JP5694863B2 - Vapor collection device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vapor recovery apparatus, and more particularly to a vapor recovery apparatus that recovers and separates vapor generated when a volatile fuel is filled in a tank.

  In a fuel supply facility such as a gas station, a tank in which volatile liquid fuel (hereinafter referred to as “liquid fuel”) is unloaded from each hatch of a tank truck is installed. This kind of tank is mainly buried underground, and liquid fuel (liquid that becomes fuel such as gasoline and alcohol) loaded on the tanker truck using the height difference from the tanker truck via the unloading hose. Unloaded.

  In addition, the underground tank of the gas station is connected to a vent pipe having a vent that communicates with the atmosphere at a high place.When unloading, the vapor in the tank is discharged out of the tank as the liquid level rises. This vapor is supplied to the tank truck or released into the atmosphere.

  In recent years, environmental pollution in the atmosphere has become a problem. Therefore, even when unloading, the fuel component (hydrocarbon, which is a main component of petroleum: HC component) contained in the vapor in the tank is recovered and the vapor is in the atmosphere. There is a demand for the development of a vapor recovery device that prevents contamination.

  As a vapor recovery device, for example, the fuel component contained in the vapor is adsorbed by an adsorbent (for example, silica gel) to prevent the vapor containing the fuel component from being released into the atmosphere and adsorbed by the adsorbent. Some fuel components are configured to be desorbed and returned to the tank (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The adsorbent filled in the adsorption tank has the property of adsorbing the fuel component contained in the vapor due to the pressure increase in the adsorption tank, and the property of desorbing the adsorbed fuel component by reducing the pressure in the adsorption tank. Have

  Here, in the adsorption tank, an adsorption process for adsorbing the fuel component on the adsorbent and a desorption process for desorbing the fuel component from the adsorbent are sequentially performed in a predetermined cycle of a predetermined time, and after the adsorption process is completed. The desorption process is always performed at a predetermined timing. In the control program for switching each process of the adsorption tank, for example, each predetermined pressure is set as a start condition of the adsorption process and the desorption process, and the adsorption process and the desorption are performed according to the pressure change of the vapor from the tank gas phase region. The process start timing is adjusted.

  When the unloading work from the tank truck to the underground tank is started, the gas pressure in the underground tank rises, and when the gas pressure rises to the specified pressure, the vapor in the underground tank is introduced into the adsorption tank. When started, the adsorption tank becomes an adsorption process, and the air after the fuel component is adsorbed from the vapor by the adsorbent in the adsorption tank is discharged from the adsorption tank to the atmosphere. Then, after the unloading of the underground tank is completed, a desorption process for desorbing the fuel component adsorbed on the adsorbent in the adsorption tank from the adsorbent at a predetermined timing is performed, and the fuel component desorbed from the adsorbent is removed. Returned to the underground tank.

JP 2008-290056 A

  The underground tank installed at the fuel supply station has a sealed structure so that vapor is not released into the atmosphere. Therefore, even when the volatile fuel is unloaded (filled) into the underground tank, for example, When the temperature rises, the tank internal pressure increases, and the tank internal pressure may reach the adsorption process start set pressure at which the adsorption process is started. Even in this case (when the pressure in the tank increases due to a cause other than unloading), the adsorption process is performed, and then the desorption process is automatically performed at a predetermined timing. That is, even if the tank pressure rises due to causes other than unloading of volatile fuel to the underground tank, such as a rise in temperature, and the tank pressure reaches the preset adsorption process start pressure, However, the adsorption process is performed in a state where the vapor is less than that at the time, and then the desorption process is performed. For this reason, even if the amount of vapor supplied into the adsorption tank is smaller than that in the tank, the adsorption process is performed, and further, the desorption process with less fuel components adsorbed by the adsorbent in the adsorption tank. As a result, the adsorption process and the desorption process with low efficiency are performed, and there is a problem that the adsorption / desorption loss (for example, deterioration of the adsorbent) in the adsorption tank increases.

  Therefore, in view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a vapor recovery apparatus that solves the above problems.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following means.
(1) The present invention provides an adsorption tank filled with an adsorbent for adsorbing a fuel component contained in a vapor of the volatile liquid fuel discharged from the tank when the volatile liquid fuel is filled in the tank. When,
A vapor introduction path for introducing the vapor from the tank into the adsorption tank and adsorbing the fuel component of the vapor to the adsorbent;
A vapor recovery path for desorbing the fuel component adsorbed by the adsorbent in the adsorption tank and returning the desorbed fuel component to the tank;
A pressure detector for detecting the pressure in the tank;
An adsorption control means for performing an adsorption process using the vapor introduction path when the pressure detector detects that the pressure in the tank has reached a first predetermined pressure;
Desorption control means for performing a desorption process using the vapor recovery path at a predetermined timing after completion of the adsorption process by the adsorption control means;
In the vapor recovery apparatus equipped with
The adsorption control means includes
It is determined whether or not the tank pressure detected by the pressure detector has reached a first predetermined pressure, and when it is determined that the tank has reached the first predetermined pressure, the vapor introduction path is used to determine the tank pressure. Vapor introduction determination start control means for starting the introduction of vapor in the tank into the adsorption tank;
Vapor introduction stop control means for stopping the introduction of the vapor after the first predetermined time has elapsed since the introduction of the vapor was started by the vapor introduction determination start control means;
After stopping the introduction of the vapor by the vapor introduction stop control means, the tank is filled with volatile liquid fuel based on the pressure in the tank detected by the pressure detector after a second predetermined time has elapsed. Filling determination control means for determining whether or not,
If it is determined by the filling determination control means that the volatile fuel is not filled in the tank, the process proceeds to a determination process by the vapor introduction determination start control means, and the filling determination control means When it is determined that the volatile fuel is filled in the tank, the vapor reintroduction is performed by introducing the vapor of the volatile liquid fuel into the adsorption tank using the vapor introduction path. Control means;
By stopping the introduction into the adsorption vessel of the vapor from the reintroduced to start the vapor in the adsorption vessel after the elapse of the first long third than the predetermined time for a predetermined time by the vapor re-introduction control means Vapor reintroduction stop control means for ending the adsorption step;
Consists of
The desorption control means performs a desorption process using the vapor recovery path at a predetermined desorption process start timing after the adsorption process is completed by the vapor reintroduction stop control means.
(2) In the filling determination control means of the present invention, the pressure in the tank detected by the pressure detector after a second predetermined time has elapsed since the introduction of the vapor was stopped by the vapor introduction stop control means. When the pressure does not drop below the first predetermined pressure, it is determined that the volatile fuel is filled in the tank.
(3) In the filling determination control means of the present invention, the pressure in the tank detected by the pressure detector after a second predetermined time has elapsed since the introduction of the vapor was stopped by the vapor introduction stop control means. When the pressure drops below the first predetermined pressure, it is determined that the volatile fuel is not filled in the tank.

