JP2008074481A - Vapor recovery device and vapor recovering method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vapor recovery device that can be installed in a short period of time without requiring any excessive cost of facility and excessive installation work cost as well as without requiring any new excavation work also when the vapor recovery device is installed in an existing storage tank. <P>SOLUTION: This vapor recovering device 1 is used for separating the vapor of a volatile liquid from gas containing this vapor discharged from within a tank 10 for storing the volatile liquid when volatile liquid is filled into the tank 10 for storing the volatile liquid. This vapor recovering device 1 comprises an adsorption tower 2 having adsorption agent 2a for adsorbing vapor of volatile liquid, a feeding means 3 for use in feeding gas containing the vapor of volatile liquid discharged from within the tank 10 for storing the volatile liquid into the adsorption tower 2, and a recovering means 4 for making the desorption of the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed by the adsorption agent 2a in the adsorption tower 2 and returning the desorbed vapor to the tank 10 for storing the volatile liquid. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention separates and recovers the vapor from the gas containing the vapor of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank when the volatile liquid storage tank is filled with the volatile liquid. The present invention relates to a vapor recovery apparatus and a vapor recovery method.

  When the storage tank is filled with volatile liquids such as gasoline, alcohols, and toluene, the gas containing the vapor of the volatile liquid pushed out from the storage tank is restricted from being discharged by regulations such as regulations. Conventionally, it was released into the atmosphere as it was with few exceptions.

  However, releasing the gas containing the volatile liquid vapor as it is to the atmosphere not only causes air pollution but also causes loss of gasoline and the like. In recent years, emission control of volatile organic compounds (VOC) has been performed, and various apparatuses for recovering volatile liquid vapor have been put into practical use.

  As the volatile liquid vapor recovery device, the absorption method was the mainstream at the beginning, but the technology of the membrane separation method was developed at the end of the 1980s. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  In the 1990s, the adsorption method technology was developed, and the recovery rate reached almost 100% (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

In such a situation, a technique for recovering vapor of volatile liquid pushed out from the storage tank to the tank truck while filling the storage tank from the tank truck is disclosed (for example, Patent Documents 3 and 4). reference). Also, a technology that specializes in gasoline stations and collects vapor of volatile liquid pushed out from the on-board tank during refueling from a storage tank to a general vehicle using a membrane separation method (see, for example, Patent Documents 5 and 6). In addition, a technique (for example, see Patent Documents 7 and 8) that collects volatile liquid vapor with the fueling device itself is also disclosed.
Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 4-23568 Japanese Patent No. 2766793 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-41092 JP-A-8-58900 Japanese National Patent Publication No. 9-511202 JP-A-9-324183 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-11596 JP 11-321999 A

  In recent years, due to VOC discharge regulations, volatile liquid storage tanks in large-scale offices have been installed with a device for recovering volatile liquid vapor, and the recovery of discharged vapor is progressing. However, in a situation where a small volatile liquid storage tank is installed as in a gas station, the installation of a vapor recovery device has not progressed with some exceptions. However, the number of small volatile liquid storage tanks installed at gas stations is very large, and the problem of environmental pollution caused by releasing gas containing volatile liquid vapor into the atmosphere as it occurs, It is desired to collect vapor.

  The simplest method as a means for recovering volatile liquid vapor is a method of recovering the vapor pushed out of the storage tank to the tank truck when filling the tank with gasoline from the tank truck (see Patent Documents 3 and 4). Yes, this means that some of the gasoline you bought is returned to the main seller, which is difficult for gas station owners to adopt.

  The most preferable method is to liquefy and collect the vapor extruded from the storage tank into the storage tank. However, the above-mentioned conventional technique using the adsorption method or the membrane separation method requires a large-scale facility, and the number of installations includes excavation. Weekly construction is required. That is, there is a problem that the equipment cost and the installation cost become enormous and cannot be adopted as a recovery device for a small volatile liquid storage tank such as a gas station.

