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Tank car loading control and monitoring system and method

  • US 7,451,789 B2
  • Filed: 09/30/2005
  • Issued: 11/18/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2005
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for automatically maximizing the quantity of a fluid which can be placed within a tank car comprising the steps of:

  • placing a probe having a movable float thereon within a tank car to be filled with a fluid, wherein the float is buoyed by the fluid;

    determining a maximum product weight of the fluid for the tank car using the lesser of either the maximum weight limit of the tank car and the maximum calculated product weight at 2% outage;

    wirelessly activating one of either a pump or a control valve to begin addition of fluid to the tank car;

    calculating an outage value of the tank car based on a float line created by the float in the fluid;

    wirelessly directing the outage value to a controller,calculating a float line correction for a given fluid at a determined temperature;

    wirelessly directing the float line correction to the controller;

    adjusting, via the controller, the outage value of the tank car based on the float line correction;

    repeating the steps of calculating a float line correction through adjusting the outage value for fluid temperature changes of at least 10 degrees F. during addition of fluid to the tank car;

    calculating the full point tank volume prior to complete filling of the tank car based upon the formula;


    determined actual maximum product weight/(specific gravity of fluid at fluid temp×

    8.33 lbs/gallons);

    wirelessly directing the calculated full point tank volume to the controller;

    determining, via the controller, a level point corresponding to the full point tank volume calculated;

    thendeactivating either one of a pump or a control valve to cease addition of fluid to the tank car when the fluid reaches the level point.

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