Claims:CLAIMS

We Claim:

[CLAIM 1] A method and an apparatus for dispensing LNG as fuel comprises:

a) Filling system consisting of:
i. Filling nozzle 129 is provided to fill LNG into storage cylinders of vehicles and connected with filling hose 127;
ii. Filling hose 127 is connected with breakaway coupling 125;
iii. Filling valve 114 is installed before breakaway coupling 125;
iv. Flow meter 131 records the flow of LNG during fuelling process;
v. Non return valves 115 and 116 prevents reveres flow in the system;
vi. Vent nozzle 130 releases vaporised gas from the storage cylinder of vehicles and connected with vent hose 128;
vii. Vent return check valve 116 is connected before breakaway coupling 126;
viii. Vent return valve 112 is installed in vent line;

b) Idle system consisting of:
i. The recirculation valve 111 is connected with filling line and recirculates the flow during no filling operation;
ii. Flow meter 131 does not record flow of LNG during idle system;
iii. Recirculating valve 111 close at the time of fuelling operation;

c) An input unit 143 is provided for entering valve and modified settings of said apparatus 100;

d) An output units 144,145 and 146 displays mass, price and rate of the mass respectively;

e) Atomization technique consisting of;
i. flow meter 131 transmits data to PLC controller to close the filling valve 114 to stop fuelling when set fuel quantity is achieved;
ii. Temperature transmitter 119 transfer temperature data measured by temperature element 118 to SCADA which allows the fuelling if the temperature is within the dispensing temperature range;
iii. programmable controller receives data concerning the state of LNG in the tank and the dispensing process and then controls elements of the whole dispensing system;
iv. the vapor sensor measures the amount of LNG fuel in gas form released from the cylinder tank during fuelling and subtracts it from the amount of LNG dispensed to keep an accurate count;

f) Vaporised gas from storage cylinder of vehicles is collected into storage tank.

[CLAIM 2] A method and an apparatus for dispensing LNG as fuel claimed in claim 1, wherein filling nozzle 129 is connected to the breakaway coupling 125 by means of fill hose 127.

[CLAIM 3] A method and an apparatus for dispensing LNG as fuel claimed in claim 1, wherein vent nozzle 130 is connected to the breakaway coupling 126 by means of vent hose 128.

[CLAIM 4] A method and an apparatus for dispensing LNG as fuel claimed in claim 1, wherein Vent line flow meter 132 measures accurate amount of gas passes through the said flow meter.

[CLAIM 5] A method and an apparatus for dispensing LNG as fuel claimed in claim 1, wherein Vent/return pressure transmitter 133 is provided to measure pressure in cryogenic fuel in the vent hose 128.

[CLAIM 6] A method and an apparatus for dispensing LNG as fuel claimed in claim 1, wherein an input unit 143 is in form of keypad, touch screen, etc.

[CLAIM 7] A method and an apparatus for dispensing LNG as fuel claimed in claim 1, wherein Start button 138 is able to start dispensing process and stop button 139 stops dispensing process.

[CLAIM 8] A method and an apparatus for dispensing LNG as fuel claimed in claim 1, wherein Temperature transmitter 119 transfer temperature data measured by temperature element 118 to SCADA which allows fuelling if the fluid temperature is within the dispensing temperature range.

[CLAIM 9] A method and an apparatus for dispensing LNG as fuel comprises a method wherein:
a. The vent return valve 112 is opened through solenoid valve 122 and pressure of fuel tank is sensed by vent pressure transmitter 133;
b. The gas vented from the vehicles fuel tank is recorded by the flow meter 132;
c. The vent return valve 112 will close at particular pressure;
d. The recirculation valve 111 circulates the flow to precool the flow meter;
e. The filling valve 114 will be opened to start dispensing LNG into the fuel tank;
f. The flow meter 131 will start recording the flow;
g. the pressure of fuel tank is monitored by pressure transmitter 120 during the fuelling process;
h. the flow meter transmitter 131 will signal the programmable logic control to close the filling valve 114 to stop fuelling as the set quantity of fuel is achieved by flow meter;
i. the fill hose 127 and vent hose 128 from vehicle’s fuel tank is removed.

