WO1999016978A1 - Spill containment and fuel line protection device - Google Patents

Spill containment and fuel line protection device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999016978A1
WO1999016978A1 PCT/US1998/020338 US9820338W WO9916978A1 WO 1999016978 A1 WO1999016978 A1 WO 1999016978A1 US 9820338 W US9820338 W US 9820338W WO 9916978 A1 WO9916978 A1 WO 9916978A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
lower portion
sump
fuel
dispenser
upper portion
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1998/020338
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Brian K. Mangum
Original Assignee
A. O. Smith Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by A. O. Smith Corporation filed Critical A. O. Smith Corporation
Publication of WO1999016978A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999016978A1/en

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D31/00—Protective arrangements for foundations or foundation structures; Ground foundation measures for protecting the soil or the subsoil water, e.g. preventing or counteracting oil pollution
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/78—Arrangements of storage tanks, reservoirs or pipe-lines
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D29/00—Independent underground or underwater structures; Retaining walls
    • E02D29/12—Manhole shafts; Other inspection or access chambers; Accessories therefor
    • E02D29/14—Covers for manholes or the like; Frames for covers

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Paleontology (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Feeding And Controlling Fuel (AREA)

Abstract

A fuel dispenser sump includes a lower portion (2) having a closed bottom and having a side opening for a fuel conduit (3), and a separate upper portion (1) that tapers upwardly and inwardly, that sits on top of the lower portion (2) and that has a top opening for the fuel conduit (3) to a fuel dispenser above the sump.

