LinkUp Aquires SpillX Fueling
The SpillX system has been designed to fit with today's existing locomotive and fueling infrastructure. The dry break nozzle attaches to fuel cranes or DTL trucks using the standard 2-1/2" cam lock connection and installation takes less than 5 minutes. Similarly, the locomotive mounted components have been designed so that they can be installed in a matter minutes with no modification to the locomotive tank.
The pressure drop of the SpillX nozzle and receiver is significantly less than the current system, which allows for higher flow rates at the same fueling pressure. The result is increased fueling rates of up to 75% or more by simply changing to SpillX components and maintaining the same pressure at the nozzle.
The SpillX system is capable of accepting higher fueling pressures, typical to those seen in the aviation industry. What this means is that the system is capable of flow rates upwards of 600 GPM, given sufficient nozzle pressure. The system does not introduce air into the system, thus there is no diesel foaming that occurs in the filler neck. Dry-break connections on the nozzle and receiver ensure fueling connection safety while fueling, and keeps the fuel contained in a closed system at disconnect.
In addition to the ability to increase flow rates, the system also offers an internal hydraulic shut off mechanism which serves as the automatic overfill protection. This hydraulic mechanism stops the flow of fuel into the locomotive even when the nozzle is still connected and open. The jet level determines the proper level has been reached and causes the receiver to begin a gradual shut off of fuel into the tank. This shut off occurs over a period of 5-10 seconds which virtually eliminates the "fluid hammer". The gradual shut off prevents pressure spikes in the line and reduces wear and tear on pumps and infrastructure.
SpillX Components
The patent pending SpillX fueling system has been designed to bring locomotive fueling into the 21st century. Leveraging proven aviation fueling technology, SpillX uses a dry break connection between the nozzle and the locomotive to ensure that no spillage occurs before, during, or after fueling operations. This system significantly increases safety by not allowing the nozzle to be opened until connected to a locomotive. Likewise while fueling, the nozzle cannot be disengaged from the locomotive until the nozzle has been closed and flow has stopped.
SpillX Nozzle
The SpillX nozzle utilizes the same dry-break technology that has been used in aviation fueling for years. It is significantly lighter than traditional locomotive fueling nozzles weighing only 8 lbs. and can be rebuilt onsite in less than 30 minutes
The nozzle features a built-in safety lever on the nozzle. The nozzle must be properly connected to the locomotive and the poppet activation lever engaged, to allow the flow of fuel into the tank. During the fueling process, the nozzle cannot be disconnected accidentially from the locomotive. It is only after the engagement lever has been closed and the fueling process stopped, that the nozzle may be removed. The amount of fluid remaining between the two dry break poppet surfaces at disconnect is less than 1.5 cc's.
SpillX Receiver
The SpillX receiver is installed in the fill port of the locomotive and provides the connection point for the SpillX nozzle. The connection uses a military specified MS 24484 dry-break sealed poppet connection. With the poppet closed, fuel is unable to back flow out of the receiver -- helping to ensure that fuel is kept in the tank. This dry break connection helps prevent fuel theft and foreign objects from being dropped in the tanks. It also eliminates potential spillage of fuel from the filler neck in the event a locomotive would overturn in a derailment.
The lower portion of the receiver also serves as the internal shut off mechanism to stop the flow of fuel into the tank once the full level has been reached. Through the use of hydraulic action, the shut off event occurs gradually over a period of 4 to 6 seconds, which eliminates problematic "fluid hammer" effect.
SpillX Jet Level
The SpillX jet level is installed into the existing tank fitting at each fueling port. This hydraulic mechanism determines when the tank has reached a full level. Once the tank has reached the full level, no additional fuel can be placed into the tank. The jet level cannot be overriden or bypassed.
