Document Title: Technical Bulletin Revision No: 1

Description: Mechanics of the Automatic Issue Date: 07/01

Shut-Off Mechanism for Banlaw
Refuelling Nozzles

The objective of this technical bulletin is to briefly detail key information on the
mechanics of the automatic shut-off mechanism for Banlaw refuelling nozzles

Principles of the Automatic Shut-Off Mechanism

The automatic shut-off mechanism of the Banlaw refuelling nozzle operates on the
principle of detecting static (wall) pressure of the fluid flow through the nozzle. A
sample of the mainstream fluid is transferred into the nozzle tube via a small orifice
on the rear surface of the retainer. Thus a portion of the static pressure of the
mainstream fluid is also held within the tube. A small orifice at the other end of the
tube allows the sample of fluid to flow into the rear piston chamber, at the forward
side of the piston. The nozzle will shut-off if the static pressure detected in the rear
chamber is sufficient to overcome the force maintaining the nozzle in the ON
position. This being the resultant force of the receiver spring and nozzle back spring,
and the fluid drag created by flow over the nozzle retainer and receiver poppet.

The magnitude of static pressure at entry to the nozzle is a function of a number of

factors, including the type of fluid being transferred, the flow-rate, and the level of
flow restriction – head loss – both through the nozzle/receiver assembly and
downstream of the nozzle.

HEAD LOSS = FLOW RESTRICTION = PRESSURE DROP

Figure 1.1 shows the constituent parts of the nozzle and their role in the shut-off of
the nozzle. Note the increase in the static pressure at entry to the nozzle (P1) as the
automatic shut-off mechanism is initiated.

Drawing (a) illustrates the status of the nozzle during normal flow conditions. The
static pressure P1(a) is less than the static pressure that initiates nozzle shut-off,
hence the nozzle remains in the fully ON position.

Drawing (b) illustrates the status of the nozzle once the automatic shut-off
mechanism has been triggered. This has occurred since P1(b) has exceeded the
static pressure that initiates nozzle shut-off, hence the nozzle will begin to turn OFF.
P1(b) is not only increased by the rise in flow restriction due to tank pressurisation,
or a closing valve etc, but also the increase in head loss across the nozzle outlet as
both the nozzle and receiver close.

Drawing (c) shows the nozzle in the fully OFF position. The pump pressure is
contained within the nozzle, whilst the fluid pressure within the receiver, and hence
the delivery line into the tank, is allowed to decrease to a level governed only by
static fluid head and atmospheric pressure.

Technical Bulletin – Nozzle Shut-Off Mechanism 07/01 ‘The Refuelling Specialists’

 Figure 1.1: Automatic Shut-Off of Banlaw Refuelling Nozzle

Further information on the operation of the Banlaw refuelling nozzle is available in

the Technical Bulletin on Nozzle Theory – available from August 2001.

Disclaimer: The information supplied in this document is meant as a guide only.

Banlaw Pipeline Pty Ltd accepts no liability for any damage or event resulting from
the implementation of any content of this document. To confirm the correct advice
has been received, all details should be checked with an ‘Authorised Banlaw’
distributor or Banlaw Pipeline direct prior to installation.

Technical Bulletin – Nozzle Shut-Off Mechanism 07/01 ‘The Refuelling Specialists’

Further technical advice on the installation and operation of Banlaw equipment is
available from Banlaw head office or an authorised Banlaw distributor.

BANLAW PIPELINE PTY LTD - CONTACTS

Telephone: +61 (0)2 49714888
Fax: +61 (0)2 49714910
www.banlaw.com
SALES & MARKETING PRODUCTION & FUELTRACK & ENGINEERING
QUALITY ASSURANCE ELECTRONICS (MECHANICAL)
Nick FORAN Paul BUCKTON John GREGORY Adam PEATTIE
sales@banlaw.com.au paul@banlaw.com.au hoppy@banlaw.com.au adam@banlaw.com.au
Mob: 0408 497212 Mob: 0409 663072 Mob: 0408 492408

Technical Bulletin – Nozzle Shut-Off Mechanism 07/01 ‘The Refuelling Specialists’

 PRINCIPLES OF THE BANLAW PIPELINE
QUICK-FILL DRY-BREAK REFUELLING SYSTEM

Figure 1: Overview of Banlaw System

The BANLAW Refuelling System uses both Dry-Break and Quick-Fill technology, producing an
environmentally friendly and more efficient method of liquid refuelling. Problems associated with the
conventional “splash-fill” method, such as spillage and foaming are eliminated, whilst additional
advantages such as higher refuelling rates and alternative filling points make the Banlaw system a
better way to refuel your equipment.

A Banlaw nozzle has been designed for all existing refuelling systems found in the mining and rail
industries. These include the BAM800, BAH800, BAR800, BAM1000, BAR1000, and the AUS45,
catering for refuelling rate requirements between 120 and 1000L/min. Associated equipment such as
tank vents, drop-tubes, nozzle receivers and receiver shells are custom fitted to each tank or vehicle,
along with receiver caps, nozzle anchors and operator instruction signs to ensure the safe, trouble-free
operation of the Banlaw system.

After the nozzle has been connected to the receiver and turned ON, fuel is allowed to pass through
the fill-point into the tank. Fluid continues to flow at the desired rate until the fuel level reaches the
float balls at the base of the vent. The balls seal against an O-ring at the base of the 3/4” vent tube
providing a positive air-tight seal within the tank. Fuel continues to flow until such time as the required
amount of pressure is developed in the tank - typically 15-100kPa, depending on the spring setting of
the nozzle, the flowrate and the specific filling application. This pressure is transferred upstream
through the nozzle where it is sensed by a patented piston style unit within the nozzle, which promptly
shuts the nozzle OFF thus terminating the flow of fuel into the tank. The nozzle can then be safely
disconnected and mounted in a secure position - such as a nozzle anchor - ready for the next refuelling
application. A 1/16” bleed hole in the vent valve allows the tank contents to gradually return to
atmospheric pressure - typically between 10-60sec - after the vent has closed at the completion of
refuelling.

To ensure the correct operation of the Banlaw system it is important to provide a constant high flow
area downstream of the nozzle with a minimum of flow directional changes. In addition, the flow of air
through the vent exhaust should not be impeded by restrictions. Such measures will reduce the line
pressure required through the nozzle and maximize the refuelling flow-rate. High ratios of line pressure
to flow-rate can lead to premature nozzle shut-down and hence partial tank filling.

All Banlaw products are manufactured in accordance with of standard AS/NZS-ISO9001.

Principles of Banlaw system – 04/01