  According to the present invention, the introduction of the vapor is stopped after the first predetermined time has elapsed since the introduction of the vapor in the tank into the adsorption tank, and then the tank detected by the pressure detector after the second predetermined time has elapsed. It is determined whether or not the tank is filled with volatile liquid fuel based on the pressure in the tank, and when it is determined that the tank is filled with volatile liquid fuel, the desorption process is completed after the adsorption process is completed. Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether the pressure rises due to the volatile liquid fuel filling the tank, or whether the pressure rises due to a cause other than filling the tank with volatile liquid fuel (for example, temperature rise). It is possible to suppress a decrease in adsorption / desorption efficiency in the adsorption tank and deterioration of the adsorbent.

1 is a system diagram showing an embodiment of a vapor recovery apparatus according to the present invention. It is a graph which shows the change of the pressure in a tank at the time of an adsorption process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating adsorption | suction and desorption control processing of an adsorption tank. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the control processing in the adsorption | suction process which the control apparatus of a vapor collection | recovery apparatus performs. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for illustrating a control process executed subsequent to the control process of FIG. 4. FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Configuration of vapor recovery unit]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a vapor recovery apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the vapor recovery device 10 includes a plurality of underground tanks 20 </ b> A to 20 </ b> C, an adsorption tank 30, a vapor introduction path 40, and a control device 50.

  In this embodiment, three underground tanks 20 </ b> A to 20 </ b> C are connected in parallel to one adsorption tank 30 through a vapor introduction path 40. In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the three underground tanks 20A to 20C are connected in parallel to the single adsorption tank 30 via the vapor introduction path 40 is described as an example. Of course, two or three or more underground tanks may be connected to the adsorption tank 30 in parallel.

  Further, in FIG. 1, the illustration of a measuring machine (oil supply device) that pumps up the liquid fuel stored in each of the underground tanks 20 </ b> A to 20 </ b> C and supplies the fuel tank of the vehicle and the management computer that manages the fueling information by the measuring machine is omitted. ing.

  In the present embodiment, the plurality of underground tanks 20A to 20C are tanks having different capacities such as 20KL, 10KL, and 30KL, and store liquid fuel. Examples of the liquid fuel include regular gasoline, high-octane gasoline, light oil, and kerosene. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that gasoline is stored in each of the underground tanks 20A to 20C. In addition, the underground tanks 20A and 20B are configured to partition the same tank into two chambers with a partition wall, and are substantially two tanks.

  Each underground tank 20A to 20C is connected to an oil supply pipe 90A to 90C for unloading liquid fuel loaded in a tank truck and a vent pipe 100A to 100C for preventing an increase in tank internal pressure during unloading. Has been. The oil supply pipes 90A to 90C are provided with oil supply ports 92A to 92C to which an unloading hose is connected at the upper end. The vent pipes 100A to 100C have upper ends that extend to high places on the ground, and are provided with breather valves 102A to 102C that open when the tank internal pressure rises above a predetermined pressure and reduce the tank internal pressure to atmospheric pressure. Yes.

  The adsorption tank 30 is formed of a cylindrical container, and is filled with a granular adsorbent 32 that adsorbs fuel components contained in the vapor.

  When the adsorption tank 30 is divided into four blocks in the vertical direction, temperature sensors (temperature detectors) Te1 to Te4 for measuring the temperature of each block are attached. The temperature sensors Te <b> 1 to Te <b> 4 are thermocouples or the like, and a temperature detection unit having an explosion-proof structure is inserted into the adsorption tank 30. The temperature sensors Te <b> 1 to Te <b> 4 measure the temperature of the adsorbent 32 filled at different positions in the height direction, and output an electrical detection signal corresponding to the detected temperature to the control device 50. In addition, the number and installation location of a temperature sensor are not restricted to the said number and installation location. Further, as the temperature sensors Te1 to Te4, a resistance temperature detector, a thermistor, or the like may be used.

  The vapor introduction path 40 includes vapor introduction pipes 120A to 120C branched from the middle of the ventilation pipes 100A to 100C, and a vapor introduction common pipe 130 communicating between the vapor introduction pipes 120A to 120C and the lower end of the adsorption tank 30. Have Further, the vapor introduction pipes 120A to 120C include pressure transmitters (pressure detectors) PT1 to PT3 for detecting the pressure (vapor pressure) in the gas phase region of each of the underground tanks 20A to 20C, and an electromagnetic for tank selection. Valves (open / close valves) V1 to V3 are provided.

