A FUEL DELIVERY ARRANGEMENT

The present invention relates to a fuel delivery arrangement. In particular, to a fuel delivery arrangement having a vapour recovery arrangement.

Fuel for use in vehicles, such as diesel or petrol, is typically transported by large tankers to a fuel station, where it is then discharged from the tanker into an underground storage tank and then pumped from the underground storage tank into a vehicle by a consumer. Some fuels, including petrol, contain high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are vaporised during transfer of the fuel, for example, into a storage tank or vehicle. Furthermore, the transfer of fuel into a storage tank displaces the gas in the headspace of the tank and forces it out of the tank. The vapours are environmentally hazardous and toxic and it is required by law in many countries to recover the vapours of certain fuels, including petrol, during the transfer of the fuel. Furthermore, it is economically beneficial to recover the vapours as they can be condensed and sold as fuel.

Fuel tankers typically recover vapours from the fuel when it is being delivered to a storage tank via passive vapour recovery. Passive vapour recovery occurs when fuel is disposed into a storage tank through a fuel delivery hose and the vapour in the headspace of the tank is displaced and forced up through a separate hose for vapour recovery back into the fuel tanker. This process is known as Stage I vapour recovery. This system requires a tight seal between the both the fuel delivery hose and the storage tank and the vapour recovery hose and the storage tank and is therefore not ideal for transfer of fuel into a vehicle’s fuel tank, or other such tank, where there is no such seal between the fuel delivery nozzle and the fuel tank. Stage II vapour recovery occurs during transfer of the fuel from the storage tank to a vehicle’s fuel tank. Typically, fuel pumps at a fuel station are fitted with a vacuum pump and the hose for transferring the fuel is a coaxial hose, having a central hose line for drawing the vapours from the vehicle tank back into the storage tank.

There is an emerging market for the transport of fuels to parked vehicles, for example, at the vehicle owner’s home or workplace. Such an operation obviates the requirement for the vehicle’s owner to travel to a fuel station and is particularly useful in heavily congested cities where it is often a time-consuming inconvenience to travel to a fuel station. Ideally, the fuel delivery vehicle should be small and easily manoeuvrable to enable easy travel through a congested city. Further, for the safe transport of petrol from a mobile fuel tank to a consumer’s vehicle, it would be necessary to fit a vapour recovery apparatus to the fuel delivery vehicle. Additionally, consideration must be given to the placement of electronic components such as electromechanical relays which have the capacity to generate a spark and therefore represent a fire risk. There is therefore a requirement for a fuel delivery arrangement with a safe and effective vapour recovery arrangement.

It is an object of the present invention to mitigate the above-mentioned disadvantages and provide a fuel delivery arrangement.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a fuel delivery arrangement with a vapour recovery apparatus.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a fuel delivery arrangement with improved fire safety.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a fuel delivery arrangement with improved environmental safety.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a fuel delivery arrangement with improved features for retaining VOCs.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a fuel delivery arrangement to be fitted on or within a vehicle, chassis, tank trailer or mobile platform for mobile fuel delivery comprising a fuel storage tank, a fuel delivery means, and a vapour recovery means, the vapour recovery means comprising a vacuum pump, the vacuum pump being electrically powered and operable for active vapour recovery.

By fuel, we mean a combustible substance, most preferably, a liquid combustible substance.

Advantageously, the vapour recovery means enables the fuel delivery arrangement to be used for the safe, legal and economic delivery of high-vapour fuels such as petrol.

Ideally, the fuel delivery arrangement is suitable to be used for the delivery of petrol or other constituent components of petrol such as benzene, toluene or xylene, or other VOCs and mixtures thereof.

Ideally, the fuel delivery arrangement is suitable to be used for the delivery of petrol or other constituent components of petrol such as benzene, toluene or xylene, or other VOCs and mixtures thereof and recover vapours therefrom during transfer of the fuel.

Preferably, the vacuum pump is capable of being powered directly by a battery.