[CLAIM 10] A method and an apparatus for dispensing LNG as fuel claimed in claim 9, wherein if the fuel tank pressure more than required pressure, the gas from the fuel tank of vehicle is vented to storage tank or BOG management through vent return valve 112, thereby reducing the pressure of the fuel tank of the vehicle.

[CLAIM 11] A method and an apparatus for dispensing LNG as fuel claimed in claim 9, wherein at the time of recirculation process the filling valve 114 will remain close.

[CLAIM 12] A method and an apparatus for dispensing LNG as fuel claimed in claim 9, wherein vent valve 113 will remain close during filling process.

[CLAIM 13] A method and an apparatus for dispensing LNG as fuel comprises safety system consisting of:
i. Breakaway couplings 125 and 126 prevents spillage of LNG during operation;
ii. Emergency button 140 breaks the circuit and removes power from the holding relay that keeps the circuit energized;
iii. Static grounding system to eliminate the static charge generation or any other emergency conditions;
iv. Isolation needle valve 134 protects delicate gauges from damage caused by sudden pressure surges of cryogenic fuel;
v. The high-pressure alarm PAHH on pressure transmitter 120 closes fill valve 114 at set desired maximum pressure;
vi. Fire sensor stops dispensing process by detecting smoke or heat around an apparatus;
vii. having explosion junction box and intrinsic safe instruments and controller to restrict any explosion during dispensing process;

[CLAIM 14] A method and an apparatus for dispensing LNG as fuel claimed in claim 1 and 9, wherein dispensing system is fully automated easy, reliable and safe to operate.

[CLAIM 15] A method and an apparatus for dispensing LNG as fuel claimed in claim 1 and 9, wherein an apparatus having a control system remains at idle condition while minimising or possibly eliminating discharging of LNG from main storage tank.

[CLAIM 16] A method and an apparatus for dispensing LNG as fuel claimed in claim 1 and 9, wherein an apparatus having programmable controller that receives data concerning the state of LNG in the tank and the dispensing process and then controls elements of the whole dispensing system.

[CLAIM 17] A method and an apparatus for dispensing LNG as fuel claimed in claim 1 and 9, wherein the system enable to dispense only homogeneous mixture of fuel at required pressure and temperature to the fuel tank of the vehicle.

[CLAIM 18] A method and an apparatus for dispensing LNG as fuel claimed in claim 1 and 9, wherein an apparatus having all the required safety measures like emergency stop button to breaks the circuit and removes power from the holding relay that keeps the circuit energized, overpressure protection, static grounding system to eliminate the static charge generation, or any other emergency conditions like spillage detection gas detection or flame detection.

[CLAIM 19] A method and an apparatus for dispensing LNG as fuel claimed in claim 1 and 9, wherein an apparatus has a micro meter flow meter is achieved accuracy of +/- 1%.

[CLAIM 20] A method and an apparatus for dispensing LNG as fuel claimed, wherein an apparatus includes two numbers of coriolis mass flow meter in filling as well as in return line to give the most accurate measurement of liquid being dispensed.
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to the storage and dispensing of cryogenic fuels used to propel the engine. More particularly, this invention is concerned with an apparatus and method for dispensing liquefied cryogenic fuels such as liquefied natural gas [LNG] i.e. methane, as a fuel for engine in heavy duty vehicle such as buses trucks, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Due to the increased costs of fuel, fuels such as gasoline and diesel fuel, as the energy source for engines in automobiles, trucks, buses, boats, ships, aircraft, tractors and off-the-road construction equipment such as cranes, earth movers and bulldozers, all of which are considered to be vehicles for the purpose of this invention, there has been increased interest in using natural gas and other cryogenic fuels to fuel such engines. Also, in many areas of the world natural gas is abundantly available while petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel fuel are very scarce and expensive. Additionally, engines fuelled with cryogenic fuels such as methane or hydrogen generally produce combustion products which have a much lower polluting effect than do gasoline and diesel fuel. It has been previously proposed to store a cryogenic fuel, such as liquefied natural gas, in an insulated fuel tank at a saturated thermodynamic state wherein the fuel is in equilibrium with the vapour.

