Abstract: To provide a liquid level indicator and a liquid raw material vaporization feeder, in which the time to detect a switch from the liquid phase to the gas phase has reduced flow rate dependence, and also the detection time can be shortened. The present invention includes a chamber 2 that stores a liquid raw material, at least one protection tube 3 housing a resistance temperature detector for detecting the liquid level L1 in the chamber 2, and a flow controller 4 that controls the flow rate of the gas flowing out from the chamber 2 and feeds the same. The protection tube 3 is horizontally inserted into a sidewall 2a of the chamber 2 and fixed thereto.

Abstract: A process control system can include a vessel, and at least one heat transfer property sensor that measures a heat transfer property of a substance at the vessel. The process control system can also include a monitoring device that receives an output of the heat transfer property sensor, and a process control device that is adjusted in response to the heat transfer property sensor output. A method of controlling a process can include measuring a thermal conductivity of a substance at a vessel, and adjusting the process in response to the measuring.

Abstract: An oil conditioning unit includes a pump for receiving unstabilized crude oil at a first pressure and pumping the unstabilized crude oil at a second pressure higher than the first pressure, a first pre-heater downstream of the pump for heating the unstabilized crude oil to a first temperature, and a degassing vessel downstream of the first pre-heater. The degassing vessel is configured to separate light hydrocarbon gases from the unstabilized crude oil at the first temperature to produce stabilized crude oil having a Reid Vapor Pressure less than or equal to 13.7 psia. In some examples, the degassing vessel is configured to produce stabilized crude oil having a Reid Vapor Pressure well below 13.7 psia.

Abstract: A liquid level control module comprising an elongated tubular housing immersible through a surface of a liquid and into a bulk volume of the liquid, and first, second, and third electrical switches, and first and second floats movable along the tubular housing. The first electrical switch is disposed within a lower portion of the tubular housing, the second electrical switch is disposed within an intermediate portion of the tubular housing, and the third electrical switch is disposed within an upper portion of the tubular housing. Each of the switches has an open state and a closed state. Motion of the first float relative to the first switch changes its state. Motion of the second float relative to the second switch changes its state, and motion of the second float relative to the third switch changes its state. Thus a two-float module may provide three level control signals.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes and systems for removing water from a polyether polyol that employs a controlled temperature and pressure profile.

Abstract: A sump system includes a flow restrictor for a drain line into a sump pit. The flow restrictor limits the water discharge capacity through the drain line into the sump pit. The flow restrictor is preferably sized and arranged to restrict the total maximum flow capacity of the drain line into the sump pit to match the maximum capacity output flow rate of the sump pump.

Abstract: Aerosols can be created by filament stretching and breaking of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids by applying a strain to and stretching the fluid. The fluid is stretched along a strain pathway and forms a fluid filament. The fluid filament is caused to break into droplets that can be harvested to form a mist or aerosol. Such a system for aerosol creation can include a pair of counter-rotating rollers that are positioned adjacent to each other that stretch the fluid or a pair of pistons that move toward and away from each other to stretch the fluid.

Abstract: A system and method of etching a semiconductor device are provided. Etching solution is sampled and analyzed by a monitoring unit to determine a concentration of components within the etching solution, such as an oxidant concentration. Then, based upon such measurement, a makeup amount of the components may be added be a makeup unit to the etching solution to control the concentration of the components within the etching system.

Abstract: A well (18) is mounted on an extension (12) of a brine tank (10) in a water softener system. The extension (12) can be molded integrally with the brine tank (10), or separate from the brine tank (10) and mounted thereto by fasteners (24). The extension (12) extends above the horizontal plane (14) at the upper edge (16) of the brine tank (10) and the well (18) is mounted to the extension (12) above the horizontal plane (14). A riser (20) is mounted to the extension (12) for external connection and extends into the well (18). All necessary connections to components in the well (18) are made through the extension (12) above the horizontal plane (14) so that no passages need be made through the wall (22) of the brine tank (10). Also, the upper end of the well (18) is above the horizontal plane (14) to facilitate servicing.