Description

SPILL CONTAINMENT AND FUEL LINE PROTECTION DEVICE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to spill containment and fuel line protection devices, also known as fuel dispenser sumps, of the type used at gasoline or service stations. Such sumps serve to contain spills and protect fuel lines. Various fuel dispenser sump constructions are known to those skilled in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a fuel dispenser sump comprising a lower portion having a closed bottom and having a side opening for a fuel conduit, and a separate upper portion that tapers upwardly and inwardly, that sits on top of the lower portion and that has a top opening for a fuel conduit to a fuel dispenser above the sump.
The invention also provides a fuel dispenser sump comprising a lower portion having a closed bottom and having a side opening for a fuel conduit, and a separate upper portion that sits on top of the lower portion and that has a top opening for a fuel conduit to a fuel dispenser above the sump, wherein the top portion is permanently attached to the lower portion after plumbing has been completed.
The invention also provides a fuel dispenser sump comprising a lower portion having a closed bottom and having a side opening for a fuel conduit, and a separate upper portion that sits on top of the lower portion and that has a top opening for a fuel conduit to a fuel dispenser above the sump, wherein the lower portion has an upper end having therein an endless groove, and wherein the upper portion has a lower end that sits in the groove.
The invention also provides a fuel dispenser sump comprising a lower portion having a closed bottom and having a side opening for a fuel conduit, and a separate upper portion that sits on top of the lower portion and that has a top opening for a fuel conduit to a fuel dispenser above the sump, wherein the upper and lower portions are connected by a double lap joint. The invention also provides a fuel dispenser sump comprising a lower portion having a closed bottom and having a side opening for a fuel conduit, and a separate upper portion that sits on top of the lower portion and that has a top opening for a fuel conduit to a fuel dispenser above the sump, wherein the upper portion can have various sizes.
The invention also provides a fuel dispenser sump comprising a lower portion having a closed bottom and having a side opening for a fuel conduit, and a separate upper portion that sits on top of the lower portion and that has a top opening for a fuel conduit to a fuel dispenser above the sump, wherein the upper portion can be inverted and nested with the lower portion.
The invention also provides a fuel dispenser sump apparatus comprising a sump having a closed bottom, a side opening for a fuel conduit, and a top opening for a fuel conduit to a fuel dispenser above the sump, and a shear valve adjustably mounted in the sump.
The invention also provides a fuel dispenser sump comprising a lower portion having a closed bottom and having a side opening for a fuel conduit, and a separate upper portion that sits on top of the lower portion and that has a top opening for a fuel conduit to a fuel dispenser above the sump, wherein the lower portion includes an outwardly extending ledge providing a temporary support mounting location.
The invention also provides a method of assembling a fuel dispenser and fuel dispenser sump, the method comprising the steps of providing a sump including a lower portion having a closed bottom and having a side opening for a fuel conduit, and a separate upper portion that tapers upwardly and inwardly, that sits on top of the lower portion and that has a top opening for a fuel conduit to a fuel dispenser above the sump, locating the lower portion in the ground, completing plumbing installation in the lower portion, and placing the upper portion on top of the lower portion and fixing the upper portion to the lower portion.
The present invention is an innovative liquid spill containment and fuel supply line protection device, which satisfies safety, installation, and cost needs for service station applications. This containment device is installed under the dispenser and the fuel supply line is positioned within the container. Thus the fuel supply line is protected from the environment and the soil is protected from fuel spills associated with maintenance of the fuel dispenser.
A principal object of the invention is to provide means for protecting the soil from fuel spills occasioned by maintenance of the fuel dispenser.
Another object of the invention is to provide means for protecting the fuel supply lines against contact with the environment.
Another object of the invention is to provide a simple adjustable frame assembly for rigidly anchoring the shear valve to the surrounding concrete. Another object of the invention is to provide a durable device that can withstand changes to subsurface conditions, such as rain drenched soil and increased pressure on the exterior of the device, as well as temperature extremes. Another object of the invention is to provide a low cost mechanism for spill containment and fuel line protection.
Another object of the invention is to provide a liquid spill containment device that is simple to construct and easy to install.
Another object of the invention is to provide a device which meets or exceeds governmental requirements for fuel line protection and spill containment. Another object of the invention is to provide a simple appliance to fasten temporary supports to aid in the installation of the containment device and the plumbing of fuel lines within the device. Another object of the invention is to provide a device with rigid walls that can support the loads induced by entry fittings.
Another object of the invention is to provide a device that allows ease of access to piping through a removable top section.
Another object of the invention is to provide a device that will allow the compatibility of the bottom section with different top sections of different openings sizes. Another object of the invention is to provide a device that will allow nesting of sections, reducing the overall shipping volume.
Another object of the invention is to provide "double lap" type joint design. This will provide a joint that is strong, watertight and easy to assemble. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings .
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is an exploded sectional view of a fuel dispenser sump embodying the invention.
Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the assembled sump. Fig. 3 is an enlarged portion of Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the bottom section and interchangeable top sections of different sizes. Fig. 5 shows the top and bottom sections nested. Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view of the top section showing the shear valve assembly.
Fig. 7 is a view taken along line 7—7 in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a top view of the top section. Before one embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A fuel dispenser sump embodying the invention is shown in the drawings. Referring to Fig. 1, the sump comprises a top section (1) and a bottom section (2). These sections are made of a rigid straight wall material, preferably fiberglass, produced using a simple low cost hand lay-up construction method. This durable fiberglass device can withstand changes to subsurface conditions, such as rain drenched soil and increased pressure on the exterior of the device, as well as temperature extremes. The device is also designed to provide the necessary chemical resistance from fuels and environmental elements.
