EP3455159B1 - Facility for storing and dispensing fuel - Google Patents

Facility for storing and dispensing fuel Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3455159B1
EP3455159B1 EP17721421.0A EP17721421A EP3455159B1 EP 3455159 B1 EP3455159 B1 EP 3455159B1 EP 17721421 A EP17721421 A EP 17721421A EP 3455159 B1 EP3455159 B1 EP 3455159B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fuel
condensed
discharge line
condensed water
detection means
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.)
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Application number
EP17721421.0A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3455159A1 (en
Inventor
Philippe Cloutier
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.)
Tokheim Holding BV
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Tokheim Holding BV
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/04—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring fuels, lubricants or mixed fuels and lubricants
    • B67D7/0476—Vapour recovery systems
    • B67D7/0478—Vapour recovery systems constructional features or components
    • B67D7/0488—Means for preventing the formation of condensation on, or for removing condensation from, vapour recovery lines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/04—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring fuels, lubricants or mixed fuels and lubricants
    • B67D7/0476—Vapour recovery systems
    • B67D7/0478—Vapour recovery systems constructional features or components
    • B67D7/049—Vapour recovery methods, e.g. condensing the vapour
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/76—Arrangements of devices for purifying liquids to be transferred, e.g. of filters, of air or water separators
    • B67D7/766—Arrangements of devices for purifying liquids to be transferred, e.g. of filters, of air or water separators of water separators
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/04—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring fuels, lubricants or mixed fuels and lubricants
    • B67D7/0476—Vapour recovery systems
    • B67D7/0478—Vapour recovery systems constructional features or components
    • B67D2007/0494—Means for condensing the vapours and reintroducing them into the storage tanks