  In addition, on the inlet side of the adsorption tank 30 of the vapor introducing common pipe 130, an air supply solenoid valve (inlet side opening / closing valve) V4 that is opened when the vapor is recovered is provided. These solenoid valves V1 to V4 constitute a vapor introduction path 40 together with the vapor introduction pipes 120A to 120C and the vapor introduction common pipe 130.

  The adsorption tank 30 has an exhaust pipe 140 communicated with the outlet side at the upper end. At the upper end of the exhaust pipe 140, an atmospheric valve 150 is provided, and in the middle of the exhaust pipe 140, an electromagnetic valve (exit side opening / closing valve) V5 is provided as an exhaust valve that is opened at the time of adsorption. The exhaust pipe 140 communicates with a purge branch pipe 160 that bypasses the upstream side and the downstream side of the electromagnetic valve V5. The purge branch pipe 160 is provided with an adsorption tank purge electromagnetic valve (open / close valve) V6 that is opened during the desorption purge and an orifice 170 that restricts the flow path.

  Furthermore, one end of a desorption tube 180 is connected to the lower end of the adsorption tank 30. The other end of the desorption tube 180 is connected to the suction side of the vacuum pump 190. The desorption tube 180 is provided with a pressure transmitter PT4 for detecting the pressure of the adsorption tank 30 at the time of desorption, a demounting electromagnetic valve (open / close valve) V7, a first filter 182 and a second filter 184. .

  The reflux pipe 200 connected to the discharge side of the vacuum pump 190 is connected to the upper space (gas phase region) of the underground tank 20B. Since one end of the reflux pipe 200 is connected to the discharge side of the vacuum pump 190, when the desorption process of desorbing the fuel component adsorbed on the adsorbent 32 by vacuum is performed, the desorbed fuel component is removed from the underground tank 20B. The fuel component contained in the vapor can be reused. The desorption pipe 180, the reflux pipe 200, the vacuum pump 190, and the electromagnetic valve V7 constitute a vapor recovery path 210.

  The control device 50 reads each control program stored in the memory, and performs each step (adsorption, adsorption) based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensors Te1 to Te4 and the pressure value detected by the pressure transmitters PT1 to PT4. Control is performed to open or close the solenoid valves V1 to V7 so that exhaust, desorption, purge, and recirculation) are performed.

  In addition, the control device 50 includes an adsorption control unit 60, a desorption control unit 70, and a path switching control unit 80.

  The adsorption control unit 60 includes a vapor introduction determination start control unit 61, a vapor introduction stop control unit 62, a filling determination control unit 63, a vapor reintroduction control unit 64, and a vapor reintroduction stop control unit 65.

  The adsorption control means 60 performs an adsorption process using the vapor introduction path 40 when the pressure transmitters PT1 to PT4 detect that the pressure in the underground tanks 20A to 20C has reached the first predetermined pressure P1.

After completion of the adsorption process by the adsorption control means 60, the desorption control means 70 causes the pressure transmitters PT1 to PT4 to reduce the pressure in the underground tanks 20A to 20C to a second predetermined pressure P2 or lower that is lower than the first predetermined pressure P1. When the decrease is detected, it is detected that the start timing of the desorption process has arrived, and the desorption process using the vapor recovery path 210 is performed. In addition, as a timing which starts a desorption process, it is supposed that the pressure in underground tank 20A-20C fell below 2nd predetermined pressure P2 lower than 1st predetermined pressure P1 in this example, For example, the start timing of the desorption process may be detected at the following timings (a) to (e), and further, the following (a) to (e) may be appropriately combined to perform the desorption process. The start timing may be detected.
(A) When a predetermined time elapses after the adsorption process is completed, or for a predetermined time after the adsorption process is started (this predetermined time is longer than the maximum time from the start of the adsorption process to the completion of the adsorption process) It must be set to a long time.) When it has passed.
(B) After completion of the adsorption process, when the pressure increase rate in the underground tanks 20A to 20C decreases below a predetermined pressure increase rate, or when the pressure in the underground tanks 20A to 20C decreases.
(C) If the adsorbent 32 in the adsorption tank 30 generates reaction heat (adsorption reaction heat) when adsorbing the volatile liquid fuel component from the vapor, the temperature of the adsorbent 32 in the adsorption tank 30 When the temperature increase rate in the adsorption tank 30 detected by this temperature sensor decreases below a predetermined temperature increase rate or when the temperature decreases.
(D) The rising rate of the liquid level obtained from the liquid level measured by the liquid level meter that measures the liquid level of the volatile liquid fuel in each of the underground tanks 20A to 20C is lower than the predetermined liquid level rising rate. Or when the liquid level is lowered to a predetermined liquid level.
(E) When a desorption start instruction switch operated when an operator tries to perform the desorption process is provided, and the desorption start instruction switch is operated after the adsorption process is completed.

  The vapor introduction determination start control means 61 determines whether or not the pressure of the underground tanks 20A to 20C detected by the pressure transmitters PT1 to PT4 has reached the first predetermined pressure P1, and the first predetermined pressure. When it is determined that the vapor reaches the adsorption tank 30, the introduction of the vapor in the underground tanks 20A to 20C is started using the vapor introduction path 40.

  The vapor introduction stop control means 62 stops the introduction of the vapor after the first predetermined time (t2 shown in FIG. 2) has elapsed since the vapor introduction determination start control means 61 started the introduction of the vapor.

