Accessible Pressure Vacuum Valve Venting for Fire Code Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure/vacuum valves for fuel storage tanks are typically positioned at heights that make servicing and replacement difficult, as they are placed according to fire codes that require them to be above grade, creating a barrier to easy access.
Innovation Solution
A pressure/vacuum valve system that can be positioned at a working height above grade while still meeting fire code requirements by using a vault that houses the valve and allows venting to atmosphere at an appropriate height, with a diaphragm-actuated two-way poppet valve and a vault that is hermetically sealed to the riser pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressure/vacuum valve is positioned at a height above grade to meet fire code requirements, then fire safety compliance is improved, but accessibility for servicing and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional segments: the pressure/vacuum valve positioned at an accessible working height for easy servicing, and the vent pipe extending upward to the required fire code height. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function at the optimal location - the valve at low height for maintenance access and the vent at high height for fire safety compliance.
2Ease of operation
If the pressure/vacuum valve is positioned at a low working height for easy access, then accessibility for servicing is improved, but fire code compliance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vent pipe acts as an intermediary element that connects the pressure/vacuum valve (positioned at low working height) to the atmosphere at the required fire code height. This intermediary component transfers the venting function from the low-positioned valve to the high-positioned atmosphere interface, allowing the valve to be accessible while still meeting fire safety requirements through the mediating vent pipe.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy access and servicing of the valve while maintaining compliance with fire codes by allowing venting at the required height, ensuring safe and efficient pressure/vacuum relief for fuel storage tanks.
Implementation Method 1
a diaphragm-actuated two-way poppet valve
Data Source
AI summary
A P/V valve that can be positioned at a working height above grade (i.e., a height reachable by a service technician positioned at grade) while still providing appropriate resistance to fire and explosion by venting to atmosphere at an appropriate height above grade (e.g., 12 feet) is disclosed. In certain exemplifications of the present disclosure, the P/V valve features a diaphragm actuated two-way poppet valve actuatable by a valve piston. In alternative exemplifications of the present disclosure, the P/V valve is positioned intermediate grade and the distal end of a P/V valve riser pipe and is contained in a vault fluidly connected to the P/V valve riser pipe, the P/V valve locally venting in the vault, which is hermetically sealed to the P/V valve riser pipe.