Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(Section 10; rule 13)
TITLE
“ AUTOMATED DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID STORAGE AND DISPENSING SYSTEM“

APPLICANT
NPL BLUESKY AUTOMOTIVE PRIVATE LIMITED
C-201, Lotus Corporate Park, Ram Mandir Lane,
Jay Coach Junction, Western Express Highway,
Goregaon (East), Mumbai-400063, Maharashtra, India
An Indian company

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed

Field of Invention

This invention relates to an automated diesel exhaust fluid(DEF) storage and dispensing system wherein DEF refers to an aqueous urea solution comprising 32.5% of high purity urea in 67.5% de-ionized (demineralized) water, known in the art as AUS 32, commercially known as AdBlue, which when injected into the exhaust stream of diesel engine vehicles converts the toxic NOx emissions of diesel engine vehicles to environment friendly components of nitrogen and water. As the dispensing of unacceptable quality of DEF, causes incomplete conversion of harmful NOx into nitrogen and oxygen, it is imperative for environment protection to ensure that only the right quality of DEF is dispensed to diesel engine vehicles. The system of the present invention, therefore, incorporates state-of-the-art automation system which has in-built safeguards whereby the dispensing of DEF is automatically halted when a specially designed, highly sensitive sensor installed in the DEF storage tanks detects that the quality of DEF in the storage tanks is not within the pre-set acceptable range of parameters. Further, the system automatically resumes the dispensing of DEF to diesel engine vehicles only when the quality of DEF in the storage tanks is restored by corrective actions and is determined by the quality sensor to be within the acceptable range of parameters. The automation system provides LCD display which displays the quality and quantity of DEF dispensed into the diesel engine vehicles ,for viewing by a customer so that the customer is also feels assured that right quality and quantity of DEF has been dispensed in his/her diesel vehicle. Further, the storage tanks are provided with normally closed type solenoid inlet valves which can be opened only after authentication by the automation system and thus the system provides further safeguard against filling of unauthorized sub-standard quality of DEF in the storage tanks of the system.

