GB2325456A

GB2325456A - Integrated modular petrol station

Info

Publication number: GB2325456A
Application number: GB9710502A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Stuart Davis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-05-21
Filing date: 1997-05-21
Publication date: 1998-11-25
Also published as: GB9710502D0

Abstract

A modular petrol station comprising the fuel tank storage arranged within frame elements of a pre-determined size which forms a removable "tank module" 10 is positioned underground providing a foundation for a removable "service module" 13 which houses the pump / dispenser, and sales / payment building. Additional capacity can be achieved by adding modules. All pipes and cables are contained within the bounds of the modules ensuring minimal civil works. This coupled with the ability to transport to site easily and re-use the modules, makes for an economic building technique compared with traditional methods.

Description

MODULAR PETROL STATION This invention relates to a modular petrol station.

Petrol stations for civil use ( as opposed to temporary installations for military use) consist of three main elements; pumps/dispensers, fuel storage tanks and a building monitoring sales and payments.

These three elements are separate and are positioned on a site where space permits. They are linked by a network of pipes and cables. A canopy to offer protection to the motorist and various signs are also to be found on most petrol stations but are not essential to the refuelling process.

Petrol stations therefore require a considerable amount of civil works i.e. foundations have to be prepared for pumpl dispenser "Islands", tanks, sales/payments buildings, canopy structures and ancillary signage elements as well as provision of the interconnecting pipe-work and cabling.

By constructing petrol stations as described, certain low sales volume developments in rural areas become non viable as construction costs would be too great and the elements are not re-usable.

According to the present invention, a modular petrol station comprising the fuel tank storage arranged within frame elements of a pre-determined size which forms a removable "tank module(s)" is positioned underground providing a foundation for a removable "service module(s)" which houses the pump / dispenser, and sales / payment building.

Two specific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Figure 1 shows in perspective a tank module.

Figure 2 shows a cross section of a service module fixed to a tank module.

Figure 3 shows a plan cross section of service module.

Figure 4 shows an end cross section of a service module fixed to a tank module.

Figure 5 shows a cross section of 2 service modules fixed to 2 tank modules.

Figure 6 shows a plan cross section of a 2 service modules.

Figure 7 shows a cross section of a tank and service module with the insertion of a spacer module.

Referring to the drawing, the tank module as shown in Fig. 1 comprises a steel cylindrical double walled storage tank 10 with legs 12 welded to the outer skin which provide a means of levelling the structure when placed in an suitable pre-prepared pit. Upward facing legs 13 protrude above the finished ground level on to which the service module shown in Fig.2 and Fig.4 may be attached. The pipework and cables 14 are also connected and are contained within the bounds of their respective modules Extra fuel storage, pump positions and capacity within the payment area may be provided by installing a further tank and service modules as shown in Figs. 5 and 6 The service module featuring in Figs.2, 3, 4, 5,6, and 7 consists of a pump / dispenser 15 which is mounted within an open end of a box-like frame which is encased with windows 16 , doors 17 and panels 18. Within the encased box is positioned monitoring equipment 19 and means of making payment 20. At each end of the service module is a separate platform which serves as an impact protection devise 21 and at the pump end, a mounting position for the tank filling points and vapour recovery nozzles 22. The volume within the encased area allows for a cashier's position 23, an electrical cupboard 24, a toilet 25 , merchandise racks 26 and storage of safety equipment 27. A canopy 28 is mounted above the pump. Branded signs 29 are mounted on the walls of the encased areas. Vehicles can be refuelled either side of the centrally mounted pump. An additional spacer module 30 can be positioned between the tank module and the service module to provide increased protection as shown in Fig 7.

Claims

I A modular petrol station comprising the fuel tank storage arranged within frame elements of a pre-determined size which forms a removable "tank module" is positioned underground providing a foundation for a removable "service module" which houses the pump / dispenser, and sales / payment building.
2 A modular petrol station as claimed in Claim 1 wherein extra pumps, fuel and payment area capacity can be increased by adding additional modules.
3 A modular petrol station as claimed in Claim 1 wherein all pipes and cables are contained within the bounds of the modules
4 A modular petrol station as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the modules can be lifted out by crane.
5 A modular petrol station as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the modules can be transported to site on the back of a standard container lorry.
6 A modular petrol station as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the two principle module elements can be made into one totally integrated petrol station 7 A modular petrol station as claimed in Claim I an additional spacer module between the tank module and the service module can provide increased protection.