f-pod Intelligent Fuel Bowser The f-pod is a new generation of race fuel bowser which raises the bar in technology, safety, accuracy and ease of use. The f-pod has been developed with input of leading UK single seater teams with total success. The f-pod is housed in a transport ready, heavy duty flight case with easy accessible compartments for the control panel and hoses. The f-pod sits on low friction anti-static castors which are bonded to the bowser s electrical ground.
Intelligent Control The f-pod uses a 7 colour touch-screen PC loaded with our bespoke software to control the bowser s functions. Our inspired step by step, graphical instructions means refuelling errors are a thing of the past. It also has a multifunction control switch to select internal battery, external battery, via an Anderson plug and battery charger. CE marking dictated that the bowser must not be operated by mains electricity so the battery charger is external and can only be operated when the bowser is switched off. 2
The f-pod had a configurable Operator Present Push to Pump button which means it can be set so all pumping operations require the button to be held pushed until the procedure is complete. Releasing the button will pause the operation. Use of Push to Pump to move fuel from the bowser to a fuel drum is compulsory. An Emergency Stop Button is standard on all machines. There is a USB socket included to download totals information when the totals option has been purchased. The control panel is part of an IP65, sealed electrical box which contains all of the electrical components and battery to help eliminate spark risk. All connection cables pass into the box though ATEX approved cable glands. The fuel tank is a fabricated from 3mm thick aluminium sheet, TIG welded together and pressure tested. All unions are -12 AN fittings. The tank bottom is tapered towards the outlet and drain plug to ensure it fully drains. The tank is bolted to a heavy duty loadcell and frame with over load stops and transport lock. The loadcell is 100% over-rated for reliability. The tank is connected, by high quality Aeroquip Startlite hose to a high volume explosion proof pump / motor assembly which includes its own internal filter and over-pressure valve. The pump then outputs via a 2 metre hose terminating in a -12 Staubli dry break connector. An anti-siphon valve assembly can be optioned, which connects to the output of the pump to prevent siphoning in either direction if the hoses are left connected to the car or fuel drum for any period of time. 3
A vent hose is connected to the top of the fuel tank via a bulkhead fitting in the hose compartment to a 2 metre hose terminating in a -8 Staubli dry break connector. CE demanded that there could be no open vent on the bowser, so the f-pod will breathe through the race cars own vent during refuelling or through the drum adaptors flame trap when connected to a fuel drum. When the bowser hoses are disconnected the system is completely sealed with no vapour loss. There is also an anti-static bonding cable from the bowser, which must be connected to the car or fuel drum before the hoses are connected. This again, is to reduce possible spark risk The f-pod software utilises special routines to check the state of the fuel hose at anytime. We can then compensate for a full or empty hose ensuring the accuracy of all fuel transfer totals 4
The software also monitors the level of fuel in the tank at any time both in kg and by percentage of capacity. The tank capacity can be factory set to any specific weight within its dimensional volume, allowing for an expansion factor with reference to the fuels specific gravity. This means it is impossible to overfill the tank, and strict regulation of capacity can be controlled. Fuel can be transferred to within a repeatable accuracy of 100g Optional extras Multiuser / Totals With this option, the f-pod can be used to fuel several different cars or drivers and keep an accurate record of all fuel transactions in and out of each particular car. This information is instantly viewable on the screen and is also downloadable via the USB port as a CVL file for further analysis. It will also record all fuel added and drawn from the bowser to and from fuel drums. 5
ATC Automatic Track Compensation Weight changes slightly depending where you are located in the world. Most weighing machines are calibrated in the region that they are going to be used so this error is never normally seen, but in motorsport, teams can be travelling to anywhere in the world, taking all their equipment with them. A bowser calibrated in Oxford will not read the same weight in Sao Paulo. 6
To solve this, the f-pod can be loaded with our unique ATC or Automatic Track Compensation software which will automatically correct this error when you select your current circuit location from the resident list. Anti-siphon An anti-siphon valve assembly can be optioned, which connects to the output of the pump to prevent siphoning in either direction if the hoses are left connected to the car or fuel drum for any period of time. Other Fuels The f-pod can be made to handle other fuels not included in the general specification. 7
General Specification f-pod Lite General Construction: Dimensions: Gross Weight Empty: Power Source: Max Current Draw: Max Power: Suitable Fuels: Ambient Temperature: Maximum Use Per Day: IP Rating: Noise: Vibration: Aluminium & Ply Flightcase Construction Mounted on Antistatic Castors. IP65 Sealed Steel Electrical Cabinet. 640w x 680d x 940h mm 91kg Internal 12Vdc 33Ahr AGM Battery 15Adc 180W Petrol up to 15% alcohol blends (E15), Diesel up to 20% bio-diesel blends (B20), and Kerosene. For other application contact EEC Performance Systems for advice. 0 40 degree C 3 Hours overall Control Panel IP65 Less than 70db(A) Does Not Exceed 2.5m/s² 8
We: Essential Equipment Consortium Ltd EC Declaration of Conformity In accordance with BS EN ISO/IEC 17050-1:2010 Of: Unit 4, Maizefield, Hinckley Fields Ind Est, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 1YK. United Kingdom declare that: Equipment: Intelligent Race Fuel Bowser Model name/number: f-pod Lite FPL080 in accordance with the following Directives: 2004/108/EC 2006/42/EC 2002/95/EC Conforms with the essential performance requirements of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive and its amending directives Conforms with the essential health and safety requirements of the Machinery Directive and its amending directives Conforms with the requirements of the RoHS Directive on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment has been designed and manufactured to the following specifications: EN ISO 12100:2010 Safety of machinery - General principles for design - Risk assessment and risk reduction EN 1127-1:2011 Explosive atmospheres - Explosion prevention and protection - Part 1: Basic concepts and methodology EN 61326-1:2006 Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use - EMC requirements -- Part 1: General requirements EN 61000-3-2:2006 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) -- Part 3-2: Limits - Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input current <= 16 A per phase) EN 61000-3-3:2008 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 3-3: Limits - Limitation of voltage changes, voltage fluctuations and flicker in public low-voltage supply systems, for equipment with rated current <= 16 A per phase and not subject to conditional connection I hereby declare that the equipment named above has been tested and found to comply with the relevant sections of the above referenced specifications. The unit complies with all relevant essential requirements of the Directives. Signed by:... Name:... Position:... Done at:... On:... This declaration of conformity is issued under the sole responsibility of Essential Equipment Consortium Ltd 9
Essential Equipment Consortium Ltd Unit 4, Maizefield, Hinckley Fields Ind Est, Hinckley, Leics, LE10 1YF Telephone: 01455 891623 Facsimile: 01455 634587 e-mail: enquiries@eec-ltd.com www.eecperformancesystems.com 10