  The filling judgment control means 63 is based on the pressures of the underground tanks 20A to 20C detected by the pressure transmitters PT1 to PT4 after the second predetermined time has elapsed after the vapor introduction stop control means 62 stops the introduction of the vapor. It is determined whether or not the volatile liquid fuel is unloaded (filled) in the underground tanks 20A to 20C detected by the pressure transmitters PT1 to PT4.

  The vapor reintroduction control means 64 determines by the vapor introduction determination start control means 61 when it is determined by the filling determination control means 63 that the volatile fuel is not unloaded (filled) in the underground tanks 20A to 20C. In addition, when it is determined by the filling determination control means 63 that the volatile fuel is unloaded (filled) in the underground tanks 20A to 20C, the vapor of the volatile liquid fuel is removed using the vapor introduction path 40. It introduces into the adsorption tank 30.

  The vapor reintroduction stop control unit 65 is configured to perform the vapor adsorption tank 30 when a third predetermined time (t3 shown in FIG. 2) elapses after the vapor reintroduction control unit 64 starts reintroducing the vapor into the adsorption tank 30. The adsorption process is terminated by stopping the introduction into the process. Therefore, when it is determined that the volatile fuel is not unloaded (filled) in the underground tanks 20A to 20C, the vapor is not introduced into the adsorption tank 30, and the volatile fuel is stored in the underground tanks 20A to 20C. Is determined to be unloaded (filled), the vapor of the volatile liquid fuel is introduced into the adsorption tank 30 using the vapor introduction path 40 and the adsorption process is performed. Thereby, the efficiency of the adsorption / desorption process of the adsorption tank 30 and the deterioration of the adsorbent 32 can be suppressed.

The vapor reintroduction stop control means 65 in this embodiment is configured to detect that the third predetermined time has elapsed since the vapor started to be reintroduced into the adsorption tank 30 as the end timing of the adsorption step. However, the method of detecting the end timing of the adsorption process is not limited to this. For example, the start timing of the adsorption process may be detected at the following timings (f) and (g). (F) You may make it detect the start timing of an adsorption | suction process combining suitably (g).
(F) If the adsorbent 32 in the adsorption tank 30 generates reaction heat (adsorption reaction heat) when adsorbing the volatile liquid fuel component from the vapor, the temperature of the adsorbent 32 in the adsorption tank 30 When the temperature increase rate in the adsorption tank 30 detected by this temperature sensor decreases below a predetermined temperature increase rate or when the temperature decreases.
(G) The rising rate of the liquid level obtained from the liquid level measured by the liquid level meter that measures the liquid level of the volatile liquid fuel in each of the underground tanks 20A to 20C is lower than the predetermined liquid level rising rate. Or when the liquid level is lowered to a predetermined liquid level.
In the present embodiment, the case where the pressure transmitters PT1 to PT3 are provided in the vapor inlet pipes 120A to 120C will be described. However, as the pressure detector of the present invention, a place other than the vapor inlet pipes 120A to 120C, for example, Of course, it may be provided in the upper part (gas phase region) of each of the underground tanks 20A to 20C, or may be provided in the vent pipes 100A to 100C.

  The path switching unit 80 performs opening / closing control of the electromagnetic valves V1 to V7 in accordance with the adsorption / desorption control processing by the adsorption control unit 60 and the desorption control unit 70. That is, the path switching means 80 includes a plurality of solenoid valves V1 to V4 provided in the vapor introduction path 40, a solenoid valve V5 provided in the exhaust pipe 140, and a solenoid valve V6 provided in the purge branch pipe 160. The solenoid valve V7 provided in the desorption tube 180 is controlled so as to be opened or closed as appropriate in accordance with each adsorption process, desorption process, exhaust process, and purge process.

  The route switching control means 80 introduces the vapor generated in the underground tanks 20A to 20C being unloaded via the vapor introduction route 40 into the adsorption tank 30 when unloading the tank truck, and the fuel component contained in the vapor Is controlled so as to be adsorbed by the adsorbent 32.

The path switching control means 80 performs opening / closing control of the solenoid valves V1 to V7 according to each process (adsorption, exhaust, desorption, purge, recirculation). In the adsorption process, the solenoid valves V <b> 1 to V <b> 7 are controlled to open and close so that the vapor discharged from the tank being unloaded is supplied into the adsorption tank 30 and the fuel component contained in the vapor is adsorbed to the adsorbent 32. In the exhaust stroke, the solenoid valves V <b> 1 to V <b> 7 are controlled to open and close so that the gas from which the fuel component contained in the vapor is removed in the adsorption tank 30 is discharged into the atmosphere outside the adsorption tank 30. In the desorption process and the purge process, the fuel components are desorbed from the adsorbent 32 in the adsorption tank 30, and the solenoid valves V1 to V7 are controlled to open and close so as to purge the desorbed fuel components. In the recirculation process, the solenoid valves V1 to V7 are controlled to be opened and closed so that the desorbed fuel components are recirculated to any of the underground tanks 20A to 20C that store the same fuel.
[Changes in pressure in the tank]
FIG. 2 is a graph showing changes in the tank internal pressure during the adsorption process. In FIG. 2, a graph I (shown by a solid line) shows a change in pressure in the tank when unloading from the tank truck. Graph II (indicated by the alternate long and short dash line) shows the pressure change in the gas phase region of the underground tanks 20A to 20C as the temperature rises. It has been found that the pressure increase associated with the temperature rise is relatively gradual and gradually changes over time as compared to the pressure increase associated with the liquid level rise during unloading.

  Graphs I and II show a state in which the pressure changes in time zones t2 and t4 are substantially the same, and thus overlap each other.