Interest in the use of fuel methane, commonly referred to as liquefied natural gas or LNG, as a motor vehicle fuel has increased dramatically in recent years. Entire fleets of government and industry vehicles have successfully been converted to natural gas, and some privately-owned vehicles have been convened as well. Congress recently passed an energy bill which would require further increased use of alternative fuels in government and private fleets.

Fuel gases and volatile fuels, such as propane, butane, and mixtures thereof or including one or both are being marketed extensively for-use as motor and domestic fuels. The volatile fuels are stored above-ground or in suitable storage tanks from which they are transferred to fuel tanks or containers. In metering and dispensing volatile fuels and liquefied gases in the fuel state, considerable duplicity is sometimes experienced in determining the true volume of fuel dispensed. The piping and dispensing equipment are often sub- Jested to atmospheric temperature conditions and may attain temperatures higher than that prevailing in the storage tank. The fuel being dispensed tends to partially vaporize when subjected to the increased temperature and the volume of fuel dispensed is thereby increased.

Several factors have influenced this increasing interest in natural gas as a motor vehicle fuel. LNG is relatively inexpensive. It also burns very cleanly, making it much easier for fleets to meet more restrictive pollution emission standards. However, handling LNG remains a significant problem.

There exists a number of methods for filling cryogenic fuel cylinders from a stand tank. Most such methods incur filling losses in the range of 25-50% of what ultimately ends up in the cylinder. Because of this, the overall efficiency of such industrial gas distribution centres is typically between 80-95% which means that out of every 100 pounds delivered to the stand tank only 80-95 pounds gets sold to customers. Furthermore, to obtain even this efficiency requires that in some systems the filling operator be somewhat skilled and pay close attention to the filling operation.

A number of prior art systems have attempted to deal with these large filling losses. These systems include recirculating systems to prevent loss of flashed vapor, top filling the cylinder with pumps and pump aided pressure transfer systems. None of these is entire satisfactory.

An LNG fuelling facility typically includes a massive LNG storage tank and a dispensing system. The dispensing system usually relies on a pump to deliver LNG from the massive storage tank to the vehicle. LNG is preferably kept in a saturated state in the massive storage tank and as it is pumped through the dispensing system. Otherwise, heterogeneous phase methane is dispensed into a vehicle, which is undesirable. First, a vehicle's tank is only partially filled with usable fuel, reducing the range of the vehicle. The time between vehicle refuelling falls and this places an increased burden on the limited capacity of an LNG fuelling facility to service a fleet. Second, obtaining an accurate measure of the amount of LNG actually dispensed into a vehicle's tank is not possible using conventional mass flow meters. The LNG fuelling facility therefore cannot accurately charge for the LNG dispensed, which is especially important for facilities intended to service multiple fleets or individual consumers.

In recent years great efforts have been made to find a cheap and reliable domestic energy alternative to oil. One such alternative fuel is natural gas which is domestically available, plentiful and relatively inexpensive and environmentally safe as compared to oil. Because one of the largest uses for oil is as a fuel for motor vehicles, great strides have been made to develop engines which run on alternative fuels such as natural gas.

Specially trained operators are usually required to maintain the facility and to dispense the LNG. Having to employ specially trained operators to handle the LNG and cryogenic fuels not only makes LNG fuelling stations more costly, it also makes them generally less appealing to fleet operators and particularly unappealing to average drivers who service their own automobiles. However, even specially trained operators are sometimes unable to properly condition the tank.

