Apparatus, system and method for loading and offlloading a bulk fluid tanker

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 a system 100 for bulk fluid transport. The depicted embodiment includes a tanker tractor 102 and a tanker trailer 104. The tanker trailer 104 may include a bulk fluid tank 106. Additionally, the system 100 may include a fluid drive unit 108. Although the fluid drive unit 108 may load fluid into the bulk fluid tank 106, and offload fluid from the bulk fluid tank 106, the fluid drive unit 108 is referred to herein as “the drive unit 108” for simplicity. The system 100 may additionally include a fluid pump 110. In further embodiments, the system 100 may include various hoses 114-118, fittings 112, and the like.

The tanker tractor 102 may pull the tanker trailer 104 to transport fluid stored in the bulk fluid tank 106. In one embodiment, the tanker tractor 102 is a diesel transport vehicle. Alternatively, the tanker tractor 102 may include a gasoline driven truck. In an alternative embodiment, the system 100 may include a straight body tank truck, where the bulk fluid tank 106 is mounted directly to the chassis of a truck 102. In such an embodiment, the tanker trailer 104 may be omitted from the system 100.

The tanker trailer 104 may include a full trailer configured with multiple axels. Alternatively, the tanker trailer 104 may include a semi-trailer, where the front end of the trailer is carried by one or more rear axels of the tanker tractor 102. In such an embodiment, the tanker trailer 104 may be connected to the tanker tractor 102 using a fifth-wheel assembly. Alternatively, the tanker trailer 104 may be connected to the tanker tractor 102 by a hitch.

The bulk fluid tank 106 may be coupled to the chassis of the tanker trailer 104. The bulk fluid tank 106 may be configured to carry various fluids. For example, in dairy applications, the bulk fluid tank 106 may carry dairy products such as milk or cream. Alternatively, the bulk fluid tank 106 may carry flammable or hazardous fluids such as petroleum products.

The drive unit 108 may facilitate loading fluid onto the bulk fluid tank 106. For example, in an embodiment where the pump 110 is a pneumatic driven pump, such as an air rotary pump, or double diaphragm pump, the drive unit 108 may supply compressed air to the pump 110. In one embodiment, the drive unit 108 may supply the compressed air through an air hose 118. The drive unit 108 may also supply compressed air to the bulk fluid tank 106 for pressurized offloading of fluid. For example, the drive unit 108 may supply compressed air sufficient to raise the internal pressure of the bulk fluid tank 106 to 25-35 Pounds per Square Inch (PSI). The increase in internal pressure of the bulk fluid tank 106 may force fluid out of the tank 106 through a hose 114.

In another embodiment, the bulk fluid tank 106 may include an opening with a hose fitting 112. A hose 114 may attach to the fitting 112 on one end and to a pump 110 on the other end. The pump 110 may also connect to a second hose 116, which may connect to a separate fluid tank (not shown). In such an embodiment, the pump 110 may be driven by the drive unit 108. For example, if the pump 110 is pneumatically driven, such as a double diaphragm pump 110, the drive unit 108 may supply compressed air to the pump 110 through an air hose 118. In an alternative embodiment, the pump 110 may include an electric rotary motor. In such an embodiment, the drive unit 108 may supply electric power to the pump 110. In another alternative embodiment, the drive unit 108 may supply mechanical power to drive the pump 110. For example, the drive unit 108 may include an auxiliary engine. The auxiliary engine is discussed in greater detail below. In such an example, the pump 110 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, the drive unit 108 may include auxiliary components such as work lights 122, a hose rack 120, or auxiliary power outlets (not shown) for powering other components on the tanker tractor 102. For example, the drive unit 108 may power an air conditioning or heating unit for the cab of the tanker tractor 102. The drive unit 108 may power these auxiliary components when the primary engine of the tanker tractor 102 is not in operation.