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an installation for the storage and distribution of fuel for motor vehicles such as a service station.
  • Such an installation comprises a fuel storage tank equipped with a vent pipe and connected to at least one fuel distributor comprising a flexible hose connected to a distributor gun, on the one hand by a fuel distribution system in a tank. vehicle and on the other hand, by a vapor recovery system sucking the fuel vapors emitted during fuel distribution in a tank.
  • Service stations are conventionally equipped with tanks that can store so-called light fuels such as unleaded petrol SP 95 or SP 98, for example.
  • the gas phase of light fuel can contain between 40 and 90% by volume of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which, for some, are very harmful to human health; the gaseous complement is air loaded with water vapor or humidity.
  • VOCs volatile organic compounds
  • each fuel storage tank which is generally underground, is equipped with a vent pipe fitted with a valve making it possible to prevent the overpressure or underpressure of this tank and to balance that tank. - here in pressure depending on whether it is in depression or overpressure.
  • phase II recovery requires the recovery of fuel vapors emitted out of the tank of a vehicle when it is being filled in order to avoid the emission of a gaseous phase containing hydrocarbons.
  • the fuel storage and distribution installations are equipped with a vapor recovery system comprising a suction collection duct for the gas phase from the gun fitted to the fuel distributor to the storage tank.
  • a vapor recovery system comprising a suction collection duct for the gas phase from the gun fitted to the fuel distributor to the storage tank.
  • This vapor recovery system includes a pump to suck the vapors and a flow meter to measure the flow of the vapors sucked.
  • a control system makes it possible to control and adjust the flow rate of the vapors sucked in so that the volume of fuel dispensed / volume of vapors recovered ratio is as close as possible to 1.
  • the liquid fuel transferred to the tank of a vehicle expels from this tank a volume of fuel vapors equivalent to the liquid fuel delivered which is sucked in by the fuel vapor recovery system; in theory, the volume of the gas phase sucked in is therefore identical to the volume of liquid fuel delivered to the vehicle tank, which is not always the case in practice, however.
  • Moisture can also be transferred into the storage tank by the return of the gas phase sucked into the vehicle tanks, themselves in contact with the outside air and therefore loaded with humidity.
  • This humidity has the disadvantage of causing corrosion of the walls of the tank which, in the long term, can be pierced with the spillage of fuel in the basement, which causes significant pollution.
  • this humidity can cause the water to freeze in the presence of negative temperatures with a risk of clogging of the vent pipes or the fuel distribution pipes.
  • This fuel storage and distribution installation comprises in particular a condenser for condensing the fuel vapors coming from the storage tank and a dehumidifier for the outside air admitted inside this tank.
  • This installation thus makes it possible to avoid pollution outside the storage tank and to avoid contamination of the fuel in this tank by water, in the event of overpressure or depression of the latter.
  • this installation does not make it possible to identify the problem at the source of this overpressure or of this depression in the storage tank and does not, in particular, make it possible to detect a malfunction of the fuel vapor recovery system, in particular to detect a leak in the line connecting the dispenser gun to the storage tank.
  • the object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a fuel storage and distribution installation of the aforementioned type making it possible to recover the hydrocarbons. gas from the storage tank and avoid contamination of this tank by water from the outside air, while allowing the detection of malfunctions of the fuel vapor recovery system.
  • this fuel storage and distribution installation comprises at least one fuel distributor comprising a flexible hose connected to a distributor gun, connected to a fuel storage tank and a fuel vapor recovery system sucking the vapors. of fuel emitted when dispensing fuel into a vehicle tank.
  • the fuel vapor recovery system is connected to the fuel storage tank.
  • the installation also includes a vent pipe connected on the one hand to the fuel storage tank and on the other hand to a condensation / separation device making it possible to condense fuel vapors coming from the storage tank in order to generate condensed fuel and condenses water from the outside air to generate condensed water.
  • the condensing / separating device is connected to a condensed fuel discharge line connected to the fuel storage tank and to a condensed water discharge line connected to the outside of the fuel tank.
  • This control center can be located in the fuel dispenser, in the service station kiosk or be remote from the service station; there may be provided a remote control center connected to several control centers of several service stations.
  • the condensation / separation device comprises on the one hand a condenser condensing both the fuel vapors coming from the storage tank and the water coming from the outside and on the other hand a separator connected to this condenser and comprising two outlets, namely a first outlet connected to the condensed fuel discharge line and a second outlet connected to the condensate line. evacuation of condensed water.
  • the condenser which is connected to the vent circuit and condenses both the fuel vapors and the water from the air, therefore supplies at its outlet a mixture of water and condensed fuel, preferably operates at a temperature of approximately -2 ° C to avoid the accumulation of frost and generally includes a pipe in which circulates a fluid cooled by a compressor.
  • the separator which is connected to the condenser, separates the condensed water from the condensed fuel which, lighter floats above it.
  • the two outputs of the separator are each equipped with an automatically controlled valve cooperating with a condensate detector making it possible to detect the nature of the condensate contained in this separator, namely a first valve capable of '' open or close the first outlet connected to the condensed fuel discharge line and a second valve capable of opening or closing the second outlet connected to the condensed water discharge line depending on the nature of the condensate detected.
  • the condensate detector is used to detect the nature or density of the condensate (water or hydrocarbons).
  • the appropriate valve can be opened to evacuate either the hydrocarbons towards the storage tank by the evacuation line of the condensed fuel, or the water, in particular towards the water network used by the condensed water discharge line.
  • the condensate detector makes it possible, in particular, to detect the density of the condensate; the density of the hydrocarbons and the density of the water being different, this detector therefore makes it possible to differentiate these liquids.
  • the condensate detector can also be an optical infrared detector.
  • the condensation / separation device comprises on the one hand, a fuel vapor condenser making it possible to condense the fuel vapors coming from the storage tank and comprising an outlet connected to the line evacuation of the condensed fuel and on the other hand, a dehumidifier for condensing the water coming from the outside air and comprising an outlet connected to the condensed water discharge line.
  • the condenser and the dehumidifier are connected in series to the vent pipe, the condenser being located upstream of the dehumidifier in the direction of circulation of the fuel vapors coming from the storage tank.
  • the fuel vapor condenser which operates at lower temperatures than the dehumidifier essentially condenses only fuel vapors coming from the storage tank which are immediately discharged via the line d 'evacuation of condensed fuel.
  • This condensed water is discharged through the condensed water discharge line.
  • the installation according to this second embodiment of the invention is in fact simpler than that corresponding to the first embodiment insofar as it makes it possible to avoid the use of a separator complicated to manage and to avoid pollution of the evacuation lines by the respective condensates.
  • the installation can include either one or two detection means.
  • this detection means may consist of a volume meter such as a flow meter mounted between the condenser and the separator and generating and transmitting an alert signal in response to the measurement of 'a volume of condensed fuel or condensed water.
  • one or two detection means can be mounted in the separator and generate and transmit an alert signal in response to the detection. of a predefined volume of condensate in this separator.
  • Such a detection means may, by way of example, consist of a gauge comprising a float having a buoyancy suitable for floating in the fuel and in the water and equipped with a magnet cooperating with a magnetic switch positioned at a level. high so that when the float reaches this high level, the switch detects the presence of the float and transmits an alert signal to the control device which controls at the same time, the opening of the valve fitted to the appropriate outlet of the separator to allow the evacuation of the condensed fuel or of the condensed water contained in this separator.
  • Such a float is thus movable between a low level and a high level defining a known volume V.
  • each activation of the contactor transmits to the control device information according to which a volume V of condensate has been evacuated.
  • each alert signal or pulse transmitted to the control device generates volume information.
  • the detection means mounted in the separator can also be a gauge provided with two floats having two different densities, namely a density suitable for floating in the fuel and a density suitable for floating in the fuel. water, these two floats cooperating with two different contactors.
  • the separator may include two magnetostrictive probes, namely a first probe having a density float adapted to float in the fuel and a second probe having a float adapted to float in water but not in fuel.
  • the magnetostrictive probes which are known in themselves and make it possible to know a volume in real time are particularly suitable in the case where the separator contains a mixture of fuel and water.
  • the relative positions of the probes between them make it possible to know the level of each condensate and to actuate the opening / closing of the valves accordingly.
  • the separator comprises only water, when there is under-recovery of fuel vapors, the two floats are substantially at the same level.
  • the control device then only commands the opening of the second valve to evacuate the condensed water, in particular to the waste water.
  • the float of the first probe is positioned higher than the float of the second probe.
  • the control device is then informed of the presence of the two phases and first orders the opening of the second valve to evacuate the water which is denser than the fuel.
  • the float of the second water sensor reaches its lowest level and remains there since it does not float in the fuel; the float of the first sensor for the fuel is positioned above the float assigned to the water.
  • the control device recognizes the relative positions of the two floats and then commands the closing of the second valve and the opening of the first valve to discharge the fuel.
  • this embodiment using two magnetostrictive probes makes it possible both to detect abnormal operation of the vapor recovery system, to measure the volumes of condensate since the position of the probes in the separator corresponds to a given volume and also to automatically control the opening of the valves.
  • the installation comprises two detection means, namely a first detection means connected to the condensed fuel discharge line. and generating and transmitting an overpressure warning signal in response to the detection of condensed fuel in the condensed fuel discharge line and a second detection means connected to the condensed water discharge line and generating and transmitting a low pressure warning signal in response to the detection of condensed water in the condensed water discharge line.
  • the detection of condensate by the first detection means makes it possible to inform that the storage tank is under overpressure and therefore that the fuel vapor recovery system recovers a volume of fuel vapors greater than the volume of fuel delivered into the fuel vapor. vehicle tank; there is therefore a malfunction.
  • These detection means can be constituted by volume meters such as flow meters generating and transmitting an alert signal in response to the measurement of a volume of condensed fuel or of condensed water.
  • These detection means can also each comprise a gauge housed in a receptacle connected to the condensed fuel discharge line or to the condensed water discharge line and comprising an inlet and an outlet.
  • Each gauge comprises a float cooperating with a switch positioned at a high level.
  • the float When the float reaches the high level, it activates the switch and a valve opens the outlet of the receptacle connected to the condensed fuel discharge line or of the receptacle connected to the condensed water discharge line.
  • each activation of a contactor transmits to the control device information according to which a volume V of condensate has been evacuated.
  • each alert signal or pulse transmitted to the control device generates volume information.
  • a malfunction detected by the detection means means that the fuel value recovery system line located between the fuel distributor and the fuel tank is leaking.
  • the calculated condensate volumes make it possible to know approximately the size of this leak, and mainly the volume of fuel vapor lost.
  • the invention also makes it possible to detect abnormal losses of liquid fuel.
  • the volume of air sucked in is equivalent to the volume of fuel vapors not recovered in the storage tank and which should have been recovered.
  • the volume of condensed water measured therefore makes it possible to approximately quantify the loss of liquid fuel.
  • this loss may be due to a fuel leak or fraudulent fuel deliveries.
  • the volume of fuel sucked into the fuel storage tank corresponds to the volume of fuel vapors recovered in the storage tank by the fuel vapor recovery system and the volume of air sucked through the vent pipe.
  • the difference between the volume of fuel sucked in and calculated according to this method and the volume of fuel delivered and measured by the fuel dispenser meter makes it possible to calculate the volume of fuel abnormally lost.
  • the vehicle fuel storage and distribution installation comprises a fuel dispenser 1 comprising a hose 11 connected to a gun 12.
  • the fuel distributor 1 is connected to a fuel storage tank 2 which is generally underground.
  • the fuel distributor 1 conventionally comprises a fuel distribution system 26 comprising a pumping unit sucking fuel from the fuel storage tank 2 and a flow meter measuring the flow of fuel delivered.
  • the fuel storage and distribution installation further comprises a fuel vapor recovery system 10 making it possible to suck in the fuel vapors emitted during a distribution of fuel into the tank of a vehicle.
  • the liquid fuel transferred to the vehicle tank expels from this tank a volume of fuel vapors equivalent to the volume of liquid fuel delivered which is sucked in by the fuel vapor recovery system 10.
  • the fuel vapor recovery system 10 is connected to the fuel storage tank 2 by a recovery line 25 so as to transfer the sucked fuel vapors into the storage tank 2.
  • the fuel vapor recovery system 10 conventionally comprises a pump for sucking the fuel vapors and a flow meter for measuring the flow rate of the sucking vapors.
  • a control system makes it possible to control and adjust the flow rate of the vapors sucked in so that the volume of fuel dispensed / volume of vapors recovered ratio is as close as possible to 1.
  • the installation also comprises a vent pipe 3 connected on the one hand to the fuel storage tank 2 and on the other hand to a condensation / separation device 4 making it possible to condense the fuel vapors coming from the fuel tank. storage 2 in order to generate condensed fuel and to condense water from the outside air to generate condensed water.
  • the vent duct 3 has a valve 27 and a flame arrester at its outer end 23.
  • the condensation / separation device 4 is connected to a condensed fuel discharge line 5 connected to the storage tank 2 and to a condensed water discharge line 6 connected to the wastewater network.
  • the condensation / separation device 4 makes it possible to condense the hydrocarbons discharged by the storage tank 2 when there is an overpressure in this tank, so as to avoid pollution of the environment.
  • This device 4 also makes it possible to trap water from the air sucked in through the vent pipe 3 when there is a low pressure in the storage tank to avoid having water in this tank.
  • the fuel distribution storage installation also comprises at least one detection means which will be described in more detail in the rest of this presentation and cooperates with the condensation / separation device 4 to detect the presence of fuel and / or of water condensed in this device and generate and transmit an alert signal in response to this detection.
  • This alert signal is transmitted to a control device 9 which transmits in response a malfunction information of the vapor recovery system 10 to a control center 24.
  • the detection means and the control device thus constitute a device for monitoring the vapor recovery system 10 making it possible to alert an operator in the event of a malfunction in order to allow him to intervene to correct this malfunction.
  • the condensation / separation device 4 comprises a condenser 13 connected to the vent pipe 3 and condensing both the fuel vapors coming from the fuel storage tank 2 and the water coming from the outside air.
  • the condenser 13 is connected to a separator 14 which separates the hydrocarbon phase from the aqueous phase.
  • This separator 14 comprises two outlets 15, 16, namely a first outlet 15 connected to the condensed fuel discharge line 5 and a second outlet 16 connected to the condensed water discharge line 6.
  • the two outlets 15, 16 of the separator 14 each include a valve 19, 20 controlled automatically, namely a first valve 19 opening or closing the first outlet 15 connected to the condensed fuel discharge line 5 and a second valve 20 opening or closing the second outlet 16 connected to the condensed water discharge line 6.
  • the separator 14 also comprises a condensate detector, not shown in the figures, which makes it possible to detect the nature (water or hydrocarbons) of the condensate contained therein.
  • the appropriate valve 19, 20 can be opened to discharge either the fuel to the storage tank 2 via the condensate fuel discharge line 5 or the water to the wastewater network. via the condensed water discharge line 6.
  • the detection means 7 is mounted in the separator 14 and comprises a gauge transmitting an alert signal when a high level of condensate is detected in the separator 14.
  • This gauge comprises a float 17 having a buoyancy adapted to float in fuel and water.
  • the water contained in the separator 14 can come from the air drawn in through the vent pipe 3, but also from the fuel vapors drawn in by the fuel vapor recovery system 10 which also sucks in a little air.
  • the float 17 is equipped with a magnet activating a magnetic switch 18 positioned at a high level.
  • the switch 18 detects the presence of the float 17 and transmits a warning signal to the control device 9.
  • the installation comprises a first detection means 7 connected to the condensed fuel discharge line 5 to detect the presence of condensed fuel and a second detection means 8 connected to the condensed water discharge line 6 for detect the presence of condensed water.
  • the first detection means 7 generates an overpressure alert signal in response to the detection of condensed fuel while the second detection means 8 generates an underpressure alert signal in response to the detection of condensed water.
  • the detection means 7, 8 consist of gauges housed in a container equipped with a valve connected to an outlet of this container.
  • each gauge comprises a float movable between a high level and a low level and cooperating with a contactor positioned at the high level.
  • the float When the float reaches the high level, it activates the contactor and the valve opens the outlet of the container corresponding to the first detection means 7 or to the second detection means 8.
  • each activation of the contactor generates information according to which a volume V of condensate has been evacuated which is transmitted to the control device 9.
  • the condensing / separating device 4 comprises a fuel vapor condenser 21 for condensing the fuel vapors coming from the storage tank 2 and a dehumidifier 22 for condensing the water coming from the outside air.
  • the condenser 21 and the dehumidifier 22 are connected in series on the vent pipe 3, and the condenser 21 is located upstream of the dehumidifier 22 in the direction of circulation of the fuel vapors coming from the storage tank 2.
  • the condenser 21 comprises an outlet connected to the discharge line 5 of the condensed fuel while the dehumidifier 22 comprises an outlet connected to the discharge line 6 of the condensed water.
  • a first detection means 7 is mounted on the condensed fuel discharge line 5 and a second detection means 8 is connected to the condensed water discharge line 6.
  • the invention thus provides an installation for the storage and distribution of fuels which makes it possible both to recover the gaseous hydrocarbons coming from the tank and to avoid contamination of the tank by water coming from the outside air while allowing to detect malfunctions of the fuel vapor recovery system.
  • the invention also makes it possible to quantify abnormal fuel losses, such as for example those due to fraud or to a fuel leak.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)
  • Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)
  • Supplying Secondary Fuel Or The Like To Fuel, Air Or Fuel-Air Mixtures (AREA)

Description

La présente invention a pour objet une installation de stockage et de distribution de carburant pour des véhicules automobiles telle une station service.The present invention relates to an installation for the storage and distribution of fuel for motor vehicles such as a service station.

