Method and apparatus for abatement of gasoline vapor emissions

Abstract

A method and apparatus for installing, controlling and operating a vapor control system for abating gasoline vapor emissions which occur at a gasoline service station during transfer of liquid gasoline from a gasoline supply tank truck to underground storage containers at the station and also during transfer of liquid gasoline from the underground storage containers to the gasoline tank of a vehicle through a service station gasoline pump. Each gasoline pump includes a dispensing nozzle having vapor return means communicating with the underground storage containers and also the vehicle tank. The underground storage containers have a vent means in communication with vapor collected in said storage container, with the vapor return means and with a vapor conducting line and vent line leading to a disposal means. The disposal means comprises a single burner and pilot means therefor. The service station is provided with a source of pressure air for directing gasoline vapors to the disposal means as by a suction pumping means, without use of electrical power in proximity to vapors, and to actuate valve means in the vapor conducting line to permit flow of vapors to the disposal means. Gaseous pressure in the vent means or vapor conducting line is sensed by two pressure sensing switches which, when pressure air is available, control said valve means for directing flow of vapors to the disposal means under gasoline pump-on conditions and also under diurnal conditions which affect pressure of gaseous vapors. An apparatus and method providing control of gasoline vapor emissions and providing inherent safety features, simplicity, efficiency, and long life.