FUEL STORAGE AND SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT HAVING FUEL CONDITIONING ASSEMBLY
A water intake device for use in a fuel storage tank comprises an elongate flow structure including a plurality of flexible flow tubes having respective first ends of different lengths and a second end at a common location. A header manifold is in fluid communication with the second ends of the flow tubes, the header manifold having a single connection port. In addition, the header manifold is configured to allow flow between the flow tubes and the connection port.
1 . A water intake device for use in a fuel storage tank, said water intake device comprising:
an elongate flow structure including a plurality of flexible flow tubes having respective first ends of different lengths and a second end at a common location;
a header manifold in fluid communication with the second ends of said flow tubes, the header manifold having a single connection port; and
said header manifold being configured to allow flow between said flow tubes and said connection port.
2 . A water intake device as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said elongate flow structure assumes a generally L-shaped configuration when deployed in the fuel storage tank.
3 . A water intake device as set forth in claim 2 , further comprising a sled structure at a distal end of the elongate flow structure.
4 . A water intake device as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising a sheath containing said plurality of flexible flow tubes.
5 . A water intake device as set forth in claim 4 , wherein said sheath defines openings at the respective first ends of the flow tubes.
6 . A water intake device as set forth in claim 5 , further comprising an elongate substrate in said sheath.
7 . A water intake device as set forth in claim 6 , wherein said elongate substrate comprises a generally flat band.
8 . A water intake device as set forth in claim 7 , wherein said generally flat band comprises stainless steel.
9 . A water intake device for use in a fuel storage tank, said water intake device comprising:
an elongate flow structure including at least one flexible flow tube having a distal first end and a proximal second end;
a header manifold in fluid communication with the second end of said flow tube, the header manifold having at least one connection port;
said header manifold being configured to allow flow between said flow tube and said connection port; and
an elongate substrate adjacent to said flow tube, wherein said elongate flow structure assumes a generally L-shaped configuration when deployed in the fuel storage tank.
10 . A water intake device as set forth in claim 9 , wherein said substrate provides a semi-rigid characteristic that allows the elongate flow structure to be guided.
11 . A water intake device as set forth in claim 9 , wherein said elongate substrate comprises a generally flat band.
12 . A water intake device as set forth in claim 10 , wherein said generally flat band comprises stainless steel.
13 . A water intake device as set forth in claim 9 , further comprising a sled structure at a distal end of the elongate flow structure.
14 . A water intake device as set forth in claim 9 , further comprising a sheath containing said flow tube and said elongate substrate.
15 . A water intake device as set forth in claim 10 , wherein said elongate flow structure deploys from a non L-shaped configuration to the generally L-shaped configuration.
16 . A method of deploying a water intake device in a fuel storage tank, said method comprising steps of:
(a) providing a water intake device having an elongate flow structure including at least one flexible flow tube and an elongate substrate adjacent to said flow tube, wherein said substrate provides a semi-rigid characteristic that allows the elongate flow structure to be guided;
(b) providing a guide tube having a substantially straight first portion and a distal second portion, the second portion defining an outlet directed away from an axis of the first portion;
(c) installing the guide tube generally vertically into a fuel storage tank with the arcuate portion directed toward a desired guidance direction;
(d) moving the elongate flow structure of the water intake device through said guide tube into a deployed position.
17 . A method as set forth in claim 16 , wherein the distal second portion of the guide tube has an arcuate shape.
18 . A method as set forth in claim 16 , wherein the water intake device is initially coiled.
19 . A method as set forth in claim 18 , wherein the water intake device is uncoiled as it is inserted into the guide tube.
20 . A method as set forth in claim 16 , wherein step (d) involves pushing a tip portion of the guide tube along a bottom of the fuel storage tank.