Background Information
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a non-hazardous Aqueous Urea solution (AUS), which comprises 32.5% of high purity urea in 67.5% de-ionized (demineralized) water and is also known in the art as AUS32. DEF is injected from a separate DEF storage container into the exhaust stream of diesel vehicles wherein by chemical reaction, in the presence of catalysts of platinum and palladium, it converts dangerous NOx ( Nitrogen monoxide and Nitrogen Dioxide) emissions into harmless nitrogen and water by the process referred to as Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). The DEF is typically carried onboard SCR equipped vehicles in specially designed storage containers and is dosed into the SCR system at a rate typically equivalent to three to five percent of diesel consumption.
For the above purpose, a separate storage container is provided in the Diesel vehicles for storing DEF. Presently these containers are refilled manually, which is a cumbersome process and spillages generally occur. Further, it is also difficult to measure quantities accurately and also it is difficult to ensure that the dispensed DEF is of the right quality. It may be noted that the right quality of DEF plays major role in chemical reaction i.e., Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), for complete conversion of toxic NOx (Nitrogen monoxide and Nitrogen Dioxide) emissions from diesel vehicles into harmless and environment-friendly Nitrogen and water. Therefore, any compromise on quality of dispensed DEF, has hazardous effects on environment. It is, therefore, imperative that a check for right quality of DEF be made before refueling DEF into a diesel vehicle for protecting the environment from harmful NOx emissions from Diesel vehicles.
US patent no. 9,266, 709 discloses a system for mixing and dispensing an aqueous urea solution at the point of delivery to diesel powered vehicles. Each delivery terminal includes a dry or concentrated liquid urea reservoir, and a metering urea dispenser, along with a parallel demineralized water reservoir and a metering water dispenser. The metered dispensing of the urea and the water into a mixing tank to produce the aqueous urea solution (AUS) is controlled manually or automatically.
A limitation of the system disclosed in the above-cited patent is that the aqueous urea solution is prepared at a point immediately prior to the dispensing of the DEF into the diesel engine vehicle . In such a dispensing system, it may be difficult to monitor and control the quality of the aqueous urea solution dispensed into the diesel engine vehicle. The dispensing of sub-standard quality of DEF into diesel engine vehicle may lead to incomplete chemical reaction in SCR system due to which the end purpose of controlling toxic emissions by converting dangerous NOx (Nitrogen monoxide and Nitrogen Dioxide) emissions into harmless Nitrogen and water, may not be achieved.
An international application WO2021/013914 discloses a system for dispensing a urea solution comprising a transportable container and associated dispensing device. The dispensing system comprises a transportable container which contains one vessel for receiving urea solution, a second vessel for receiving an additive for urea solution, one set of fluid circuits connecting the second vessel to a junction, a second fluid circuit comprising a valve that can be configured between an open position, in which the first and second fluid circuits are in fluid communication and a closed position and a first dispensing circuit.
A drawback of the system disclosed in the above cited US patent is that when a highly concentrated urea solution is kept in transportable container for a long time without mixing, there may be a formation of layer inside the container which leads to different concentration of DEF at top, middle and bottom level inside the container, which may adversely affect the quality of DEF dispensed into the diesel engine vehicle.
Another limitation of the system disclosed in the above cited US patent is that any malfunctioning of valve used in the system, may adversely affect the quality of dispensed DEF and the system does not provide any means for checking the quality of DEF before it is dispensed into the dispenser.
Further limitation of the system disclosed in the above-cited patent is that the liquid urea solution is contained in one compartment of a transportation container and the additive for the urea solution is contained in another compartment of the container and a fluidic circuit opens a valve for mixing the urea solution and additive. In such configuration, the thorough mixing of the two chemicals to form a homogenous solution of DEF, is not possible. It is to be noted that while manufacturing DEF , once raw materials are added, an endothermic chemical reaction takes place during which thorough mixing is necessary so that the end-product is homogeneous DEF solution, meeting all quality parameters as per standard. This is possible only in controlled manufacturing conditions .
The Chinese patent no. 105858576 discloses a filling system for adding an automotive urea solution into a diesel-powered motor vehicle and control method. The system comprises a solution storage tank, a power supply and a computer controller. The system is characterized by further comprising a filter, a filling pump, a non-return valve, a sensor, a mass flow meter, a solenoid valve and a self-sealing type filling gun. The method comprises the following steps: a motor drives the filling pump to rotate, so that the urea solution which flows out from the solution storage tank, is sucked into the filling pump after being subjected to mechanical impurity removal through the filter; the urea solution is enabled to flow out from an outlet of the filling pump, and is enabled to flow through the non-return valve, the mass flow meter and the dual-flow solenoid valve; and finally, the urea solution is filled into a solution receiving container via the seal-sealing filing gun.
A limitation of the system disclosed in the above cited patent is that system has no means to control and record the quality of product (DEF) received in the tank. This may have adverse effect on quality of DEF in the tank.
Another limitation of the system disclosed in the above cited patent is that there is no online checking of quality and displaying the quality of DEF for viewing by a customer, before dispensing into Diesel vehicles. Hence customer is not made aware of the quality of DEF before dispensing into diesel vehicle.
The German patent application DE202011002664 discloses a fuel nozzle for refueling vehicle tanks with aqueous urea solution AUS32 (AdBlue), comprising a medium outlet from two preferably concentric tubes, one of the tubes for the conduction of AdBlue, a valve device for switching off a media flow of AdBlue from a media supply from a tank, the media outlet and a pistol-like handle for actuating the fuel nozzle.
The drawback of the System disclosed in the above patent is that the system does not provide any means for controlling the quality of DEF before refueling into a diesel vehicle.
Objects of the Present Invention