Preferably, the vacuum pump is capable of being powered directly by a plurality of batteries. By directly powered we mean without use of an inverter.

Ideally, the vacuum pump is capable of being powered directly by an automotive battery.

Ideally, the vacuum pump is capable of being powered directly by a plurality of automotive batteries. Ideally, the fuel delivery arrangement can be fitted into or onto a vehicle, chassis, tank trailer or mobile platform at the point of manufacture of the vehicle, chassis, tank trailer or mobile platform or retrofitted into or onto a vehicle, chassis, tank trailer or mobile platform.

Advantageously, the fuel delivery arrangement can fit within a multi-purpose vehicle such as a van. This makes it ideal to be fitted within small, manoeuvrable vehicles that can easily navigate congested cities. Alternatively, the fuel delivery arrangement can be fitted on the chassis of a truck or a tank trailer. This enables a greater capacity of fuel to be delivered using Stage II vapour recovery where manoeuvrability is not a necessity.

In one embodiment, the fuel delivery arrangement can be fitted on the open cargo area of a light duty truck.

Preferably, the fuel delivery means comprises a fuel pump, a fuel suction line and/or a fuel delivery line.

Ideally, the fuel pump can be operated to draw fuel from the fuel storage tank through the fuel suction line and through the fuel delivery line.

Preferably, the fuel storage tank has a capacity equal to or greater than 100 litres.

Ideally, the fuel storage tank has a capacity equal to or greater than 200 litres.

In one embodiment, the fuel storage tank has a capacity of 300 litres.

Advantageously, the fuel storage tank can be fitted within a multi-purpose vehicle such as a van.

Preferably, the fuel storage tank has a capacity of equal to or greater than 300 litres.

Ideally, the fuel storage tank has a capacity of equal to or less than 50,000 litres.

Ideally, the fuel storage tank has a capacity of equal to or less than 45,000 litres.

In another embodiment the fuel storage tank has a capacity of 42,000 litres.

Advantageously, this enables the safe, legal and economic delivery of large quantities of fuel whilst utilising mobile Stage II vapour recovery.

Ideally, the fuel storage tank has a capacity of less than 42,000 litres.

Preferably, the fuel suction line is connected to the fuel pump.

Ideally, the fuel suction line is situated at least partially within the fuel storage tank.

Preferably, the fuel delivery line is connected to the fuel pump.

In an alternative arrangement, the fuel pump is submersed in the tank.

Ideally, the vapour recovery means comprises a vapour recovery line.

Preferably, the vapour recovery means comprises a vapour/condensed-fuel return line for returning vapour and/or condensed fuel from the vapour recovery line and/or the vacuum pump to the fuel storage tank.

Ideally, the vapour/condensed-fuel return line extending from the vacuum pump to the fuel storage tank. Preferably, the vacuum pump can be operated to draw vapour and/or liquid along the vapour recovery line.

Preferably, the vacuum pump can be operated to force vapour and/or liquid along the vapour/condensed-fuel return line.

Ideally, the vacuum pump can be operated to force vapour and/or liquid located within the vapour recovery line and/or the vapour/condensed-fuel return line into the fuel storage tank.

Advantageously, the vapour recovery means does not require a separate storage vessel for condensed fuel. Condensed fuel can be returned directly to the fuel storage tank.

Ideally, the vacuum pump is situated above the fuel storage tank.

Preferably, the vapour/condensed-fuel return line is downwardly depending from the vacuum pump to the fuel storage tank.

Advantageously, the condensed fuel is drawn by gravity into the fuel storage tank.

In one embodiment, the vacuum pump comprises an input voltage equal to or less than that of the powering battery.

Preferably, the vacuum pump comprises an input voltage of equal to or less than 375 volts.

Preferably, the vacuum pump comprises an input voltage of equal to or less than 250 volts.

Ideally, the vacuum pump comprises an input voltage of equal to or less than 200 volts. Preferably, the vacuum pump comprises an input voltage of equal to or less than 150 volts.