In a further embodiment, a second air hose 124 may couple the drive unit to the bulk fluid tank 106. In such an embodiment, the second air hose 124 is used to fill the bulk fluid tank 106 with air for pressurizing the bulk fluid tank 106 and forcing fluid out of the tank 106. For example, the drive unit 108 may provide sufficient compressed air through the second air hose 124 to the bulk fluid tank to pressurize the bulk fluid tank 106 to a pressure level ranging from twenty-three (23) psi to thirty-two (32) psi. In such an embodiment, the excess pressure in the bulk fluid tank 106 may force fluid from the tank 106 through the offloading hose 114. This embodiment may not require the use of a pump 110 which may reduce the weight and size of the equipment required to offload the fluid. Indeed, one benefit of the present system 100 is its flexibility and modularity. A user of the system 100 need only carry the pump 110 when its use is anticipated.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a drive unit 108. The drive unit 108 may include a housing 202, a compressor 204, an auxiliary power generator 206, and a control module 208. In one embodiment, the drive unit 108 may provide compressed air or power sufficient to drive a pump 110 for loading and offloading bulk fluids from the bulk fluid tank 106. Additionally, the drive unit 108 may provide compressed air for cleaning and maintenance of the tanker truck 102, the tanker trailer 104, and other components of the tanker system 100.

The housing 202 may include a cabinet style housing 202 configured to mount behind a cab of a tanker tractor 102. 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 the tanker tractor 102, or the tanker trailer 104. The housing may provide environmental and safety protection for other components of the drive unit 108. Additionally, the housing 202 may include one or more storage compartments.

The compressor 204 may supply compressed air for operating the pump 110, for pressurizing the bulk fluid tank 106, and for cleaning and maintenance of the tanker tractor 102 and tanker trailer 104. In one embodiment, the compressor may provide a variable rate of air flow. Further embodiments of the compressor are described with relation to FIG. 3 below.

The auxiliary power generator 206 may generate power for operating the compressor 204, for operating the pump 110, or for operating auxiliary components. In one embodiment, the auxiliary power generator 206 may include a diesel engine. Alternatively, a gasoline engine may be used. Preferably, the engine used for the auxiliary power generator 206 is ten (10) horsepower or less. For example, an engine between five (5) and ten (10) horsepower may be used. In an alternative embodiment, the auxiliary power generator 206 may include a solar panel system, a battery bank, a hydrogen cell system, or the like. One benefit of the auxiliary power generator 206 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 of auxiliary power generator 206 may reduce exhaust emissions as compared with typical systems.

The control module 208 may be configured to provide user controls and monitoring information for the auxiliary power generator 206, the compressor 204, or both. The control module 208 may include one or more buttons, levers, actuators, gauges, switches, dials, or the like. Specific examples of the control panel are discussed with reference to FIG. 4. One benefit of a centralized control module 208 is that the operator may control the majority of the operations of the system 100 from a single position, whereas typical systems require the operator to constantly enter and exit the cab of the tractor 102.

FIG. 3 illustrates a specific embodiment of a drive unit 108. In the depicted embodiment, the drive unit includes a rectangular housing 202. In the depicted embodiment, the housing 202 mounts behind the cab of the tanker tractor 102, in a so-called “cab guard” position. Specifically, the housing 202 may include one or more mounting brackets 314 for connecting the housing 202 to the chassis of the tanker tractor 102. The mounting brackets 314 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 the drive unit 108. For example, using the mounting brackets 314, the drive unit 108 may be mounted on any standard truck or tractor 102 capable of pulling a tanker trailer 104. The drive unit 108 would enable conversion of a tractor 102 into a suitable tanker tractor 102 without requiring modification of the engine or drive components of the tractor 102 itself. The only substantial modification may be mounting the drive unit 108 using the mounting brackets 314 which may require considerably less time and complexity.

The housing 202 may include doors or access panels (not shown). The housing 202 may additionally include a hose rack 120 for conveniently hanging hoses 114-118 during transport. In a further embodiment, the housing 202 may include one or more storage shelves 316 for storing auxiliary system components, such as buckets, gloves, fittings, straps, and the like. The housing 202 may be constructed of metal, such as steel or aluminum.