An object of the present Invention is to provide an automated diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) storage and dispensing system for dispensing of DEF to diesel engine vehicles.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an automated system for dispensing DEF which has inbuilt safeguard for ensuring the dispensing of right quality of DEF whereby the automation system automatically halts the dispensing of DEF when the quality of DEF in the storage tanks as detected by a specially designed very sensitive quality sensor is not within the acceptable range of parameters and automatically resumes the dispensing of DEF when the quality of DEF in the storage tanks is restored by remedial actions to be within acceptable range of parameters.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an automated system for dispensing DEF which incorporates a dispensing unit which is provided with a controlled pumping system assembled inside the dispensing unit for dispensing of DEF and dispenses accurate quantity of DEF at controlled flow rate of 30 liters per minute.
Further object of the present invention is to provide an automated system for dispensing DEF wherein the DEF storage tanks are provided with solenoid normally closed inlet valves which can be opened only with authentication by the automation system to prevent unauthorized loading of sub-standard DEF into the storage tanks for DEF.
Still further object of the present invention is to provide an automated system for dispensing DEF wherein the storage tanks are made of corrosion-resistant material like stainless steel and HDPE (High Density Polyethylene), preferably HDPE.
Even further object of the present invention is to provide an automated system for dispensing DEF wherein the corrosion-resistant DEF storage HDPE tanks, in one of the embodiments, are further protected by a steel enclosure with weatherproof insulation, around HDPE storage tank for further protection of DEF storage tanks against environmental degradation.
Yet further object of the present invention is to provide an automated system for dispensing DEF wherein HOS(Head Office System) records every transaction locally as well as remotely in the system and enables monitoring with respect to quality of DEF in the storage tank , temperature of DEF in the storage tank, quantity of DEF dispensed , level of DEF in storage tank, and to provide alert to operators if required, in case of any abnormal variations.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention relates to an automated diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) storage and dispensing system wherein DEF is known as AUS32 (Aqueous Urea Solution 32) and is also commercially known as AdBlue. The system provides complete solution for dispensing of DEF to retail customers by integrating receipt, storage and delivery through Web based, user-friendly, state-of- art automation system. The system is provided with means for ensuring dispensing of right quality and quantity of DEF . The system has ease of operation to monitor entire transactions locally and remotely. The system can generate MIS(Management Information System) reports to enable management to take informed decisions. By providing check for ensuring the right quality of dispensed DEF, it ensures complete selective catalytic reduction (SCR) reaction for conversion of hazardous NOx emitted by diesel vehicles thereby enables complete conversion of NOx to harmless nitrogen and water and thus substantially protecting the environment from harmful emissions of NOx from Diesel Vehicles.
The system of the present invention is a compact unit and weatherproof and hence can be kept easily in any of the retail outlets for refilling of DEF in Diesel Engine Vehicles. The system includes either one or two storage tanks for storing DEF, wherein the two DEF storage tanks are in flow-communication with each other; Level sensor for measuring the DEF level in a storage tank and a temperature sensor for measuring temperature of DEF in a storage tank; a very sensitive Quality sensor installed in the storage tanks for determining whether the quality of DEF in a storage tank is within the pre-set acceptable range; a dispensing unit for dispensing DEF to customers; and an inlet valve which is a normally closed type Solenoid Valve, for receiving DEF. In one of the embodiments provided with two HDPE storage tanks, both the DEF storage tanks are enclosed in a temperature-controlled steel enclosure (75) to protect the HDPE storage tanks from environmental degradation. The entire system is controlled and operated through proprietary user-friendly software developed by applicant.
The novel technical features of the system are as follows:
(a) The receipt of DEF is through OTP(one time password) based opening and closing of Inlet valve, thereby, only authorized transactions can take place in the system. Every transaction gets recorded in the automation system and hence, no unauthorized transaction can take place in the system. This feature safeguards the quality of the product.
(b) The system is provided with a highly sensitive quality sensor which displays on the system interface, on a real time basis, whether or not the quality of DEF in the storage tank, is within the acceptable quality range. By means of graphic user interface, the customer can online check the quality of the product displayed by the system, before refill of product (DEF) in the Diesel Engine vehicle. The automation system also controls the quality of DEF and in case, the quality of the DEF in the storage tank becomes out of acceptable range, the dispensing unit halts the dispensing of the DEF and also it gives alarm for operators to take corrective action well in advance. The system resumes the dispensing of DEF only after the quality of DEF is improved upon so as to be within the acceptable range of parameters of the quality of DEF. By this way, the system ensures that only the right quality of DEF is dispensed to the customer.
( c) The Dispensing unit of the system of the present invention dispenses accurate quantity of DEF and has been approved by Weight and Measures (W&M) department. This ensures that accurate quantity of Product is dispensed to customers.
(d) The automation system records every transaction locally as well as remotely in the HOS(Head Office System) system. Since the system is provided with a level gauge, at the end of every day/shift, the stock position of DEF can be worked out to determine whether the correct quantity of DEF is getting dispensed. Further, the HOS system enables monitoring with respect to quality of DEF in the storage tank , temperature of DEF in the storage tank, quantity of DEF dispensed , level of DEF in storage tank, and to provide alert to operators if required in case of any abnormal variations. Thus, the system of the present invention enables dispensing of DEF to protect the environment from the hazardous NOx emissions from diesel engine vehicles and to the satisfaction of customers.
Brief Description of Figures
The invention is illustrated with accompanying drawings which are intended to illustrate an embodiment in which the present invention can be practiced. It is to be noted that these drawings are not intended to be taken restrictively to imply any limitation on the scope of the present invention.
In the accompanying drawings:
Fig.1 : shows the system of the present invention for an embodiment comprising two storage tanks enclosed in a steel enclosure