Moreover, LNG is an extremely volatile substance that is greatly affected by changes in pressure and temperature. As a result, the fuelling station must be able to accommodate fluctuations in pressure and temperature and transitions between the fuel and gas states. Further, the fuelling station must be able to deliver LNG to vehicle fuel systems which are under various pressure and temperature conditions. Optimally, the fuelling station should be able to meet these conditions without wastefully venting LNG to the atmosphere, i.e. the fuelling station should result in no loss of LNG or natural gas. Thus, a no loss LNG fuelling station that can efficiently deliver LNG through a range of temperatures and pressures is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
The principal object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for dispensing cold or saturated LNG fuel to the storage cylinders of the vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to control the dispensing process to order to allow untrained person to more safely dispense cold or saturated LNG.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having a control system remains at idle condition while minimising or possibly eliminating discharging of LNG from main storage tank.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having controlled dispensing system which controls the flow rate of dispensed LNG to enables to compute accurate the mass flow rate.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having programmable controller that receives data concerning the state of LNG in the tank and the dispensing process and then controls elements of the whole dispensing system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which enable the system to dispense only homogeneous mixture of fuel at required pressure and temperature to the fuel tank of the vehicle.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an apparatus maintains an accurate count; the vapour sensor measures the amount of LNG in gas form released from the cylinder tank during fuelling and subtracts it from the amount of LNG dispensed to keep an accurate count.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having all the required safety measures like emergency stop button to breaks the circuit and removes power from the holding relay that keeps the circuit energized, overpressure protection, static grounding system to eliminate the static charge generation, or any other emergency conditions like spillage detection gas detection or flame detection.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an apparatus wherein communication interface for data extraction through Modbus. Modbus enables communication among many devises connected to the controller of an apparatus.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an apparatus equipped with breakaway coupling with minimal discharge on unintended disconnection and also equipped with quick, safe and reliable connection or disconnection of fill and vent nozzle.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an apparatus has a micro meter flow meter is achieved accuracy of +/- 1%.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having explosion junction box and intrinsic safe instruments and controller to restrict any explosion during dispensing process.

More embodiments, advantages and function of the present invention is described further.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
The objects, features and advantages of the invention will best be understood from the following description of various embodiments thereof, selected for purposes of illustration, and shown in the accompanying figures.

Figure 1. illustrate symmetric diagram of an apparatus for dispensing cryogenic fuel.
Figure 2. illustrate main component of an apparatus by showing front view.
Figure 3. discloses right hand side view of an apparatus.
Figure 4. discloses top view of an apparatus.
Figure 5. discloses main component of an apparatus by providing cross sectional view of an apparatus for dispensing cryogenic fuel.
Figure 6. discloses exploded view of piping arrangement of an apparatus.
Figure 7. discloses main frame on which piping arrangement is fixed.
Figure 8. discloses another side view of piping arrangement of an apparatus.
Figure 9. discloses piping assembly are insulated to protect against heat addition to the system.
Figure 10. discloses process flow chart of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
The principal embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for dispensing cold or saturated LNG fuel to the storage cylinders of the vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to control the dispensing process to order to allow untrained person to more safely dispense cold or saturated LNG.

One of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having a control system remains at idle condition while minimising or possibly eliminating discharging of LNG from main storage tank. Idle condition of LNG defines as the flow is circulated between main storage tank and an apparatus. LNG passes through the inlet valve and enters to the dispenser. While the dispenser is in idle condition, the flow is re-circulated back to the storage tank through recirculation valve. This is ensured that flow meter is precooled before starting dispensing operation. Moreover, at the time of recirculation process the fill valve will remain close until the dispensing starts. Also, the flow meter will not record any reading during recirculation process.

One of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an apparatus is suitable for filling fuel more preferably liquefied natural gas. The word cold cryogenic fuel refers as a liquefied natural gas which is at its fuel state and having temperature around -126.250C.

One of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having controlled dispensing system which controls the flow rate of dispensed LNG which enables to compute accurate the mass flow rate.

One of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having programmable controller that receives data concerning the state of LNG in the tank and the dispensing process and then controls elements of the whole dispensing system.

Another embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which enable the system to dispense only homogeneous mixture of fuel at required pressure and temperature to the fuel tank of the vehicle.

One of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an apparatus maintains an accurate count; the vapor sensor measures the amount of LNG in gas form released from the cylinder tank during fuelling and subtracts it from the amount of LNG dispensed to keep an accurate count.

One of the embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having all the required safety measures like emergency stop button to breaks the circuit and removes power from the holding relay that keeps the circuit energized, overpressure protection, static grounding system to eliminate the static charge generation, or any other emergency conditions like spillage detection gas detection or flame detection.