In the depicted embodiment, the drive unit 108 includes an auxiliary power generator 206. In this embodiment, the auxiliary power generator 206 is a small horsepower engine. For example, in one specific embodiment, the power generator 206 may include a 10 horsepower diesel engine. In such an embodiment, the auxiliary power generator 206 may share a fuel tank with the primary engine of the tanker tractor 102, 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 the system 100.

In one embodiment, the drive unit 108 also includes a compressor 204. In the depicted embodiment, the compressor 204 is a V-type configuration. The compressor 204 may be mechanically coupled to the drive shaft 304 of the engine 206 using a drive belt 308, drive chain, drive shaft, or the like. In such an embodiment, the compressor may be mechanically powered by the power generator 206. Similarly, the compressor 204 may include a fly-wheel 306 coupled to a shaft configured to drive one or more compression heads. Alternatively, the compressor 204 may include an independent electric motor, where the electric motor is electrically coupled to the auxiliary power generator 206. 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).

The compressor 204 may include, or may be coupled to an air reservoir tank 302. In a particular embodiment, the air reservoir tank 302 may have a twenty (20) to thirty (30) gallon capacity. Varying tank volumes may be used, depending on system requirements. In a further embodiment, the air reservoir tank 302 may be configured to withstand an internal pressure of one hundred and fifty (150) psi. The air reservoir tank 302 may additionally include a pressure release valve for safety. The air reservoir tank 302 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 an air line 310 from the compressor 204. The air reservoir tank 302 may further include an air outlet coupled to an outlet hose 312.

In a further embodiment, the drive unit 108 may include a control module 208. Referring now to FIG. 4, the control module 208 may include an ignition switch 402 configured to start the auxiliary power generator 206. In a particular embodiment, the ignition switch 402 may require a key 404 to start the auxiliary power generator 206.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a control module 208. The control module 208 may be coupled to the housing 202. For example, the control module 208 may include a plate or panel configured to mount to the housing 202. In one embodiment, the control module 208 may be mounted within the housing 202. Alternatively, the control module 208 may be coupled to the exterior of the housing 202. In a further embodiment, the control module 208 may be separate from the housing 202. For example the control module 208 may include a remote control device, a cab mount device, or the like.

The control module 208 may include various control knobs, control levers, control buttons, measurement gauges, and the like. In a further embodiment, the control module 208 may include automated control devices. For example, the control module 208 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 the air reservoir tank 302. In one embodiment, the automatic throttle control may trigger a valve to open in response to the pressure level of the reservoir tank 302 reaching a predetermined pressure level. Opening the valve may cause the compression heads to lose compression. Additionally, where the auxiliary power generator 206 is an engine, the automatic throttle control may cause the engine 304 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, the control module 208 may include a manual engine throttle control 422. The manual engine throttle control 422 may include a lever, knob, mechanical actuator, or the like. The manual throttle control 422 may enable a system user to manually adjust a throttle level of the auxiliary power generator 206. In a further embodiment, when the auxiliary power generator 206 is an engine, the control module 208 may include a gauge configured to monitor a rotation speed of the crank shaft 304 of the engine 206.

Further embodiments of the control module 208 may include one or more pressure gauges 408, 410, 412. For example, the control module 208 may include an air reservoir tank pressure gauge 410 configured to indicate a level of air pressure in the air reservoir tank 302. Additionally, the control module 208 may include an air line pressure gauge 408 configured to indicate a pressure level of an air line 118. In a further embodiment, the control module 208 may include a fluid tank pressure gauge 412 configured to indicate a pressure level inside the bulk fluid tank 106.

The air reservoir pressure gauge 410, and the air line pressure gauge 412 may facilitate regulation of air flow through the air line hose 118. For example, the control module may include an air flow regulator (not shown). The air flow regulator may include a regulator control knob 406. An operator may adjust a level of air flow in the air line hose 118 by turning the regulator control knob 406. The air line pressure gauge 410 may indicate a pressure level in the air line hose 118. The pressure level may correspond to a level of air flow. The level of air flow may be regulated by the air flow regulator.