Fig.1A: shows the system of the present invention for an embodiment comprising one weather-proof storage tank without steel enclosure.

Fig. 2: shows the configuration of the system corresponding to Fig.1

Fig. 3 : shows the architecture of the automation system

Description of Invention w.r.t Drawings
The present invention relates to an automated storage and dispensing system (100) for dispensing right quality and right quantity of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to diesel engine vehicles. The system (100) is user friendly and enables to protect the environment from the hazardous NOx (nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen monoxide) emissions from diesel vehicles. The system (100) is a compact unit and weatherproof and therefore can be kept at any of the retail outlets for refilling of DEF in diesel engine vehicles. The system (100) comprises of either one storage tank (70a) or two storage tanks (70,80) in flow-communication with each other, a level cum temperature sensor(20), dispensing unit (30), very sensitive quality sensor (40), solenoid type inlet valve (90) with OTP based operation, and weather-proof steel enclosure (75). The entire system (100) is controlled and operated through proprietary automation software developed by the applicant.
In one of the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig.2, the system (100) includes two storage tanks (70, 80) which are in flow-communication with each other and which are made of corrosion-resistant material like stainless steel, HDPE (high density polyethylene), preferably HDPE. The DEF storge tanks (70,80) are enclosed in a specially designed temperature-controlled steel enclosure (75) to protect the DEF storage tanks (70,80) against environmental degradation. The steel enclosure (75) is provided with doors for easy access to the components of the system and for facilitating the maintenance of system (100). Further, each component of the system (100) can be easily accessed for inspection without disturbing the alignment of other components with minimum down time for maintenance.
DEF storage tanks (70, 80) described above, have capacity varying from 2000 liters to 4000 liters, as per user requirements. The design and material of construction of the DEF storage tanks (70, 80) ensures corrosion-free storage of DEF. The material for the storge tanks is selected from stainless steel and HDPE, preferably HDPE because of cost considerations. Further, adequate measures are taken so that the external atmosphere does not have any adverse effect on the quality of DEF stored in the storage tanks (70, 80). All joints of the storage tanks (70, 80) are welded with controlled weather conditions, so that the complete system (100) is leak proof, which not only protects the environment but also prevents any loss of DEF during storge. The storage tanks (70, 80) are pre-calibrated, and the calibration charts are loaded in the automation system to give accurate level of DEF in a storage tank (70, 80).
In another embodiment illustrated by Fig. 1A, the system comprises one DEF storage tank (70a), preferably made of weather-proof HDPE and without any steel enclosure. The DEF storage tank (70a) is made preferably of corrosion-resistant material HDPE and is without any steel enclosure. The DEF storage tank (70a), like the embodiment illustrated by Fig. 1 and 2, is in flow-communication with dispensing unit (30) and provided with level cum temperature sensor(20), very sensitive quality sensor (40) and solenoid type inlet valve (90) with OTP based operation.
Continuing with reference to Fig. 1A and Fig. 2, the system (100) is provided with one level cum Temperature Sensor (20) installed in storage tank (70, 70a), referred to hereafter as ‘Level gauge’. The Level gauge (20) is working on the principle of Magneto static. The Level gauge (20) is also provided with Temperature sensor which provides Average Temperature of DEF stored either in the flow-connected storage tanks (70,80) or stored in storage tank (70a) . The level in Liters, in the storage tanks (70, 80) for embodiment illustrated by Fig. 1 and for storage tank(70a) illustrated by Fig. 1A, is displayed in the Home Screen of the system (100) as well as Tank Status Menu in the automation system. The accuracy is plus or minus 1 mm which means that the sensor (20) provides accurate measurement.