One of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an apparatus wherein communication interface for data extraction through Modbus. Modbus enables communication among many devises connected to the controller of an apparatus.

One of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an apparatus equipped with breakaway coupling with minimal discharge on unintended disconnection and also equipped with quick, safe and reliable connection or disconnection of fill and vent nozzle.

One of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an apparatus has a micro meter flow meter is achieved accuracy of +/- 1%.

One of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having explosion proof junction box and intrinsic safe instrument and controller to restrict any explosion during dispensing process.

The objects, features and advantages of the invention will best be understood from the following description of various embodiments thereof, selected for purposes of illustration, and shown in the accompanying figures.

Figure 1 of the present invention illustrate symmetric diagram of an apparatus 100 for dispensing LNG wherein power supply box 141 supplies necessary power to controller 142 of an apparatus 100. Further, output display units said 144, 145 and 146 are provided to show mass, price and rate/kg of the mass respectively. An input unit 143 is provided for entering value or to change or modified settings of an apparatus 100. An input unit 143 is in form of keypad, touch screen, etc. emergency button 140 is provided on an apparatus 100 to stop the apparatus 100 during any emergency cases. Start button 138 is able to start dispensing process and stop button 139 stops dispensing process. Filling nozzle 129 is connected to the tank inlet of the vehicle tank and fills LNG into tank. At the same time, vent nozzle 130 is connected at the vent of the vehicle tank to release vaporised gas from the vehicle tank. Filling nozzle 129 is connected to the breakaway coupling 125 by means of fill hose 127. Same way, vent nozzle 130 is connected to the breakaway coupling 126 by means of vent hose 128. Breakaway coupling 125 and 126 is provided to prevent or minimise the spillage of LNG in case of un-intended disconnection of hoses 127 and 128 from vehicle due to movement of vehicle.

Figure 2 illustrate main component of an apparatus by showing front view wherein power supply box 141 supplies necessary power to controller 142 of an apparatus 100. Further, output display units said 144, 145 and 146 are provided to show mass, price and rate/kg of the mass respectively. An input unit 143 is provided for entering value or to change or modified settings of an apparatus 100. An input unit 143 is in form of keypad, touch screen, etc. emergency button 140 is provided on an apparatus 100 to stop the apparatus 100 during any emergency cases. Start button 138 is able to start dispensing process and stop button 139 stops dispensing process.

Figure 3 of the present invention discloses right hand side view of an apparatus wherein Filling nozzle 129 is connected to the tank inlet of the vehicle tank and fills LNG into tank. At the same time, vent nozzle 130 is connected at the vent of the vehicle tank to release vaporised gas from the vehicle tank. Filling nozzle 129 is connected to the breakaway coupling 125 by means of fill hose 127. Same way, vent nozzle 130 is connected to the breakaway coupling 126 by means of vent hose 128. Breakaway coupling 125 and 126 is provided to prevent or minimise the spillage of LNG in case of un-intended disconnection of hoses 127 and 128 from vehicle due to movement of vehicle. Figure 4 of the present invention discloses top view of an apparatus 100 wherein filling nozzle 129 and vent nozzle 130 is connected with an apparatus 100 by means of fill hose 127 and vent hose 128 respectively.

Figure 5 of the present invention discloses main component of an apparatus by providing cross sectional view of an apparatus for dispensing LNG wherein isolation needle valve 134 is provided to protect delicate gauges from damage caused by sudden pressure surges of LNG. Vent return valve 112 is provided to come out vaporised gas of the vehicle tank and store said gas to storage tank [not shown in figure]. Said vent return valve 112 is operated solenoid valve 122. Vent return check valve 116 is provided to allow flow of gas in one direction and prevent back flow of gas. Vent line flow meter 132 measures accurate amount of gas passes through the said flow meter. Vent/return pressure transmitter 133 is provided to measure pressure in the vent hose 128. Hose return check valve 115 prevents back flow in the hose of an apparatus 100. Hose return valve 113 will be open simultaneously by solenoid valve 123 to release residual LNG of filing hose to vent return line. Thermal relief valves 117 are provided wherever required in the line to protect the line from over-pressurization due to thermal expansion of trapped fuel. Recirculation valve 111 is provided to recirculate LNG from storage tank to an apparatus during no operation of an apparatus 100. Said recirculation valve 111 is controlled by solenoid valve 121. Temperature element 118 is provided to measure fluid temperature. Temperature transmitter 119 transfer temperature data measured by temperature element 118 to SCADA which allows the fuelling if the temperature is within the dispensing temperature range. When the set fuel quantity is achieved filling line flow meter 131 transmits data to the PLC controller to close the filling valve 114 to stop fuelling and open recirculating valve 111.

