Fluid handling – With leakage or drip collecting
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-22
2001-05-15
Walton, George L. (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
With leakage or drip collecting
C073S04050R, C073S046000, C073S049100, C073S049200, C137S315010, C137S315180, C138S114000, C141S086000, C285S013000, C285S123100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06230735
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to secondary containment systems for containing fuel spills at gasoline service stations. More specifically, it is directed to a jacket used for providing secondary containment around a ball valve of the type frequently provided near the fuel pump outlet of the product pump.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Secondary containment systems at gasoline service stations are commonly used in order to contain any leakage from the underground piping associated with such service stations. A typical service station includes a number of underground product tanks which contain the different grades of fuel sold and a number of different product dispensers for dispensing the products to customers. Product pumps, typically one associated with each product tank, are located at the respective product tanks and feed the various products to the dispensers through underground product conduits.
As the first component of a typical secondary containment system, product tanks are provided of a double-walled construction so that any leakage from the tank will be contained and will not contaminate the surrounding soil. Such secondary containment systems also include double walled product conduits, similarly intended to contain any product leakage from the product conduits and prevent contamination.
A typical secondary containment system further includes a number of underground containment boxes which house the piping connections between the product tanks and the product conduits as well as between the product conduits and product dispensers. A first group of containment boxes are located at each product tank. The product pumps are generally located within these containment boxes. These containment boxes provide access to the product pumps for maintenance purposes and are also intended to contain any product that may spill from the product pumps or their associated piping.
A second group of containment boxes are located under each product dispenser or group of product dispensers. These containment boxes house the necessary piping connections and fittings that connect the product lines to the dispensers and contain any product that may spill from the dispenser or its associated piping.
At the low points of such secondary containment piping systems, liquid sensors are often used so as to monitor whether any leakage has occurred from the system. Such sensors can be used to either sound an alarm or shut down equipment as necessary to prevent further spillage. Some examples of the various components used in secondary containment systems can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,163 which is hereby incorporated by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an improved valve jacket for use with secondary containment systems of the type associated with the underground piping found at gasoline service stations. The valve jacket is used as a component in the secondary piping and is designed to enclose a valve and contain any leakage from the valve. The valve jacket includes a hollow body which surrounds the valve. On opposite ends of the body are two fittings for sealing the valve jacket to the secondary conduits which surround the inlet and outlet primary conduits fastened on either end of the valve. The outlet fitting is an outlet lip to which the secondary conduit is fastened such as with a hose clamp. The inlet fitting has a larger opening and uses a flexible boot to seal the valve jacket to the secondary conduit. The opening to the inlet fitting is large enough that the valve jacket can be slid over the valve.
The valve jacket also includes a sensor housing which includes a lower reservoir. The sensor housing and body are in open communication with one another such that any leakage of liquid into the valve jacket collects in the reservoir. A liquid sensor can be placed in the sensor housing to detect the collection of any liquid within the reservoir.
The valve jacket further includes a valve access bonnet extending up from the body. A similarly provided sensor bonnet extends up from the sensor housing. Cap portions of each of the valve access bonnet and sensor bonnet are integrally molded into the valve jacket but can be removed from the respective bonnets prior to installation. Once removed, the caps can be removably sealed to the respective bonnets using appropriate boot fittings. The valve access cap is useful in that it allows access to the valve without requiring the disassembly of the entire secondary containment system. Access is periodically necessary to shut off the valve or to perform routine maintenance procedures on the valve. The sensor cap is similarly useful in that it allows access to the sensor for periodic maintenance or testing of the sensor without significant disassembly.
REFERENCES:
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Christie Parker & Hale LLP
Walton George L.
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