Referring to Fig. 1, prior to installation, the top section (1) can be removed, providing a large work area to access the plumbing (3) in the bottom section (2). Once the plumbing installation has been completed, the top section (1) is permanently attached to bottom section (2). More particularly, and referring to Fig. 3, a tab (12) fixed inside the bottom section (2) cooperates with the bottom section to define a groove in which the lower end of the top section (1) sits and in which an epoxy adhesive (8) is placed to bond the top section (1) to the bottom section (2). This provides a strong water tight bond. As shown in Fig. 2, after the top section (1) is secured to the bottom section (2), the sump is surrounded by backfill (9).
As shown in Fig. 4, the bottom section (2) is compatible with top sections (la, lb and lc) of different sized openings. This design reduces the amount of necessary tooling and the inventory of fewer sections.
The sections ( 1 and 2 ) can be nested for shipping and inventory. The top section (1) is turned upside down and inserted into the bottom section (2). This is shown in Fig. 5.
During installation, and referring to Fig. 1, a ledge (14) around the top perimeter of the bottom section (2) provides a mounting bracket for temporary supports (16). The supports (16) temporarily support the sump and fuel supply lines prior to backfilling.
Referring to Fig. 3, a shear valve (18) is fastened to valve mounting plate (20). The valve mounting plate (20) is fastened to the stabilizer bar (22). The stabilizer bar (22) is fastened to the side rails (24). The side rails (24) are fastened through the sump wall out into concrete (26) with anchors (28). Each of the previously described parts is adjustable providing valve adjustments in six axes. More particularly, and also referring to Figs. 6 through 8, the mounting plate (20) extends vertically and has therein two vertically extending slots (30). The stabilizer bar (22) extends horizontally and has a C- channel or unistrut construction. The plate (20) is adjustably fastened to the bar (22) by fasteners (23) that extend through the slots (30), so that the plate (20) is adjustable vertically along each of the slots (30). The fasteners can be releasably fixed at various positions along the length of the bar (22) so that the position of the plate (20) from right to left in Fig. 6 is adjustable. The rails (24) also have a C-channel or unistrut construction, and each end of the bar (22) is fastened to a respective rail (24) in a manner similar to that in which the plate (20) is fastened to the bar (22), so that the ends of the bar (22) can be releasably fixed at various positions along the length of the rails (24). Thus, the position of the plate (20) from right to left in Fig. 7 is adjustable. More than one shear valve (18) can be mounted in the sump or containment device simply by providing additional stabilizer bars (22) between the rails (24).
Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A fuel dispenser sump comprising a lower portion having a closed bottom and having a side opening for a fuel conduit, and a separate upper portion that tapers upwardly and inwardly, that sits on top of the lower portion and that has a top opening for a fuel conduit to a fuel dispenser above the sump.
2. A dispenser as set forth in claim 1 wherein the top portion is permanently attached to the lower portion after plumbing has been completed.
3. A dispenser as set forth in claim 2 wherein the lower portion has an upper end having therein an endless groove, and wherein the upper portion has a lower end that sits in the groove.
4. A dispenser as set forth in claim 3 and further comprising adhesive in the groove.
5. A dispenser as set forth in claim 2 wherein the upper and lower portions are connected by a double lap joint.
6. A dispenser as set forth in claim 1 wherein the upper portion can have various sizes.
7. A dispenser as set forth in claim 1 wherein the upper portion can be inverted and nested with the lower portion.
8. A dispenser as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising a shear valve adjustably mounted in the upper portion.
9. A dispenser as set forth in claim 8 wherein the shear valve is mounted on a mounting plate, the mounting plate is mounted on a stabilizer bar for vertical and horizontal adjustment relative thereto, and the stabilizer bar is mounted on side rails for horizontal adjustment relative thereto.
10. A dispenser as set forth in claim 9 wherein the side rails are anchored in concrete surrounding the upper portion.
11. A dispenser as set forth in claim 1 wherein the lower portion includes an outwardly extending ledge providing a temporary support mounting location.
12. A fuel dispenser sump comprising a lower portion having a closed bottom and having a side opening for a fuel conduit, and a separate upper portion that sits on top of the lower portion and that has a top opening for a fuel conduit to a fuel dispenser above the sump, wherein the top portion is permanently attached to the lower portion after plumbing has been completed.
13. A fuel dispenser sump comprising a lower portion having a closed bottom and having a side opening for a fuel conduit, and a separate upper portion that sits on top of the lower portion and that has a top opening for a fuel conduit to a fuel dispenser above the sump, wherein the lower portion has an upper end having therein an endless groove, and wherein the upper portion has a lower end that sits in the groove.
14. A dispenser as set forth in claim 13 and further comprising adhesive in the groove.
15. A fuel dispenser sump comprising a lower portion having a closed bottom and having a side opening for a fuel conduit, and a separate upper portion that sits on top of the lower portion and that has a top opening for a fuel conduit to a fuel dispenser above the sump, wherein the upper and lower portions are connected by a double lap joint.
16. A fuel dispenser sump comprising a lower portion having a closed bottom and having a side opening for a fuel conduit, and a separate upper portion that sits on top of the lower portion and that has a top opening for a fuel conduit to a fuel dispenser above the sump, wherein the upper portion can have various sizes.
17. A fuel dispenser sump comprising a lower portion having a closed bottom and having a side opening for a fuel conduit, and a separate upper portion that sits on top of the lower portion and that has a top opening for a fuel conduit to a fuel dispenser above the sump, wherein the upper portion can be inverted and nested with the lower portion.
18. A fuel dispenser sump apparatus comprising a sump having a closed bottom, a side opening for a fuel conduit, and a top opening for a fuel conduit to a fuel dispenser above the sump, and a shear valve adjustably mounted in the sump.
19. An apparatus as set forth in claim 18 wherein the shear valve is mounted on a mounting plate, the mounting plate is mounted on a stabilizer bar for vertical and horizontal adjustment relative thereto, and the stabilizer bar is mounted on side rails for horizontal adjustment relative thereto.
20. An apparatus as set forth in claim 19 wherein the side rails are anchored in concrete surrounding the sump.
21. A fuel dispenser sump comprising a lower portion having a closed bottom and having a side opening for a fuel conduit, and a separate upper portion that sits on top of the lower portion and that has a top opening for a fuel conduit to a fuel dispenser above the sump, wherein the lower portion includes an outwardly extending ledge providing a temporary support mounting location.
22. A method of assembling a fuel dispenser and fuel dispenser sump, the method comprising the steps of providing a sump including a lower portion having a closed bottom and having a side opening for a fuel conduit, and a separate upper portion that tapers upwardly and inwardly, that sits on top of the lower portion and that has a top opening for a fuel conduit to a fuel dispenser above the sump, locating the lower portion in the ground, completing plumbing installation in the lower portion, and placing the upper portion on top of the lower portion and fixing the upper portion to the lower portion.
PCT/US1998/020338 1997-09-30 1998-09-30 Spill containment and fuel line protection device WO1999016978A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US6054397P 1997-09-30 1997-09-30
US60/060,543 1997-09-30