  Therefore, the present invention does not require a large amount of equipment and installation costs, and further, when installed in an existing storage tank, a vapor collection apparatus and a vapor collection method that can be installed in a short period of time without requiring new excavation work. The purpose is to provide.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following features.
[1] A vapor that separates and recovers the vapor from a gas containing the vapor of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank when the volatile liquid storage tank is filled with the volatile liquid. A recovery device,
The vapor recovery device is
An adsorption tower equipped with an adsorbent that adsorbs volatile liquid vapor inside;
Introducing means for introducing into the adsorption tower a gas containing a vapor of volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank;
A vapor recovery apparatus comprising: a recovery means for desorbing the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed on the adsorbent in the adsorption tower and returning the desorbed vapor to the volatile liquid storage tank.
[2] A vapor that separates and recovers the vapor from the gas containing the vapor of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank when the volatile liquid storage tank is filled with the volatile liquid. A recovery device,
The vapor recovery device is
An adsorption tower equipped with an adsorbent that adsorbs volatile liquid vapor inside;
Introducing means for introducing into the adsorption tower a gas containing a vapor of volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank;
A recovery means for desorbing the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed on the adsorbent in the adsorption tower and returning the desorbed vapor to the volatile liquid storage tank;
Pressure measuring means for measuring the pressure in the volatile liquid storage tank;
When the pressure measured by the pressure measuring means becomes a predetermined pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, the gas containing the vapor of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank is adsorbed by the introducing means. When the pressure measured by the pressure measuring means is equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure below atmospheric pressure, the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed on the adsorption tower by the collecting means is desorbed, A vapor recovery apparatus comprising: control means for controlling the desorbed vapor to return to the volatile liquid storage tank.
[3] A vapor that separates and recovers the vapor from a gas containing vapor of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank when the volatile liquid storage tank is filled with the volatile liquid. A recovery device,
The vapor recovery device is
An adsorption tower equipped with an adsorbent that adsorbs volatile liquid vapor inside;
Introducing means for introducing into the adsorption tower a gas containing a vapor of volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank;
A recovery means for desorbing the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed on the adsorbent in the adsorption tower and returning the desorbed vapor to the volatile liquid storage tank;
A liquid level measuring means for measuring the liquid level in the volatile liquid storage tank;
When the liquid level measured by the liquid level measuring means tends to rise, a gas containing vapor of volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank is introduced into the adsorption tower by the introducing means. When the liquid level measured by the liquid level measuring means tends to be lowered, the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed to the adsorption tower by the recovery means is desorbed, and the desorbed vapor is volatile. A vapor recovery apparatus comprising control means for controlling to return to the liquid storage tank.
[4] A vapor for separating and recovering the vapor from the gas containing the vapor of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank when the volatile liquid storage tank is filled with the volatile liquid. A recovery device,
The vapor recovery device is
An adsorption tower equipped with an adsorbent that adsorbs volatile liquid vapor inside;
Introducing means for introducing into the adsorption tower a gas containing a vapor of volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank;
A recovery means for desorbing the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed on the adsorbent in the adsorption tower and returning the desorbed vapor to the volatile liquid storage tank;
A flow rate measuring means for measuring a flow rate of the volatile liquid filled in the volatile liquid storage tank and a flow rate of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank;
The flow rate measuring means measures the flow rate of the volatile liquid filled in the volatile liquid storage tank, and when it is determined that the volatile liquid is being filled, the introduction means removes the volatile liquid from the volatile liquid storage tank. A gas containing vapor of volatile liquid to be discharged is introduced into the adsorption tower, and the flow rate of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank is measured by the flow rate measuring means, and the volatile liquid is being discharged. And control means for controlling the desorption of the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed to the adsorption tower by the recovery means and returning the desorbed vapor to the volatile liquid storage tank when judged. Vapor collection device characterized by this.
[5] The vapor recovery apparatus according to any one of the above [1] to [4], wherein the volatile liquid storage tank is a gasoline storage tank buried in a basement of a gasoline station.
[6] A vapor for separating and recovering the vapor from the gas containing the vapor of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank when the volatile liquid storage tank is filled with the volatile liquid. A collection method,
A gas introduction step for introducing a gas containing vapor of volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank into an adsorption tower having an adsorbent that adsorbs the vapor inside;
A step of desorbing the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed on the adsorbent in the adsorption tower and returning the desorbed vapor to the volatile liquid storage tank;
When it is determined that the volatile liquid storage tank is being filled with volatile liquid, the gas introduction step introduces gas containing vapor of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank into the adsorption tower. And by adsorbing the vapor to the adsorbent in the adsorption tower, the vapor is separated from the gas containing the volatile liquid vapor,
When it is determined that the volatile liquid is being discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank, the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed by the adsorbent in the adsorption tower is removed by the recovery step, and the desorption is performed. The vapor recovery method is characterized in that the vapor is returned to the volatile liquid storage tank.

  According to the present invention, the equipment cost and the installation cost do not become enormous, and even when installed in an existing storage tank, a vapor recovery apparatus and a vapor recovery method that can be installed in a short period of time without requiring new excavation work Is provided.

