SYSTEM FOR PREVENTING THE FORMATION OF FUEL VAPOR

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention is related to the field of containers for storage or transportation of volatile materials, for example, liquid fuels, mainly those of fossil origin. Specifically, this invention relates to a system to prevent the formation of fuel vapors during the filling or emptying of containers of any nature. It can be applied in the most varied segments; in addition to those described below in the 04 chains. We see applications in boiler tanks or reservoirs, ships, recreational boats, large and small airplanes, trains, generators in the most varied applications, use in small packages as solvents for cleaning and painting, etc.DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The commercialization of fuels involves four main chains, namely: a) the storage carried out by the distributors; b) the transport, often carried out by means of tank trucks; c) the distribution through gas stations; and d) the consumption of automotive vehicles.

[0003] During the operations of such storage, transportation, distribution, and consumption chains, fuels are typically stored in reservoirs, mainly in fuel tanks that have a constant volume. In such tanks of constant volume, vapors are formed to fill the space as the tanks are emptied.

[0004] In general, storage and distribution chains use stationary and larger volume tanks. Transport and consumption chains, on the other hand, use smaller but moving tanks, which increases the number of vapors formed and released.

[0005] During the use of tank trucks, liquid fuel generally does not fill the entire volume of the fuel tank since a liquid-free space is left in the tank. Thus, the liquid fuel moves inside the tank as the tank truck moves. Therefore, the movement of liquid fuel inside the tank promotes a displacement of the vehicle's center of gravity, which can cause instability in curves and emergency braking.

[0006] Systems for reducing the emission of vapors from fuel tanks are known in the technics. The document CN205838568 (U) reveals a vapor recovery system for a filling station including a fuel storage tank, which is connected to an inert gas tank, filled with helium, a fuel outlet pipe, and a fuel-gas separator. In CN205838568 (U), the fuel outlet pipe is connected to the fuel outlet of the refueling gun and is also supplied with a vacuum pump. The fuel-gas separator is respectively connected to two fuel and gas desorption tanks and a condenser, where the condenser is connected to a fuel return pipe and the fuel return pipe is connected to an air suction port in a fueling gun to extract fuel and gas from the car's fuel tank.

[0007] The document US6527002 (B1) reveals an apparatus and method for use with a tank to store a substance and, in particular, where the stored substance is subject to evaporative losses. The substance stored in the tank is a volatile liquid, such as gasoline, light hydrocarbons, distilled liquids, or alcohol. The US6527002 (B1) apparatus comprises first and second bags, a network of tubes to provide a means of inflation to the bags, and a pressure control unit to control the inflation pressure of the bags. US6527002 (B1) reveals that the bags are inflated by air and also reveals that an inert gas inlet nozzle is connected to the tank. The inert gas inlet nozzle incorporates a ball valve so that the inert gas inlet nozzle is normally closed.

[0008] The document US4131141 (A) refers to a vapor retention system of contained volatile liquids. The US4131141 (A) system includes a bag inside a stationary or mobile storage tank. In the upper wall of the US4131141 (A) tank, there is an opening in which a breather valve assembly is located. In addition, the system comprises a collar involving an appropriate opening on the breather valve provided with a seal ring adapted to be secured by the washer when the breather valve assembly is fixed in place, thereby sealing the opening at the top of the tank.

[0009] The document DE19813349 (C1) describes a system for producing a low emission pressure equalization in a closed tank containing a vapor-forming liquid. The DE19813349 (C1) system comprises a closed tank containing a vapor-forming liquid and an associated fixed-bed adsorbent to receive the vapors that escape during the filling of the tank as well as an air exhaust line and a suction line for equalization of pressure when the tank is filled and emptied. In DE19813349 (C1), the connection line branches from the tank to the fixed-bed adsorbent in a vacuum line with a vacuum pump and a pressure line with a remotely controlled valve, which controls the bridge vacuum pump. In addition, the suction line connected to the fixed-bed adsorbent on the atmosphere side has a diaphragm or a choke valve and the exhaust air line has a remote control valve. The DE19813349 (C1) system also includes a control circuit that opens at least the remotely controlled valve in the pressure line during a filling phase and turns on the vacuum pump during an emptying phase and, at the same time, the valve on the pressure line closes.

[0010] Document WO9947434A1 discloses an apparatus for use with a container for storing a substance. Typically, the substance is a volatile liquid, such as hydrocarbon fuels, alcohol or distilled liquids. The apparatus acts to prevent filling and evaporative losses of the liquid, minimise internal corrosion of the container and prevent humidification of the liquid. The apparatus employs a bladder inside the container. The bladder is filled with air. A pressure control unit is provided to control the supply of air to the bladder such that the pressure in the bladder is maintained at or above a selected level, being the vapour pressure inside the container. The bladder is maintained in an inflated condition such that it fills the space above the substance in the container.