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999016978A1 true WO1999016978A1 (en) 1999-04-08

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1998/020338 WO1999016978A1 (en) 1997-09-30 1998-09-30 Spill containment and fuel line protection device

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2449080A (en) * 2007-05-09 2008-11-12 Petrotechnik Ltd Underground sump

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4842163A (en) * 1986-09-19 1989-06-27 Bravo Sergio M Gasoline collector pit box and submersible unit box
US5099894A (en) * 1989-08-23 1992-03-31 Mozeley Jr David R Spill containment and flex hose protection device
US5135324A (en) * 1991-02-13 1992-08-04 Bravo Sergio M Method of and structure for removing a flexible pipeline
US5257652A (en) * 1992-09-10 1993-11-02 Total Containment, Inc. Fluid collection system for installation underground and method of installation
US5427474A (en) * 1993-01-25 1995-06-27 Ameron, Inc. Double containment piping system and centralization seal therefor
US5527130A (en) * 1992-02-19 1996-06-18 Environ Products, Inc. Environmentally safe underground piping system
US5813797A (en) * 1996-10-08 1998-09-29 Dover Corp. Unitary sump frame

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4842163A (en) * 1986-09-19 1989-06-27 Bravo Sergio M Gasoline collector pit box and submersible unit box
US5099894A (en) * 1989-08-23 1992-03-31 Mozeley Jr David R Spill containment and flex hose protection device
US5135324A (en) * 1991-02-13 1992-08-04 Bravo Sergio M Method of and structure for removing a flexible pipeline
US5527130A (en) * 1992-02-19 1996-06-18 Environ Products, Inc. Environmentally safe underground piping system
US5257652A (en) * 1992-09-10 1993-11-02 Total Containment, Inc. Fluid collection system for installation underground and method of installation
US5427474A (en) * 1993-01-25 1995-06-27 Ameron, Inc. Double containment piping system and centralization seal therefor
US5813797A (en) * 1996-10-08 1998-09-29 Dover Corp. Unitary sump frame

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2449080A (en) * 2007-05-09 2008-11-12 Petrotechnik Ltd Underground sump
GB2449080B (en) * 2007-05-09 2009-09-23 Petrotechnik Ltd Improved sump

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