  Hereinafter, an example of the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a vapor recovery apparatus according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the vapor recovery apparatus 1 according to the present invention, the volatile liquid that is discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank 10 when the volatile liquid storage tank 10 is filled with the volatile liquid. It is a vapor recovery apparatus for separating and recovering the vapor from a gas containing liquid vapor. The vapor recovery apparatus 1 includes an adsorption tower 2 having an adsorbent 2a for adsorbing volatile liquid vapor therein, and gas containing volatile liquid vapor discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank 10. The introduction means 3 for introducing into the adsorption tower 2 and the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed by the adsorbent 2a in the adsorption tower 2 are desorbed, and the desorbed vapor is returned to the volatile liquid storage tank 10. And a collecting means 4.

  Furthermore, the vapor recovery apparatus 1 includes a measuring unit 5 that measures a physical quantity necessary for determining whether the volatile liquid storage tank 10 is being filled with volatile liquid or is being dispensed. Based on the measurement result of the measuring means 5, it is determined whether or not the volatile liquid is being filled. If it is determined that the volatile liquid is being filled, the introduction means 3 causes the inside of the volatile liquid storage tank 10 to be filled. The gas containing the vapor of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid is controlled to be introduced into the adsorption tower 2, and when it is determined that the gas is being discharged, the volatile matter adsorbed to the adsorption tower 2 by the recovery means 4 Control means 6 for controlling the liquid vapor to be desorbed and returned to the volatile liquid storage tank 10 is provided.

  Thus, for example, when an underground tank of a gas station is filled with gasoline from a tank truck for carrying gasoline, the gas containing gasoline vapor pushed out from the tank is guided to the adsorption tower 2 and included in the gas. The gasoline vapor is adsorbed by the adsorbent 2a. Gasoline vapor is removed from the gas and only the remaining air is released into the atmosphere, thereby preventing gasoline vapor from being released into the atmosphere.

  When the underground tank is not filled with gasoline, for example, when gasoline is being dispensed, the vapor of gasoline adsorbed on the adsorbent 2a in the adsorption tower 2 is desorbed, and the desorbed vapor is removed. By returning to the underground tank, the gasoline vapor is collected.

  Hereinafter, each component of the vapor recovery apparatus 1 according to the present invention will be described in more detail. Examples of the volatile liquid include, but are not limited to, gasoline, kerosene, alcohols, toluene, xylene, ethyl acetate, benzene, light oil, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, formaldehyde, and the like.

[Adsorption tower 2]
The adsorption tower 2 is filled with an adsorbent 2a that adsorbs volatile liquid vapor. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a gas containing volatile liquid vapor is introduced from a gas inlet 2 b provided at the bottom of the adsorption tower 2, and while this gas rises in the adsorbent 2 a, Volatile liquid vapor is adsorbed by the adsorbent 2 a, and the air from which the volatile liquid vapor has been removed is released to the atmosphere from a gas outlet 2 c provided in the upper part of the adsorption tower 2.

  Here, as the adsorbent 2a, various adsorbents such as silica gel, zeolite, activated carbon capable of desorbing adsorbed gas (for example, mesophase activated carbon) can be used. The type of the adsorbent can be appropriately selected depending on the type of the volatile liquid to be recovered in consideration of the adsorption efficiency and the like. In addition, the amount of the adsorbent filled is equal to the volume in the volatile liquid storage tank 10 (for one tank) and can be adsorbed as a guideline. What is the margin for the change in vapor concentration of the volatile liquid? Alternatively, it can be appropriately changed depending on the performance of the recovery means.

[Introduction means 3]
The introducing means 3 introduces gas containing volatile liquid vapor discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank 10 into the adsorption tower 2. For example, when the volatile liquid starts to be filled in the volatile liquid storage tank 10 from the tank lorry for transporting the volatile liquid, the tank 10 is filled as the liquid level rises in the tank 10. Gas containing volatile liquid vapor is pushed out of the tank 10. The introduction means 3 introduces a gas containing vapor of volatile liquid that is pushed out of the tank 10 during filling of the volatile liquid, that is, discharged, into the adsorption tower 2.

  Here, the introduction means 3 can be constituted by a pipe 3 a that connects the volatile liquid storage tank 10 and a gas introduction port 2 b provided at the bottom of the adsorption tower 2. The end of the pipe 3 a opposite to the end connected to the gas inlet 2 b is provided near the ceiling inside the volatile liquid storage tank 10. The pipe 3a may be used by sharing a part of the ventilation pipe installed in the volatile liquid storage tank 10.

  Further, a blower may be provided in the middle of the pipe 3 a of the introduction means 3. The gas containing the vapor of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank 10 by the blower is introduced into the adsorption tower 2, so that the gas can be reliably supplied even when the pressure loss is large in the gas flow path. Can be introduced into the adsorption tower 2.

