Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Specified terranean relationship – With waterproofing means; e.g. – covering – coating – or lamina
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-13
2001-07-10
Cuomo, Peter M. (Department: 3630)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Specified terranean relationship
With waterproofing means; e.g., covering, coating, or lamina
C052S741400, C405S052000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06256944
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to water resistant covers for a fuel dispenser containment sump, and more particularly to a system for covering such a dispenser containment sump that selectively prevents water from entering the sump but allows hydrocarbons to enter the sump.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is highly desirable to have containment sumps or pans installed under the fuel dispensers at a service station to prevent accidental contamination of the soil. These dispenser “pans” can be installed during construction or retrofitted to existing operating stations. Use of a dispenser pan is very effective for containing accidental spills or leaks that may occur inside the dispenser.
A negative side effect is that the dispenser pans are also very effective containment for any water that enters the pan from the outside the dispenser, such as occurs during rain storms or dispenser cleaning. Since containment sumps that have had prior contact with gasoline is the norm, any water collected in these sumps represents a hazardous waste and is very costly to remove.
Attempts by the dispenser manufacturers have been made to make the dispenser itself watertight, thus preventing ingress of water into the containment pan. While these systems are somewhat successful, the cost of such systems is very high. It is desirable to have a low cost solution to the problem.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The primary invention, as illustrated in
FIGS. 1 through 4
, comprises a foam plastic shield, such as a foam polystyrene shield, that deflects water entering the dispenser from entering the containment pan. The foam polystyrene, or other suitable water impermeable barrier, sheds the water but allows any hydrocarbon fuel that contacts the water barrier to rapidly dissolve the barrier resulting in the hydrocarbon fuel entering and being contained by the containment pan.
Several variations of this idea are also disclosed in
FIGS. 5 & 6
. One variation shown in
FIG. 5
, allows for an impermeable barrier to be formed across the containment pan and a gasoline or hydrocarbon soluble plug to be placed through a hole in the barrier. This barrier is designed to contain a minimum volume of liquid such that water entering the dispenser will run off and be diverted from the containment sump. Should any hydrocarbon drip inside the dispenser, it will rapidly dissolve the plug and enter the containment sump.
Another variation is shown in
FIG. 6
, where a water impermeable barrier is formed across the top of the sump to prevent water from entering. This barrier would be hydrocarbon soluble and allow any hydrocarbon contacting it to rapidly dissolve and enter the containment pan.
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Butkovich Michael
Daul Charles M.
Kovach Albert
Lyzinski David
BP Amoco Corporation
Cuomo Peter M.
Hansen James O.
Schoettle Ekkehard
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