Communications: electrical – Condition responsive indicating system – Specific condition
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-30
2001-02-06
Lefkowitz, Edward (Department: 2736)
Communications: electrical
Condition responsive indicating system
Specific condition
C340S584000, C340S635000, C073S04050R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06184793
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to aboveground fuel and fueling systems, such as those that are manufactured by U-Fuel, Inc. of Eau Claire, Wis. Specifically, the invention pertains to processes and systems for testing aboveground fuel and fueling systems for resistance against fire-related emergencies.
2. Description of the Related Technology
Nearly all modern airports and marinas 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 that is 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 which 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 can not 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. This development in the field has been pioneered by U-Fuel, Inc. of Eau Claire, Wis. Examples of the new aboveground technology include the systems that are described in the following U.S. Patents:
5,898,376
Modular overfill alarm assembly for vented storage tanks
5,723,842
Above-ground fire-resistant storage tank system and
fabrication method
5,562,162
Portable fueling facility
5,305,926
Portable fueling facility having fire-retardant material
4,988,020
Portable fueling facility
Another concern that is often expressed by regulatory authorities and the owners of aboveground fuel storage facilities is the possibility of catastrophic fire or explosion if surrounding objects catch on fire. One standard that has been promulgated for such units holds that risk is sufficiently minimized when a tank can withstand a 2000.degree. F. environment for two hours. This standard is codified in Underwriters Laboratories test procedure 2085.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to perform a test as rigorous as that set forth above on an aboveground fueling system that simulates real world conditions. Because of the enormous combustion power of fuels such as propane, gasoline and jet fuel in quantities that would be sufficient to fill a typical aboveground fuel storage unit, the prevalent attitude in the industry prior to this invention was that it is too dangerous to subject such a unit when filled with fuel to a test fire under any circumstances. Instead, testing of such equipment has been done on empty tanks, or prototypes in ovens or open fires.
In addition, the previous testing methods were felt inadequate by some because they failed to take into account such factors as wind, which during a fire can cause sharp temperature gradients on the tank surface, thereby generating uneven strain that could potentially result in a breach in the tank.
It is clear there has existed a long and unfilled need in the prior art for a process for testing aboveground fuel tanks and fueling systems for their ability to withstand fire-related emergencies that more accurately simulates conditions of a likely fire-related emergency than tests that have heretofore been practiced and proposed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a process for testing aboveground fuel tanks and fueling systems for their ability to withstand fire-related emergencies that more accurately simulates conditions of realistic fire-related emergencies than tests that have heretofore been practiced and proposed.
In order to achieve the above and other aspects of the invention, a method of testing an aboveground-type fuel storage tank according to one aspect of the invention includes steps of (a) positioning at a test location an aboveground-type fuel storage tank that has been configured as it is intended to be in commercial use; (b) at least partially filling the aboveground-type fuel storage tank with a fuel that is intended to be stored in the storage tank during commercial use; (c) subjecting the exterior of the aboveground-type fuel storage tank to a petroleum-fed fire for a period of time of at least fifteen minutes; and (d) checking the integrity of the aboveground-type fuel storage tank to determine the effect of the fire on the aboveground-type fuel storage tank.
A method of monitoring an aboveground type fuel storage tank while testing the tank for its fire resistance characteristics includes, according to a second aspect of the invention, steps of determining the integrity of the tank; at least partially filling the tank with a fuel; and subjecting the exterior of the tank to heat that simulates a real-world petroleum fire without causing the fuel in the tank to explode.
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 advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4805444 (1989-02-01), Webb
patent: 4932257 (1990-06-01), Webb
patent: 4988020 (1991-01-01), Webb
patent: 5060509 (1991-10-01), Webb
patent: 5305926 (1994-04-01), Webb
patent: 5333490 (1994-08-01), Webb
patent: 5562162 (1996-10-01), Webb
patent: 5723842 (1998-03-01), Webb
patent: 5898376 (1999-04-01), Webb
Knoble & Yoshida LLC
Lefkowitz Edward
U-Fuel, Inc.
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