Abstract: A fuel transfer system for an aircraft includes an upper tank, a lower tank, a fuel transfer line connecting the upper tank to the lower tank, an upper fuel transfer line outlet in the lower tank, a lower fuel transfer line outlet in the lower tank, an upper float valve associated with the upper fuel transfer line outlet, and a lower float valve associated with the lower fuel transfer line outlet. The upper fuel transfer line outlet, which is in the lower tank, is in fluid communication with the upper tank. The lower fuel transfer line outlet, which is located in the lower tank, is in fluid communication with the upper tank.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling the rate of pump out of liquid coolant from a sump tank in which the level of liquid coolant in the sump tank is continuously sensed and corresponding signals transmitted to a variable frequency drive controller which correspondingly varies the speed of a pump motor to continuously increase or decrease the pump out rate in correspondence with the level liquid in the sump tank.

Abstract: The double action float valve is connected to a single pipe and a tank and controls both the filling and discharge of the tank. The double action float valve utilizes a valve body, a heavy filling obturator positioned within the valve body, a light inverse obturator positioned within the heavy filling obturator, and a float connected to the heavy filling obturator. When the inflow pressure from the pipe is greater than the outflow pressure of the tank, the tank is filled until the float reaches a predetermined level. When the outflow pressure of the tank is greater than the inflow pressure, the double action float valve is automatically reconfigured to discharge the fluid from the tank into the pipe.

Abstract: A liquid condition sensor configured to monitor the condition of a liquid in an ultrasonic cleaning system tank, the liquid condition sensor including a first circuit configured to detect a signal transmitted from an ultrasonic generator to one or more ultrasonic transducers located in the tank. The liquid condition sensor further includes a second circuit coupled to the first circuit, the second circuit configured to determine if the signal is indicative of one of a suboptimal liquid level, and an unacceptably high concentration of dissolved gases in the cleaning liquid, and a third circuit coupled to the second circuit, the third circuit configured to provide a warning if one of a suboptimal liquid level, and an unacceptably high concentration of dissolved gases in the cleaning liquid is indicated by the second circuit.

Abstract: A liquid mass measurement and fluid transmitting apparatus includes a container for measurement of a mass of fluid therein. A sensor is coupled to the container which measures a mass of fluid within the container independent of variations of pressure within the container. A diaphragm sensor may be located on the bottom of the container whereby electrical signals representing the mass of fluid within the cylinder are created by movement of the diaphragm caused by the mass of fluid thereon. A pressure equalizer which equalizes the pressure within the container to the pressure on the opposite side of the diaphragm allows the measurement of the mass to occur independent of any variations and pressure within the container. Liquid within the mass of liquid within the container can be accurately measured such that a desired mass of liquid may be transmitted for further use. The liquid may be vaporized and transmitted as a vapor.

Abstract: A water transport system comprising a first container, a second container, a mechanical connector fixing the first and second containers to each other and/or a towing vehicle, and a control device. The water transport system may be used in a method of water management for recreational vehicles (RV), trailers, or motor homes. The water transport system may be sized and configured to fit in a bed of the towing vehicle used for towing the RV, trailer, or motor home. The second container may be coupled to a macerator pump of the RV, trailer, or motor home to receive wastewater therefrom and the control device may be configured to automatically shut off the macerator pump when the second container is full.

Abstract: Piece of continuous operating cycle sludge transfer equipment, which consists of two deposits (D1-D2), each one of which has a filling or suction circuit and another emptying or discharge circuit. A vacuum pump (Depr.) creates a depression in the first of the deposits, which causes the product to be sucked up from the outside, until said tank reaches a certain set level. Meanwhile, the other deposit is pressurized by means of a compressor (Compr.) coupled to a driving circuit, independent from the vacuum, in order for said deposit to be emptied and the sludge discharged towards an output channel at the adequate distance and height. When the first device is filled, the valves in the suction circuit of said deposit close automatically and those in the emptying circuit open, whilst the filling circuit in the other device opens and the emptying circuit closes.

Abstract: A beverages dispenser, particularly for carbonated beverages, comprises a cooled tank where beverage is stored, an inlet pipe to the tank, an inlet valve on the inlet pipe, a pump downstream the inlet valve for feeding a beverage to the tank in order to maintain a predetermined level wherein, an outlet pipe from the tank to a beverage dispensing nozzle, and an outlet valve on the outlet conduit. An auxiliary pipe is disposed between the inlet pipe downstream the inlet valve and the outlet pipe downstream the outlet valve and a control unit is adapted to close the inlet valve and to run the pump in order to empty the outlet pipe into the tank after the beverage is dispensed in order to prevent dripping.