[Recovery means 4]
The recovery means 4 desorbs the volatile liquid vapor adsorbed on the adsorbent 2 a in the adsorption tower 2, and returns the desorbed vapor to the volatile liquid storage tank 10. Here, as the recovery means 4, a pipe 4 a connecting the gas inlet 2 b provided at the bottom of the adsorption tower 2 and the volatile liquid storage tank 10, and a vapor of volatile liquid adsorbed on the adsorbent 2 a are used. The desorption means can be constituted by a decompression device 4b for decompressing the inside of the adsorption tower 2. A vacuum pump or the like can be used as the decompression device 4b, but is not limited as long as the inside of the adsorption tower 2 can be decompressed. A part of the pipe 4a shown in FIG. 1 is shared with the pipe 3a of the introduction means 3, but it may be provided separately.

  The recovery of the vapor by the recovery means 4 is performed while the volatile liquid is being discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank 10. The vapor is recovered by decompressing the inside of the adsorption tower 2 by the decompression device 4b, desorbing the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed on the adsorbent 2a, and returning it to the volatile liquid storage tank 10 through the pipe 4a. The degree of decompression can be changed as appropriate from the relationship between the capacity of the decompression device 4b and the amount of the adsorbent 2a.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 1, when the pipe 3a and the pipe 4a are partly used in common, while the vapor is being collected by the collecting means 4, the pipe 3a and the pipe 4a The valve 3b provided near the branch point is closed, and the valve 4c provided near the branch point of the pipe 4a with the pipe 3a is opened. In addition, when depressurizing the inside of the adsorption tower 2, it is necessary to close the valve 2d provided in the gas discharge port 2c provided in the upper part of the adsorption tower 2. Further, when the gas containing the vapor of volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank 10 is introduced into the adsorption tower 2 by the introduction means 3, the valve 4c is closed, and the valve 3b and This is done by opening 2d.

  The vapor of the volatile liquid desorbed from the adsorbent 2a may be recovered by returning it to the volatile liquid storage tank 10 with the vapor remaining, but as shown in FIG. You may make it return to the said volatile liquid storage tank, after liquefying at least one part of the said vapor using the provided liquefying means 4d. Here, as the liquefying means 4d, any type including a water cooling type and an air cooling type may be used as long as at least a part of the vapor can be liquefied. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a water-cooled apparatus for liquefying vapor with cooling water is shown. Note that tap water may be used as the cooling water. Thereby, the liquefying means 4d can be easily installed, for example, in a gas station. Alternatively, a method may be used in which a part of the liquid in the volatile liquid storage tank 10 is drawn out, brought into contact with the recovered vapor and washed together.

[Measuring means 5]
The measuring means 5 measures a physical quantity capable of determining whether the volatile liquid storage tank 10 is being filled with volatile liquid or is being dispensed. The main measuring means 5 includes (a) a pressure measuring means 5a for measuring the pressure in the volatile liquid storage tank 10, and (b) a liquid level height measuring means for measuring the liquid level in the volatile liquid storage tank. 5b, (c) Flow rate measuring means 5c, 5d, etc. for measuring the flow rate of the volatile liquid filled in the volatile liquid storage tank and the flow rate of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank can be used. . Each will be further described below.

(A) When the pressure measuring means 5a for measuring the pressure in the volatile liquid storage tank 10 is used When the volatile liquid starts to be filled in the volatile liquid storage tank 10 from the tank lorry for carrying the volatile liquid, the tank 10 As the liquid level rises, the pressure of the gas containing the volatile liquid vapor filling the tank 10 rises to a positive pressure. Here, it is possible to determine whether or not the volatile liquid is being filled by measuring the increase in pressure. At this time, if a vent pipe is installed in the volatile liquid storage tank 10, it is necessary that a blister valve 11a be installed in the vent pipe.

  The pressure measuring means 5a is provided at a position where the pressure in the volatile liquid storage tank 10 can be measured. For example, a pressure gauge can be used as the pressure measuring means 5a. The position to be provided is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the position can be provided in the middle of the pipe 3 a of the introduction means 3 (the ground portion). By providing it on the ground part, it is not necessary to perform excavation work on the ground when performing installation work or the like later, and the installation becomes easy.

  The measuring unit 5 may include a determination unit 5e that receives the pressure measurement result from the pressure measuring unit 5a and transmits a signal indicating whether or not the volatile liquid is being filled. As the determination unit 5e, for example, a computer (for example, a personal computer or a PLC) can be used. The determination unit 5e receives the pressure measurement result from the pressure measuring means 5a, and determines that the volatile liquid is being filled when the pressure value is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure. For example, a signal indicating filling is transmitted to the control means 6 described later. Further, when the pressure value becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure that is equal to or lower than the atmospheric pressure, it is determined that the volatile liquid is being dispensed, and a signal indicating that the volatile liquid is being dispensed is transmitted to the control means 6 described later. . The predetermined pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure and the predetermined pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure are pressures for determining whether the pressure in the volatile liquid storage tank 10 is a positive pressure or a negative pressure, What is necessary is just to set to a pressure a little higher than atmospheric pressure and a pressure a little lower than atmospheric pressure, and when the said ventilation piping is installed, it shall be in the setting pressure range of the blister valve 11a installed in this ventilation piping. is required.