Ideally, the vacuum pump comprises an input voltage of equal to or less than 100 volts. Preferably, the vacuum pump comprises an input voltage of equal to or less than 80 volts.

Preferably, the vacuum pump comprises an input voltage of equal to or less than 50 volts.

Ideally, the vacuum pump comprises an input voltage of equal to or less than 24 volts. Preferably, the vacuum pump comprises an input voltage of equal to or less than 18 volts.

Ideally, the vacuum pump comprises an input voltage of equal to or less than 12 volts. Advantageously, use of a vacuum pump having an input voltage equal to or less than the output voltage of the powering battery does not require a generator or an inverter and does not drain the power of the battery.

Ideally, the fuel delivery arrangement comprises an air eliminatorfor eliminating airfrom the fuel delivery line.

Preferably, the air eliminator is situated on the fuel delivery line. Ideally, the fuel delivery arrangement comprises an air eliminator return line for returning substances eliminated by the air eliminator to the fuel storage tank.

Preferably, the air eliminator is operable where the fuel storage tank empties and air enters the fuel delivery line.

Ideally, the air eliminator is only operable where the fuel storage tank empties and air enters the fuel delivery line.

Ideally, the fuel delivery arrangement comprises a meter for determining the quantity of fuel that is being delivered.

Ideally, the meter is situated on the fuel delivery line.

Ideally, the meter has a meter chamber having a flow sensor for measuring the amount of fuel passing therethrough and an output means for indicating the amount of measured fuel.

Preferably, the meter has a meter chamber with the flow sensor comprising a number of pistons connected to a shaft, most preferably a cam shaft for converting reciprocating motion into rotating motion.

Ideally, the meter output means comprises a spindle for rotating as the fuel flows through the meter for indicating the amount of fuel which is passing therethrough.

Ideally, the shaft is operably coupled to the spindle to measure and /or display how many liters of fuel are passing through the meter.

Preferably, the fuel delivery arrangement comprises a valve for preventing or permitting the passage of fuel through the fuel delivery line.

Ideally, the valve is situated on the fuel delivery line.

Ideally, the valve is a solenoid valve.

Preferably, the is a solenoid isolating valve.

Preferably, the fuel delivery arrangement comprises a fuel delivery hose.

Ideally, the fuel delivery line extending through the fuel delivery hose.

Ideally, the fuel delivery hose terminating in a fuel delivery nozzle.

Preferably, the fuel delivery hose terminating in a fuel delivery nozzle sized for insertion into a fuel tank of a vehicle.

In one embodiment, the vapour recovery line extends through the fuel delivery hose.

Advantageously, vapour is recovered through the fuel delivery hose and a separate hose is not required for vapour recovery.

Preferably, both the fuel delivery line and the vapour recovery line are located within the fuel delivery hose as a co-axial hose.

Preferably, the fuel delivery arrangement comprises a hose storage means.

Ideally, the fuel delivery arrangement comprises a hose reel.

Ideally, the hose storage means comprises a hose reel. Preferably, the fuel delivery hose can be reeled by the hose reel.

Advantageously, the fuel delivery hose can be simply unwound from the hose reel to deliver fuel at a distance from the fuel storage tank. The fuel delivery hose can also simply be wound around the hose reel during storage.

Preferably, both the fuel delivery line and the vapour recovery line are located within the fuel delivery hose as a co-axial hose on a hose reel.

Preferably, the vapour recovery line is co-axial with the fuel delivery line within the fuel delivery hose.

Preferably, the vapour recovery line is co-axial with the fuel delivery line within the fuel delivery hose on a hose reel.

Advantageously, this improves storage of the fuel delivery hose.

Ideally, the fuel delivery arrangement comprises a co-axial adaptor for adjoining the fuel delivery line with the vapour recovery line.

Preferably, the co-axial adapter has a port for the fuel delivery line.

Ideally, the co-axial adapter has a port for the vapour recovery line.

