Fueling station sump dehumidifying system
Systems and methods for preventing biocorrosion of fuel handling components located in a sump in a fuel dispensing environment. One method includes exposing a hygroscopic material to moisture-laden air in the sump such that the hygroscopic material deliquesces into a liquid solution and exposing a buffer material to ethanol-blended fuel vapors in the sump. The method also includes collecting the liquid solution in a reservoir and monitoring the level of the liquid solution in the reservoir using a liquid level sensor. Further, the method includes notifying service personnel of the level of the liquid solution in the reservoir.
1. A system for use in a fuel dispensing environment sump, the system comprising:
fuel piping extending from at least one storage tank to at least one fuel dispenser;
fuel handling equipment in fluid communication with the fuel piping, the fuel handling equipment at least partially enclosed by the sump;
a hygroscopic material disposed in and exposed to air in the sump, the sump comprising a reservoir disposed beneath the hygroscopic material; and
a buffer material having a pH greater than 7, the buffer material disposed in and exposed to air in the sump.
2. The fuel dispensing environment of claim 1 , wherein the hygroscopic material is disposed within a first housing.
3. The fuel dispensing environment of claim 2 , wherein the buffer material is disposed within a second housing.
4. The fuel dispensing environment of claim 1 , wherein the fuel is a gasoline-ethanol blend.
5. The fuel dispensing environment of claim 1 , further comprising a liquid level detector coupled with the reservoir.
6. The fuel dispensing environment of claim 5 , further comprising a tank monitor in electronic communication with the liquid level detector.
7. The fuel dispensing environment of claim 6 , further comprising a relative humidity sensor disposed within the sump, the relative humidity sensor in electronic communication with the tank monitor.
8. The fuel dispensing environment of claim 1 , further comprising a tap coupled with the reservoir, wherein the tap is in fluid communication with a suction source operative to selectively empty contents of the reservoir.
9. The fuel dispensing environment of claim 1 , wherein the hygroscopic material comprises calcium chloride.
10. The fuel dispensing environment of claim 1 , wherein the hygroscopic material comprises a gel-forming polymer.
11. The fuel dispensing environment of claim 1 , wherein the buffer material comprises sodium bicarbonate.
12. The fuel dispensing environment of claim 1 , further comprising an air moving device disposed in the sump.
13. A method of preventing biocorrosion of fuel handling components located in a sump in a fuel dispensing environment, the method comprising the steps of:
exposing a hygroscopic material to moisture-laden air in the sump such that the hygroscopic material deliquesces into a liquid solution;
exposing a buffer material to ethanol-blended fuel vapors in the sump;
collecting the liquid solution in a reservoir;
monitoring a level of the liquid solution in the reservoir using a liquid level sensor; and
notifying service personnel of the level of the liquid solution in the reservoir.
14. The method of claim 13 , further comprising notifying service personnel of a future need for service.
15. The method of claim 13 , further comprising drawing the liquid solution out of the reservoir via a tap.
16. The method of claim 13 , wherein the buffer material reacts with organic acids found in the ethanol-blended fuel vapors.