Une telle installation comprend une cuve de stockage de carburant équipée d'un conduit d'évent et reliée à au moins un distributeur de carburant comprenant un flexible raccordé à un pistolet distributeur, d'une part par un système de distribution de carburant dans un réservoir de véhicule et d'autre part, par un système de récupération de vapeurs aspirant les vapeurs de carburant émises lors d'une distribution de carburant dans un réservoir.Such an installation comprises a fuel storage tank equipped with a vent pipe and connected to at least one fuel distributor comprising a flexible hose connected to a distributor gun, on the one hand by a fuel distribution system in a tank. vehicle and on the other hand, by a vapor recovery system sucking the fuel vapors emitted during fuel distribution in a tank.

Les stations services sont classiquement équipées de cuves pouvant stocker des carburants dits légers comme de l'essence sans plomb SP 95 ou SP 98, par exemple.Service stations are conventionally equipped with tanks that can store so-called light fuels such as unleaded petrol SP 95 or SP 98, for example.

La phase gazeuse du carburant léger peut contenir entre 40 et 90 % en volume de composés organiques volatils (COV) qui, pour certains sont très nocifs pour la santé humaine ; le complément gazeux est de l'air chargé en vapeur d'eau ou humidité.The gas phase of light fuel can contain between 40 and 90% by volume of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which, for some, are very harmful to human health; the gaseous complement is air loaded with water vapor or humidity.

Il est donc très important de pouvoir éviter toute émission de COV dans l'atmosphère, en particulier de COV intégralement générés par les carburants légers lors des opérations de remplissage des cuves et de distribution de carburant.It is therefore very important to be able to avoid any emission of VOCs into the atmosphere, in particular VOCs entirely generated by light fuels during tank filling and fuel distribution operations.

Dans les stations services, chaque cuve de stockage de carburant, qui est généralement enterrée, est équipée d'un conduit d'évent muni d'une soupape permettant d'éviter la mise en surpression ou en dépression de cette cuve et d'équilibrer celle-ci en pression suivant qu'elle se trouve en dépression ou en surpression.In service stations, each fuel storage tank, which is generally underground, is equipped with a vent pipe fitted with a valve making it possible to prevent the overpressure or underpressure of this tank and to balance that tank. - here in pressure depending on whether it is in depression or overpressure.

Une réglementation européenne dite de « récupération de phase II » impose de récupérer les vapeurs de carburant émises hors du réservoir d'un véhicule lors de son remplissage pour éviter une émission de phase gazeuse contenant des hydrocarbures.A European regulation known as “phase II recovery” requires the recovery of fuel vapors emitted out of the tank of a vehicle when it is being filled in order to avoid the emission of a gaseous phase containing hydrocarbons.

A cet effet, les installations de stockage et de distribution de carburant sont équipées d'un système de récupération de vapeurs comprenant un conduit de collecte par aspiration de la phase gazeuse partant du pistolet équipant le distributeur de carburant jusqu'à la cuve de stockage. Une telle installation a été divulguée, par exemple, par la demande internationale WO 2014/096596 .To this end, the fuel storage and distribution installations are equipped with a vapor recovery system comprising a suction collection duct for the gas phase from the gun fitted to the fuel distributor to the storage tank. Such a facility has been disclosed, for example, by the international application WO 2014/096596 .

Ce système de récupération des vapeurs comprend une pompe pour aspirer les vapeurs et un mesureur de débit permettant de mesurer le débit des vapeurs aspirées.This vapor recovery system includes a pump to suck the vapors and a flow meter to measure the flow of the vapors sucked.

Un système de contrôle permet de contrôler et d'ajuster le débit des vapeurs aspirées pour que le rapport volume de carburant distribué / volume de vapeurs récupérées soit le plus proche possible de 1.A control system makes it possible to control and adjust the flow rate of the vapors sucked in so that the volume of fuel dispensed / volume of vapors recovered ratio is as close as possible to 1.

En effet, le carburant liquide transféré dans le réservoir d'un véhicule chasse de ce réservoir un volume de vapeurs de carburant équivalent au carburant liquide délivré qui est aspiré par le système de récupération de vapeurs de carburant ; en théorie, le volume de la phase gazeuse aspirée est donc identique au volume de carburant liquide délivré dans le réservoir du véhicule, ce qui n'est toutefois pas toujours le cas en pratique.In fact, the liquid fuel transferred to the tank of a vehicle expels from this tank a volume of fuel vapors equivalent to the liquid fuel delivered which is sucked in by the fuel vapor recovery system; in theory, the volume of the gas phase sucked in is therefore identical to the volume of liquid fuel delivered to the vehicle tank, which is not always the case in practice, however.

Il arrive en effet fréquemment que le système de récupération des vapeurs ne fonctionne pas correctement et que le rapport théorique de 1 susmentionné ne soit pas atteint.It often happens that the vapor recovery system does not operate correctly and that the above-mentioned theoretical ratio of 1 is not reached.

Il en résulte donc une surpression ou une dépression dans la cuve de stockage avec un rééquilibrage par le conduit d'évent ; ce rééquilibrage génère soit une émission de phase gazeuse chargée en hydrocarbures vers l'extérieur lorsque la cuve est en surpression, soit une entrée d'air extérieur chargé en humidité dans la cuve lorsque la cuve est en dépression.This therefore results in an overpressure or a depression in the storage tank with a rebalancing through the vent pipe; this rebalancing generates either an emission of a gaseous phase loaded with hydrocarbons to the outside when the tank is at overpressure, or an entry of outside air laden with humidity into the tank when the tank is under negative pressure.

Ces phénomènes sont encore amplifiés par la présence d'écarts de température importants entre la cuve de stockage et l'air ambiant, comme c'est souvent le cas en période de fortes chaleurs associées à une forte humidité relative de l'air.These phenomena are further amplified by the presence of significant temperature differences between the storage tank and the ambient air, as is often the case in periods of high heat associated with high relative humidity of the air.

En cas de dépression de l'air est aspiré à travers l'évent et de la vapeur d'eau est donc transférée de l'extérieur dans la cuve de stockage par le conduit d'évent pour permettre la compensation ou le rééquilibrage de la pression dans cette cuve.In the event of negative pressure, air is drawn in through the vent and water vapor is therefore transferred from the outside into the storage tank through the vent pipe to allow pressure compensation or rebalancing. in this tank.

De l'humidité peut également être transférée dans la cuve de stockage par le retour de la phase gazeuse aspirée dans les réservoirs des véhicules, eux-mêmes en contact avec l'air extérieur et donc chargée en humidité.Moisture can also be transferred into the storage tank by the return of the gas phase sucked into the vehicle tanks, themselves in contact with the outside air and therefore loaded with humidity.

Il en résulte donc la présence d'air chargé en humidité dans les cuves de stockage de carburant.This therefore results in the presence of air laden with humidity in the fuel storage tanks.

Cette humidité a pour inconvénient d'entraîner une corrosion des parois de la cuve qui, à terme, peuvent se percer avec le déversement de carburant dans le sous-sol, ce qui entraîne une pollution non négligeable.This humidity has the disadvantage of causing corrosion of the walls of the tank which, in the long term, can be pierced with the spillage of fuel in the basement, which causes significant pollution.

De plus, cette humidité peut entraîner un givrage de l'eau en présence de températures négatives avec un risque d'obturation des conduits d'évent ou des conduits de distribution de carburant.In addition, this humidity can cause the water to freeze in the presence of negative temperatures with a risk of clogging of the vent pipes or the fuel distribution pipes.

En cas de surpression dans la cuve, une phase gazeuse chargée en hydrocarbures est émise dans l'atmosphère à travers le conduit d'évent, ce qui entraîne une pollution.In the event of overpressure in the tank, a gaseous phase loaded with hydrocarbons is emitted into the atmosphere through the vent pipe, which causes pollution.

Pour remédier à ces inconvénients, il a déjà été proposé d'équiper des installations de stockage et de distribution de carburant d'un dispositif de condensation / séparation branché sur le conduit d'évent de la cuve de stockage et permettant de condenser des vapeurs de carburant provenant de la cuve de stockage afin de générer du carburant condensé et de condenser de l'eau provenant de l'air extérieur afin de générer de l'eau condensée ; un tel dispositif de condensation / séparation est raccordé à une ligne d'évacuation du carburant condensé reliée à la cuve de stockage et à une ligne d'évacuation de l'eau condensée vers l'extérieur, en particulier au réseau d'eaux usées.To remedy these drawbacks, it has already been proposed to equip fuel storage and distribution installations with a condensation / separation device connected to the vent pipe of the storage tank and making it possible to condense the vapors of fuel from the storage tank to generate condensed fuel and condense water from the outside air to generate condensed water; such a condensation / separation device is connected to a condensed fuel discharge line connected to the storage tank and to a condensed water discharge line to the outside, in particular to the wastewater network.