Preferably, the co-axial adapter has a port for the fuel delivery hose.

Ideally, the co-axial adapter has a port for the co-axial fuel delivery hose.

Ideally, the co-axial adapter is mounted on the hose reel.

Ideally, the diameter of the port for the fuel delivery hose and the diameter of the port for the fuel delivery line are of a similar size.

Preferably, the diameter of the port for the fuel delivery hose and the diameter of the port for the fuel delivery line are in a range of 2cm to 3cm.

Most preferably, the diameter of the port for the fuel delivery hose and the diameter of the port for the fuel delivery line are 2.54 cm being a 1 inch British Standard Pipe part.

Preferably, the diameter of the port for the vapour recovery line is in a range of 0.3cm to 0.9cm.

Most preferably, the diameter of the port for the vapour recovery line is 0.63 cm being a ¼ inch British Standard Pipe part. Please note all sizes and types are exemplary only and the invention is no way limited to these sizes or fitting types. Preferably, the fuel delivery hose having a length of at least 10 metres.

Preferably, the fuel delivery hose having a length of at least 20 metres.

Preferably, the fuel delivery hose having a length of at least 30 metres.

Preferably, the fuel delivery hose having a length of at least 40 metres.

Preferably, the fuel delivery hose having a length of at least 50 metres.

Preferably, the fuel delivery hose having a length of at least 60 metres.

Advantageously, this enables an operator to deliver a fuel at a distance of at least 60 metres from the fuel storage tank. Ideally, the fuel delivery nozzle comprises a delivery nozzle valve.

Ideally, the fuel delivery nozzle comprises a lever for operating the delivery nozzle valve.

Preferably, the fuel delivery arrangement comprises a central control means for controlling operation of at least some of the component parts of the fuel delivery arrangement.

Ideally, the central control means is operable to control the fuel pump, air eliminator, meter, vacuum pump and/or valve.

Preferably, the central control means comprises at least one solid-state relay.

Advantageously, use of a solid-state relay in place of an electromechanical relay reduces explosion risk as there are no moving parts in a solid-state relay. In traditional fuel tankers the relay is located within the cab of the tanker or in another location away from the build-up of VOCs. However, use of a solid-state relay means that the central control means can be positioned adjacent to the fuel storage tank and it is not required to be installed at a distance to the fuel storage tank, thereby reducing the overall complexity of the fuel delivery arrangement.

Preferably, the central control means comprises an electronic register.

Ideally, the central control means comprises an electronic register head.

In one specific embodiment, a TCS 3000 register is suitable.

Preferably, the central control means comprises a programmable control means.

Ideally, the programmable control means comprises a Programmable Logic Controller

(PLC).

Ideally, the central control means controls switching on/off of component parts of the fuel delivery arrangement via the at least one solid-state relay.

Preferably, the central control means controls switching on/off of the fuel pump, air eliminator, meter, vacuum pump and/or valve via the at least one solid-state relay.

Preferably, the central control means comprises no moving parts.

Advantageously, this reduces the risk of a spark occurring during operation of the fuel delivery arrangement, thereby reducing the risk of fire.

Ideally, the central control means is electrically connected to the fuel pump, air eliminator, meter, vacuum pump and/or valve.

Preferably, the central control means is connectable to an electronic circuit of a vehicle, chassis, tank trailer or mobile platform.

Preferably, the central control means is connectable to an electronic circuit of a vehicle, chassis, tank trailer or mobile platform via a wire-harness.

Preferably, the central control means is connectable to an electronic circuit of a vehicle, chassis, tank trailer or mobile platform via a single plug-in point. Advantageously, this simplifies installation of the fuel delivery arrangement into an existing vehicle.

In one embodiment, the fuel delivery arrangement comprising a support platform.

Preferably, the fuel storage tank, fuel pump, fuel suction line, fuel delivery line, vacuum pump, vapour recovery line, vapour/condensed-fuel return line, fuel delivery hose, fuel delivery nozzle, air eliminator, meter, valve, hose reel and/or the central control means are supported at least partially on the support platform.