Abstract: A double-walled above-ground storage tank includes a primary tank and a secondary tank, and an interstitial space; an containment chamber formed by a primary chamber wall and a secondary chamber wall, forming a chamber interstitial space therebetween, and an exterior door assembly; and at least one pipe and valve assembly wherein the pipe originates in the tank interior volume and the valve is disposed within the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid supplying system which includes a supplying chamber including a supplying conduit, a first inlet and a first outlet, wherein the conduit has one end interconnected to the first outlet and the supplying chamber, and the other end interconnected to production equipment for supplying fluid from the supplying chamber to the production equipment. And a replenishing chamber includes a replenishing conduit, a second inlet and a second outlet, wherein the replenishing chamber is interconnected to the supplying chamber through the second inlet, and the other end is interconnected to a fluid container for replenishing fluid into the replenishing chamber, wherein the second outlet is interconnected to the first inlet for transferring the fluid from the replenishing chamber to the supplying chamber.

Abstract: A pumpbox, the pumpbox being in fluid communication with one or more vessels, wherein the pumpbox comprises a classification portion and level control means adapted to control the level of fluid within the one or more vessels.

Abstract: The double action float valve is connected to a single pipe and a tank and controls both the filling and discharge of the tank. The double action float valve utilizes a valve body, an obturator positioned within the valve body, a unidirectional device, and a float connected to the obturator. When the inflow pressure from the pipe is greater than the outflow pressure of the tank, the tank is filled until the float reaches a predetermined level. When the outflow pressure of the tank is greater than the inflow pressure, the double action float valve is automatically reconfigured to discharge the fluid from the tank into the pipe.

Abstract: The double action float valve is connected to a single pipe and a tank and controls both the filling and discharge of the tank. The double action float valve utilizes a valve body, a heavy filling obturator positioned within the valve body, a light inverse obturator positioned within the heavy filling obturator, and a float connected to the heavy filling obturator. When the inflow pressure from the pipe is greater than the outflow pressure of the tank, the tank is filled until the float reaches a predetermined level. When the outflow pressure of the tank is greater than the inflow pressure, the double action float valve is automatically reconfigured to discharge the fluid from the tank into the pipe.

Abstract: A beverages dispenser, particularly for carbonated beverages, comprises a cooled tank where beverage is stored, an inlet pipe to the tank, an inlet valve on the inlet pipe, a pump downstream the inlet valve for feeding a beverage to the tank in order to maintain a predetermined level wherein, an outlet pipe from the tank to a beverage dispensing nozzle, and an outlet valve on the outlet conduit. An auxiliary pipe is disposed between the inlet pipe downstream the inlet valve and the outlet pipe downstream the outlet valve and a control unit is adapted to close the inlet valve and to run the pump in order to empty the outlet pipe into the tank after the beverage is dispensed in order to prevent dripping.

Abstract: Integrated, stand-alone, multiple-purpose pump stands are provided for controlled pumping of different liquids from a stand-mounted tank to a downstream use location, e.g., a seed treating device. The pump stands are equipped with an operating assembly including a liquid tank, a powered pump, a liquid flow line equipped with a flow meter from the tank and pump to the use location, and a programmable digital control device. During operation, the control device serves to approach and maintain the flow rate from the pump stand at or about a desired setpoint flow rate.

Abstract: A valve assembly able to be mounted with a liquid container, the valve assembly comprising: a housing having a passageway that extends through the housing; a breather float valve mounted within the housing, the breather float valve movable between an open position to allow gas to pass through the passageway and a closed position that prevents liquid from passing through the passageway; a liquid inlet, forming part of the housing, the liquid inlet allowing fluid to pass into the housing; and an inlet float valve mounted within the housing, the inlet float valve movable between an open position that permits the flow of liquid through the liquid inlet and a closed position that prevents the flow of fluid through the liquid inlet.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a hybrid module which is located between an engine and a transmission includes a parallel arrangement of a mechanical pump and an electric pump. Each pump is constructed and arranged to deliver oil from a sump to other portions of the hydraulic system depending on the operational mode. A load on the electric pump corresponds to a current draw on the electric pump motor. This current draw is used to indicate when there is a low oil level in the sump.

