EP1457731A2 - Appareil pour vider des réservoirs pressurisés de leur fuel, en particulier pour les réservoirs de véhicules motorisés - Google Patents

Appareil pour vider des réservoirs pressurisés de leur fuel, en particulier pour les réservoirs de véhicules motorisés Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1457731A2
EP1457731A2 EP04003692A EP04003692A EP1457731A2 EP 1457731 A2 EP1457731 A2 EP 1457731A2 EP 04003692 A EP04003692 A EP 04003692A EP 04003692 A EP04003692 A EP 04003692A EP 1457731 A2 EP1457731 A2 EP 1457731A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tank
flow control
control means
emptied
burner
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP04003692A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1457731A3 (fr
Inventor
Vincenzo Pagliarini
Danilo Friso
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Interscambio Srl
Original Assignee
Interscambio Srl
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Interscambio Srl filed Critical Interscambio Srl
Publication of EP1457731A2 publication Critical patent/EP1457731A2/fr
Publication of EP1457731A3 publication Critical patent/EP1457731A3/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C7/00—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases from pressure vessels, not covered by another subclass
    • F17C7/02—Discharging liquefied gases
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/03—Orientation
    • F17C2201/032—Orientation with substantially vertical main axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0123—Mounting arrangements characterised by number of vessels
    • F17C2205/013—Two or more vessels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
    • F17C2221/035—Propane butane, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/06—Controlling or regulating of parameters as output values
    • F17C2250/0605—Parameters
    • F17C2250/0636—Flow or movement of content
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/04—Reducing risks and environmental impact
    • F17C2260/042—Reducing risk of explosion