Preferably, the fuel storage tank, fuel pump, fuel suction line, fuel delivery line, vacuum pump, vapour recovery line, vapour/condensed-fuel return line, fuel delivery hose, fuel delivery nozzle, air eliminator, meter, valve, hose reel and/or the central control means are supported on the support platform.

Ideally, the fuel delivery arrangement can be positioned by moving the support platform.

Preferably, the support platform being sized to fit within a vehicle or set on a chassis or mobile platform or tank trailer.

Ideally, the support platform having a base with an area for supporting component parts of the fuel delivery arrangement.

Ideally, the support platform can be lifted and inserted into or onto a vehicle, chassis, tank trailer or mobile platform.

Preferably, the support platform comprising means for attaching to a vehicle, chassis, tank trailer or mobile platform.

Ideally, the means for attaching to a vehicle, chassis, tank trailer or mobile platform comprising hooks, latches, cables or other suitable means for attaching.

Preferably, the fuel delivery arrangement is compatible with Stage I vapour recovery.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a fuel delivery arrangement to be fitted on or within a vehicle, chassis, tank trailer or mobile platform for mobile fuel delivery comprising a fuel storage tank, a fuel delivery means, and a central control means for controlling operation of at least some of the component parts of the fuel delivery arrangement, the central control means comprising at least one solid-state relay.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle, chassis, tank trailer or mobile platform for mobile fuel delivery comprising a fuel storage tank, a fuel delivery means, and a vapour recovery means, the vapour recovery means comprising a vacuum pump, the vacuum pump being electrically powered and operable for active vapour recovery.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle, chassis, tank trailer or mobile platform for mobile fuel delivery comprising a fuel storage tank, a fuel delivery means, and a central control means for controlling operation of at least some of the component parts of the fuel delivery arrangement, the central control means comprising at least one solid- state relay.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing a fuel delivery arrangement into or onto a vehicle, chassis, tank trailer or mobile platform for mobile fuel delivery, the fuel delivery arrangement comprising a fuel storage tank, a fuel delivery means, and a vapour recovery means, the vapour recovery means comprising a vacuum pump, the vacuum pump being electrically powered and operable for active vapour recovery, the method comprising the steps of factory fitting or retrofitting the fuel delivery arrangement.

Ideally, the method comprises installing the fuel storage tank.

Preferably, the method comprises installing the fuel suction line extending from the fuel storage tank.

Preferably, the method comprises installing the fuel pump.

Ideally, the method comprises attaching the fuel suction line to the fuel pump.

Ideally, the method comprises installing the fuel delivery line.

Preferably, the fuel delivery line extending from the fuel pump.

Ideally, the method comprises installing an air eliminator.

Preferably, the method comprises installing the air eliminator on the fuel delivery line.

Preferably, the method comprises installing a meter.

Ideally, the method comprises installing the air eliminator on the fuel delivery line.

Preferably, the method comprises installing the air eliminator return line.

Ideally, the method comprises installing a valve on the fuel delivery line.

Preferably, the method comprises installing the vacuum pump.

Ideally, the method comprises installing the vacuum pump above the location of the fuel storage tank.

Ideally, the method comprises installing a vapour/condensed-fuel return line for returning vapour and/or condensed fuel from the vacuum pump to the fuel storage tank.

Preferably, the method comprises installing the vapour/condensed-fuel return line extending from the vacuum pump to the fuel storage tank.

Ideally, the method comprises installing a vapour recovery line.

Ideally, the method comprises installing the vapour recovery line extending from the vacuum pump.

In one embodiment, the method comprises adjoining the vapour recovery line and the fuel delivery line. Ideally, the method comprises adjoining the vapour recovery line and the fuel delivery line via a co-axial adaptor.

Preferably, the method comprises installing a fuel delivery hose.

Ideally, the method comprises installing a coaxial fuel delivery hose.