  First, in the graph I, the tank pressure increases in the time zone t1. When the tank pressure reaches P1, the adsorption tank 30 becomes a preliminary adsorption process. That is, the electromagnetic valve of the underground tank that has reached the first predetermined pressure P1 among the electromagnetic valve V4 and the electromagnetic valves V1 to V3 is opened. At this time, since the introduction of the vapor is performed due to a pressure difference, the electromagnetic valve V5 of the exhaust pipe 140 is opened to bring the upper portion of the adsorption tank 30 to atmospheric pressure. Thereby, vapor in the gas phase region of the underground tank 20 is introduced into the lower portion of the adsorption tank 30 through the vapor introduction path 40.

  Accordingly, in this preliminary adsorption step, the upper pressure of the adsorption tank 30 is atmospheric pressure, whereas the tank pressure generated by the vapor generated in the underground tank is increased to the atmospheric pressure or higher. The fuel component of the vapor introduced into the adsorption tank 30 through the gas is adsorbed by the adsorbent 32, and the gas from which the fuel component has been removed is discharged from the atmospheric valve 150 into the atmosphere through the exhaust pipe 140.

  In the time zone t2, the pressure of the underground tank 20 decreases to the pressure P1 or less as the vapor moves.

In the next time zone t3, the introduction of the vapor is temporarily stopped by closing the solenoid valve V4, so if the tank truck is unloading (while filling the volatile liquid fuel into the underground tank) Since the liquid level in the underground tank 20 rises, the pressure in the gas phase region gradually rises (see graph I). On the other hand, when the unloading by the tank truck is not performed, the vapor introduction is stopped in the time zone t3 because the vapor is introduced into the adsorption tank 30 and the tank pressure is reduced in the time zone t2. However, the tank pressure hardly increases and remains almost constant (see graph II). Accordingly, it is possible to determine whether the pressure rises due to unloading (filling) from the tank lorry vehicle or the pressure rises due to temperature based on the presence or absence of the initial pressure change or the pressure increase rate in the time zone t3.
[Adsorption / desorption control processing by the controller 50]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the adsorption / desorption control processing of the adsorption tank 30. As shown in FIG. 3, in S11, it is checked whether or not it is the suction timing based on the pressure detection values detected by the pressure transmitters PT1 to PT4. In S11, when the tank pressure reaches the adsorption start pressure P1 (see FIG. 2), the process proceeds to S12 and the adsorption control process is performed.

  When the adsorption control process of S12 ends, the process proceeds to S13, and it is checked whether or not it is the desorption timing based on the pressure detection values detected by the pressure transmitters PT1 to PT4. In S13, when the tank pressure reaches the desorption start pressure P2 (see FIG. 2), the process proceeds to S14, and a desorption control process is performed. In the desorption control process, the adsorption tank purge electromagnetic valve (open / close valve) V6 of the purge branch pipe 160 is opened, and the vacuum pump 190 of the desorption pipe 180 is activated to be adsorbed by the adsorbent 32 of the adsorption tank 30. The removed fuel component is desorbed and returned to the underground tank 20B through the reflux pipe 120.

In addition, as a desorption timing, you may use the method of determining with a desorption timing when the liquid level height of the underground tank 20 falls below a predetermined value. Further, in the desorption process, when the tank pressure increases, the desorption process may be interrupted, and the desorption process may be resumed when the tank pressure decreases to the predetermined pressure P2 again.
[Control processing of adsorption process by control device 50]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a control process in an adsorption process executed by the control device 50 of the vapor recovery apparatus. As shown in FIG. 4, in S21, it is checked whether or not the pressure PT11 of the underground tank 20A detected by the pressure transmitter PT1 exceeds the set pressure P1 (first predetermined pressure). If the pressure PT11 does not exceed the set pressure P1 (NO), the process proceeds to S22.

  In S22, it is checked whether or not the pressure PT12 of the underground tank 20B detected by the pressure transmitter PT1 exceeds the set pressure P1 (first predetermined pressure), and the pressure PT12 of the underground tank 20B sets the set pressure P1. When not exceeding (in the case of NO), it progresses to S23.

  In S23, it is checked whether or not the pressure PT13 of the underground tank 20C detected by the pressure transmitter PT1 exceeds the set pressure P1 (first predetermined pressure), and the pressure PT13 of the underground tank 20C sets the set pressure P1. When not exceeding (in the case of NO), it returns to S21. Therefore, when the pressure in each of the underground tanks 20A to 20C does not exceed the set pressure P1, since the unloading by the tank truck is not performed, the processes of S21 to S23 are repeated.

  In S21, when the pressure PT11 of the underground tank 20A exceeds the set pressure P1 (in the case of YES), since the unloading by the tank truck may be performed in the underground tank 20A, the process proceeds to S24. The electromagnetic valve V1 of the underground tank 20A is opened. In S22, when the pressure PT12 of the underground tank 20B exceeds the set pressure P1 (in the case of YES), since the unloading by the tank lorry vehicle may be performed in the underground tank 20B, the process proceeds to S25. The electromagnetic valve V2 of the underground tank 20B is opened. In S23, if the pressure PT13 of the underground tank 20C exceeds the set pressure P1 (in the case of YES), the unloading by the tank truck may be performed in the underground tank 20C, so the process proceeds to S26. The electromagnetic valve V3 of the underground tank 20C is opened. After any of the solenoid valves V1 to V3 is opened in any of the above S24 to S26, the process proceeds to S27.