A titre d'exemple il a déjà été proposé conformément au document WO 2014 096 596 , une installation de stockage et de distribution de carburants légers permettant à la fois la récupération des hydrocarbures gazeux issus des carburants légers par condensation frigorifique à température négative et la déshumidification de l'air extérieur lors du stockage et de la distribution des carburants.By way of example it has already been proposed in accordance with document WO 2014 096 596 , an installation for the storage and distribution of light fuels allowing both the recovery of gaseous hydrocarbons from light fuels by refrigeration condensation at negative temperature and the dehumidification of the outside air during the storage and distribution of fuels.

Cette installation de stockage et de distribution de carburant comporte notamment un condenseur pour condenser les vapeurs de carburant provenant de la cuve de stockage et un déshumidificateur pour l'air extérieur admis à l'intérieur de cette cuve.This fuel storage and distribution installation comprises in particular a condenser for condensing the fuel vapors coming from the storage tank and a dehumidifier for the outside air admitted inside this tank.

Cette installation permet ainsi d'éviter une pollution à l'extérieur de la cuve de stockage et d'éviter une contamination du carburant de cette cuve par de l'eau, en cas de surpression ou de dépression de celle-ci.This installation thus makes it possible to avoid pollution outside the storage tank and to avoid contamination of the fuel in this tank by water, in the event of overpressure or depression of the latter.

Cette installation ne permet toutefois pas d'identifier le problème à la source de cette surpression ou de cette dépression dans la cuve de stockage et ne permet, en particulier, pas de détecter un dysfonctionnement du système de récupération des vapeurs de carburant notamment de détecter une fuite dans la canalisation reliant le pistolet de distributeur à la cuve de stockage.However, this installation does not make it possible to identify the problem at the source of this overpressure or of this depression in the storage tank and does not, in particular, make it possible to detect a malfunction of the fuel vapor recovery system, in particular to detect a leak in the line connecting the dispenser gun to the storage tank.

La présente invention a pour objet de remédier à ces inconvénients en proposant une installation de stockage et de distribution de carburant du type susmentionné permettant de récupérer les hydrocarbures gazeux issus de la cuve de stockage et d'éviter la contamination de cette cuve par de l'eau provenant de l'air extérieur, ce tout en permettant de détecter des dysfonctionnements du système de récupération des vapeurs de carburant.The object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a fuel storage and distribution installation of the aforementioned type making it possible to recover the hydrocarbons. gas from the storage tank and avoid contamination of this tank by water from the outside air, while allowing the detection of malfunctions of the fuel vapor recovery system.

Selon l'invention, cette installation de stockage et de distribution de carburant comporte au moins un distributeur de carburant comprenant un flexible raccordé à un pistolet distributeur, connecté à une cuve de stockage de carburant et un système de récupération des vapeurs de carburant aspirant les vapeurs de carburant émises lors d'une distribution de carburant dans un réservoir de véhicule.According to the invention, this fuel storage and distribution installation comprises at least one fuel distributor comprising a flexible hose connected to a distributor gun, connected to a fuel storage tank and a fuel vapor recovery system sucking the vapors. of fuel emitted when dispensing fuel into a vehicle tank.

Le système de récupération des vapeurs de carburant est connecté à la cuve de stockage de carburant.The fuel vapor recovery system is connected to the fuel storage tank.

L'installation comprend également un conduit d'évent raccordé d'une part à la cuve de stockage de carburant et d'autre part à un dispositif de condensation / séparation permettant de condenser des vapeurs de carburant provenant de la cuve de stockage afin de générer du carburant condensé et de condenser de l'eau provenant de l'air extérieur afin de générer de l'eau condensée.The installation also includes a vent pipe connected on the one hand to the fuel storage tank and on the other hand to a condensation / separation device making it possible to condense fuel vapors coming from the storage tank in order to generate condensed fuel and condenses water from the outside air to generate condensed water.

Le dispositif de condensation / séparation est raccordé à une ligne d'évacuation du carburant condensé reliée à la cuve de stockage de carburant et à une ligne d'évacuation de l'eau condensée reliée à l'extérieur de la cuve de carburant.The condensing / separating device is connected to a condensed fuel discharge line connected to the fuel storage tank and to a condensed water discharge line connected to the outside of the fuel tank.

Selon l'invention, cette installation de stockage et de distribution de carburant est caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend :

  • au moins un moyen de détection coopérant avec le dispositif de condensation / séparation pour détecter la présence de carburant condensé et/ou d'eau condensée dans ce dispositif et générer et transmettre un signal d'alerte en réponse à cette détection, et
  • un dispositif de contrôle recevant ce signal d'alerte et transmettant en réponse une information de dysfonctionnement du système de récupération des vapeurs de carburant à un centre de contrôle.
According to the invention, this fuel storage and distribution installation is characterized in that it comprises:
  • at least one detection means cooperating with the condensation / separation device to detect the presence of condensed fuel and / or condensed water in this device and to generate and transmit an alert signal in response to this detection, and
  • a control device receiving this alert signal and transmitting in response information on malfunction of the fuel vapor recovery system to a control center.

Ce centre de contrôle peut être localisé dans le distributeur de carburant, dans le kiosque de la station service ou être distant de la station service ; il peut être prévu un centre de commande à distance relié à plusieurs centres de contrôle de plusieurs stations service.This control center can be located in the fuel dispenser, in the service station kiosk or be remote from the service station; there may be provided a remote control center connected to several control centers of several service stations.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, le dispositif de condensation / séparation comprend d'une part un condenseur condensant à la fois les vapeurs de carburant provenant de la cuve de stockage et l'eau provenant de l'extérieur et d'autre part un séparateur raccordé à ce condenseur et comprenant deux sorties, à savoir une première sortie raccordée à la ligne d'évacuation du carburant condensé et une seconde sortie raccordée à la ligne d'évacuation de l'eau condensée.According to a first embodiment of the invention, the condensation / separation device comprises on the one hand a condenser condensing both the fuel vapors coming from the storage tank and the water coming from the outside and on the other hand a separator connected to this condenser and comprising two outlets, namely a first outlet connected to the condensed fuel discharge line and a second outlet connected to the condensate line. evacuation of condensed water.

Le condenseur qui est branché sur le circuit d'évent et condense à la fois les vapeurs de carburant et l'eau de l'air, donc fournit à sa sortie un mélange d'eau et de carburant condensé, fonctionne de préférence à une température d'environ -2°C pour éviter d'accumuler du givre et comprend, en règle générale, une canalisation dans laquelle circule un fluide refroidi par un compresseur.The condenser which is connected to the vent circuit and condenses both the fuel vapors and the water from the air, therefore supplies at its outlet a mixture of water and condensed fuel, preferably operates at a temperature of approximately -2 ° C to avoid the accumulation of frost and generally includes a pipe in which circulates a fluid cooled by a compressor.

Le séparateur, qui est connecté au condenseur, permet de séparer l'eau condensée du carburant condensé qui, plus léger flotte au-dessus de celle-ci.The separator, which is connected to the condenser, separates the condensed water from the condensed fuel which, lighter floats above it.

Selon ce premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, les deux sorties du séparateur sont équipées chacune d'une vanne pilotée automatiquement coopérant avec un détecteur de condensat permettant de détecter la nature du condensat renfermé dans ce séparateur, à savoir une première vanne susceptible d'ouvrir ou de fermer la première sortie raccordée à la ligne d'évacuation du carburant condensé et une seconde vanne susceptible d'ouvrir ou de fermer la seconde sortie raccordée à la ligne d'évacuation de l'eau condensée en fonction de la nature du condensat détecté.According to this first embodiment of the invention, the two outputs of the separator are each equipped with an automatically controlled valve cooperating with a condensate detector making it possible to detect the nature of the condensate contained in this separator, namely a first valve capable of '' open or close the first outlet connected to the condensed fuel discharge line and a second valve capable of opening or closing the second outlet connected to the condensed water discharge line depending on the nature of the condensate detected.

Le détecteur de condensat permet de détecter la nature ou la densité du condensat (eau ou hydrocarbures).The condensate detector is used to detect the nature or density of the condensate (water or hydrocarbons).

Lorsque la nature ou la densité du condensat est détectée, la vanne appropriée peut être ouverte pour évacuer soit les hydrocarbures vers la cuve de stockage par la ligne d'évacuation du carburant condensé, soit l'eau, en particulier vers le réseau d'eaux usées par la ligne d'évacuation de l'eau condensée.When the nature or the density of the condensate is detected, the appropriate valve can be opened to evacuate either the hydrocarbons towards the storage tank by the evacuation line of the condensed fuel, or the water, in particular towards the water network used by the condensed water discharge line.

Le détecteur de condensat permet, en particulier, de détecter la densité du condensat ; la densité des hydrocarbures et la densité de l'eau étant différentes ce détecteur permet donc de différencier ces liquides.The condensate detector makes it possible, in particular, to detect the density of the condensate; the density of the hydrocarbons and the density of the water being different, this detector therefore makes it possible to differentiate these liquids.

Le détecteur de condensat peut également être un détecteur optique à infrarouges.The condensate detector can also be an optical infrared detector.

Selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention, le dispositif de condensation / séparation comprend d'une part, un condenseur de vapeurs de carburant permettant de condenser les vapeurs de carburant provenant de la cuve de stockage et comprenant une sortie raccordée à la ligne d'évacuation du carburant condensé et d'autre part, un déshumidificateur permettant de condenser l'eau provenant de l'air extérieur et comprenant une sortie raccordée à la ligne d'évacuation de l'eau condensée.According to a second embodiment of the invention, the condensation / separation device comprises on the one hand, a fuel vapor condenser making it possible to condense the fuel vapors coming from the storage tank and comprising an outlet connected to the line evacuation of the condensed fuel and on the other hand, a dehumidifier for condensing the water coming from the outside air and comprising an outlet connected to the condensed water discharge line.

Le condensateur et le déshumidificateur sont branchés en série sur le conduit d'évent, le condensateur étant situé en amont du déshumidificateur dans le sens de circulation des vapeurs de carburant provenant de la cuve de stockage.The condenser and the dehumidifier are connected in series to the vent pipe, the condenser being located upstream of the dehumidifier in the direction of circulation of the fuel vapors coming from the storage tank.

Conformément à ce second mode de réalisation de l'invention, le condenseur de vapeur de carburant qui fonctionne à des températures plus basses que le déshumidificateur ne condense essentiellement que des vapeurs de carburant provenant de la cuve de stockage qui sont aussitôt évacuées par la ligne d'évacuation du carburant condensé.According to this second embodiment of the invention, the fuel vapor condenser which operates at lower temperatures than the dehumidifier essentially condenses only fuel vapors coming from the storage tank which are immediately discharged via the line d 'evacuation of condensed fuel.

Quasiment peu de vapeurs de carburant sortent du condenseur de vapeurs de carburant en direction du déshumidificateur qui permet de condenser l'eau de l'air aspiré dans le conduit d'évent.Almost little fuel vapors exit the fuel vapor condenser towards the dehumidifier which condenses the water from the air drawn into the vent pipe.

Cette eau ainsi condensée est évacuée par la ligne d'évacuation de l'eau condensée.This condensed water is discharged through the condensed water discharge line.

L'installation conforme à ce second mode de réalisation de l'invention est en fait plus simple que celle correspondant au premier mode de réalisation dans la mesure où elle permet d'éviter l'utilisation d'un séparateur compliqué à gérer et d'éviter la pollution des lignes d'évacuation par les condensats respectifs.The installation according to this second embodiment of the invention is in fact simpler than that corresponding to the first embodiment insofar as it makes it possible to avoid the use of a separator complicated to manage and to avoid pollution of the evacuation lines by the respective condensates.

Selon le premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'installation peut comprendre soit un seul, soit deux moyens de détection.According to the first embodiment of the invention, the installation can include either one or two detection means.

Selon une première variante de ce premier mode de réalisation, ce moyen de détection peut être constitué par un mesureur de volume tel qu'un débitmètre monté entre le condenseur et le séparateur et générant et transmettant un signal d'alerte en réponse à la mesure d'un volume de carburant condensé ou d'eau condensée.According to a first variant of this first embodiment, this detection means may consist of a volume meter such as a flow meter mounted between the condenser and the separator and generating and transmitting an alert signal in response to the measurement of 'a volume of condensed fuel or condensed water.

Selon une seconde variante de ce premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, un ou deux moyen(s) de détection peut(vent) être monté(s) dans le séparateur et générer et transmettre un signal d'alerte en réponse à la détection d'un volume prédéfini de condensat dans ce séparateur.According to a second variant of this first embodiment of the invention, one or two detection means (s) can be mounted in the separator and generate and transmit an alert signal in response to the detection. of a predefined volume of condensate in this separator.

Un tel moyen de détection peut, à titre d'exemple, être constitué par une jauge comprenant un flotteur ayant une flottabilité adaptée pour flotter dans le carburant et dans l'eau et équipé d'un aimant coopérant avec un contacteur magnétique positionné à un niveau haut de sorte que lorsque le flotteur atteint ce niveau haut, le contacteur détecte la présence du flotteur et transmette un signal d'alerte au dispositif de contrôle qui commande parallèlement l'ouverture de la vanne équipant la sortie adéquate du séparateur pour permettre l'évacuation du carburant condensé ou de l'eau condensée contenu dans ce séparateur.Such a detection means may, by way of example, consist of a gauge comprising a float having a buoyancy suitable for floating in the fuel and in the water and equipped with a magnet cooperating with a magnetic switch positioned at a level. high so that when the float reaches this high level, the switch detects the presence of the float and transmits an alert signal to the control device which controls at the same time, the opening of the valve fitted to the appropriate outlet of the separator to allow the evacuation of the condensed fuel or of the condensed water contained in this separator.

Un tel flotteur est ainsi mobile entre un niveau bas et un niveau haut définissant un volume V connu.Such a float is thus movable between a low level and a high level defining a known volume V.

Le volume V entre le niveau bas et le niveau haut étant connu, chaque activation du contacteur transmet au dispositif de contrôle une information selon laquelle un volume V de condensat a été évacué.The volume V between the low level and the high level being known, each activation of the contactor transmits to the control device information according to which a volume V of condensate has been evacuated.

En d'autres termes, chaque signal d'alerte ou impulsion transmis au dispositif de contrôle génère une information de volume.In other words, each alert signal or pulse transmitted to the control device generates volume information.

Chaque impulsion est associée à un volume V et un nombre de n impulsions correspond à un volume total de condensat détecté par le moyen de détection Vt=nV.Each pulse is associated with a volume V and a number of n pulses corresponds to a total volume of condensate detected by the detection means Vt = nV.

Selon le premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, le moyen de détection monté dans le séparateur peut également être une jauge munie de deux flotteurs ayant deux densités différentes, à savoir une densité adaptée pour flotter dans le carburant et une densité adaptée pour flotter dans l'eau, ces deux flotteurs coopérant avec deux contacteurs différents.According to the first embodiment of the invention, the detection means mounted in the separator can also be a gauge provided with two floats having two different densities, namely a density suitable for floating in the fuel and a density suitable for floating in the fuel. water, these two floats cooperating with two different contactors.

En variante, le séparateur peut comprendre deux sondes magnétostrictives, à savoir une première sonde ayant un flotteur de densité adaptée pour flotter dans le carburant et une seconde sonde ayant un flotteur adapté pour flotter dans l'eau mais pas dans le carburant.Alternatively, the separator may include two magnetostrictive probes, namely a first probe having a density float adapted to float in the fuel and a second probe having a float adapted to float in water but not in fuel.

Les sondes magnétostrictives qui sont connues en elles-mêmes et permettent de connaître un volume en temps réel sont particulièrement adaptées au cas où le séparateur renferme un mélange de carburant et d'eau.The magnetostrictive probes which are known in themselves and make it possible to know a volume in real time are particularly suitable in the case where the separator contains a mixture of fuel and water.

Les positions relatives des sondes entre elles permettent de connaître le niveau de chaque condensat et d'actionner l'ouverture / fermeture des vannes en conséquence.The relative positions of the probes between them make it possible to know the level of each condensate and to actuate the opening / closing of the valves accordingly.

En effet, si le séparateur comprend uniquement de l'eau, lorsqu'il y a sous-récupération de vapeurs de carburant, les deux flotteurs sont sensiblement au même niveau.Indeed, if the separator comprises only water, when there is under-recovery of fuel vapors, the two floats are substantially at the same level.

Le dispositif de contrôle commande alors seulement l'ouverture de la seconde vanne pour évacuer l'eau condensée, en particulier vers les eaux usées.The control device then only commands the opening of the second valve to evacuate the condensed water, in particular to the waste water.

Si le séparateur comprend de l'eau et du carburant, le flotteur de la première sonde est positionné plus haut que le flotteur de la seconde sonde.If the separator includes water and fuel, the float of the first probe is positioned higher than the float of the second probe.

Le dispositif de contrôle est alors informé de la présence des deux phases et commande en premier l'ouverture de la seconde vanne pour évacuer l'eau qui est plus dense que le carburant.The control device is then informed of the presence of the two phases and first orders the opening of the second valve to evacuate the water which is denser than the fuel.

Lorsque l'eau est évacuée, le flotteur de la seconde sonde pour l'eau arrive à son plus bas niveau et y reste puisqu'il ne flotte pas dans le carburant ; le flotteur de la première sonde pour le carburant est quant à lui positionné au-dessus du flotteur attribué à l'eau.When the water is evacuated, the float of the second water sensor reaches its lowest level and remains there since it does not float in the fuel; the float of the first sensor for the fuel is positioned above the float assigned to the water.

Le dispositif de contrôle reconnaît les positions relatives des deux flotteurs et commande alors la fermeture de la seconde vanne et l'ouverture de la première vanne pour évacuer le carburant.The control device recognizes the relative positions of the two floats and then commands the closing of the second valve and the opening of the first valve to discharge the fuel.

Ainsi, ce mode de réalisation utilisant deux sondes magnétostrictives permet à la fois de détecter un fonctionnement anormal du système de récupération des vapeurs, de mesurer les volumes de condensats puisque la position des sondes dans le séparateur correspond à un volume donné et également de piloter automatiquement l'ouverture des vannes.Thus, this embodiment using two magnetostrictive probes makes it possible both to detect abnormal operation of the vapor recovery system, to measure the volumes of condensate since the position of the probes in the separator corresponds to a given volume and also to automatically control the opening of the valves.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention pouvant s'appliquer au premier mode de réalisation et au second mode de réalisation, l'installation comprend deux moyens de détection, à savoir un premier moyen de détection connecté à la ligne d'évacuation du carburant condensé et générant et transmettant un signal d'alerte de surpression en réponse à la détection de carburant condensé dans la ligne d'évacuation du carburant condensé et un second moyen de détection connecté à la ligne d'évacuation de l'eau condensée et générant et transmettant un signal d'alerte de sous-pression en réponse à la détection d'eau condensée dans la ligne d'évacuation de l'eau condensée.According to another characteristic of the invention which can be applied to the first embodiment and to the second embodiment, the installation comprises two detection means, namely a first detection means connected to the condensed fuel discharge line. and generating and transmitting an overpressure warning signal in response to the detection of condensed fuel in the condensed fuel discharge line and a second detection means connected to the condensed water discharge line and generating and transmitting a low pressure warning signal in response to the detection of condensed water in the condensed water discharge line.