Preferably, the method comprises installing a hose reel for the fuel delivery hose.

Ideally, the method comprises installing a central control means.

Preferably, the method comprises installing a central control means comprising at least one solid-state relay.

Ideally, the method comprises connecting the central control means to an electronic circuit of the vehicle.

Ideally, the method comprises connecting the central control means to an electronic circuit of the vehicle via a wire-harness.

Ideally, the method comprises connecting the central control means to an electronic circuit of the vehicle via a single plug-in point.

Preferably, the method comprises installing the support platform.

Ideally, the method comprises operating the means for attaching to a vehicle.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing a fuel delivery arrangement into or onto a vehicle, chassis, tank trailer or mobile platform for mobile fuel delivery, the fuel delivery arrangement comprising a fuel storage tank, a fuel delivery means, and a central control means for controlling operation of at least some of the component parts of the fuel delivery arrangement, the central control means comprising at least one solid-state relay, the method comprising the steps of factory fitting the fuel delivery arrangement.

It will be appreciated that optional features applicable to one aspect of the invention can be used in any combination, and in any number. Moreover, they can also be used with any of the other aspects of the invention in any combination and in any number. This includes, but is not limited to, the dependent claims from any claim is used as dependent claims for any other claim in the claims of this application.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which shows by way of example one embodiment of a fuel delivery arrangement in accordance with the invention. In the drawings: -

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a fuel delivery arrangement according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of a hose reel and co-axial adapter; and Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the control system

In Figure 1 there is shown a fuel delivery arrangement indicated generally by reference numeral 1. The fuel delivery arrangement 1 can be fitted on or within a vehicle or mobile platform for mobile fuel delivery. The fuel delivery arrangement 1 has a fuel storage tank 2 with a capacity of 4,500 litres, a fuel pump 3, a fuel suction line 4, and a fuel delivery line 5. The fuel storage tank 2 has a bottom fill connector 19 suitable for stage 2 vapour recovery where the fuel storage tank 2 is filled at a service terminal and the vapour is recovered from the tank 2 at the same service terminal. The fuel delivery arrangement further has a vapour recovery arrangement 6 having an electrically-powered vacuum pump 7 with an input voltage of 12 volts. The fuel pump 3 can be operated to draw fuel from the fuel storage tank 2 through the fuel suction line 4 and through the fuel delivery line 5. One end of the fuel suction line 4 is situated within the fuel storage tank 2 and the other end is connected to the fuel pump 3. The fuel delivery line 5 is also connected to the fuel pump 3 and extends from the fuel pump 3.

The vapour recovery arrangement 6 has a vapour recovery line 8 and a vapour/condensed fuel return line 9 for returning vapour and condensed fuel from the vacuum pump 7 to the fuel storage tank 2. The vapour/condensed-fuel return line 9 extends from the vacuum pump 7 to the fuel storage tank 2. The vacuum pump 7 is situated above the fuel storage tank 2 and this allows condensed fuel to be drawn by gravity into the fuel storage tank 2. The fuel delivery arrangement 1 has an air eliminator 10 positioned on the fuel delivery line 5 for eliminating air from the fuel delivery line 5 and an air eliminator return line 20 which extends from the air eliminator 10 to the fuel storage tank 2. The fuel delivery arrangement 5 further has a meter 1 1 positioned on the fuel delivery line 5 for determining the quantity of fuel that is delivered. The meter 1 1 has a meter chamber comprising a number of pistons connected to a cam shaft for converting reciprocating motion into rotating motion for driving a spindle to record how many litres of fuel are passing through the meter. The fuel delivery arrangement 1 further involves a solenoid isolating valve 17 positioned on the fuel delivery line 5 for controlling the flow of fuel through the fuel delivery line 5.