  In next S27, the electromagnetic valve V4 of the vapor introducing common pipe 130 and the electromagnetic valve V5 of the exhaust pipe 140 are opened. As a result, the introduction side and the exhaust side of the adsorption tank 30 are in communication with each other, vapor generated in any of the underground tanks 20A to 20C is introduced into the adsorption tank 30, and the pressure in the underground tank is set to the set pressure. It falls below P1. In the adsorption tank 30, the fuel component contained in the vapor is adsorbed by the adsorbent 32, and the gas from which the fuel component has been separated is released from the exhaust pipe 140 into the atmosphere.

  Then, it progresses to S28 and the tank depressurization timer (TM1) of underground tank 20A-20C is started (predetermined time T0 shown in FIG. 2). In S29, it is checked whether the count time of the tank depressurization timer (TM1) has reached a predetermined time T1 (see FIG. 2, for example, 1 minute), and the tank depressurization timer (TM1) is checked for a predetermined time T1. If (for example, 1 minute) is not reached (in the case of NO), the tank depressurization state is continued until the predetermined time T1 is reached.

  In S29, when the tank depressurization timer (TM1) reaches a predetermined time T1 (for example, 1 minute) (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to S30, and any one of S24 to S26 among the electromagnetic valves V1 to V3 is opened. The solenoid valve is closed. Subsequently, in S31, the electromagnetic valve V4 of the vapor introducing common pipe 130 and the electromagnetic valve V5 of the exhaust pipe 140 are closed. As a result, the introduction side and the exhaust side of the adsorption tank 30 are blocked, and the introduction of vapor into the adsorption tank 30 is stopped.

  In next S32, the tank pressure detection timer (TM2) for detecting the tank pressure of the underground tanks 20A to 20C is started. In S33, it is checked whether the count time of the tank pressure detection timer (TM2) has reached a predetermined time T2 (see FIG. 2, for example, 1 minute), and the tank pressure detection timer (TM2) is checked for a predetermined time T2. If (for example, 1 minute) is not reached (in the case of NO), the standby state is continued until the predetermined time T2 is reached.

  In S33, when the count time of the tank pressure detection timer (TM2) reaches a predetermined time T2 (see FIG. 2, for example, 1 minute) (YES), the process proceeds to S34.

  In S34, it is checked whether or not the pressure PT11 of the underground tank 20A detected by the pressure transmitter PT1 exceeds the set pressure P1, and the pressure PT11 of the underground tank 20A does not exceed the set pressure P1 (in the case of NO). Advances to S35.

  In S35, it is checked whether or not the pressure PT12 of the underground tank 20B detected by the pressure transmitter PT1 exceeds the set pressure P1, and if the pressure PT12 of the underground tank 20B does not exceed the set pressure P1 (in the case of NO) ) Proceeds to S36.

  In S36, it is checked whether or not the pressure PT13 of the underground tank 20C detected by the pressure transmitter PT1 exceeds the set pressure P1, and if the pressure PT13 of the underground tank 20C does not exceed the set pressure P1 (in the case of NO) ), Since the pressure in each of the underground tanks 20A to 20C is equal to or lower than the set pressure P1, the process returns to S21 and repeats the processes of S21 to S36. Accordingly, when each pressure in each of the underground tanks 20A to 20C is equal to or lower than the set pressure PI, it is determined that the unloading by the tank truck is not performed, and the suction process is not performed and the standby state is set. Thereby, the vapor | steam introduction | transduction to the adsorption tank 30 is not performed, but the fall of adsorption | suction and desorption efficiency in the adsorption tank 30 and the deterioration of the adsorbent 32 can be suppressed.

  In S34, when the pressure PT11 of the underground tank 20A exceeds the set pressure P1 (in the case of YES), it is determined that the adsorption process of adsorbing the vapor of the underground tank 20A is reached, and the process proceeds to S37, where the underground tank 20A The solenoid valve V1 is opened. In S35, when the pressure PT12 of the underground tank 20B exceeds the set pressure P1 (in the case of YES), it is determined that the adsorption process of adsorbing the vapor of the underground tank 20B is reached, and the process proceeds to S38 and the underground tank 20B The solenoid valve V2 is opened. In S36, when the pressure PT13 in the underground tank 20C exceeds the set pressure P1 (in the case of YES), it is determined that the adsorption process for adsorbing the vapor in the underground tank 20C is reached, and the process proceeds to S39, where the underground tank 20C The solenoid valve V3 is opened. Thus, when it becomes an adsorption | suction process in either underground tank 20A-20C, after either solenoid valve V1-V3 is opened by S37-S39, it progresses to S40.

  In S34 to S36, when the rate of increase in tank pressure is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that unloading is in progress based on the pressure increase (see graph I) at times T1 to T2 in FIG. Thus, it is also possible to open the solenoid valves V1 to V3 and introduce the vapor of the volatile liquid fuel into the adsorption tank 30 using the vapor introduction path 40 to perform the adsorption treatment.

  Moreover, in S34-S36, when the pressure increase rate of the tank pressure at which the electromagnetic valve is opened among the underground tanks 20A-20C is less than a predetermined value set in advance, a constant pressure (time T1-T2 in FIG. Based on the graph II), it is determined that there is no unloading (due to temperature rise), vapor is not introduced into the adsorption tank 30, and a decrease in adsorption / desorption efficiency in the adsorption tank 30 and deterioration of the adsorbent 32 are suppressed. Can do.

  In next S40, the electromagnetic valve V4 of the vapor introducing common pipe 130 and the electromagnetic valve V5 of the exhaust pipe 140 are opened. Accordingly, the introduction side and the exhaust side of the adsorption tank 30 are in communication with each other, and the vapor of the underground tank that has reached the set pressure P <b> 1 is introduced into the adsorption tank 30. Then, the fuel component contained in the vapor is adsorbed by the adsorbent 32 filled in the adsorption tank 30, and the gas from which the fuel component has been separated is released from the exhaust pipe 140 into the atmosphere.

