate a pressure level in theair line hose118. The pressure level may correspond to a level of air flow. The level of air flow may be regulated by the air flow regulator.

Theair line hose118 may be connected to one of the

air hose fittings

418,420. In one embodiment, the

air hose fittings

418,420 may include Chicago style fittings. Other embodiments may include other styles of fittings for adapting to various hose configurations. The

air hose fittings

418,420 maybe coupled to theair outlet hose312. In a further embodiment, an air flow regulator may be connected between the

air hose fittings

418,420 and theair outlet hose312. In such an embodiment, the air flow regulator may adjust the rate of air flow supplied to an air hose connected to the air hose fitting418,420.

In one particular embodiment, an air hose fitting418 may be dedicated to filling thebulk fluid tank106 with compressed air. In such an embodiment, air may be supplied to thebulk fluid tank106 when a valve is opened. The valve may be operated by avalve handle416. The valve handle416 may be rotated to open or close the valve. In one embodiment, when thevalve handle416 is rotated so that the valve is open, air is supplied from theair reservoir tank302 to thebulk fluid tank106 using anair line hose118. When thevalve handle416 is rotated so that the valve is closed, the bulk fluidtank pressure gauge412 may indicate the level of air pressure in thebulk fluid tank106. In a further embodiment, thecontrol module208 may include a second line control valve coupled to avalve handle414. The second line control valve may control the rate of flow to the secondair hose fitting420.

Finally, thecontrol module208 may include an emergency shut offbutton424. The emergency shut offbutton424 may shut down theentire drive unit108. Alternatively, the emergency shut offbutton424 may force all line control valves closed, which may cut off air flow from thedrive unit108. In a further embodiment, the emergency shut offbutton424 may open compression valves on thecompressor204 and theauxiliary power generator206. Alternatively, the emergency shut offbutton424 may disable theauxiliary power generator206 or disconnect thecompressor204 from theauxiliary power generator206. Various other safety features may be triggered by pressing the emergency shut offbutton424.

Although some specific embodiments of components of thecontrol module208 have been illustrated and discussed, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of thecontrol module208. Rather, these embodiments have been discussed merely for illustrative purposes and to demonstrate certain possible combinations of control features that may be incorporated into acontrol module208.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of amethod500 for loading and offloading abulk fluid tank106. In one embodiment, the method starts when theauxiliary power generator206

supplies

502 power to thecompressor204. Thecompressor204 may then compress504 air. For example, thecompressor204 may compress504 air into anair reservoir tank302, where the air is compressed to a pressure of approximately 120 psi. Themethod500 may additionally include providing506 control of the pressure level of the compressed air. For example, thecontrol module208 may include an air pressure control, or aregulator406 for regulating the air pressure within theair reservoir tank302 or the line pressure of theair hose118. In a specific embodiment, the flow of compressed air may drive the flow of fluid between thebulk fluid tank106 and an external tank (not shown). Specifically, the rate of air flow may determine a pumping rate of thefluid pump110.

In a further embodiment, amethod600 may include deciding602 whether fluid is to be loaded into thebulk fluid tank106, or offloaded from the bulk fluid tank. If fluid is to be offloaded602, then thepump110 may be configured604 to offload fluid from thebulk fluid tank106. Specifically, thehose114 connecting thebulk fluid tank106 to thepump110 may be coupled to a suction port of thepump110. Thedrive unit108 may then be configured to drive606 thefluid pump110, which may pump fluid out of thebulk fluid tank106. In one specific embodiment, theair line118 may be connected to a Chicago fitting on thecontrol unit208 of thedrive unit108, and to a pneumatic drive line of thefluid pump110. Theregulator406 may then be adjusted so that a line pressure sufficient to operate thepump110 is reached on theair line118. The compressed air may be drawn from theair reservoir tank302, and thecompressor204 may refill theair reservoir tank302 as compressed air is drawn by thepump110.

