Locomotive Fuel Spill Prevention Device

Starfire developed a system to prevent fuel spills on railroad diesel-electric locomotives. The goals were to enable full capacity fueling rates, and develop a system of sensors, both mounted in the locomotive fuel tank and mounted on the fueling apparatus, that would shut off fuel flow without human intervention when the tank was filled to a predetermined level. The system requires an electronic interface between the tank and the fueling apparatus that is explosion proof and capable of disconnecting without damage were the units being fueled to be moved inadvertently. The system also requires a manual override to enable fueling of units not equipped to interface with the system, and to enable fueling in case of power failure. Existing fueling system componentry was modified to form the basis for this system. The interfacing electronics were designed from off-the-shelf componentry.