The air line hose 118 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 the air outlet hose 312. In a further embodiment, an air flow regulator may be connected between the air hose fittings 418, 420 and the air outlet hose 312. 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 fitting 418, 420.

In one particular embodiment, an air hose fitting 418 may be dedicated to filling the bulk fluid tank 106 with compressed air. In such an embodiment, air may be supplied to the bulk fluid tank 106 when a valve is opened. The valve may be operated by a valve handle 416. The valve handle 416 may be rotated to open or close the valve. In one embodiment, when the valve handle 416 is rotated so that the valve is open, air is supplied from the air reservoir tank 302 to the bulk fluid tank 106 using an air line hose 118. When the valve handle 416 is rotated so that the valve is closed, the bulk fluid tank pressure gauge 412 may indicate the level of air pressure in the bulk fluid tank 106. In a further embodiment, the control module 208 may include a second line control valve coupled to a valve handle 414. The second line control valve may control the rate of flow to the second air hose fitting 420.

Finally, the control module 208 may include an emergency shut off button 424. The emergency shut off button 424 may shut down the entire drive unit 108. Alternatively, the emergency shut off button 424 may force all line control valves closed, which may cut off air flow from the drive unit 108. In a further embodiment, the emergency shut off button 424 may open compression valves on the compressor 204 and the auxiliary power generator 206. Alternatively, the emergency shut off button 424 may disable the auxiliary power generator 206 or disconnect the compressor 204 from the auxiliary power generator 206. Various other safety features may be triggered by pressing the emergency shut off button 424.

Although some specific embodiments of components of the control module 208 have been illustrated and discussed, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the control module 208. Rather, these embodiments have been discussed merely for illustrative purposes and to demonstrate certain possible combinations of control features that may be incorporated into a control module 208.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a method 500 for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tank 106. In one embodiment, the method starts when the auxiliary power generator 206 supplies 502 power to the compressor 204. The compressor 204 may then compress 504 air. For example, the compressor 204 may compress 504 air into an air reservoir tank 302, where the air is compressed to a pressure of approximately 120 psi. The method 500 may additionally include providing 506 control of the pressure level of the compressed air. For example, the control module 208 may include an air pressure control, or a regulator 406 for regulating the air pressure within the air reservoir tank 302 or the line pressure of the air hose 118. In a specific embodiment, the flow of compressed air may drive the flow of fluid between the bulk fluid tank 106 and an external tank (not shown). Specifically, the rate of air flow may determine a pumping rate of the fluid pump 110.

In a further embodiment, a method 600 may include deciding 602 whether fluid is to be loaded into the bulk fluid tank 106, or offloaded from the bulk fluid tank. If fluid is to be offloaded 602, then the pump 110 may be configured 604 to offload fluid from the bulk fluid tank 106. Specifically, the hose 114 connecting the bulk fluid tank 106 to the pump 110 may be coupled to a suction port of the pump 110. The drive unit 108 may then be configured to drive 606 the fluid pump 110, which may pump fluid out of the bulk fluid tank 106. In one specific embodiment, the air line 118 may be connected to a Chicago fitting on the control unit 208 of the drive unit 108, and to a pneumatic drive line of the fluid pump 110. The regulator 406 may then be adjusted so that a line pressure sufficient to operate the pump 110 is reached on the air line 118. The compressed air may be drawn from the air reservoir tank 302, and the compressor 204 may refill the air reservoir tank 302 as compressed air is drawn by the pump 110.

In an alternative embodiment, the pump 110 may be configured 608 to load 602 fluid onto the bulk fluid tank 106. For example, the hose 112 may be connected to a port of the pump 110 that is opposite the port used for offloading. The drive unit 108 may then drive 610 the pump 110 to load fluid onto the bulk fluid tanker 610 by supplying compressed air to the air line 118 connected to the pump 110.

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

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

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

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

6. The apparatus of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 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 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 a configured to provide control of the auxiliary power generator and the compressor.

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

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

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

15. The system of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 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.