La détection de condensat par le premier moyen de détection permet d'informer que la cuve de stockage est en surpression et donc que le système de récupération des vapeurs de carburant récupère un volume de vapeurs de carburant plus important que le volume de carburant délivré dans le réservoir du véhicule ; il y a donc un dysfonctionnement.The detection of condensate by the first detection means makes it possible to inform that the storage tank is under overpressure and therefore that the fuel vapor recovery system recovers a volume of fuel vapors greater than the volume of fuel delivered into the fuel vapor. vehicle tank; there is therefore a malfunction.

Au contraire, lorsque la cuve de stockage est en dépression, de l'air est aspiré par le conduit d'évent et de l'eau condensée est évacuée par la ligne d'évacuation de l'eau condensée et détectée par le second moyen de détection qui génère un signal d'alerte de sous-pression qui est transmis au dispositif de contrôle.On the contrary, when the storage tank is in depression, air is drawn in through the vent pipe and condensed water is discharged through the condensed water discharge line and detected by the second means of detection which generates a low pressure warning signal which is transmitted to the control device.

Une information de dysfonctionnement est ensuite transmise au centre de contrôle.Malfunction information is then transmitted to the control center.

Ces moyens de détection peuvent être constitués par des mesureurs de volume tels que des débitmètres générant et transmettant un signal d'alerte en réponse à la mesure d'un volume de carburant condensé ou d'eau condensée.These detection means can be constituted by volume meters such as flow meters generating and transmitting an alert signal in response to the measurement of a volume of condensed fuel or of condensed water.

Ces moyens de détection peuvent également comprendre chacun une jauge logée dans un récipient branché sur la ligne d'évacuation du carburant condensé ou sur la ligne d'évacuation de l'eau condensée et comportant une entrée et une sortie.These detection means can also each comprise a gauge housed in a receptacle connected to the condensed fuel discharge line or to the condensed water discharge line and comprising an inlet and an outlet.

Chaque jauge comprend un flotteur coopérant avec un contacteur positionné à un niveau haut.Each gauge comprises a float cooperating with a switch positioned at a high level.

Lorsque le flotteur atteint le niveau haut, il active le contacteur et une vanne ouvre la sortie du récipient branché sur la ligne d'évacuation du carburant condensé ou du récipient branché sur la ligne d'évacuation de l'eau condensée.When the float reaches the high level, it activates the switch and a valve opens the outlet of the receptacle connected to the condensed fuel discharge line or of the receptacle connected to the condensed water discharge line.

Le volume V entre le niveau bas et le niveau haut étant connu, chaque activation d'un contacteur transmet au dispositif de contrôle une information selon laquelle un volume V de condensat a été évacué.The volume V between the low level and the high level being known, each activation of a contactor transmits to the control device information according to which a volume V of condensate has been evacuated.

En d'autres termes, chaque signal d'alerte ou impulsion transmis au dispositif de contrôle génère une information de volume.In other words, each alert signal or pulse transmitted to the control device generates volume information.

Chaque impulsion est associée à un volume V, et un nombre de n impulsions correspond donc à un volume total de condensat détecté par le moyen de détection Vt = nV.Each pulse is associated with a volume V, and a number of n pulses therefore corresponds to a total volume of condensate detected by the detection means Vt = nV.

L'utilisation d'un débitmètre en variante permet également de connaître le volume de condensat récupéré.The use of an alternative flowmeter also makes it possible to know the volume of condensate recovered.

Pendant une durée définie, plus le volume de condensat est important et plus le dysfonctionnement du système de récupération des vapeurs de carburant est important et donc plus le volume de carburant délivré dans le véhicule diffère du volume de vapeurs de carburant récupéré.For a defined period of time, the greater the volume of condensate, the greater the malfunction of the fuel vapor recovery system and therefore the more the volume of fuel delivered to the vehicle differs from the volume of recovered fuel vapors.

Si le système de récupération des vapeurs de carburant interne au distributeur de carburant est contrôlé et qu'il fonctionne normalement, un dysfonctionnement détecté par les moyens de détection signifie que la conduite du système de récupération des valeurs de carburant située entre le distributeur de carburant et la cuve de carburant présente une fuite.If the fuel vapor recovery system internal to the fuel distributor is checked and is functioning normally, a malfunction detected by the detection means means that the fuel value recovery system line located between the fuel distributor and the fuel tank is leaking.

Les volumes de condensat calculés permettent de connaître approximativement l'importance de cette fuite, et principalement le volume de vapeurs de carburant perdu.The calculated condensate volumes make it possible to know approximately the size of this leak, and mainly the volume of fuel vapor lost.

L'invention permet également de détecter des pertes anormales de carburant liquide.The invention also makes it possible to detect abnormal losses of liquid fuel.

En effet, il est possible de connaître approximativement le volume d'air aspiré dans le conduit d'évent en fonction du volume d'eau condensée, connaissant la proportion d'eau dans l'air et la densité de l'eau.Indeed, it is possible to know approximately the volume of air drawn into the vent pipe as a function of the volume of condensed water, knowing the proportion of water in the air and the density of the water.

Le volume d'air aspiré est équivalent au volume de vapeurs de carburant non récupéré dans la cuve de stockage et qui aurait dû être récupéré.The volume of air sucked in is equivalent to the volume of fuel vapors not recovered in the storage tank and which should have been recovered.

Il y a donc plus de carburant liquide délivré par le distributeur de carburant et donc aspiré dans la cuve de stockage de carburant que de vapeurs récupérées dans la cuve de stockage de carburant.There is therefore more liquid fuel delivered by the fuel distributor and therefore sucked into the fuel storage tank than vapors recovered in the fuel storage tank.

Le volume d'eau condensée mesuré permet donc de quantifier approximativement la perte de carburant liquide.The volume of condensed water measured therefore makes it possible to approximately quantify the loss of liquid fuel.

En cas de fonctionnement correct du système de récupération des vapeurs de carburant, cette perte peut être due à une fuite de carburant ou à des livraisons de carburant frauduleuses.If the fuel vapor recovery system is functioning properly, this loss may be due to a fuel leak or fraudulent fuel deliveries.

En théorie et comme cela a déjà été indiqué, le volume de carburant aspiré dans la cuve de stockage de carburant correspond au volume de vapeurs de carburant récupéré dans la cuve de stockage par le système de récupération des vapeurs de carburant et le volume d'air aspiré par le conduit d'évent.In theory and as has already been indicated, the volume of fuel sucked into the fuel storage tank corresponds to the volume of fuel vapors recovered in the storage tank by the fuel vapor recovery system and the volume of air sucked through the vent pipe.

La différence entre le volume de carburant aspiré et calculé selon cette méthode et le volume de carburant délivré et mesuré par le mesureur du distributeur de carburant permet de calculer le volume de carburant anormalement perdu.The difference between the volume of fuel sucked in and calculated according to this method and the volume of fuel delivered and measured by the fuel dispenser meter makes it possible to calculate the volume of fuel abnormally lost.

Les caractéristiques de l'installation qui fait l'objet de l'invention seront décrites plus en détail en se référant aux dessins non limitatifs annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente schématiquement une installation de stockage et de distribution de carburant pour véhicule conforme à une première variante du premier mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 2 représente schématiquement une installation de stockage et de distribution de carburant correspondant à une seconde variante du premier mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 3 représente schématiquement une installation de stockage et de distribution de carburant pour véhicule correspondant au second mode de réalisation de l'invention.
The characteristics of the installation which is the subject of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the appended non-limiting drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 schematically shows a vehicle fuel storage and distribution installation according to a first variant of the first embodiment of the invention,
  • the figure 2 schematically represents a fuel storage and distribution installation corresponding to a second variant of the first embodiment of the invention,
  • the figure 3 schematically represents a vehicle fuel storage and distribution installation corresponding to the second embodiment of the invention.

Selon les figures 1, 2 et 3, l'installation de stockage et de distribution de carburant pour véhicule comporte un distributeur de carburant 1 comprenant un flexible 11 raccordé à un pistolet 12.According to figures 1 , 2 and 3 , the vehicle fuel storage and distribution installation comprises a fuel dispenser 1 comprising a hose 11 connected to a gun 12.

Le distributeur de carburant 1 est raccordé à une cuve de stockage de carburant 2 qui est en règle générale enterrée.The fuel distributor 1 is connected to a fuel storage tank 2 which is generally underground.

Le distributeur de carburant 1 comprend de manière classique un système de distribution de carburant 26 comprenant une unité de pompage aspirant du carburant depuis la cuve de stockage de carburant 2 et un mesureur de débit mesurant le débit de carburant délivré.The fuel distributor 1 conventionally comprises a fuel distribution system 26 comprising a pumping unit sucking fuel from the fuel storage tank 2 and a flow meter measuring the flow of fuel delivered.