Abstract: An electronic leak detection system for home humidifier using the duct air conditioning system. The leak detection system uses a simple sensor in a water collection tray under the humidifier to detect if leakage has occurred. An auxiliary solenoid valve is connected in line with the water supply to the humidifier. When leakage is detected, power to the humidifier system is shut down and an auxiliary solenoid valve is powered.

Abstract: A process liquid supply system includes a pure water supply source connected to a process vessel through a supply pipe; a chemical liquid tank that stores a chemical liquid and supplies the chemical liquid stored therein to the supply pipe; and a compressed gas supply source connected to the chemical liquid tank through a compressed gas supply pipe. A pressure adjusting part is disposed on the compressed gas supply pipe at a position between the compressed gas supply source and the chemical liquid tank. The pressure adjusting part is controlled so that the pressure of the compressed gas supplied from the compressed gas supply source to the chemical liquid tank is gradually or stepwise increased after the supply of the chemical liquid from the chemical liquid tank to the supply pipe is started so that the concentration of the processing liquid remains at desired level.

Abstract: A valve assembly (10) able to be mounted with a liquid container, the valve assembly comprising: a housing (20) having a passageway (60) that extends through the housing; a breather float valve (80) mounted within the housing, the breather float valve movable between an open position to allow gas to pass through the passageway and a closed position that prevents liquid from passing through the passageway; a liquid inlet (30), forming part of the housing, the liquid inlet allowing fluid to pass into the housing; and an inlet float valve (41) mounted within the housing, the inlet float valve movable between an open position that permits the flow of liquid through the liquid inlet and a closed position that prevents the flow of fluid through the liquid inlet.

Abstract: A microchannel 4 for transporting a specimen S using capillary phenomenon includes an analysis chamber 6 having a cross-sectional area larger than those of portions located in front of and behind the analysis chamber 6 in the direction of flow, an inflow opening 5 through which the specimen S flows into the analysis chamber 6, and a discharge portion 7 through which the specimen S is discharged from the analysis chamber 6. The discharge portion 7 includes a pair of discharge openings 71a and 71b located opposite to each other with respect to the inflow opening 5. With this structure, impairment of transport of the specimen S due to the presence of a residual air bubble is avoided.

Abstract: A distillation-type drinking fountain includes a liquid providing unit having a liquid entry; a heat-exchanging tube having a liquid-incoming end, a liquid-outgoing end and a heat-exchanging room; a hot water tank having a body and a heating unit. The body has a heating room communicating with the liquid-outgoing end. A steam pipe has a first end and a second end, with the first end communicating with the heating room. A condensing unit has a condenser tube having one end communicating with the second end. A water-collecting container has a water-storing room communicating with another end of the condenser tube. An energy-saving heating unit includes an energy-saving heat-exchanging tube and a heating device. The energy-saving heat-exchanging tube includes a water-incoming end, a water-outgoing end and an energy-saving heat-exchanging room. An outlet valve communicates with the water-outgoing end.

Abstract: This invention concerns the transport of fluids. In particular in a first aspect it concerns a truck fitted with a tank and a fill line to the tank, comprising: An inlet in the fill line configured for connection to a hose that is, in use, connected to a fluid source to change the amount of fluid in the tank. A sensor to make measurements from which the amount of fluid in the tank can be determined. A valve to allow fluid flow through the inlet, both to increase and decrease the amount of fluid in the tank. And a data acquisition device to periodically record sensor measurements and to associate a time and place with each record. In a second aspect the invention concerns a control system for the truck. In a third aspect the invention concerns a control system for a fleet of trucks.

Abstract: A water supply control method for a water tower connected to a server through a high water level sensor and a low water level sensor installed on the water tower. A solar panel is controlled to supply power to a motor of the water tower during off-peak hours and a current water level in the water tower has reached a lowest water level but has not reached a highest water level. An alternating current power supply is controlled to supply power to the motor during off-peak hours and the current water level in the water tower has not reached the lowest water level, or during peak hours and the current water level in the water tower has not reached the highest water level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to control ware washing to provide and maintain health safety through the use of an automated system. The method and apparatus adheres and maintains to FDA/EPA standards which consistently clean water, high detergent, correct water temperature and sanitizer levels, to ensure the removal of all human DNA, oils and other food waste that could, when not properly removed after the three step washing process of wash, rinse and sanitize, form a bacterial growth on the kitchen cooking equipment, plates, glasses and utensils, contaminating future food and liquid use.