Figure 6 of the present invention discloses exploded view of piping arrangement of an apparatus wherein isolation needle valve 134 is provided to protect delicate gauges from damage caused by sudden pressure surges of cryogenic fuel. Vent return valve 112 is provided to come out vaporised gas of the vehicle tank and store said gas to storage tank [not shown in figure]. Said vent return valve 112 is operated solenoid valve 122. Vent return check valve 116 is provided to allow flow of gas in one direction and prevent back flow of gas. Vent line flow meter 132 measures accurate amount of gas passing through the said flow meter. Vent/return pressure transmitter 133 is provided to measure pressure in the vent hose 128. Hose return check valve 115 prevent back flow in the hose of an apparatus 100. Hose return valve 113 will be open simultaneously by solenoid valve 123 to release residual LNG of filing hose to vent return line. Thermal relief valves 117 are provided wherever required in the line to protect the line from over-pressurization due to thermal expansion of trapped fuel. Recirculation valve 111 is provided to recirculate cryogenic fuel from storage tank to an apparatus during no operation of an apparatus 100. Said recirculation valve 111 is controlled by solenoid valve 121. Temperature element 118 is provided to measure fluid temperature. Temperature transmitter 119 transfer temperature data measured by temperature element 118 to SCADA which allows fuelling if the fluid temperature is within the dispensing temperature range. When the set fuel quantity is achieved filling line flow meter 131 transmits data to the PLC controller to close the filling valve 114 to stop fuelling and open recirculating valve 111.

Figure 7 and Figure 8 of the present invention discloses main frame 200 on which piping arrangement is fixed wherein isolation needle valve 134 is provided to protect delicate gauges from damage caused by sudden pressure surges of cryogenic fuel. Vent return valve 112 is provided to allow the vaporised gas of the vehicle tank and store said gas to storage tank [not shown in figure]. Said vent return valve 112 is operated solenoid valve 122. Vent return check valve 116 is provided to allow flow of gas in one direction and prevent back flow of gas. Vent line flow meter 132 is measured accurate amount of gas passing through the said flow meter. Vent/return pressure transmitter 133 is provided to measure pressure in the vent hose 128. Hose return check valve 115 prevents back flow in the hose of an apparatus 100. Hose return valve 113 will be open simultaneously by solenoid valve 123 to release residual LNG of filing hose to vent return line. Thermal relief valves 117 are provided wherever required in the line to protect the line from over-pressurization due to thermal expansion of trapped fuel. Recirculation valve 111 is provided to recirculate LNG from storage tank to an apparatus during no operation of an apparatus 100. Said recirculation valve 111 is controlled by solenoid valve 121. Temperature element 118 is provided to measure fluid temperature. Temperature transmitter 119 transfer temperature data measured by temperature element 118 to SCADA which allows fuelling, if the fluid temperature is within the dispensing temperature range. When the set fuel quantity is achieved filling line flow meter 131 transmits data to the PLC controller to close the filling valve 114 to stop fuelling and open recirculating valve 111.

Figure 9 of the present invention discloses piping assembly are insulated to protect against heat addition to the system wherein insulated layer 137 is provided on each and every pipe containing cryogenic fuel into it so that said insulated layer 137 prevent heat addition into said pipe.