The fuel delivery arrangement 1 further has a co-axial fuel delivery hose 12 which terminates in a fuel delivery nozzle 13 which can be inserted into a fuel tank of a vehicle. The fuel delivery nozzle has a controlled proportional delivery nozzle valve (not shown) to control the vapour volume proportional to the discharged fuel volume. Both parts of the fuel delivery line 5 and the vapour recovery line 8 are contained within the fuel delivery hose 12. The vapour recovery line 8 is co-axial with the fuel delivery line 5 within the fuel delivery hose 12 and are adjoined by a coaxial adaptor 14, with the vapour recovery line 8 being positioned centrally within the fuel delivery line 5. Both the vapour recovery line 8 and the fuel delivery line 5 extend coaxially from the coaxial adaptor 14 to the fuel delivery nozzle 13. The fuel delivery arrangement 1 further has a hose reel 15 for reeling and containing the fuel delivery hose 12. The fuel delivery hose 12 has a length of 14 metres.

The fuel delivery arrangement 1 is positioned on a support platform 30 and is movable relative to the vehicle 18 on the support platform 30. The support platform 30 being sized to fit within the vehicle 18 or set on a chassis 18 or mobile platform 18 or tank trailer 18. The support platform 30 having a base with an area for supporting component parts of the fuel delivery arrangement 1. The support platform 30 can be lifted and inserted into or onto a vehicle 18, chassis 18, tank trailer 18 or mobile platform 18. The support platform 30 has an arrangement 31 for attaching to a vehicle 18, chassis 18, tank trailer 18 or mobile platform 18. The arrangement 31 can be any of or any combination of rollers in tracks, sliding channels, telescopic members or any mechanical components where one member is fixed to the vehicle 18, chassis 18, tank trailer 18 or mobile platform 18 and the mating member is mounted on the platform 30. A drive arrangement can be coupled between the movable members and the vehicle 18, chassis 18, tank trailer 18 or mobile platform 18 to move the platform 30 relative to the vehicle 18, chassis 18, tank trailer 18 or mobile platform 18 for servicing and/or access.

Referring now to Figure 2 there is show a hose reel 15 with a co-axial adaptor 21 for adjoining the fuel delivery line 5 with the vapour recovery line 8. The co-axial adapter 21 has a port 22 for the fuel delivery line 5. The co-axial adapter 21 has a port 23 for the vapour recovery line 8. The co-axial adapter 21 also has a port 24 for the co-axial fuel delivery hose 12. The co-axial adapter 21 is mechanically mounted on the hose reel 15 via mechanical fixings such as brackets, screws or nuts and bolts or indeed welded. The diameter of the port 24 for the fuel delivery hose 12 and the diameter of the port 22 for the fuel delivery line 5 are of a similar size. The diameter of the port 24 for the fuel delivery hose 12 and the diameter of the port 22 for the fuel delivery line 5 are in a range of 2cm to 3cm and most preferably 2.54 cm being a 1 -inch British Standard Pipe part. The diameter of the port 23 for the vapour recovery line 8 is in a range of 0.3cm to 0.9cm and most preferably 0.63 cm being a ¼ inch British Standard Pipe part.

Referring to the drawings and now to Figure 3 there is shown a schematic of the central control system 16 for controlling the dispensing of fuel using the fuel delivery arrangement of Figures 1 and 2. The fuel delivery arrangement 1 has central control arrangement 16 electrically/electronically connected to, and controlling the operation of, the fuel pump 3, air eliminator 10, meter 1 1 , vacuum pump 7 and the solenoid valve 17. The central control arrangement 16 further has a series of solid state relays 46 that are operable to switch on/off power to the component parts of the fuel delivery arrangement 1. The central control arrangement 1 is connectable to an electronic circuit of a vehicle via a wire-harness 43. The central control arrangement 16 has an electronic register 41 for controlling the amount of litres of fuel to be dispensed and a PLC 42 for controlling the overall operation of the fuel delivery arrangement 1. The electronic register 41 and PLC 42 are operably coupled to an electronic circuit 53 of a vehicle and/or a battery 51 most preferably a vehicle battery 51 via a wire harness 43. The PLC 42 operably couples the vacuum pump 7 and the fuel pump 3 to the battery 51 via solid state relays. The PLC 42 is operably coupled to the air eliminator 10 and the solenoid isolating valve 17 directly and is capable of supplying the lower power required to operate these components directly. The fuel dispensing nozzle 13 is operably coupled to the PLC 42 and the meter 1 1 is operably coupled to the electronic register 41. Solid state relays 46 are used to control signals to the components.