L'installation de stockage et de distribution de carburant comprend en outre un système de récupération de vapeurs de carburant 10 permettant d'aspirer les vapeurs de carburant émises lors d'une distribution de carburant dans le réservoir d'un véhicule.The fuel storage and distribution installation further comprises a fuel vapor recovery system 10 making it possible to suck in the fuel vapors emitted during a distribution of fuel into the tank of a vehicle.

Le carburant liquide transféré dans le réservoir du véhicule chasse de ce réservoir un volume de vapeurs de carburant équivalent au volume de carburant liquide délivré qui est aspiré par le système de récupération des vapeurs de carburant 10.The liquid fuel transferred to the vehicle tank expels from this tank a volume of fuel vapors equivalent to the volume of liquid fuel delivered which is sucked in by the fuel vapor recovery system 10.

Le système de récupération des vapeurs de carburant 10 est raccordé à la cuve de stockage de carburant 2 par une conduite de récupération 25 de manière à transférer dans la cuve de stockage 2 les vapeurs de carburant aspirées.The fuel vapor recovery system 10 is connected to the fuel storage tank 2 by a recovery line 25 so as to transfer the sucked fuel vapors into the storage tank 2.

Le système de récupération des vapeurs de carburant 10 comprend de manière classique une pompe pour aspirer les vapeurs de carburant et un mesureur de débit permettant de mesurer le débit des vapeurs aspirées.The fuel vapor recovery system 10 conventionally comprises a pump for sucking the fuel vapors and a flow meter for measuring the flow rate of the sucking vapors.

Un système de contrôle permet de contrôler et d'ajuster le débit des vapeurs aspirées pour que le rapport volume de carburant distribué / volume de vapeurs récupéré soit le plus proche possible de 1.A control system makes it possible to control and adjust the flow rate of the vapors sucked in so that the volume of fuel dispensed / volume of vapors recovered ratio is as close as possible to 1.

L'installation comprend également un conduit d'évent 3 raccordé d'une part à la cuve de stockage de carburant 2 et d'autre part, à un dispositif de condensation / séparation 4 permettant de condenser des vapeurs de carburant provenant de la cuve de stockage 2 afin de générer du carburant condensé et de condenser de l'eau provenant de l'air extérieur afin de générer de l'eau condensée.The installation also comprises a vent pipe 3 connected on the one hand to the fuel storage tank 2 and on the other hand to a condensation / separation device 4 making it possible to condense the fuel vapors coming from the fuel tank. storage 2 in order to generate condensed fuel and to condense water from the outside air to generate condensed water.

Le conduit d'évent 3 comporte une soupape 27 et un pare-brise-flammes à son extrémité externe 23.The vent duct 3 has a valve 27 and a flame arrester at its outer end 23.

Le dispositif de condensation / séparation 4 est raccordé à une ligne d'évacuation du carburant condensé 5 reliée à la cuve de stockage 2 et à une ligne d'évacuation de l'eau condensée 6 reliée au réseau d'eaux usées.The condensation / separation device 4 is connected to a condensed fuel discharge line 5 connected to the storage tank 2 and to a condensed water discharge line 6 connected to the wastewater network.

Le dispositif de condensation / séparation 4 permet de condenser les hydrocarbures refoulés par la cuve de stockage 2 lorsqu'il y a une surpression dans cette cuve, de façon à éviter une pollution de l'environnement.The condensation / separation device 4 makes it possible to condense the hydrocarbons discharged by the storage tank 2 when there is an overpressure in this tank, so as to avoid pollution of the environment.

Ce dispositif 4 permet également de piéger l'eau de l'air aspiré par le conduit d'évent 3 lorsqu'il y a une sous-pression dans la cuve de stockage pour éviter d'avoir de l'eau dans cette cuve.This device 4 also makes it possible to trap water from the air sucked in through the vent pipe 3 when there is a low pressure in the storage tank to avoid having water in this tank.

L'installation de stockage de distribution de carburant comprend également au moins un moyen de détection qui sera décrit plus en détails dans la suite de cet exposé et coopère avec le dispositif de condensation / séparation 4 pour détecter la présence de carburant et/ou d'eau condensée dans ce dispositif et générer et transmettre un signal d'alerte en réponse à cette détection.The fuel distribution storage installation also comprises at least one detection means which will be described in more detail in the rest of this presentation and cooperates with the condensation / separation device 4 to detect the presence of fuel and / or of water condensed in this device and generate and transmit an alert signal in response to this detection.

Ce signal d'alerte est transmis à un dispositif de contrôle 9 qui transmet en réponse une information de dysfonctionnement du système de récupération de vapeurs 10 à un centre de contrôle 24.This alert signal is transmitted to a control device 9 which transmits in response a malfunction information of the vapor recovery system 10 to a control center 24.

Le moyen de détection et le dispositif de contrôle constituent ainsi un dispositif de surveillance du système de récupération des vapeurs 10 permettant d'alerter un opérateur en cas de dysfonctionnement afin de lui permettre d'intervenir pour corriger ce dysfonctionnement.The detection means and the control device thus constitute a device for monitoring the vapor recovery system 10 making it possible to alert an operator in the event of a malfunction in order to allow him to intervene to correct this malfunction.

Selon les figures 1 et 2, le dispositif de condensation / séparation 4 comprend un condenseur 13 branché sur le conduit d'évent 3 et condensant à la fois les vapeurs de carburant provenant de la cuve de stockage de carburant 2 et l'eau provenant de l'air extérieur.According to figures 1 and 2 , the condensation / separation device 4 comprises a condenser 13 connected to the vent pipe 3 and condensing both the fuel vapors coming from the fuel storage tank 2 and the water coming from the outside air.

Le condenseur 13 est raccordé à un séparateur 14 qui sépare la phase hydrocarbures de la phase aqueuse.The condenser 13 is connected to a separator 14 which separates the hydrocarbon phase from the aqueous phase.

Ce séparateur 14 comprend deux sorties 15, 16, à savoir une première sortie 15 raccordée à la ligne d'évacuation du carburant condensé 5 et une seconde sortie 16 raccordée à la ligne d'évacuation de l'eau condensée 6.This separator 14 comprises two outlets 15, 16, namely a first outlet 15 connected to the condensed fuel discharge line 5 and a second outlet 16 connected to the condensed water discharge line 6.

Les deux sorties 15, 16 du séparateur 14 comprennent chacune une vanne 19, 20 pilotée automatiquement, à savoir une première vanne 19 ouvrant ou fermant la première sortie 15 raccordée à la ligne d'évacuation du carburant condensé 5 et une seconde vanne 20 ouvrant ou fermant la seconde sortie 16 raccordée à la ligne d'évacuation de l'eau condensée 6.The two outlets 15, 16 of the separator 14 each include a valve 19, 20 controlled automatically, namely a first valve 19 opening or closing the first outlet 15 connected to the condensed fuel discharge line 5 and a second valve 20 opening or closing the second outlet 16 connected to the condensed water discharge line 6.

Le séparateur 14 comprend également un détecteur de condensat non représenté sur les figures qui permet de détecter la nature (eau ou hydrocarbures) du condensat renfermé dans celui-ci.The separator 14 also comprises a condensate detector, not shown in the figures, which makes it possible to detect the nature (water or hydrocarbons) of the condensate contained therein.

Lorsque la nature de ce condensat est détectée, la vanne 19, 20 appropriée peut être ouverte pour évacuer soit le carburant vers la cuve de stockage 2 par la ligne d'évacuation du carburant condensé 5 soit l'eau vers le réseau d'eaux usées par la ligne d'évacuation de l'eau condensée 6.When the nature of this condensate is detected, the appropriate valve 19, 20 can be opened to discharge either the fuel to the storage tank 2 via the condensate fuel discharge line 5 or the water to the wastewater network. via the condensed water discharge line 6.

Selon la figure 1, le moyen de détection 7 est monté dans le séparateur 14 et comporte une jauge transmettant un signal d'alerte lorsqu'un niveau haut de condensat est détecté dans le séparateur 14.According to figure 1 , the detection means 7 is mounted in the separator 14 and comprises a gauge transmitting an alert signal when a high level of condensate is detected in the separator 14.

Cette jauge comprend un flotteur 17 ayant une flottabilité adaptée pour flotter dans le carburant et l'eau.This gauge comprises a float 17 having a buoyancy adapted to float in fuel and water.

L'eau renfermée dans le séparateur 14 peut provenir de l'air aspiré par le conduit d'évent 3, mais également des vapeurs de carburant aspirées par le système de récupération des vapeurs de carburant 10 qui aspire aussi un peu d'air.The water contained in the separator 14 can come from the air drawn in through the vent pipe 3, but also from the fuel vapors drawn in by the fuel vapor recovery system 10 which also sucks in a little air.

Le flotteur 17 est équipé d'un aimant activant un contacteur magnétique 18 positionné à un niveau haut.The float 17 is equipped with a magnet activating a magnetic switch 18 positioned at a high level.

Lorsque le flotteur 17 atteint ce niveau haut, le contacteur 18 détecte la présence du flotteur 17 et transmet un signal d'alerte au dispositif de contrôle 9.When the float 17 reaches this high level, the switch 18 detects the presence of the float 17 and transmits a warning signal to the control device 9.

Selon la figure 2, l'installation comprend un premier moyen de détection 7 branché sur la ligne d'évacuation du carburant condensé 5 pour détecter la présence de carburant condensé et un second moyen de détection 8 branché sur la ligne d'évacuation de l'eau condensée 6 pour détecter la présence d'eau condensée.According to figure 2 , the installation comprises a first detection means 7 connected to the condensed fuel discharge line 5 to detect the presence of condensed fuel and a second detection means 8 connected to the condensed water discharge line 6 for detect the presence of condensed water.