(B) When using the liquid level measuring means 5b for measuring the liquid level in the volatile liquid storage tank The volatile liquid starts to be filled in the volatile liquid storage tank 10 from the tank truck for carrying the volatile liquid. Then, the liquid level in the tank 10 rises. Here, it is possible to determine whether or not the volatile liquid is being filled by measuring the rise in the liquid level.

  The liquid level height measuring means 5b is provided at a position where the liquid level height in the volatile liquid storage tank 10 can be measured. As the liquid level height measuring means 5b, a float type liquid level height measuring device, a non-contact radar type liquid level height measuring device, a differential pressure type liquid level height measuring device or the like can be used.

  In this measuring means 5, the measurement result of the liquid level from the liquid level measuring means 5b is received at predetermined time intervals, and a signal indicating whether or not the volatile liquid is being filled is transmitted. A determination unit 5e may be provided. The predetermined time interval needs to be an interval at which the tendency of rising and falling of the liquid level can be determined. For example, it is preferable to measure the liquid level at intervals of about 0.1 to 10 sec.

  As the determination unit 5e, for example, a computer (for example, a personal computer or a PLC) can be used. The determination unit 5e receives the liquid level measurement result from the liquid level measurement unit 5b, and performs a statistical process for about 0.5 to 5 minutes on the liquid level measurement result received at predetermined time intervals. Then, it is determined whether the liquid level is rising or falling. When it is determined that the liquid level is increasing, it is determined that the volatile liquid is being filled, and for example, a signal indicating that the liquid level is being filled is transmitted to the control means 6 described later. When it is determined that the liquid level is in a downward trend, it is determined that the volatile liquid is being dispensed, and a signal indicating that the liquid level is being dispensed is transmitted to the control means 6 described later.

(C) When the flow rate measuring means 5c and 5d for measuring the flow rate of the volatile liquid filled in the volatile liquid storage tank and the flow rate of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank are used. The volatile liquid is being filled by measuring the flow rate when the volatile liquid is filled into the volatile liquid storage tank 10 and the flow rate when the volatile liquid is discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank. It can be determined whether there is a payout.

  First, the flow rate measuring means 5c is provided at a position where the flow rate of the volatile liquid filled in the volatile liquid storage tank 10 can be measured. A flow meter or the like can be used as the flow rate measuring means 5c. The position where the flow rate measuring means 5c is provided is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a supply pipe 12 for filling a volatile liquid into a volatile liquid storage tank 10 from a tank lorry for carrying a volatile liquid. It can be provided in the middle (ground part). By providing it on the ground part, it is not necessary to perform excavation work on the ground when performing installation work or the like later, and the installation becomes easy.

  The flow rate measuring means 5d is provided at a position where the flow rate of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank 10 can be measured. A flow meter or the like can be used as the flow rate measuring means 5d. The position where the flow rate measuring means 5d is provided is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the flow rate measuring means 5d can be provided in the middle of the discharge pipe 13 for discharging the volatile liquid from the volatile liquid storage tank 10.

  The measuring unit 5 may include a determination unit 5e that receives the flow rate measurement results from the flow rate measuring units 5c and 5d and transmits a signal indicating whether or not the volatile liquid is being filled. As the determination unit 5e, for example, a computer (for example, a personal computer or a PLC) can be used. The determination unit 5e receives the flow rate measurement result from the flow rate measuring means 5c, and determines that the volatile liquid is being filled when the flow rate value is equal to or higher than a predetermined flow rate. The signal shown is transmitted to the control means 6 described later. When the flow rate measurement result from the flow rate measuring means 5d is received and the flow rate value is equal to or higher than a predetermined flow rate, it is determined that the volatile liquid is being discharged, and a signal indicating that the flow rate is being discharged. Is transmitted to the control means 6 described later. The predetermined flow rate is a flow rate for determining whether the volatile liquid is flowing toward the volatile liquid storage tank 10 or whether the volatile liquid is discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank 10, respectively. These may be set to values slightly larger than zero.