Continuing with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 1A and Fig.2, the system (100) includes one dispensing unit (30) with built-in controlled pumping system which is assembled inside the Dispensing unit(30). The pump is provided with 0.75 HP motor for smooth dispensing of DEF. The system is Provided with 3 KVA Servo Stabilizer (50) to provide stabilized power supply to Motor of controlled pumping system of the dispensing unit (30). Further, the system is provided with 0.5 KVA Constant Voltage Transformer (60) to give stable power to electronic circuit of the Dispensing Unit (30) and the Automation system of the present invention described in the description that follows. The dispensing unit (30) dispenses DEF with a controlled flow rate of 30 liters per minute (LPM). The accuracy of the quantity of DEF dispensed by the dispensing unit (30) of the present invention, is well within the permissible limits as approved by Weights and Measure departments. The dispensing unit (30) thus, ensures dispensing of accurate quantity of DEF to customers.
An LCD display is installed alongside the dispensing unit (30) which displays Urea Concentration ( Displays as ‘Check’ or ‘Okay’), Temperature in degree Celsius , and Quantity of DEF in Liters in the storage tank (70, 80). The Inbuilt Alphanumeric Keypad with LCD Display is provided to enter various Information regarding transactions. The dispensing unit (DU) (30) has a thermal printer, and the receipts are printed by pressing ESC on screen, after entering the vehicle details. A Voltage stabilizer (50) is connected to Forecourt Controller (FCC) (210)( best seen in Fig.2) to give 230 V Power without any Fluctuation wherein FCC (210) as described further in description that follows, is for controlling and monitoring the sensors of the system.
Continuing further with reference to Fig. 1A and Fig.2, the system (100) includes a specially designed, very sensitive quality sensor (40) which is installed in the storage Tank (70, 70a). This sensor (40) output is connected to an automation system and provides Urea Concentration and Temperature Data to the automation system. When the quality of DEF in the storage tank is within pre-set acceptable range of parameters, the sensor (40) displays as “Okay”. If this is not within the pre-set acceptable range, it will display as “ Check” . Further, in case the urea concentration in the storage tank is not within the pre-set acceptable range , the dispensing unit (30) will not commence the dispensing of DEF. This is a novel technical feature of the system (100) of the present invention which provides safeguard against dispensing DEF of unacceptable/sub-standard quality which may be ineffective in complete conversion of hazardous NOx emissions from diesel engine vehicles to harmless nitrogen and water. The dispensing unit (30) commences dispensing of DEF only after the problem relating to the quality of the DEF is rectified and the quality of the DEF in the storage tanks is restored within acceptable range, for example when urea concentration is within the acceptable range. Thus, this technical feature ensures that only the right quality of DEF is dispensed which leads to complete chemical selective catalytic reduction (SCR) reaction enabling complete conversion of hazardous NOx gases emitted by diesel engine vehicles into harmless nitrogen and water. In this manner the system (100) of present invention enables to protect the environment from the toxic emissions from diesel vehicles.
Further, continuing with reference to Fig.1, Fig. 1A and Fig.2, the system (100) is provided with an inlet valve (90) which is a normally closed type of Solenoid Valve for receiving DEF. The Solenoid Valve(90) Operates through Secure OTP (one time password) based application integrated with Forecourt Controller (FCC) (210). The valve (90) is opened only during unloading DEF from a DEF carrying truck into the DEF storage tanks (70,80,70a), by entering OTP (one time password)number in the system (100). The OTP is generated through authorized/registered mobile number entered and available in the automation system. All opening and Closing operations are recorded in the Automation system. This ensures that no unauthorized, sub-standard product DEF is unloaded into the DEF storage tanks (70, 80, 70a). This is another novel feature of the system (100) of the present invention which further ensures that the quality of DEF stored in the storge tanks (70, 80, 70a) is not compromised in any manner.
