Double-walled flexible dispenser sump connection system

Abstract

A double-walled flexible dispenser sump connection system prevents fuel leaks into a dispenser sump located below a fuel dispenser. An inner flexible connector and an outer flexible connector are configured such that the dispenser sump connection system may be installed on newly constructed fuel delivery systems or be retrofitted onto existing fuel delivery systems in order to bring them into compliance with recently environmental regulations.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] This invention relates generally to fuel dispenser sumps used in gas stations and in similar applications, and more particularly to a double-walled flexible dispenser sump connection system that provides a safeguard against leaks from dispenser sumps located beneath the gasoline dispensers. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0002] State environmental and energy agencies require strict compliance with laws and regulations regarding fuel storage and conveyance, in particular regarding containment of fuel within the pipes and other components beneath the ground surface at gas stations. Piping systems for conveying the fuel between the underground tanks and dispensers must be pressurized and vacuum sealed to detect and contain leaks therein. [0003] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a common dispenser sump connection system 10 below a dispenser 12 at a gas station. Fuel is conveyed from a tank 14 through a primary inner pipe 16, traditionally two inches in ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a common dispenser sump connection system 10 below a dispenser 12 at a gas station. Fuel is conveyed from a tank 14 through a primary inner pipe 16, traditionally two inches in diameter, into a dispenser sump 18 below the fuel dispenser 12. Once inside the dispenser sump 18 the inner pipe 16 continues through an elbow joint 20 to a connecting inner pipe 22, which couples to a shear valve 24 located at the bottom of the dispenser 12. The shear valve 24 prevents fuel spills or leaks in the event that the dispenser 12 is displaced from the dispenser sump 18.

[0004] A secondary outer pipe 26, traditionally three inches in diameter, encloses the inner pipe 16 from the tank 14 to the dispenser sump 18. The outer pipe 26 prevents fuel from entering into and contaminating the groundsoil and / or the atmosphere. The interstitial space between the outer pipe 26 and the inner pipe 16 is either pressurized or vacuum sealed to provide additional protection against leaks.

[0006] The present invention comprises a dispenser sump connection system which overcomes the foregoing and other difficulties which have long since characterized the prior art. In accordance with the broader aspects of the invention, an outer and inner flexible connector system provides protection against fuel leakage from the dispenser sump. The inner flexible connector connects the primary inner pipe to the shear valve. The outer flexible connector completely encloses the inner flexible connector from the sump wall to the shear valve. The interstitial space between the outer flexible connector and the inner flexible connector is pressurized and / or be vacuum sealed thereby preventing any fuel leakage into the dispenser sump.

[0007] The outer and inner flexible connector system can be retrofitted inside existing dispenser sumps at a minimal cost per dispenser. The present invention provides the high level of protection against leakage required by state environmental agencies and eliminates the need for installing an outer sump or retrofitting with a double-walled sump.

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, there are no safeguards to detect or contain leaks that occur inside the dispenser sump 18, which can result in leaks into the groundsoil surrounding the dispenser sump and / or into the atmosphere.

Considering that most gas stations have multiple dispensers, the cost to retrofit the existing sumps to bring them into compliance can be substantial.

Images