  The measuring means 5 does not automatically determine whether or not the volatile liquid is being filled as in the above (a), (b), and (c). A switch for generating a signal indicating that there is a certain signal is provided, and during filling, the filling-in person presses a switch indicating that filling is in progress, so that a signal during filling is transmitted to the control means 6 to be described later, and dispensing is performed. At this time, a similar switch may be provided so that a signal indicating that the payout is being performed is sent to the control means 6 described later by pressing a switch indicating that the payout is being performed. In place of the switch indicating the payout, for example, a signal indicating that the pump 14 performing the payout is in operation can be used.

[Control means 6]
The control means 6 determines whether the volatile liquid is being filled or dispensed based on the measurement result by the measuring means 5, and if it is determined that the volatile liquid is being filled, the introduction means 3, the gas containing the vapor of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank 10 is controlled to be introduced into the adsorption tower 2. Control is performed so that the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed on the adsorption tower 2 is desorbed, and the desorbed vapor is returned to the volatile liquid storage tank 10.

  Hereinafter, whether (i), (b), or (c) described in the measuring unit 5 is used, whether the volatile liquid is being filled or dispensed based on the measurement result by the measuring unit 5 Describe how to judge.

(A) When using the pressure measuring means 5a for measuring the pressure in the volatile liquid storage tank 10 When the pressure measured by the pressure measuring means 5a is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, the introduction The gas containing the volatile liquid vapor discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank 10 by the means 3 is introduced into the adsorption tower 2 to separate the vapor from the gas containing the volatile liquid vapor. When the pressure measured by the pressure measuring means 5a is equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure of atmospheric pressure or less, the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed to the adsorption tower 2 by the recovery means 4 is desorbed and desorbed. The vapor is controlled to return to the volatile liquid storage tank 10. The predetermined pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure and the predetermined pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure are pressures for determining whether the pressure in the volatile liquid storage tank 10 is a positive pressure or a negative pressure, What is necessary is just to set to a pressure a little higher than atmospheric pressure and a pressure a little lower than atmospheric pressure, and when the said ventilation piping is installed, it shall be in the setting pressure range of the blister valve 11a installed in this ventilation piping. is required.

  More specifically, the control unit 6 opens the valves 2d and 3b and closes the valve 4c when the pressure measured by the pressure measuring unit 5a is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure. A gas containing volatile liquid vapor discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank 10 by the introducing means 3 is introduced into the adsorption tower 2 through the pipe 3a, and the volatile liquid vapor is adsorbed on the adsorbent 2a. The vapor is controlled to be released to the atmosphere. Further, the control means 6 closes the valves 2d and 3b and opens the valve 4c when the pressure measured by the pressure measuring means 5a is not more than a predetermined pressure below atmospheric pressure, The decompression device 4b is activated, the inside of the adsorption tower 2 is decompressed, the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed on the adsorbent 2a is desorbed, and this vapor is returned to the volatile liquid storage tank 10 through the pipe 4a and recovered. To do.

(B) When using the liquid level measuring means 5b for measuring the liquid level in the volatile liquid storage tank When the liquid level measured by the liquid level measuring means 5b tends to rise, A gas containing volatile liquid vapor discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank 10 is introduced into the adsorption tower 2 by the introducing means 3, and the vapor is separated from the gas containing volatile liquid vapor. When the liquid level measured by the liquid level measuring means 5b tends to descend, the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed to the adsorption tower 2 by the recovery means 4 is desorbed, and the desorbed vapor is removed. Control is made to return to the volatile liquid storage tank 10. The control means 6 receives the liquid level height measurement results from the liquid level height measurement means 5b at predetermined time intervals, and simply compares the measurement results or performs statistical processing. Thus, it is determined whether the liquid level is in an upward trend or a downward trend. The predetermined time interval needs to be an interval at which the tendency of rising and falling of the liquid level can be determined. For example, it is preferable to measure the liquid level at intervals of about 0.1 to 10 sec.

  More specifically, the control means 6 opens the valves 2d and 3b and closes the valve 4c when the liquid level measured at predetermined time intervals by the liquid level height measuring means 5b tends to rise. At the same time, a gas containing volatile liquid vapor discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank 10 by the introducing means 3 is introduced into the adsorption tower 2 through the pipe 3a, and the volatile liquid vapor is adsorbed on the adsorbent 2a. The vapor is controlled to be released to the atmosphere. Further, the control means 6 closes the valves 2d and 3b and opens the valve 4c when the liquid level measured by the liquid level height measuring means 5b tends to fall. At the same time, the decompression device 4b is activated to decompress the inside of the adsorption tower 2, desorb the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed on the adsorbent 2a, and return the vapor to the volatile liquid storage tank 10 through the pipe 4a for recovery. To control.

