Pressure Vacuum Valve Venting Layout for Serviceable Tank Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure/vacuum valves for fuel storage tanks face challenges in being accessible for service or replacement while meeting fire code requirements, as they are typically positioned at heights above grade to vent fuel vapors safely, creating a barrier for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A pressure/vacuum valve system that can be positioned at a working height above grade, with a vault housing the valve and allowing venting to atmosphere at a higher vent height, ensuring safety and accessibility for maintenance, featuring a diaphragm-actuated two-way poppet valve and a riser pipe configuration that maintains fluid communication with the storage tank.
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 safety compliance is improved, but accessibility for maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional segments: a lower accessible section containing the pressure/vacuum valve at working height for easy maintenance, and an upper extended riser pipe section that reaches the required vent height above grade for fire code compliance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended riser pipe acts as an intermediary element that connects the accessible valve location at working height to the required vent height above grade. This intermediate structure enables the valve to be serviced easily while still achieving the necessary vapor dispersion height for safety compliance.
2Ease of repair
If the pressure/vacuum valve is positioned at working height for easy maintenance, then accessibility is improved, but fire code compliance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical structure is segmented into a lower maintenance-accessible portion and an upper safety-compliance portion. The valve is installed in the lower segment at working height, while the upper segment extends to the required vent height, ensuring both accessibility and regulatory compliance are achieved simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-height positioning problem to a multi-level vertical arrangement. By utilizing different vertical dimensions, the system achieves both the accessibility required for easy repair at lower heights and the safety compliance requiring higher venting positions.
3Reliability
If the valve is enclosed in a vault for protection, then safety is improved, but accessibility for service deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective enclosure is segmented with a removable or openable section that provides protection for the valve while allowing easy access for maintenance. The vault structure protects the valve from environmental damage and unauthorized access, while the accessible opening enables straightforward servicing without requiring full disassembly.
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 safe and accessible maintenance of pressure/vacuum valves by positioning them at a working height while maintaining compliance with fire codes, allowing for effective venting of fuel vapors and managing pressure/vacuum conditions in fuel storage tanks.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a diaphragm-actuated two-way poppet valve
Implementation Method 2
allowing venting to atmosphere at a higher vent height, ensuring safety and accessibility for maintenance
Implementation Method 3
the valve piston sealed relative to the pressure/vacuum valve housing
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.