[0011] Document US3747800 (A) discloses an evaporation-proof and crashresistant gasoline tank for automobiles. A flexible light-oil-resistant inner tank has an upper portion above the tank's mid-section acting as a diaphragm and may be tightly attached to the mid-seam that connects the upper and lower halves of a conventional tank, the bottom half of the inner tank remaining in place lining the outer tank at all times. The top half of the inner tank is also tightly attached around the tank's fuel inlet-pipe, and guide rods extend down from the end of the fuel inlet-pipe vertically into the tank to the bottom of the outer tank, to keep the flexible diaphragm from interfering with fuel entering the tank. An air vent at the top of the tank enables air to enter or to be expelled when temperature changes occur and when the tank is being filled or emptied. The gasolineresistant diaphragm fits against the sides and top of the tank when the tank is full and against the sides and bottom when the tank is empty.

[0012] Document EP1719714 (A1) discloses a transporting container has an aluminum / stainless steel tank, a pedestal, a funnel-shaped drain in the tank's bottom area and a cover area with an opening that can be closed with a seal. The tank has a 1000 liter capacity. Smaller or larger tanks can be made available according to each product. The tank is designed for excess operating pressure of about 1 bar. Document EP1719714 (A1) claims: (1) an in-liner for use in a transporting container; (2) a tank for use in a transporting container; (3) a method for transporting food products in a transporting container; (4) a method for preparing filling and emptying of a transporting container; (5) a method for filling a transporting container; (6) a method for emptying a transporting container.

[0013] Document WO2005095155 (A1) discloses a transport vessel comprising a first inlet, a second inlet and a flexible bladder contained within the vessel. The first inlet is in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel and the second inlet is in fluid communication with the flexible bladder. Liquid entering the first inlet fills the space within the vessel around the bladder and liquid entering the second inlet fills the flexible bladder.

[0014] As can be seen, however, none of the cited documents describes a system capable of preventing the formation of vapors inside the fuel tank, in order to reduce the attack on the ozone layer and contribute to the reduction of global warming in the operations of storage, transportation, distribution and consumption of liquid fuels. Furthermore, these documents do not reveal a system capable of preventing the movement of liquid fuel inside the tank of a moving vehicle, in order to maintain the stability of this vehicle.INVENTION PURPOSES

[0015] The purpose of this invention is to provide a system that can prevent the formation of vapors inside a fuel tank.

[0016] Another purpose of this invention is to provide a system to prevent the movement of liquid fuel inside the tank of a mobile vehicle.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] This invention reveals a system for preventing the formation of fuel vapors according to claim 1 comprising a containment tank and a variable volume tank that is accommodable inside the containment tank, wherein the variable volume tank is configured to receive liquid fuel.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] Figure 1 - Schematic views of a system to prevent the formation of fuel vapors - (a) filling a balloon-type variable volume tank; (b) emptying the balloon-type variable volume tank; Figure 2 - Schematic view of the system to prevent the formation of fuel vapors in which the variable volume tank is diaphragm type; Figure 3 - Schematic view of the system to prevent the formation of fuel vapors in which the variable volume tank is piston type; Figure 4 - Schematic view of the system to prevent the formation of fuel vapors in which the variable volume tank is a bellow-type element; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description will start from a preferred embodiment of the invention, applied to a system to prevent the formation of fuel vapors.

[0020] This invention shows a system for preventing the formation of fuel vapors comprising a containment tank and a variable volume tank that is accommodable inside the containment tank, wherein the variable volume tank is configured to receive liquid fuel.

[0021] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a system 1 for preventing the formation of fuel vapors. System 1 includes a containment tank 10 and a variable volume tank 12 which is accommodated inside the containment tank 10 and which receives liquid fuel therein.

[0022] Figure 1(a) illustrates the filling operation of a variable volume tank 12 and Figure 1(b) illustrates the emptying of the variable volume tank 12. The variable volume tank 12 is, for example, of balloon type and can be made of an inert and flexible polymeric material, which allows a satisfactory elongation and is mechanically resistant.

[0023] In this embodiment, the liquid fuel is supplied to the variable volume tank 12 by means of, at least, one quick-release coupling 14 coupled to one end of the variable volume tank 12. Additionally, system 1 includes lifting loops 13 that are attached to the containment tank 10 in order to facilitate its transport. System 1 also comprises inspection nozzles 11 coupled to the containment tank 10.

[0024] The containment tank 10 envelops the variable volume tank 12 and prevents any ruptures in the variable volume tank from causing leaks to the ground or air. In addition, the space between the interior of the containment tank and the variable volume tank 12 may include fuel vapor sensors and / or cameras for monitoring.

