Above-ground fuel storage system

Fire extinguishers – Processes – Of preventing fire

Reexamination Certificate

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Details

C169S066000, C222S608000, C141S086000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06216790

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improved portable fueling facility of the type that may be deployed at an airport or other desired refueling location. More specifically, the invention relates to an improved fueling facility which has improved secondary containment characteristics, is easily deployable at a desired location and that does not need an attendant to effect a refueling transaction.
2. Description of the Prior Art and Related Technology
Nearly all modern airports have facilities of some type for refueling. The most prevalent type of aircraft refueling facility includes a belowground storage tank and an aboveground pumping module which are operated by an attendant, much in the manner of commercial service stations for automobiles.
One significant disadvantage of such in-ground refueling stations is the time and labor involved in preparing for and constructing such a facility. Some factors that contribute to the expense of constructing a belowground facility include the need for construction permits, subcontractors, excavation and the time and planning involved in locating a permanent site for the facility. Once installed, such facilities cannot practically be moved to different locations at the airport, to other airports, or be sold.
In recent years, some aboveground refueling facilities have become commercially available. One example is the Edghill Airfield fueling installation, which is commercially available from H. W. Edghill Equipment, of Basing Stoke, Hampshire, England. This facility includes a pair of tanks that are manifolded together and are mounted on a hard surface by a skid. A remotely positioned electrically powered dispensing unit is provided to dispense the fuel. However, this dispensing unit also requires the presence of an attendant to monitor the refueling transaction and has limited safeguards to prevent leaks and spills.
In many small airports throughout the United States and the world, it is difficult for a pilot to refuel his or her aircraft at irregular times when an attendant is not present at the airport's refueling facility. As a result, a pilot may be effectively prevented from beginning or resuming a flight until an attendant is again on duty.
In addition, many commercial service stations for automobiles have limited operational hours. When an attendant is not on duty at such stations, a traveler cannot refuel his vehicle.
Another problem with existing aboveground fuel storage facilities is the possibility of catastrophic fire or explosion if surrounding objects catch on fire.
When storing volatile liquids such as fuel, it is important that the loss of vapor to atmosphere be minimized, both for fuel conservation and ecological considerations.
When refilling a fueling facility, it is also important that the operator in charge of such refilling be warned when the fuel level in the storage tank approaches capacity.
It is clear there has existed a long and unfilled need in the prior art for a portable aboveground refueling facility for refueling aircraft or ground vehicles which has adequate protection against fuel leakage, is readily deployable at a desired refueling location and does not require an attendant to effect a refueling transaction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved portable aircraft refueling facility which is effective at preventing unwanted fuel leakage, is readily deployable at a desired location and which does not require an attendant to effect a refueling transaction.
It is further an object to provide an aboveground fueling facility that is insulated against fire or extreme temperature conditions.
It is yet further an object of the invention to provide a portable aircraft refueling facility that provides clean fuel for pumping.
It is yet farther an object of the invention to provide an improved portable fueling facility having a system for automatically preventing dangerous overfilling of its storage tank.
It is further an object of the invention to provide an improved portable refueling facility in which fuel is loaded and unloaded with a minimum of spillage.
It is also an object of the invention to provide an improved portable refueling facility which is capable of preventing vapor loss to atmosphere, especially when the facility is warn or filled to capacity.
It is further an object of the invention to provide an improved portable refueling facility which provides a warning to a fill operator during refilling when fuel in the storage tank of the facility approaches the capacity of the storage tank.
It is further an object of the invention to provide a portable refueling assembly that has a system for suppressing combustion within a storage tank if and when such combustion occurs.
In order to achieve these and other objects of the invention, an improved aboveground system for storing a combustible fluid such as gasoline includes a storage tank that is constructed and arranged to store a combustible fluid such as gasoline, the storage tank having a wall that has inner and outer surfaces; an outer tank surrounding the inner tank so as to provide secondary containment for the fluid that is stored in the storage tank, the outer tank having a wall that has inner and outer surfaces, wherein an interstitial space is defined between the inner surface of the outer tank and the outer surface of the storage tank; and a pipe for communicating with the storage tank, the pipe extending through the wall of the storage tank, into the interstitial space and through the interstitial space for a distance so as to extend substantially parallel to at least one of the walls of the outer tank and the storage tank, and then through the wall of the outer tank, whereby fluid may be supplied to or withdrawn from the storage tank.
According to a second aspect of the invention, an improved aboveground system for storing a combustible fluid such as gasoline includes a storage tank that is constructed and arranged to store a combustible fluid such as gasoline, the storage tank having a wall that has inner and outer surfaces; an outer tank surrounding the inner tank so as to provide secondary containment for the fluid that is stored in the storage tank, the outer tank having a wall that has inner and outer surfaces, wherein an interstitial space is defined between the inner surface of the outer tank and the outer surface of the storage tank; a pipe for communicating with the storage tank, the pipe extending through the wall of the storage tank, into the interstitial space and through the interstitial space for a distance so as to extend substantially parallel to at least one of the walls of the outer tank and the storage tank, and then through the wall of the outer tank, whereby fluid may be supplied to or withdrawn from the storage tank; and access means for gaining access through the wall of the outer tank to the portion of the pipe that extends through the interstitial space for a distance so as to extend substantially parallel to at least one of the walls of the outer tank and the storage tank.
According to a third aspect of the invention, an improved aboveground heat emergency-resistant system for storing a combustible fluid such as gasoline includes a storage tank that is constructed and arranged to store a combustible fluid such as gasoline, the storage tank having a wall that has inner and outer surfaces; an outer tank surrounding the inner tank so as to provide secondary containment for the fluid that is stored in the storage tank, the outer tank having a wall that has inner and outer surfaces, wherein an interstitial space is defined between the inner surface of the outer tank and the outer surface of the storage tank; and a vent for relieving pressure from the interstitial space.
These and various other advantages and features of novelty that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advant

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