(C) When using the flow rate measuring means 5c and 5d for measuring the flow rate of the volatile liquid filled in the volatile liquid storage tank and the flow rate of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank. The flow rate of the volatile liquid filled in the volatile liquid storage tank 10 is measured, and when it is determined that the volatile liquid is being filled, the introduction means 3 discharges the volatile liquid from the volatile liquid storage tank 10. The gas containing the volatile liquid vapor is introduced into the adsorption tower 2 to separate the vapor from the gas containing the volatile liquid vapor. When the flow rate of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank 10 is measured by the flow rate measuring means 5d and it is determined that the volatile liquid is being discharged, the recovery means 4 causes the adsorption tower to The vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed by 2 is desorbed, and the desorbed vapor is controlled to be returned to the volatile liquid storage tank 10. The predetermined flow rate is a flow rate for determining whether the volatile liquid is flowing toward the volatile liquid storage tank 10 or whether the volatile liquid is discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank 10, respectively. These may be set to values slightly larger than zero.

  More specifically, when the flow rate of the volatile liquid filled in the volatile liquid storage tank 10 is measured by the flow rate measuring unit 5c, the control unit 6 opens the valves 2d and 3b and closes the valve 4c. In addition, the gas containing the volatile liquid vapor discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank 10 by the introducing means 3 is introduced into the adsorption tower 2 through the pipe 3a, and the volatile liquid vapor is introduced into the adsorbent 2a. Adsorption is performed and the air from which the vapor has been removed is controlled to be released to the atmosphere. When the flow rate of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank 10 is measured by the flow rate measuring unit 5d, the control unit 6 closes the valves 2d and 3b and opens the valve 4c. At the same time, the decompression device 4b is activated to decompress the inside of the adsorption tower 2, desorb the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed on the adsorbent 2a, and return the vapor to the volatile liquid storage tank 10 through the pipe 4a for recovery. To control.

  Note that the control means 6 does not determine whether or not the volatile liquid is being filled based on the measurement result of the measurement means 5, but as described in the description of the measurement means 5 above, A determination unit 5e is provided in the measuring means 5, where it is determined whether the volatile liquid is being filled or dispensed, and a signal indicating filling or a signal indicating dispensing is transmitted. It may be.

  In this case, the control means 6 determines that the volatile liquid is being filled by the measuring means 5 and receives a signal indicating that the volatile liquid is being filled from the measuring means 5. When the gas containing the vapor of the volatile liquid discharged from the liquid storage tank 10 is controlled to be introduced into the adsorption tower 2, and when it is determined by the measuring means 5 that the volatile liquid is being discharged, The recovery means 4 is used to desorb the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed on the adsorption tower 2 and control the desorbed vapor to return to the volatile liquid storage tank 10.

  As described above, the vapor recovery apparatus according to the present invention is provided with the measuring means 5 and, based on the measured value, adsorbs the vapor to the adsorption tower 2 and desorbs the vapor from the adsorption tower 2 in a batch manner. It is characterized by being divided into two. As a result, the equipment configuration can be greatly simplified compared to the conventional continuous operation large-scale equipment, equipment costs and installation costs can be greatly reduced, and installed in an existing storage tank. In this case, it can be installed in a short period of time without requiring new excavation work.

  From such characteristics, the volatile liquid storage tank according to the present invention is preferably a gasoline storage tank buried in the basement of a gas station.

  Hereinafter, an example of the installation method in the case of installing the vapor collection | recovery apparatus which concerns on this invention in the existing storage tank is shown. As a method for installing the vapor recovery apparatus according to the present invention, the gas inlet including the vapor of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank 10 of the introduction means 3 is used, for example, as the volatile liquid storage tank 10. Is connected to the ground portion of the discharge pipe 11 that discharges the residual pressure to the atmosphere, and the outlet of the vapor recovered by the recovery means 4 is connected to, for example, the supply pipe 12 that supplies liquid to the volatile liquid storage tank 10. It is preferable to connect to the ground part. Thereby, even when installing in an existing storage tank, it can be installed in a short period of time without requiring new excavation work. In addition, the said discharge pipe 11 is open | released by air | atmosphere via the blister valve 11a, for example.

It is a schematic structure figure showing one embodiment of the vapor recovery device concerning the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vapor collection | recovery apparatus 2 Adsorption tower 2a Adsorbent 2b Gas inlet 2c Gas discharge 2d Valve 3 Introducing means 3a Piping 3b Valve 4 Collecting means 4a Piping 4b Pressure reducing device 4c Valve 4d Liquefaction means 5 Measuring means 5a Pressure measuring means 5b Liquid surface Height measurement means 5c, 5d Flow rate measurement means 5e Judgment unit 6 Control means 10 Volatile liquid storage tank 11 Release pipe 11a Blizzer valve 12 Supply pipe 13 Dispensing pipe 14 Pump

Claims (6)