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for emptying fuel from pressurized tanks.
  • the invention relates particularly but not exclusively to an apparatus for emptying storage tanks of motor vehicles that contain liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or methane.
  • LPG liquefied petroleum gas
  • the storage tanks must be empty when they are retired.
  • the aim of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for emptying fuel from pressurized tanks, particularly for motor vehicle storage tanks, that solves the problems noted above in purging pressurized tanks such as motor vehicle storage tanks.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for emptying fuel from pressurized tanks, particularly for motor vehicle storage tanks, that allows to avoid polluting the environment.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for emptying fuel from pressurized tanks, particularly for motor vehicle storage tanks, that allows to purge the tanks without having to move them to appropriate sites.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for emptying fuel from pressurized tanks, particularly for motor vehicle storage tanks, that ensures complete elimination of the residues of fuel from the inside of said tanks.
  • a still further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for emptying fuel from pressurized tanks, particularly for motor vehicle storage tanks, that is simple and easy to manufacture.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for emptying fuel from pressurized tanks, particularly for motor vehicle storage tanks, that can be manufactured with known equipment and technologies.
  • an apparatus for emptying fuel from pressurized tanks particularly for motor vehicle storage tanks, characterized in that it is constituted by at least one apparatus line that comprises at least one burner that can be functionally connected by means of piping to a pressurized tank to be emptied, a pressure reduction block being arranged between said burner and said tank, first flow control means being provided between said burner and said reduction block, second flow control means being provided upstream of said reduction block.
  • the apparatus further comprises at least one plant section for inertizing the residual fuel that is present inside said pressurized tank to be emptied, said section being constituted by at least one burner torch that can be functionally connected by means of ducts to said pressurized tank to be emptied, at least one pressure vessel containing inert gas being functionally connectable to said ducts, third flow control means being provided between said at least one vessel and said tank, fourth flow control means being provided between said burner torch and said vessel.
  • an apparatus for emptying fuel from pressurized tanks, particularly for motor vehicle storage tanks, according to the invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 10.
  • the apparatus 10 is constituted by two apparatus lines: a first line, designated by the reference numeral 11, which is associable with a first pressurized tank 12 to be emptied, which contains liquefied petroleum gas (LPG); and a second line, designated by the reference numeral 111, which is associable with a second pressurized tank 112 to be emptied, which contains methane gas.
  • a first line designated by the reference numeral 11
  • LPG liquefied petroleum gas
  • the first apparatus line is described hereinafter and its components are designated by two-digit numerals, while the corresponding components of the second line are designated by corresponding numerals increased by one hundred; the various differences between the two lines will be specified in each instance.
  • the first line comprises a burner 13, which can be functionally connected by means of piping 14 to the first pressurized tank to be emptied, such as, in this embodiment, an LPG storage tank that acts as a fuel tank for a motor vehicle (which is not shown in the figures).
  • a burner 13 which can be functionally connected by means of piping 14 to the first pressurized tank to be emptied, such as, in this embodiment, an LPG storage tank that acts as a fuel tank for a motor vehicle (which is not shown in the figures).
  • the apparatus comprises means for drawing in the liquid phase from the pressurized tank to be emptied.
  • the liquid-phase drawing means correspond, in this embodiment, to the riser valve that is present inside the LPG storage tank, which dips directly in the liquid phase.
  • a pressure reduction block 15 which is constituted by a pressure reduction unit 16 that operates continuously and is associated with heating means.
  • the heating means are constituted by a hydraulic circuit in which water circulates; such circuit comprises a heat exchanger 20 that is coupled to the pressure reduction unit 16.
  • the exchanger 20 is functionally connected in input, by means of piping, to the output of a boiler 21 for the water and in output to a plenum chamber 22 for the water and to the input of the boiler 21; in this way, the input of the boiler 21 is also functionally connected to the plenum chamber 22.
  • thermometer 21a At the output of the boiler 21 there are a thermometer 21a and a minimum-temperature thermostat 21b.
  • Two first ball valves 23 are provided in input and in output to the exchanger 20.
  • the hydraulic circuit further comprises means for recirculating the water in said circuit, which are constituted by an electric pump 24 that is comprised between two second ball valves 23a.
  • the pressure reduction units of the first and second plant lines 11 and 111 designated respectively by the reference numerals 16 and 116, have a similar function but are structured for different fluids and for operation at different pressures.
  • the LPG reduction unit 16 operates from a maximum pressure of 4-5 atmospheres to approximately 0.03 atmospheres, whereas the methane reduction unit 116 operates from a maximum pressure of approximately 200 atmospheres to approximately 0.02 atmospheres; both reduction units operate continuously (without the variable flow-rate that is typical of pressure reduction units provided in output to motor vehicle storage tanks).
  • First flow control means are provided between the burner 13 and the pressure reduction unit 16 and are constituted by a first slow-release electric valve 30.
  • Second flow control means constituted by a third ball valve 23b.
  • the second flow control means further comprise a second electric safety valve 25, which is arranged in series to the third ball valve 23b, in particular between the third ball valve 23b and the pressure reduction unit 16.
  • the second electric valve 25 is associated with a low-pressure detector 52 that adjusts its operation.
  • the apparatus 10 comprises an apparatus section 40 for inertizing the residual fuel that is present inside the corresponding pressurized tank (12 or 112) to be emptied.
  • the inertizing section 40 is constituted by a burner torch 41 that can be functionally connected, by means of ducts 42 connected to the piping 14, to the corresponding pressurized tank 12 to be emptied.
  • a pressure vessel 45 containing inert gas, such as nitrogen in this embodiment, can be functionally connected to the ducts by coupling to the piping 14.
  • Third flow control means are provided between the vessel 45 and the tank 12 and are constituted by a third electric filler valve 46 for flushing the tank 12 with nitrogen.
  • the third electric valve 46 is arranged in the portion 47 that connects the pressure vessel 45 to the pipes 14.
  • the pressure vessel 45 containing nitrogen can be connected to the second apparatus line 111 by means of a corresponding connecting portion 147.
  • a minimum nitrogen pressure-controlled switch 148 is associated with the electric valve 146.
  • Fourth flow control means are provided between the burner torch 41 and the vessel 45 and are constituted by a fourth electric valve 50 for venting the nitrogen used to flush the tank 12; in particular, the fourth electric valve 50 is arranged in the portion of the duct 42 between the torch 41 and the reduction unit 20.
  • the third electric filler valve 46 for flushing the tank 12 with nitrogen and the fourth electric valve 50 for venting the nitrogen are associated with a high-pressure detector 51, located directly downstream of the valve 23b, which adjusts its operation.
  • the entire apparatus 10 is enclosed in a metallic cabinet 60 that is provided with the appropriate outlets for connection to the tanks of the motor vehicles to be emptied and inertized.
  • the cabinet 60 is provided with a hood-stack 61, at the base of which the burners 13, 113 and the burner torches 41, 141 are arranged.
  • the burner torches 41, 141 are provided with a piezoelectric element (not shown in the figures).
  • the apparatus is provided with an electric control circuit that is associated with an electric control panel 70 that is inserted in a containment compartment (not shown in the figures) of the electrical panel, which is formed in the cabinet 60 and is provided with its own door.
  • the electrical panel 70 contains a switch for switching operation from LPG gas to neutral and from neutral to methane gas, pushbuttons with a warning light to indicate the start of the cycle with LPG gas and with methane gas, a switch for locking the opening of the door of said containment compartment of the electrical panel, an optical and acoustic indicator of nitrogen gas depletion, and indicators of sequence in progress.
  • the apparatus comprises a one-way valve 65, 165, which is arranged downstream of the third electric valve 46, 146 with respect to the pressure vessel 45.
  • the apparatus comprises a flashback arrester 67, 167, which is arranged upstream of the burner torch 41, 141.
  • Control and management of the apparatus is entrusted to an electronic control unit (not present in the figures), which is associated with a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).
  • PLC Protein Logic Controller
  • the LPG tank 12 of a motor vehicle is connected so that the piping 14 dips in the liquid phase from the tank 12, and the valve 23b and the electric valves 30 and 25 are opened, while the electric valves 46 and 50 of the inertizing section are closed.
  • the LPG changes from a liquid to a gas through the pressure reduction unit 16, which is heated in order to prevent it from freezing during vaporization, by means of the exchanger 20, by the hot water heated by the boiler 21.
  • the resulting pressure is minimal and is such that the residual gaseous phase does not allow combustion by the burner 13.
  • the electric valve 30 is closed and the electric valve 46 is opened; the nitrogen, which is at a higher pressure, flows inside the tank and mixes with the gaseous residues of the LPG.
  • the mixture of nitrogen and LPG is thus burned by the torch 41 (the mixture is ignited by the piezoelectric element, which operates continuously).
  • the electric valve 50 is closed and the electric valve 46 is reopened, starting a new nitrogen flushing cycle.
  • the duration of said cycles is controlled by the high-pressure detector, which regulates the opening and closing of the electric valves 46 and 50.
  • the first washing cycle is sufficient to purge the tank, but for safety, in order to eliminate any minimal traces of residual propane, at least three cycles are performed in all.
  • the torch no longer bums, since there is not enough propane to burn, and discharges almost exclusively nitrogen; in any case, for safety, the piezoelectric element is operated continuously.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus for emptying fuel from pressurized tanks, particularly for motor vehicle storage tanks, that does not require removal of the storage tanks from the motor vehicles.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus for emptying fuel from pressurized tanks, particularly for motor vehicle storage tanks, that allows to vent the storage tanks completely.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus for emptying fuel from pressurized tanks, particularly for motor vehicle storage tanks, that limits pollution to the ordinary burnt residues of the combustion of the burner torch and of the burner.
  • the materials employed may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
EP04003692A 2003-02-27 2004-02-19 Appareil pour vider des réservoirs pressurisés de leur fuel, en particulier pour les réservoirs de véhicules motorisés Withdrawn EP1457731A3 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITPD20030035 ITPD20030035A1 (it) 2003-02-27 2003-02-27 Impianto per lo svuotamento di combustibile da serbatoi in
ITPD20030035 2003-02-27