Abstract: A valve assembly (10) able to be mounted with a liquid container, the valve assembly comprising: a housing (20) having a passageway (60) that extends through the housing; a breather float valve (80) mounted within the housing, the breather float valve movable between an open position to allow gas to pass through the passageway and a closed position that prevents liquid from passing through the passageway; a liquid inlet (30), forming part of the housing, the liquid inlet allowing fluid to pass into the housing; and an inlet float valve (41) mounted within the housing, the inlet float valve movable between an open position that permits the flow of liquid through the liquid inlet and a closed position that prevents the flow of fluid through the liquid inlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic device comprising at least one micro-channel connected at one end to an enclosed area, characterized in that it also comprises an inlet circuit and an outlet circuit connected to the enclosed area and between which the fluid can be discharged without any contact with the micro-channel, wherein at least one of said inlet and outlet circuits can be controlled in such a way that the pressure at the end of the micro-channel can be modified independently from the pressure at the other end of the micro-channel.

Abstract: A ventilation device and a controlling method of the same are provided. The ventilation device may include a humidifier having improved humidification efficiency and improved durability.

Abstract: A valve assembly (10) able to be mounted with a liquid container, the valve assembly comprising: a housing (20) having a passageway (60) that extends through the housing; a breather float valve (80) mounted within the housing, the breather float valve movable between an open position to allow gas to pass through the passageway and a closed position that prevents liquid from passing through the passageway; a liquid inlet (30), forming part of the housing, the liquid inlet allowing fluid to pass into the housing; and an inlet float valve (41) mounted within the housing, the inlet float valve movable between an open position that permits the flow of liquid through the liquid inlet and a closed position that prevents the flow of fluid through the liquid inlet.

Abstract: A process-liquid supply part includes: a supply tank configured to contain a process liquid; a level gauge pipe connected to the supply tank, the level gauge pipe being provided with level sensors for detecting a remaining amount of the process liquid contained in the supply tank; and a measuring part configured to measure a remaining amount of the process liquid based on signals from the level sensors provided on the level gauge pipe. Connected to the supply tank are a process-liquid supply pipe configured to drain the process liquid contained in the supply tank, and a process-liquid return pipe configured to introduce the process liquid drained through the process-liquid supply pipe to the supply tank. A connection pipe, in which an openable and closable valve is provided, disposed between the process-liquid supply pipe or the process-liquid return pipe and the level gauge pipe.

Abstract: Sizing solution delivery systems for a sizing press and methods for reducing sizing solution volumes generally include a service tank containing an untreated sizing solution (e.g., starch), a standpipe having a volume capacity of less than the service tank, and an auxiliary chemical tank downstream from the service tank and the standpipe. The standpipe is configured to collect overflow fluid from the size press during use. In this configuration, the volumes of overflow solution provided in the loop are shortened, which reduces sizing solution volumes needed during purging for paper grade changes. In addition, time and equilibrium cycles are concomitantly reduced. Also disclosed are methods for reducing the sizing solution volumes and/or increasing sizing efficiency with the sizing solution delivery systems.

Abstract: A system for generating purified water from polluted water which includes an entry chamber communicating with a source of polluted water, a pump for delivering water vapor from the entry chamber to the vapor chamber, and a passageway for delivering condensed water from the vapor chamber to a reservoir of purified water.

Abstract: An apparatus for level control in a fluid tank is provided, wherein the fluid tank is designed to accommodate a supply of a fluid. The apparatus comprises at least one conveying line through which the fluid can flow and which has at least one control opening which is hydraulically connected to the fluid tank. The control opening is designed to at least largely prevent fluid flowing out of the conveying line and into the fluid tank when at least one minimum level in the fluid tank is exceeded, and wherein the control opening is further designed to allow fluid to flow out of the conveying line nd into the fluid tank when the at least one minimum level in the fluid tank is undershot.

Abstract: A system for controlling the level of hydraulic fluid between a first and second sump in a transmission includes a valve assembly located within the first sump. The valve assembly includes a valve that is moveable between two positions. The valve assembly includes first and second inlet ports that communicate with the first sump and an outlet port that communicates with the second sump. The second inlet port has an opening that is located higher than an opening to the first inlet port. Hydraulic fluid within the first sump communicates through the first inlet port to the outlet port when the valve is in the first position, and hydraulic fluid within the first sump communicates through the second inlet port to the outlet port when the valve is in the second position.