  In next S41, an adsorption time timer (TM3) for detecting the tank pressure of the underground tanks 20A to 20C at the start of the adsorption process is started. Subsequently, in S42, it is checked whether or not the adsorption time timer (TM3) has reached a predetermined time T3 (for example, 60 minutes), and the adsorption time timer (TM3) is determined for a predetermined time T3 (for example, 60 minutes). If not reached (in the case of NO), the process proceeds to S43.

  In S43, it is checked whether or not the pressure PT11 of the underground tank 20A detected by the pressure transmitter PT1 exceeds the set pressure P1, and if the pressure PT11 of the underground tank 20A does not exceed the set pressure P1 (in the case of NO) Advances to S44.

  In S44, it is checked whether or not the pressure PT12 of the underground tank 20B detected by the pressure transmitter PT1 exceeds the set pressure P1, and if the pressure PT12 of the underground tank 20B does not exceed the set pressure P1 (in the case of NO) ) Proceeds to S47.

  In S47, it is checked whether or not the pressure PT13 of the underground tank 20C detected by the pressure transmitter PT1 exceeds the set pressure P1, and if the pressure PT13 of the underground tank 20C does not exceed the set pressure P1 (in the case of NO) ) Returns to S42 and repeats the processing of S42 to S45 when the unloading by the tank truck is not performed.

  In S43, when the pressure PT11 of the underground tank 20A exceeds the set pressure P1 (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to S47, and the electromagnetic valve V1 of the underground tank 20A is opened. In S44, when the pressure PT12 of the underground tank 20B exceeds the set pressure P1 (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to S48, and the electromagnetic valve V2 of the underground tank 20B is opened. In S45, when the pressure PT13 of the underground tank 20C exceeds the set pressure P1 (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to S49, and the electromagnetic valve V3 of the underground tank 20C is opened. After any of the solenoid valves V1 to V3 is opened in any of S47 to S49, the process returns to S42.

  In S42, when the count time of the adsorption time timer (TM3) reaches a predetermined time T3 (for example, 60 minutes) (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to S46, and S47 to S49 among the solenoid valves V1 to V3. The solenoid valve opened by either is closed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the next S50, the adsorption end determination timer (TM4) is started. Subsequently, in S51, it is checked whether or not the suction end determination timer (TM4) has reached a predetermined time T4 (see FIG. 2, for example, 1 minute), and the suction end determination timer (TM4) reaches the predetermined time T4. If (for example, 1 minute) is not reached (NO), the process proceeds to S52.

  In S52, it is checked whether or not the pressure PT11 of the underground tank 20A detected by the pressure transmitter PT1 exceeds the set pressure P1, and the pressure PT11 of the underground tank 20A does not exceed the set pressure P1 (in the case of NO). Advances to S53.

  In S53, it is checked whether or not the pressure PT12 of the underground tank 20B detected by the pressure transmitter PT1 exceeds the set pressure P1, and if the pressure PT12 of the underground tank 20B does not exceed the set pressure P1 (in the case of NO) ) Proceeds to S54.

  In S54, it is checked whether or not the pressure PT13 of the underground tank 20C detected by the pressure transmitter PT1 exceeds the set pressure P1, and if the pressure PT13 of the underground tank 20C does not exceed the set pressure P1 (in the case of NO) ) Returns to S51 and repeats the processing of S51 to S53 when the unloading by the tank truck is not performed in this way.

  In S52, when the pressure PT11 of the underground tank 20A exceeds the set pressure P1 (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to S55, and the electromagnetic valve V1 of the underground tank 20A is opened. In S53, when the pressure PT12 of the underground tank 20B exceeds the set pressure P1 (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to S56, and the electromagnetic valve V2 of the underground tank 20B is opened. In S54, when the pressure PT13 of the underground tank 20C exceeds the set pressure P1 (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to S57, and the electromagnetic valve V3 of the underground tank 20C is opened. As described above, after any of the solenoid valves V1 to V3 is opened in any of S55 to S57, the process returns to S51.

  In S51, if the adsorption end determination timer (TM4) reaches a predetermined time T4 (for example, 1 minute) (in the case of YES), the underground tank adsorption process has been completed, and thus the process proceeds to S58.

  In S58, it is checked whether or not the electromagnetic valve V1 of the underground tank 20A is open. If the electromagnetic valve V1 is closed (NO), the process proceeds to S59. In S59, it is checked whether or not the electromagnetic valve V2 of the underground tank 20B is open. If the electromagnetic valve V2 is closed (NO), the process proceeds to S60. In S60, it is checked whether or not the electromagnetic valve V3 of the underground tank 20C is open. If the electromagnetic valve V3 is closed (in the case of NO), the tank pressure of each of the underground tanks 20A to 20C is predetermined. It is determined that the adsorption process has been completed because the pressure has dropped to P1 or lower, and the process proceeds to S61 where the electromagnetic valve V4 of the vapor introducing common pipe 130 and the electromagnetic valve V5 of the exhaust pipe 140 are closed. As a result, the introduction side and the exhaust side of the adsorption tank 30 are blocked, and the introduction of vapor into the adsorption tank 30 is stopped.

  In S58, S59, and S60, when any of the electromagnetic valves V1 to V3 is opened (in the case of YES) even though the adsorption process is completed, the tank is stored in any of the underground tanks 20A to 20C. When the pressure becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined pressure P1 and it is determined that the vapor adsorption step is necessary, the process proceeds to S62, and the adsorption extension timer (TM5) is started.