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1457731A2 true EP1457731A2 (fr) 2004-09-15
EP1457731A3 EP1457731A3 (fr) 2006-02-15

Family

ID=32750512

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04003692A Withdrawn EP1457731A3 (fr) 2003-02-27 2004-02-19 Appareil pour vider des réservoirs pressurisés de leur fuel, en particulier pour les réservoirs de véhicules motorisés

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1457731A3 (fr)
IT (1) ITPD20030035A1 (fr)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1167385A (en) * 1966-04-27 1969-10-15 Jean Louis Gratzmuller Safety Arrangement for Containers for Dangerous Gases
GB1445459A (en) * 1972-11-28 1976-08-11 Applic Gaz Sa Liquefied gas burning apparatus emthod of fabricating thermal printing head
US5158067A (en) * 1991-10-21 1992-10-27 Dutro Company Wok adapted portable food cooker
US5513680A (en) * 1993-09-03 1996-05-07 Henry T. Hilliard, Jr. Portable apparatus and method for venting a storage vessel
WO2000047463A1 (fr) * 1999-02-12 2000-08-17 Moss Maritime As Dispositif de traitement de phase gazeuse de gaz naturel liquefie et utilisation d'un ensemble d'incineration destine a bruler une telle phase
US6443166B1 (en) * 2000-10-12 2002-09-03 General Electric Company Method of cleaning a pressurized container

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1167385A (en) * 1966-04-27 1969-10-15 Jean Louis Gratzmuller Safety Arrangement for Containers for Dangerous Gases
GB1445459A (en) * 1972-11-28 1976-08-11 Applic Gaz Sa Liquefied gas burning apparatus emthod of fabricating thermal printing head
US5158067A (en) * 1991-10-21 1992-10-27 Dutro Company Wok adapted portable food cooker
US5513680A (en) * 1993-09-03 1996-05-07 Henry T. Hilliard, Jr. Portable apparatus and method for venting a storage vessel
WO2000047463A1 (fr) * 1999-02-12 2000-08-17 Moss Maritime As Dispositif de traitement de phase gazeuse de gaz naturel liquefie et utilisation d'un ensemble d'incineration destine a bruler une telle phase
US6443166B1 (en) * 2000-10-12 2002-09-03 General Electric Company Method of cleaning a pressurized container

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1457731A3 (fr) 2006-02-15
ITPD20030035A1 (it) 2004-08-28

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