In use, the fuel delivery arrangement 1 is fitted on a vehicle 18, chassis 18, tank trailer 18 or mobile platform 18 and the vehicle 18, chassis 18, tank trailer 18 or mobile platform 18 is taken to a fuel depot where a central fuel tank is located. The fuel storage tank 2 is filled with a fuel, such as petrol using a bottom filling connector 19 being compatible with vapour recovery stage 1 where the vapour in the fuel storage tank 2 is also recovered to the central fuel tank in the fuel depot as fuel storage tank 2 is filled up. The vehicle 18 is then driven to a location where a vehicle requiring a refill is located to distribute the fuel from the fuel storage tank 2 into the fuel tank of the vehicle to be serviced.

Initially, the user programmes in the amount of fuel that is to be dispensed into the electronic register 41 via a pinpad or other electronic/electromagnet means. This information is recorded in the memory of the electronic register 41. The user unreels the fuel delivery hose 12 from the reel 15 and places the free end of the nozzle 13 into the fuel tank inlet port of the vehicle to be refuelled. The user then pulls the trigger 34 which sends a signal to the PLC 42 that the system requires fuel. The PLC 42 switches the power onto the fuel pump 3 and simultaneously switches the power onto the vacuum pump 7. The PLC 42 also sends a signal to open the solenoid isolating valve 17. This results in fuel being drawn up through or fuel pumped through the fuel suction line 4 and through the fuel delivery line 5. One end of the fuel suction line 4 is situated within the fuel storage tank 2 and the other end is connected to the fuel pump 3. The fuel delivery 5 is also connected to the fuel pump 3 and extends from the fuel pump 3. The pumped fuel passes through the fuel meter 1 1 and as it passes the meter 1 1 measures the amount of fuel passed and sends this information to the electronic register 41. The pumped fuel passes through the solenoid isolating valve 17 and enters the co-axial adapter 21 mounted on the hose reel 15.

The vacuum pump 7 is operably coupled to the co-axial adapter 21 via vapour recovery line 8 and as the fuel is pumped into the fuel tank of the vehicle to be refuelled, the vacuum pump 7 simultaneously recovers the vapour from the vehicles tank via the co-axial hose 12 and vapour recovery line 8. As the fuel flows from the fuel storage tank 2 through the fuel delivery line 5 into the fuel tank of the vehicle to be refuelled, the meter 11 sends a signal to the electronic register 41 telling the electronic register 41 how much fuel has been dispensed. When the amount of fuel to be dispensed which was originally entered into the electronic register 41 by the user matches the amount of fuel measured by the meter 11 , then the electronic register 41 sends a signal to the PLC 42. The PLC 42 sends a signal to close the solenoid isolating valve 17 to prevent any unauthorised fuel being dispensed. Simultaneously, the PLC 42 switches the power to the fuel pump 3 and to the vacuum pump 7 off via the solid- state relays 46 and when the hose 12 has been reeled back onto the reel 15, this completes the refuelling process.

Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, instead of a coaxial fuel-delivery hose 12, the fuel delivery line 5 and the vapour recovery line 8 remaining as two distinct lines. In relation to the detailed description of the different embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that one or more technical features of one embodiment can be used in combination with one or more technical features of any other embodiment where the transferred use of the one or more technical features would be immediately apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art to carry out a similar function in a similar way on the other embodiment.

In the preceding discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of the values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of the parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of the alternatives, is itself preferred to the less preferred value and also to each value lying between the less preferred value and the intermediate value.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof as defined in the appended claims.