US1802326A - Gas-tight sampling well - Google Patents

Description

April 28, 1931. 51 BROOKS 1,802,326

GAS TIGHT SAMPLING WELL Filed Jan. 30, 1928 A Home Patented Apr. 28, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE STEPHEN H. BROOKS, OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOR TO BROOKS ENGINEER- ING CORPORATION, 01 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, A CORPORATION OF CALIFORNIA GAS-TIGHT SAMPLING WELL Application filed January 30, 1928. Serial No. 250,692.

My invention relates to improvements in gas tight sampling wells and it more especially consists of the features pointed out in the annexed claims.

The purpose of my invention is to provide sampling wells for storage tanks which are used to store liquids that are more or less volatile, such as oil tanks, etc.; that overcomes the evaporation losses usually attending the gauging of such tanks because of the free opening in the tank when the gauge and thief hole cover is opened to insert the gaugers measuring rod; that automatically prevents the free venting of the tank when ever its contents are to be measured; that permits free entrance of the tank contents into the gauging column at predetermined points below the top level of the liquid; and that prevents the escape of any accumulated vapor into similar openings in the column positioned above the liquid level because such openings remain automatically closed until the upper level of the liquid rises far enough to cause the float valves of such openings in the gauging column to automatically open, letting the tank contents circulate in the columnmaintaining the same level of stratification in the column as in the rest of the tank.

With these and other ends in view I illustrate on the accompanying drawing such instances of adaptation as will disclose the broad underlying features of my invention without limiting myself to the specific details shown thereon and described herein.

Figure 1 is an elevation of a gauging column installed in a tank, showing the openings below the liquid level open and those above such level closed.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged elevation in section of the float valve mechanism.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a front elevation of the valve seat with the valve removed.

In practically carrying out my invention I may use whatever alternatives of construction that the exigencies of actual use may demand.

As illustrative expedients, the drawing shows my invention applied to a storage tank which comprises a bottom 2, the side 1 and roof 3. The sampling well 4 is secured to the roof in a gas-tight manner and it may extend some distance above the roof where it is closed by means of a thief hole cover 5. The lower and open end of the sampling well, or pipe 4 is supported on any desired stand, such for instance as 6. This pipe has a series of openings 8 formed in it on'opposite sides from each other and in staggered relation, throughout the length of the pipe inside of the tank.

Adjacent each opening 8, a valve seat or base 9 is secured by means of ears 10, and rivets, or screws or otherwise. These bases also have upwardly projecting extensions to'which the float or rocker arms 13 are pivoted at 12 on pins 18. Conical valves 7 are pivoted on the lower end of the rocker arms 13 on pins 14positioned between upper and lower limit stops 16. The lower one of these stops may have an adjusting screw '17 to provide means for changing the lower limit position if desired. An upper limit stop 15 is provided on the float arms 13 which prevents the ball or other floats 11 engaging the pipe 4 when the float is raised to its extreme height by the liquid contents of the tank.

'As the floats 11 are raised by the liquid the valves 7 are carried away from the openings 8, thus permitting the tank contents to circulate in the sampling well 4. The level of Stratification of the liquid in the pipe 4 will always be the same as in the tank it self. While the tank is empty all the valves 7 are closed over their respective openings 8, but just as soon as the liquid level rises to the first float 11, nearest the bottom of the pipe 4 this float will remove its valve 7 from its seat'around. an opening 8 and so on successively: as the level rises the'floats immediately .above theentering liquid will be raised, but all the floats above the liquid level will in the :column.

remain closed, thus preventing the escape of any accumulated vaporspresent; in the tank. Without this provision tanks provided only with closed'openings in the roof lose accumulated gases each time the cover is removed for sampling or gauging purposes. The gauging and sampling column serves a double purpose. \Vhen the contents oi the tank are to be sampled it will be found that the oil in the column has the same stratifi'cation as that inthe tank because it can circulate freely For gauging purposes the level of oil in the column is only approximately the same as the oil level within the tank.

Assuming, for illustrative purposes, that there is a one ounce pressure above the oil in the tank, then the level in the column would be slightly higher. Under a vacuum this level would be slightly lower.

The liquid enters the bottom of the column by a pipe not shown, rising gradually maintaining a plus or minus level according to whether a positive or negative pressure is in the tank. A given' valve 7 remains closed until it is entirely submerged after which the float I]. automatically rises, opening the port 8,a-llowingthe tank contents to circulate in the 'column', thus correctlyrepresenting the stratification of Oll in the tank for sampling purposes. The cover 5 serves to keep dirt and rain from entering the tank and as a. secondary precaution should for any reason the valves become inoperative. In view of the commanding importance of this invention i is elaimed'in its broadest sense.

What I claim is:

1. In conservation systems, a tank or receptacle for holding liquids gas tight throughout, a tube extending from adjacent the bottom of the tank uprto and opening through the roof of the tank, a removable closure for the tube at its top, a plurality of valve seats surrounding openings formed the pipe, within the tank, and means for auto matieally maintaining such valves closed above the liquid level and open below such level whereby the escape of vapors from the tank is prevented during the time the contents are being sampled or gauged.

2. In oil conservation systems, a gas tight receptacle, adapted to hold varying quantities of liquid, a sampling well within the receptacle opening on the outside of same, a plurality of openings in the well within the receptacle, and means dependent on the level of the contents for automatically closing the openings above such level and opening them below such level.

3. In conservation systems, a gas tight tank, a sampling column within the tank, means for permitting the tank contents to circulate in the column, as the level of the contents rises, and for preventing the escape of vapors through the column when the liquid 5 level lowers.

STEPHEN I-I. BROOKS.

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