In an alternative embodiment, thepump110 may be configured608 to load602 fluid onto thebulk fluid tank106. For example, thehose112 may be connected to a port of thepump110 that is opposite the port used for offloading. Thedrive unit108 may then drive610 thepump110 to load fluid onto the bulkfluid tanker610 by supplying compressed air to theair line118 connected to thepump110.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. An apparatus to load and offload a bulk fluid tanker, the apparatus comprising:

a housing configured to attach to at least one of a bulk fluid tanker tractor and a bulk fluid tanker trailer;

a compressor disposed within the housing, the compressor configured to supply pressurized air for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tank;

an auxiliary power generator coupled to the compressor, wherein the auxiliary power generator is independent of a primary tractor engine, the auxiliary power generator configured to supply power to the compressor; and

a control module coupled to one of the compressor and the auxiliary power generator, the control module configured to provide control of the auxiliary power generator and the compressor.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the compressor further comprises an air reservoir tank configured to hold a predetermined volume of compressed air.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the auxiliary power generator further comprises an auxiliary diesel engine configured to supply power to the compressor.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the auxiliary power generator further comprises an auxiliary gasoline engine configured to supply power to the compressor.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the auxiliary power generator is further configured to supply electrical power to one or more auxiliary devices.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the control module further comprises an automatic throttle control configured to monitor a pressure level in the air reservoir tank, and to disengage the compressor and modify a throttle level of the auxiliary power generator in response to the air reservoir tank reaching a predetermined pressure level.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the control module further comprises a regulated line-feed pressure control configured to regulate a pressure level supplied by the air reservoir tank to an air conduit line.

8. The apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein the control module further comprises one or more safety controls configured to release pressure supplied to the air conduit line in response to an emergency event.

9. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the control module further comprises one or more monitoring instruments configured to provide status information to an operator.

10. A system to load and offload a bulk fluid tanker, the system comprising:

a bulk fluid tank configured to hold up to a predetermined volume of fluid;

a pump coupled to the bulk fluid tank, the pump configured to affect a flow of a fluid conveyed between the bulk fluid tank and an external tank; and

a bulk fluid drive unit configured to couple to at least one of the bulk fluid tank and the pump, the bulk fluid drive unit comprising:

a control module coupled to one of the compressor and the auxiliary power generator, the control module a configured to provide control of the auxiliary power generator and the compressor.

11. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the compressor further comprises an air reservoir tank configured to hold a predetermined volume of compressed air, and wherein the air reservoir is configured to supply compressed air to drive the pump.

12. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the auxiliary power generator further comprises an auxiliary diesel engine configured to supply power for driving the pump.

13. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the auxiliary power generator further comprises an auxiliary gasoline engine configured to supply power for driving the pump.

14. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the auxiliary power generator is further configured to supply electrical power to one or more auxiliary devices.

15. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the control module further comprises an automatic throttle control configured to monitor a pressure level in the air reservoir tank, and to disengage the compressor and modify a throttle level of the auxiliary power generator in response to the air reservoir tank reaching a predetermined pressure level.

16. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the control module further comprises a regulated line-feed pressure control configured to regulate a pressure level supplied by the air reservoir tank to an air conduit line.

17. The system ofclaim 17, wherein the control module further comprises one or more safety controls configured to release pressure supplied to the air conduit line in response to an emergency event.

18. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the control module further comprises one or more monitoring instruments configured to provide status information to an operator.

19. A method for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker, the method comprising:

supplying power to compress air, wherein the supply of power is provided independent of a primary tractor engine;

compressing air, wherein the compressed air drives the flow of fluid between a bulk fluid tank and an external tank; and

providing control of a level of pressure of the compressed air and of the flow of fluid between the bulk fluid tank and the external tank.

20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the method comprises driving a fluid pump, wherein the fluid pump affects the flow of fluid between a bulk fluid tank and an external tank.