Referring to the Fig. 3, the Automation system (200) of the DEF dispensing system (100) of the present invention, comprises a Head-Office System(HOS) (220), a Back-Office System (BOS)(230), a Forecourt Controller (FCC) (210), and Auto Tank Gauging (ATG) console (240), Urea concentration sensor (40) and LCD display (95) with outdoor printing terminal and Keypad, and card Reader (250) mounted on the dispensing unit (30).
The Fore Court Controller (FCC) (210) is the heart of Automation System through which all automation components are connected. The FCC (210) is connected to a micro controller card, System Interface card, auto tank level gauging (ATG) Barrier Card, Inbuilt Power supply and 3G/4G modem (260). FCC (210) is connected with DEF Dispensing unit (30), Level Gauging (20), Urea Concentration Sensor (40), LCD Display (95), a Head Office System (220) and Back Office System(230). The entire system is operated through the applicant’s proprietary user-friendly software.
The Backoffice System [BOS] (230) is a Graphical User Interface (GUI) of Automation System (2 00) through Web based Application on Local PC which displays data stored in FCC (210). All configuration, Monitoring, Operation and Maintenance of Automation are carried out in the BOS (230). Through Local Wi-Fi Hotspot of FCC (210), the Mobile and Laptop are connected wirelessly with Back Office System (230). 3G/4G modem (260) is inbuilt in FCC box (85) to transfer data to Enterprise Server (270) through Internet via secure VPN tunnel. FCC (210) has one inbuilt 3.7 v, 1200 mAH battery for power backup [20 minutes] in case of Main Supply Failure.
The Integrated Card reader(250) is mounted on Dispensing Unit (DU) (30) and it is used to read specified data from Card/Tag, which provide diesel vehicle information and transporter information to FCC (210). The FCC (210) is connected to Level Gauge (20) installed in 2000/4000 liters storage tanks (70, 80) above the ground Tank within the enclosure(75). Level Gauge (20) gives real time data on level /stock of DEF stored in the storage tanks (70, 80).
The Forecourt Controller (FCC) (210) is further connected to Quality Sensor (40) and inlet valve (90). The quality sensor (40) installed in the storage Tank (70) gives Urea Concentration and Temperature Data to FCC (210). The inlet (Solenoid) Valve(90) Operates through Secured OTP based application integrated with FCC (210). The LCD display(95) installed alongside dispensing unit (30), displays on real time basis, the information on the Urea Concentration ( which is displayed as “Check" or “Okay”) in the storage tanks (70, 80, 70a), Temperature of DEF in degree Celsius, in storage tanks (70, 80, 70a) , and Quantity of DEF in Liters in the storage tank (70, 80). The Inbuilt Alphanumeric Keypad with LCD Display (95) is provided to enable the operator to enter various Information regarding transactions relating to the dispensing of DEF to customers. The dispensing unit (DU) (30)has thermal printer and the receipts regarding transactions can be printed by an operator by pressing ESC on screen, after entering the diesel engine vehicle particulars. A Voltage stabilizer (50) is connected to FCC (210) to give 230 V Power stabilized supply. A Local PC is connected to the system for loading Back-office software.
The automation system (200) is configured to provide alert alarms to the operator of the system, in case DEF Level in the storage tank (70, 80, 70a) is low or high and also when the quality of DEF in the storage tank (70, 80, 70a) is not within the pre-set acceptable range. When there is alert alarm, the operator takes corrective action to restore the quality of DEF in the storage tank. In this way, the corrective action is enabled well in advance of dispensing of the DEF for refiling the DEF container onboard a diesel vehicle of customers. The FCC(210) is further connected to dispensing unit (30) and records every transaction of dispensing of DEF to customers.
The system (100) of the present invention is susceptible to modifications, adaptations and equivalent changes by those skilled in the art. It is to be noted that such variant embodiments incorporating such modifications, adaptations and equivalent changes are intended to be within the scope of the present invention, which is further set forth under the claims that follow.
, Claims:We claim:
1. An automated diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) storage and dispensing system (100), comprising:

means for storage of DEF selected between:

two storage tanks (70,80) enclosed in a temperature-controlled steel enclosure (75), wherein the said enclosure is designed to facilitate access for maintenance actions on said storage tanks, and wherein said two storage tanks are in flow-communication with each other;

and

one storage tank (70a).

a level cum temperature sensor(20) installed in storage tank (70, 70a) which is configured to measure the level of DEF and temperature of DEF stored in said storage tanks;
a quality sensor (40) installed in storage tank (70, 70a) which is configured to determine whether the quality of DEF in said storage tank is within pre-set acceptable range of parameters;

a dispensing unit (30) having built-in controlled pumping system assembled inside said dispensing unit for dispensing of DEF at a controlled rate wherein said dispensing unit is in flow-communication with said DEF storage tanks;

an inlet valve (90) provided in storage tank (80, 70a) wherein said inlet valve is a normally closed type solenoid valve with opening and closing thereof for unloading DEF from a DEF carrying truck into said DEF storage tank, being controlled by generating one time password(OTP) so to provide safeguard against unauthorized loading of DEF into said DEF storage tanks; and

a proprietary user-friendly automation system (200) for controlling and operating said system; and

wherein said automation system comprises a network of head-office system (220), a back-office system (230), a Forecourt Controller (210), an auto tank gauging system (240), LCD display (95) with printer, keypad and a card reader (250) mounted on said dispensing unit.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said automation system controlling the dispensing unit, is configured to halt the dispensing of the DEF when the quality of DEF in said storage tanks is not within the pre-set acceptable range and to resume the dispensing of DEF when the quality of DEF in said storage tanks is restored within the pre-set acceptable range.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said Back-Office System is a graphical user interface through Web based Application which displays data stored in said forecourt controller.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said auto tank gauging system is connected to said level gauge, said quality sensor and said input valve.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein 3G/4G modem (260) is inbuilt in FCC (210) box to transfer data to Enterprise Server (270) through Internet via secure VPN tunnel.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1 which includes LCD display(95) installed alongside dispensing unit (30), wherein said LCD display is configured to display on real time basis, the information on the Urea Concentration, temperature and quantity of DEF in said storage tanks.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein an integrated card reader (250)is mounted on said dispensing unit to read and to feed vehicle information and transporter information to said forecourt controller.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said storage tanks have capacity in the range from 2000 liters to 4000 liters.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said storage tanks are made up of corrosion-resistant material for corrosion-free storage of DEF.

10. The system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the corrosion resistant material for said storage tanks is selected between stainless steel and high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

11. The system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the corrosion -resistant material for the said storage tanks is high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

12. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said dispensing unit is configured to dispense DEF with a controlled flow rate of 30 liters per minute.

13. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said dispensing unit is configured to dispense accurate quantity of DEF

14. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein controlled pumping system within said dispensing unit is provided with a motor with 0.75 HP.

15. The system as claimed in claim 1 which is provided with 0.5 KVA Constant Voltage Transformer (60) to give stable power to electronic circuit of the Dispensing Unit (30) and to the Automation system.

16. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said quality sensor is configured to display on the system interface, on a real time basis, whether or not the quality of DEF in the storage tank, is within the pre-set acceptable quality range.

17. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said system is configured to provide alarm for the operators when the quality of DEF indicated by said quality sensor is not within the pre-set acceptable range so that the operators can take corrective action to restore the quality of DEF within pre-set acceptable range, before dispensing to any diesel vehicle.

18. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said forecourt controller (FCC) is connected to System Interface card, auto tank level gauging Barrier Card, inbuilt Power supply, 3G/4G modem (260), said dispensing unit (30), said level cum temperature sensor, said quality sensor (, LCD Display (95), a Head Office System (220) and Back Office System(230).

Dated: this 01st day of November 2022

( V.D. GULWANI)
APPLICANT’S PATENT ATTORNEY (IN/PA/339)
DUA ASSOCIATES