Figure 10 of the present invention discloses process flow chart of the system wherein when the vehicle arrives for refuelling; vehicle shall be earthed by earthing device 135. Interlock is provided by earthing device 135 to ensure the proper earthing. Fill hose 127 and vent hose 128 shall be connected to respective receptacles of vehicle’s fuel tank with filling nozzle 129 and vent nozzle 130. Once the vehicle earthing and hose connections are established, the dispenser will be started by pressing start button 138 provided on an apparatus 100.

Further, sequence of operation is provided under here:
i. The vent return valve 112 is opened through solenoid valve 122 and pressure of fuel tank is sensed by vent pressure transmitter 133. If the fuel tank pressure more than 8 bars (g), the gas from the fuel tank of vehicle is vented to storage tank or BOG management through vent return valve 112, thereby reducing the pressure of the fuel tank of the vehicle. The gas vented from the vehicles fuel tank is recorded by the flow meter 132. This mass of gas is automatically subtracted from the filling mass. The vent return valve 112 will close at 8 bar (g). This reduction in fuel tank pressure makes the tank ready for fuelling.
ii. At the stage, cryogenic fuel passes through the inlet valve (Not the part of dispenser) and enters the dispenser. Initially the flow is re-circulated for some time through recirculation valve 111 back to storage tank to precool the flow meter. The recirculation valve 111 is actuated by solenoid valve 121. During recirculation process the filling valve 114 will remain close. The flow meter 131 will not record any flow during recirculation process. The pressure of fuel tank is monitored by pressure transmitter 120 during the fuelling process.
iii. The temperature of cryogenic fuel in filling line is sensed by temperature transmitter 118, 119; if it is at equal or more than set saturated temperature say -1260C at 8 bar (g) the recirculation valve 111 will get closed through solenoid valve 121, and filling valve 114 will be opened through the solenoid valve 124 to start dispensing LNG into the fuel tank. The vent valve 113 will remain close during filling process. The flow meter 131 will start recording the flow, the pressure of fuel tank is monitored by pressure transmitter 120 during the fuelling process.
iv. As the set quantity of fuel is achieved by flow meter, flow meter transmitter 131 will signal the programmable logic control to close the filling valve 114 to stop fuelling, and open the recirculation valve 111 to put an apparatus 100 into recirculation mode. The vent valve 113 will be opened simultaneously by solenoid valve 123 so as to release residual cryogenic fuel of filling hose to vent.
v. The high-pressure alarm PAHH on pressure transmitter 120 is set as at desired maximum pressure, which will close fill valve 114 and open the recirculation valve 111 and vent valve 113. An apparatus 100 will then go into pause mode wherein it will be recirculating LNG back to the storage tank.
vi. At time of paused mode of an apparatus 100, the fill hose 127 and vent hose 128 from vehicle’s fuel tank is removed. The earth connection is disconnected and vehicle is allowed to move. Entire process will be repeated for fuelling of another vehicle fuel tank.

During no operation of fuelling, an apparatus will go in recirculation mode for pre-set time and automatically get turned off or can be turned off directly by push button 139 of a said apparatus. The recirculation time can be adjusted directly from PLC controller as per requirement.

One of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an apparatus wherein the filling hose 127 and vent hose 128 are connected to an apparatus through the breakaway coupling 125 and 126 respectively. Breakaway coupling 125 and 126 are provided to prevent or minimise the spillage of fuel in case of un-intended disconnection of hoses from vehicles due to movement of vehicle. Non return valves 115 and 116 are provided in the line to prevent the reverse flow. The thermal relief valve is provided on pipe line to protect the line against overpressure caused due to thermal expansion of trapped liquid. All the vent connections are taken to common vent header which in turn connected back to storage tank or BOG header. This eliminates the venting of gas into the atmosphere.

Another embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus wherein emergency button 140 is provided on the dispenser to stop an apparatus 100 during operation in case of an emergency. Further, output display units said 144, 145 and 146 are provided to show mass, price and rate/kg of the mass respectively. An input unit 143 is provided for entering value or to change or modified settings of an apparatus 100. An input unit 143 is in form of keypad, touch screen etc.

One of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an apparatus wherein insulated layer 137 is provided on each and every pipe containing cryogenic fuel into it so that said insulated layer 137 prevent heat addition into said pipe.