  In the next S63, it is checked whether or not the count time by the adsorption extension timer (TM5) has reached a predetermined time T5 (not shown in FIG. 2, for example, 30 minutes). When the count time does not reach a predetermined time T5 (for example, 30 minutes) (in the case of NO), a standby state is entered.

In S63, when the count time by the adsorption extension timer (TM5) reaches a predetermined time T5 (for example, 30 minutes) (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to S64, the solenoid valves V1 to V3 are closed, and the above S50 Return to the process.
[Control processing of desorption process]
When the tank pressure of each underground tank 20A-20C drops below a predetermined pressure P2, the solenoid valves V1-V5 are closed, the solenoid valve V6 of the purge branch pipe 160, and the solenoid valve V7 of the desorption pipe 180 are opened. Then, the suction tank 30 is switched to a desorption process by suction (negative pressure) of the vacuum pump 190, and the fuel component adsorbed by the adsorbent 32 is desorbed and purge by introduction of outside air is performed. The desorbed fuel component is returned to the underground tank 20B. A detailed description of the desorption control process is omitted because it has little relevance to the present invention.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the liquid fuel loaded in the tank truck is unloaded to the underground tank has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the liquid fuel is stored on the ground from the tank in which the liquid fuel is stored. Of course, the present invention can also be applied to the case of supplying to another installed tank.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the structure which provided the solenoid valves V1-V7 as an on-off valve was illustrated and demonstrated, it is not restricted to this, The opening and closing of the air operation system which opens and closes by supply of air pressure instead of an electromagnetic valve A valve may be used. In addition, when an air-operated on-off valve is arranged at a location where the oil liquid comes into contact, an electrical control signal from the control device is provided by providing an electromagnetic valve for controlling the air pressure in a path for supplying air pressure to each on-off valve. Can be converted into an air signal to control each on-off valve.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Vapor collection | recovery apparatus 20A-20C Underground tank 30 Adsorption tank 32 Adsorbent 40 Vapor introduction path 50 Control apparatus 60 Adsorption control means 61 Vapor introduction determination start control means 62 Vapor introduction stop control means 63 Fill determination control means 64 Vapor reintroduction control means 65 Vapor reintroduction stop control means 70 Desorption control means 80 Path switching control means 90A to 90C Oil supply pipes 92A to 92C Oil supply ports 100A to 100C Ventilation pipes 102A to 102C Breather valves 120A to 120C Vapor recovery pipe 130 Recovery common pipe 140 Exhaust pipe 150 atmospheric valve 160 branch pipe for purge 180 desorption pipe 190 vacuum pump 200 reflux pipe 210 vapor recovery path PT1 to PT3 pressure transmitter (pressure detector)
Te1 to Te4 Temperature sensors V1 to V7 Solenoid valve

Claims (3)

An adsorption tank filled with an adsorbent for adsorbing a fuel component contained in the vapor of the volatile liquid fuel discharged from the tank when the volatile liquid fuel is filled in the tank;
A vapor introduction path for introducing the vapor from the tank into the adsorption tank and adsorbing the fuel component of the vapor to the adsorbent;
A vapor recovery path for desorbing the fuel component adsorbed by the adsorbent in the adsorption tank and returning the desorbed fuel component to the tank;
A pressure detector for detecting the pressure in the tank;
An adsorption control means for performing an adsorption process using the vapor introduction path when the pressure detector detects that the pressure in the tank has reached a first predetermined pressure;
Desorption control means for performing a desorption process using the vapor recovery path at a predetermined timing after completion of the adsorption process by the adsorption control means;
In the vapor recovery apparatus equipped with
The adsorption control means includes
It is determined whether or not the tank pressure detected by the pressure detector has reached a first predetermined pressure, and when it is determined that the tank has reached the first predetermined pressure, the vapor introduction path is used to determine the tank pressure. Vapor introduction determination start control means for starting the introduction of vapor in the tank into the adsorption tank;
Vapor introduction stop control means for stopping the introduction of the vapor after the first predetermined time has elapsed since the introduction of the vapor was started by the vapor introduction determination start control means;
After stopping the introduction of the vapor by the vapor introduction stop control means, the tank is filled with volatile liquid fuel based on the pressure in the tank detected by the pressure detector after a second predetermined time has elapsed. Filling determination control means for determining whether or not,
If it is determined by the filling determination control means that the volatile fuel is not filled in the tank, the process proceeds to a determination process by the vapor introduction determination start control means, and the filling determination control means When it is determined that the volatile fuel is filled in the tank, the vapor reintroduction is performed by introducing the vapor of the volatile liquid fuel into the adsorption tank using the vapor introduction path. Control means;
By stopping the introduction into the adsorption vessel of the vapor from the reintroduced to start the vapor in the adsorption vessel after the elapse of the first long third than the predetermined time for a predetermined time by the vapor re-introduction control means Vapor reintroduction stop control means for ending the adsorption step;
Consists of
The vapor recovery apparatus, wherein the desorption control means performs a desorption process using the vapor recovery path at a predetermined desorption process start timing after the adsorption process is ended by the vapor reintroduction stop control means.   The filling determination control means is configured such that the pressure in the tank detected by the pressure detector after the second predetermined time elapses after the vapor introduction stop control means stops the introduction of the vapor is the first predetermined pressure. 2. The vapor recovery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if it does not drop below, it is determined that the volatile fuel is filled in the tank.   The filling determination control means is configured such that the pressure in the tank detected by the pressure detector after the second predetermined time elapses after the vapor introduction stop control means stops the introduction of the vapor is the first predetermined pressure. 3. The vapor recovery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the pressure drops below, it is determined that the volatile fuel is not filled in the tank. 4.

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