A vapor recovery device that separates and recovers the vapor from a gas containing vapor of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank when the volatile liquid storage tank is filled with the volatile liquid. There,
The vapor recovery device is
An adsorption tower equipped with an adsorbent that adsorbs volatile liquid vapor inside;
Introducing means for introducing into the adsorption tower a gas containing a vapor of volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank;
A vapor recovery apparatus comprising: a recovery means for desorbing the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed on the adsorbent in the adsorption tower and returning the desorbed vapor to the volatile liquid storage tank. A vapor recovery device that separates and recovers the vapor from a gas containing vapor of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank when the volatile liquid storage tank is filled with the volatile liquid. There,
The vapor recovery device is
An adsorption tower equipped with an adsorbent that adsorbs volatile liquid vapor inside;
Introducing means for introducing into the adsorption tower a gas containing a vapor of volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank;
A recovery means for desorbing the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed on the adsorbent in the adsorption tower and returning the desorbed vapor to the volatile liquid storage tank;
Pressure measuring means for measuring the pressure in the volatile liquid storage tank;
When the pressure measured by the pressure measuring means becomes a predetermined pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, the gas containing the vapor of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank is adsorbed by the introducing means. When the pressure measured by the pressure measuring means is equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure below atmospheric pressure, the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed on the adsorption tower by the collecting means is desorbed, A vapor recovery apparatus comprising: control means for controlling the desorbed vapor to return to the volatile liquid storage tank. A vapor recovery device that separates and recovers the vapor from a gas containing vapor of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank when the volatile liquid storage tank is filled with the volatile liquid. There,
The vapor recovery device is
An adsorption tower equipped with an adsorbent that adsorbs volatile liquid vapor inside;
Introducing means for introducing into the adsorption tower a gas containing a vapor of volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank;
A recovery means for desorbing the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed on the adsorbent in the adsorption tower and returning the desorbed vapor to the volatile liquid storage tank;
A liquid level measuring means for measuring the liquid level in the volatile liquid storage tank;
When the liquid level measured by the liquid level measuring means tends to rise, a gas containing vapor of volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank is introduced into the adsorption tower by the introducing means. When the liquid level measured by the liquid level measuring means tends to be lowered, the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed to the adsorption tower by the recovery means is desorbed, and the desorbed vapor is volatile. A vapor recovery apparatus comprising control means for controlling to return to the liquid storage tank. A vapor recovery device that separates and recovers the vapor from a gas containing vapor of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank when the volatile liquid storage tank is filled with the volatile liquid. There,
The vapor recovery device is
An adsorption tower equipped with an adsorbent that adsorbs volatile liquid vapor inside;
Introducing means for introducing into the adsorption tower a gas containing a vapor of volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank;
A recovery means for desorbing the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed on the adsorbent in the adsorption tower and returning the desorbed vapor to the volatile liquid storage tank;
A flow rate measuring means for measuring a flow rate of the volatile liquid filled in the volatile liquid storage tank and a flow rate of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank;
The flow rate measuring means measures the flow rate of the volatile liquid filled in the volatile liquid storage tank, and when it is determined that the volatile liquid is being filled, the introduction means removes the volatile liquid from the volatile liquid storage tank. A gas containing vapor of volatile liquid to be discharged is introduced into the adsorption tower, and the flow rate of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank is measured by the flow rate measuring means, and the volatile liquid is being discharged. And control means for controlling the desorption of the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed to the adsorption tower by the recovery means and returning the desorbed vapor to the volatile liquid storage tank when judged. Vapor collection device characterized by this.   The vapor recovery device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the volatile liquid storage tank is a gasoline storage tank embedded in a basement of a gasoline station. A vapor recovery method for separating and recovering the vapor from the gas containing the vapor of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank when the volatile liquid storage tank is filled with the volatile liquid. There,
A gas introduction step for introducing a gas containing vapor of volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank into an adsorption tower having an adsorbent that adsorbs the vapor inside;
A step of desorbing the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed on the adsorbent in the adsorption tower and returning the desorbed vapor to the volatile liquid storage tank;
When it is determined that the volatile liquid storage tank is being filled with volatile liquid, the gas introduction step introduces gas containing vapor of the volatile liquid discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank into the adsorption tower. And by adsorbing the vapor to the adsorbent in the adsorption tower, the vapor is separated from the gas containing the volatile liquid vapor,
When it is determined that the volatile liquid is being discharged from the volatile liquid storage tank, the vapor of the volatile liquid adsorbed by the adsorbent in the adsorption tower is removed by the recovery step, and the desorption is performed. The vapor recovery method is characterized in that the vapor is returned to the volatile liquid storage tank.

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