[0025] System 1 comprises an inert gas line 16 coupled to the containment tank 10. The inert gas line 16 supplies pressurized inert gas to the interior of the containment tank 10 and externally to the variable volume tank 12. The inert gas is suitable for use in system 1 as it is non-reactive and non-combustible, and it helps to empty the tank.

[0026] System 1 also includes a vacuum line 15 comprising a vacuum gauge. The vacuum line 15 forms a vacuum in the space between the interior of the containment tank 10 and the variable volume tank 12, which facilitates the filling of the tank.

[0027] The variable volume tank 12 can be completely filled with liquid fuel and expands inside the containment tank 10, so that there is no space to be filled by any gaseous substance, be it fuel or air vapor or a combination of both.

[0028] As the inert gas and vacuum act on the external side of the variable volume tank 12, there is no contact between the gases and the liquid fuel and, therefore, system 1 prevents the formation of fuel vapors.

[0029] Figure 2 schematically illustrates system 1 comprising a variable volume tank 12 of the diaphragm type. In this embodiment, system 1 includes a plurality of guides 19 coupled to the variable volume tank 12, by means of plates 21 attached to, at least, one element of elastic material 22. Guides 19 limits the movement of the variable volume tank 12 when filling and emptying it with liquid fuel.

[0030] System 1 can also include at least one ball valve 18 coupled to the containment tank 10. In addition, system 1 may comprise a plurality of supports 20 coupled to the bottom side of the containment tank 10.

[0031] Figure 3 schematically shows system 1 comprising a piston-type variable volume tank 12. In the embodiment of Figure 3, system 1 includes a plunger 25 coupled to the variable volume tank 12. The variable volume tank 12 further includes a plurality of seals 23 to prevent liquid fuel leaks.

[0032] Figure 4 schematically illustrates system 1 including a variable volume tank 12 of a bellow-type element. In this embodiment, the system includes a guide rod 26 coupled to the variable volume tank 12 to guide the movement of the variable volume tank 12 when filling / emptying with liquid fuel.

[0033] System 1, when operated normally, prevents the formation of fuel vapors. The only way to form vapors inside the variable volume tank 12 would be due to the operator's failure during the coupling of the quick-release coupling 14.

[0034] This invention solves the technical problem of preventing the production of vapors from liquid fuels, mainly those of fossil origin, inside reservoirs. For this purpose, this invention uses a system 1 comprising a containment tank 10 and a variable volume tank 12 accommodable within the containment tank 10.

[0035] The variable volume tank 12 is filled with liquid fuel so that it does not have contact with any gaseous substance, thus preventing the formation of fuel vapors. Therefore, the present invention is especially advantageous because it inhibits the release of vapors into the atmosphere, reducing the attack on the ozone layer and contributing to the reduction of global warming.

[0036] In addition, by completely filling the variable volume tank 12 with liquid fuel, system 1 of this invention prevents the movement of this fuel inside the tank in transport situations by means of vehicles, such as tank trucks. In this way, the present invention avoids the displacement of the vehicles' center of gravity, improving their performance in curves and brakes.

[0037] Another advantage of system 1 of this invention is the possibility of not using fuel pumps and / or return systems in vehicles since system 1 works with controlled positive pressure. It also reinforces the fact that this invention is not limited to the particular configurations / embodiments described above.

Claims

1. System (1) for preventing the formation of fuel vapors including: a containment tank (10); and a variable volume tank (12) accommodable within the containment tank (10); wherein the variable volume tank (12) is configured to receive liquid fuel and further comprises an inert gas line (16) coupled to the containment tank (10) configured to supply pressurized inert gas to the interior of the containment tank (10) external to the variable volume tank (12); and characterized by further comprising a vacuum line (15) comprising a vacuum gauge, wherein the vacuum line (15) is configured to form a vacuum in the space between the interior of the containment tank (10) and the variable volume tank (12).

2. System (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one quick coupling type connection (14) coupled to one end of the variable volume tank (12) for supplying liquid fuel to the variable volume tank (12).

3. System (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises lifting handles (13) coupled to the containment tank (10).

4. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises inspection nozzles (11) coupled to the containment tank (10).

5. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the variable volume tank (12) comprises any one of a balloon, a diaphragm, a piston, and an accordionlike element.

6. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises any one of a plurality of plates (21), at least one element of elastic material (22) and a plurality of seals (23) coupled to the variable volume tank (12).

7. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises any one of a plurality of guides (19), a plunger (25) and a guide rod (26) coupled to the variable volume tank (12).

8. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one ball valve (18) coupled to the containment tank (10).

9. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of supports (20) coupled to the containment tank (10).