Le premier moyen de détection 7 génère un signal d'alerte de surpression en réponse à la détection de carburant condensé alors que le second moyen de détection 8 génère un signal d'alerte de sous-pression en réponse à la détection d'eau condensée.The first detection means 7 generates an overpressure alert signal in response to the detection of condensed fuel while the second detection means 8 generates an underpressure alert signal in response to the detection of condensed water.

Les moyens de détection 7, 8 sont constitués par des jauges logées dans un récipient équipé d'une vanne branchée sur une sortie de ce récipient.The detection means 7, 8 consist of gauges housed in a container equipped with a valve connected to an outlet of this container.

De façon non représentée, chaque jauge comprend un flotteur mobile entre un niveau haut et un niveau bas et coopérant avec un contacteur positionné au niveau haut.In a manner not shown, each gauge comprises a float movable between a high level and a low level and cooperating with a contactor positioned at the high level.

Lorsque le flotteur atteint le niveau haut, il active le contacteur et la vanne ouvre la sortie du récipient correspondant au premier moyen de détection 7 ou au second moyen de détection 8.When the float reaches the high level, it activates the contactor and the valve opens the outlet of the container corresponding to the first detection means 7 or to the second detection means 8.

Le volume V entre le niveau bas et le niveau haut étant connu, chaque activation de contacteur génère une information selon laquelle un volume V de condensat a été évacué qui est transmise au dispositif de contrôle 9.The volume V between the low level and the high level being known, each activation of the contactor generates information according to which a volume V of condensate has been evacuated which is transmitted to the control device 9.

Selon la figure 3, le dispositif de condensation / séparation 4 comprend un condenseur de vapeurs de carburant 21 pour condenser les vapeurs de carburant provenant dans la cuve de stockage 2 et un déshumidificateur 22 pour condenser l'eau provenant de l'air extérieur.According to figure 3 , the condensing / separating device 4 comprises a fuel vapor condenser 21 for condensing the fuel vapors coming from the storage tank 2 and a dehumidifier 22 for condensing the water coming from the outside air.

Le condenseur 21 et le déshumidificateur 22 sont branchés en série sur le conduit d'évent 3, et le condenseur 21 est situé en amont du déshumidificateur 22 dans le sens de circulation des vapeurs de carburant provenant de la cuve de stockage 2.The condenser 21 and the dehumidifier 22 are connected in series on the vent pipe 3, and the condenser 21 is located upstream of the dehumidifier 22 in the direction of circulation of the fuel vapors coming from the storage tank 2.

Le condenseur 21 comprend une sortie raccordée à la ligne d'évacuation 5 du carburant condensé tandis que le déshumidificateur 22 comprend une sortie raccordée à la ligne d'évacuation 6 de l'eau condensée.The condenser 21 comprises an outlet connected to the discharge line 5 of the condensed fuel while the dehumidifier 22 comprises an outlet connected to the discharge line 6 of the condensed water.

Un premier moyen de détection 7 est monté sur la ligne d'évacuation du carburant condensé 5 et un second moyen de détection 8 est branché sur la ligne d'évacuation de l'eau condensée 6.A first detection means 7 is mounted on the condensed fuel discharge line 5 and a second detection means 8 is connected to the condensed water discharge line 6.

Ces moyens de détection 7, 8 sont identiques à ceux décrits ci-dessus en référence à la figure 2.These detection means 7, 8 are identical to those described above with reference to figure 2 .

L'invention fournit ainsi une installation de stockage et de distribution de carburants qui permet à la fois de récupérer les hydrocarbures gazeux issus de la cuve et d'éviter la contamination de la cuve par l'eau provenant de l'air extérieur tout en permettant de détecter des disfonctionnements du système de récupération des vapeurs de carburant.The invention thus provides an installation for the storage and distribution of fuels which makes it possible both to recover the gaseous hydrocarbons coming from the tank and to avoid contamination of the tank by water coming from the outside air while allowing to detect malfunctions of the fuel vapor recovery system.

Elle permet en particulier de détecter des fuites dans des canalisations du système de récupération de vapeurs entre le distributeur de carburant et le réservoir.It makes it possible in particular to detect leaks in pipes of the vapor recovery system between the fuel dispenser and the tank.

L'invention permet également de quantifier des pertes de carburant anormales, comme par exemple celles dues aux fraudes ou à une fuite de carburant.The invention also makes it possible to quantify abnormal fuel losses, such as for example those due to fraud or to a fuel leak.

Claims (9)

  1. Facility for storing and dispensing fuel in vehicles comprising:
    - a fuel storage tank (2) equipped with a vent pipe (3) and linked to at least one fuel dispenser (1) on the one hand by a fuel dispensing system (26) into a vehicle tank and on the other hand, by a vapour recovery system (10) sucking the fuel vapours emitted upon the dispensing of fuel into this tank, and
    - a condensation/separation device (4) connected to the vent pipe (3) and that makes it possible to condense fuel vapours originating from the storage tank (2) in order to generate condensed fuel and to condense water originating from the outside air in order to generate condensed water, this condensation/separation device (4) being connected to a condensed fuel discharge line (5) linked to the storage tank (2) and to a condensed water discharge line (6) to the outside,
    characterized in that it comprises:
    - at least one detection means (7, 8) cooperating with the condensation/separation device (4) to detect the presence of condensed fuel and/or condensed water in this device and to generate and transmit an alert signal in response to this detection, and
    - a control device (9) receiving this alert signal and transmitting, in response, information on malfunctioning of the fuel vapour recovery system (10) to a control centre (24).
  2. Facility according to Claim 1, characterized in that the condensation/separation device (4) comprises, on the one hand, a condenser (13) condensing both the fuel vapours originating from the storage tank (2) and the water originating from the outside air and, on the other hand, a separator (14) connected to this condenser and comprising two outputs, namely a first output (15) connected to the condensed fuel discharge line (5) and a second output (16) connected to the condensed water discharge line (6).
  3. Facility according to Claim 2, characterized in that the two outputs (15, 16) of the separator (14) are each equipped with an automatically controlled valve cooperating with a condensate detector making it possible to detect the nature of the condensate enclosed in this separator (14), namely a first valve (19) that can open or close the first output (15) connected to the condensed fuel discharge line (5) and a second valve (20) that can open or close the second output (16) connected to the condensed water discharge line (6) depending on the nature of the detected condensate.
  4. Facility according to Claim 1, characterized in that the condensation/separation device (4) comprises, on the one hand, a fuel vapour condenser (21) that makes it possible to condense the fuel vapours originating from the storage tank (2) and comprising an output connected to the condensed fuel discharge line (5), and, on the other hand, a dehumidifier (22) that makes it possible to condense the water originating from the outside air and comprising an output connected to the condensed water discharge line (6).
  5. Facility according to either one of Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that it comprises a single detection means (7) consisting of a volume measurer such as a flow meter mounted between the condenser (13) and the separator (14) and generating and transmitting an alert signal in response to the measurement of a volume of condensed fuel or of condensed water.
  6. Facility according to either one of Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that it comprises at least one detection means (7) mounted in the separator (14) and generating and transmitting an alert signal in response to the detection of a predefined volume of condensate in this separator.
  7. Facility according to either one of Claims 2 and 3 or according to Claim 4, characterized in that it comprises two detection means, namely a first detection means (7) connected to the condensed fuel discharge line (5) and generating and transmitting an overpressure alert signal in response to the detection of condensed fuel in the condensed fuel discharge line (5) and a second detection means (8) connected to the condensed water discharge line (6) and generating and transmitting an underpressure alert signal in response to the detection of condensed water in the condensed water discharge line (6).
  8. Facility according to either one of Claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the detection means comprises (each comprise) a gauge provided with a float that can move between a low level and a high level and a contactor that is activated when the high level is reached to trigger the alert signal.
  9. Facility according to Claims 7 or 8, characterized in that each of the gauges is equipped at its output with a valve that opens when the float is at the high level in order to discharge a known volume of condensate.
EP17721421.0A 2016-05-10 2017-05-10 Facility for storing and dispensing fuel Active EP3455159B1 (en)

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FR1654157A FR3051182B1 (en) 2016-05-10 2016-05-10 FUEL STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITY
PCT/EP2017/061154 WO2017194588A1 (en) 2016-05-10 2017-05-10 Facility for storing and dispensing fuel

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US20200102205A1 (en) * 2018-10-02 2020-04-02 Veeder-Root Company Fuel storage and supply arrangement having fuel conditioning and filtration system
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US11634316B2 (en) 2020-09-30 2023-04-25 Veeder-Root Company Fuel storage and supply arrangement having fuel conditioning assembly
US11673790B2 (en) * 2021-06-15 2023-06-13 Shell Retail And Convenience Operations Llc Methods and systems for dispensing fuel

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CA3024265C (en) 2021-06-08
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BR112018073169A2 (en) 2019-02-19
US20190144258A1 (en) 2019-05-16
EP3455159A1 (en) 2019-03-20
WO2017194588A1 (en) 2017-11-16
CA3024265A1 (en) 2017-11-16
MX2018013822A (en) 2019-09-09
BR112018073169B1 (en) 2023-01-17
US10604402B2 (en) 2020-03-31
FR3051182B1 (en) 2018-05-18

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