Abstract: In the present washer fluid spraying apparatus, when the amount of the remaining washer fluid in the tank is reduced, the buoyant force of the float does not have an effect to the valve member, and therefore the cross-sectional area of the flow passage of the valve member is reduced. Consequently spraying amount is limited compared to a case where there is a plenty of amount of remaining washer fluid. Therefore, compared to the structure that controls the washer pump driving status by detecting the remaining amount by a sensor, the driver of the vehicle can know that the amount of the remaining washer fluid in the tank is reduced while limiting the manufacturing costs.

Abstract: Provided is a valve with a sensor for process solution, a substrate treating apparatus employing the valve, and a substrate treating method. The valve includes a body, an inlet, an outlet, a shutter, and a sensor. The body is provided with a passage within, through which a process solution for a substrate flows. The inlet is connected to one end of the passage, through which the process solution flows into the body. The outlet is connected to another end of the passage, through which the process solution is discharged to an outside of the body. The shutter is for opening or closing the passage at a region where the inlet and the passage are connected. The sensor is coupled to the body to contact the process solution flowing through the passage and sense a composition of the process solution.

Abstract: A metallic ball has a sliding sleeve, a shell, at least one magnet and a mounting bracket. The sliding sleeve has an open upper end, an open lower end and an outer surface. The shell is spherical, is mounted securely around the sliding sleeve between the open upper end and the open lower end of the sliding sleeve and has a reinforcing disk mounted around the outer surface of the sliding sleeve and has a top surface and may have a protruding portion. The magnet is on the top surface of the reinforcing disk. The mounting bracket is mounted around the sliding sleeve and on the top surface of the reinforcing disk to cover the magnet and has a wall extending toward and engaging the reinforcing disk and completely covering the magnet to effectively avoid the magnet being broken or damaged.

Abstract: A seal support system (1) for maintaining barrier fluid in a mechanical seal (2) including a vessel (10) for containing barrier fluid, a system for feeding barrier fluid between the vessel (10) and the mechanical seal (2), a system for automatically detecting barrier fluid within the vessel (10) and a system for automatically restoring barrier fluid within the vessel (10), and a system (100) for automatically draining barrier fluid from the vessel (10) after a predetermined period of time. The system for discharging (100) may automatically drain barrier fluid from the vessel (10) for a predetermined period of time. The system of discharging (100) may automatically drain barrier fluid from the vessel (10) with a predetermined rate of discharge. The system of discharging (100) preferably includes a system for draining barrier fluid from the vessel (10) and a valve for automatically controlling the draining of barrier fluid from the vessel.

Abstract: A level measurement device to measure the fill level of a fluid in a container, and a method to determine the contents level of a first fluid in a container and a presence of a second fluid below the first fluid. Microwave signals generated in the level measurement device are guided on a wave guide that is immersed in the first liquid. The measurement curve from received measurement signals is scanned for a first signal peak indicating a first fluid surface. The measurement curve is also scanned for a potential second signal peak having the same polarity as the first signal peak and thus indicating an interface between the first and a second fluid.

Abstract: An underground porosity reservoir includes substantially impermeable barriers and an aquiclude surrounding a volume of alluvial materials for storing water within the pore spaces of the alluvial materials. Upstream and downstream ends of the reservoir define both a static storage portion (extending below an elevation of the downstream end of the reservoir) and an elevated wedge-shaped portion that extends above the static portion. Once the static portion of the reservoir is filled, additional amounts of water are dynamically stored within the wedge portion by removing water from the downstream end of the reservoir and adding water to the upstream end of the reservoir. Water may be recirculated within the wedge portion, or external water may be added to the upstream end of the reservoir at a first flow rate while water is removed from the downstream end of the reservoir at a similar flow rate.

Abstract: A method for operating a converter for the energy conversion of fuel from at least one main fuel supply, and from at least one auxiliary fuel supply for operating the converter directly and/or by operating an auxiliary unit, comprises: detecting the amount of fuel in the main fuel supply; detecting the amount of fuel in the auxiliary fuel supply, at least with respect to a predetermined minimum amount; in response to the minimum amount being reached, generating a signal that blocks at least one of a) filling of the main fuel supply, and b) startup of the converter via a control unit; and deactivating the blocking in response to the auxiliary fuel supply being replenished.