Fuel head adapter for hydraulic fracturing

A fueling system for continuous refueling of equipment during hydraulic fracturing operations, the system comprising:

• a fuel supply;
• a fuel head assembly fluidly coupled to the fuel supply;
• a fuel tank having a filler tube with a plurality of lugs defining a non-threaded inlet;
• and
• a fuel head adapter interposed between the fuel head assembly and the filler tube, the fuel head adapter comprising:
• a body defining a flow channel;
• a spring-biased sealing assembly having an annular seal element;
• and
• a quick-lock mechanism having a plurality of pins configured to engage the plurality of lugs upon a rotational movement,
• wherein the spring-biased sealing assembly exerts a continuous downward sealing force against the filler tube when the pins are engaged with the lugs, thereby creating a fluid-tight connection.

A method for establishing a connection between a fuel delivery hose and a fuel tank inlet having an attachment feature, the method comprising the steps of:

• coupling a fuel head adapter, the adapter having a spring-biased sealing member and a plurality of locking pins, to a fuel head assembly connected to the fuel delivery hose;
• aligning the fuel head adapter with the fuel tank inlet such that the locking pins are positioned above the attachment feature;
• applying a downward force to the fuel head adapter against the fuel tank inlet to partially compress the spring-biased sealing member against the inlet;
• and
• rotating the fuel head adapter until the locking pins engage the attachment feature and seat into a locked position,
• wherein seating the locking pins in the locked position compresses the spring-biased sealing member to form a fluid-tight seal between the adapter and the fuel tank inlet.