EP2117995A1

EP2117995A1 - Underground edible-oil storage facility

Info

Publication number: EP2117995A1
Application number: EP08761888A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Jacques Mulleris
Original assignee: Atuser SARL
Current assignee: Merim Services SAS
Priority date: 2007-02-14
Filing date: 2008-02-14
Publication date: 2009-11-18
Anticipated expiration: 2028-02-14
Also published as: WO2008116988A1; FR2912386A1; EP2117995B1; FR2912386B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage facility comprising a closed tank that receives oil through a feed pipe (421), said oil being discharged form the tank through a discharge pipe (424). The tank is heated by means for heating the oil prior to discharge, which means can be located inside or outside the tank. The structure of the storage facility enables same to be buried and concealed owing to the tank which is disposed in an underground tank housing. The invention also includes thermal insulation means (8) disposed around the tank and supporting means (9) disposed around the thermal insulation means. In addition, at least one underground passage (52) is communicated with the tank for the passage of a feed pipe (41).

Description

Underground food oil storage facility

The invention relates to the field of storage of edible oil. The invention relates more particularly to an installation for storing food oil, for example recovered as recyclable waste. Food oils used, for example, in catering companies, are recovered for recycling. While waiting to be recovered, the edible oils are stored in a storage container, such as, for example, a storage drum or a special container. EP 1 180 492 discloses, for example, a used food oil recovery container.

Current storage containers, however, require a reserved storage space for storing the oil. This storage space must, in fact, be arranged to store the storage container or containers and to allow access by persons or liquid transport devices, for filling and emptying the storage container. In addition, a container for edible oil of the heated type, as described in patent EP 1 180 492, must be accessible by an operator for maintenance operations. These oil storage containers are therefore arranged in a storage space located either outside, which makes the installation particularly unsightly, either in a large area to allow access to the containers. This type of container is indeed particularly bulky.

In addition, a burial of a container, for example, for the storage of edible oil, must be carried out according to technical constraints concerning, for example, heating means limiting heat losses or means for preventing leakage. liquid product stored.

The present invention aims to overcome one or more disadvantages of the prior art by creating an installation for storage of food oil to recycle whose structure allows to be buried and not apparent.

This objective is achieved by means of a storage facility for edible oil comprising a closed vessel of determined volume receiving oil through at least one filling pipe, the stored oil being discharged from the tank by at least one pipe. discharge, the tank being heated by means of heating the stored oil before its evacuation, the evacuation pipe communicating, by an evacuation pipe, with a connecting device for the evacuation of the contained oil in the tank, the filling line communicating, by a filling pipe, with a device for filling with oil, characterized in that the buried tank is disposed in an underground housing volume of the tank, means for thermal insulation being arranged around the tank, retaining means being arranged around the thermal insulation means, at least one underground passage, communicating with the tank, for the passage of the filling pipe.

According to another feature, the tank is surrounded by means of protection and sealing. According to another feature, the tank rests on an insulating material surrounding the tank, the insulating material being disposed in abutment against a support material filling the underground volume, the support material flush with the ground surface.

In another feature, the retaining material is crushed hard rock.

In another feature, the isolation means comprise an air space surrounding the tank resting on feet, the underground volume being made by retaining walls of concrete or steel.

According to another particularity, the retaining walls of steel or concrete are made with a determined thickness or a specific shape to withstand at least one determined pressure exerted vertically on the top of the retaining walls and corresponding to the weight of a motor vehicle.

According to another feature, the underground volume comprises a working zone disposed on a determined side of the tank, through which the heating means are accessible, an access passage by an operator, opening vertically from the ground, being carried out above from the work area.

According to another feature, a ventilation duct opens into the underground volume and to a ventilation device disposed above the ground.

A second object of the present invention is to make more secure the means for heating the oil during an evacuation of the oil stored in the tank.

According to this objective, the heating means comprise means for heating at least a portion of an outer wall of an outer wall of the tank.

According to another particular feature, the means for heating the outer wall of the tank comprise a sealed heating compartment having an outer partition disposed around the tank and having an inner partition made by the outer wall of the tank, the heating sealing compartment receiving a fluid heated and circulated by means for heating and driving the fluid.

According to another feature, the vessel is cylindrical.

According to another feature, the means for heating the outer wall of the tank, made cylindrical, comprise a coil glued around the outer wall of the tank, the coil receiving a heated fluid and circulated by heating means and driving the fluid, a cylindrical protective and sealing partition being arranged around the coil. According to another feature, the heating means comprise at least one electrically powered heating resistive heating component by electrical supply means, the electric heating element being embedded in an electrically insulating and thermally conductive material.

According to another feature, the heating means comprise at least one heating tube or a coil disposed in the bottom of the tank, the heating tube or the coil receiving a fluid heated and circulated by heating means and fluid entrainment.

According to another feature, the tank is linked on the top to a closure and protection cap including, in its closed position, an opening communicating with the inside of the tank and at least one control device or a measuring device or a regulating device.

Another objective is to propose a solution for filling the tank by a manually controlled device in case of failure of the electric filling pump.

According to this objective, the filling device comprises an electric pump controlled by control means of the electric pump, a first and a second manually operated bypass valve being arranged upstream and respectively downstream of the electric pump to divert the filling oil by a manually activated pump and arranged in parallel with the electric pump.

According to another feature, the filling pipe and / or the evacuation pipe comprise heating means or thermal insulation means or a double sealing partition.

The invention, its characteristics and its advantages will appear more clearly on reading the description made with reference to the figures referenced below:

FIG. 1 represents a sectional view of an exemplary storage installation according to the invention;

FIG. 2 represents a sectional view of another example of a storage installation according to the invention;

FIG. 3 represents a view from above of the storage facility of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 represents a front view of an exemplary container of a storage facility according to the invention;

- Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the container of Figure 4 and a sectional detail of a heating plate according to the invention; - Figure 6 shows a sectional view of another example of a storage facility according to the invention.

The invention will now be described with reference to the figures mentioned above. The edible oil is, for example, used in catering companies using, for example, appliances for frying. A restaurant uses, for example, fryers including an oil bath, to make all kinds of fries. The oil used for frying is changed, for example, after being used a certain number of times or after remaining a fixed time in a frying apparatus or when the oil includes too many impurities. The used oil must then be recovered for recycling.

To allow specialized companies to recover the edible oil, the oil, intended to be recycled, must be stored as and when in a storage container. A non-limiting example of the interior (30) of a building for the restoration is shown in FIG. 3. The oil is, for example, fed from frying apparatuses (21) through ducts (22) of transporting the oil to a pump (1) sucking the oil into the ducts (22) connected to the frying apparatuses (21).

According to another exemplary embodiment, the oil is transported by a mobile tank for recovering the oil. This bin comprises, for example, one or more oil filters and a container having sufficient capacity to contain the oil of one or more frying apparatus. The movable tray is, for example, brought under a frying apparatus (21) to collect the oil contained in this apparatus, through a lower opening, the oil then flowing by gravity. The mobile container is, for example, used to empty one or more devices of their oil, then the mobile container is fed to the pump (1) which sucks the oil into the container of the mobile container, the oil then being expelled by the conduit (41) for feeding the tank of the container (42) of oil storage. The movable tray comprises, for example, a conduit opening into the bottom or near the bottom of its container, through which the pump sucks oil to recycle.

According to another embodiment, the pump (1) sucks oil spilled into an oil discharge tank. The oil discharge tank is, for example, filled with oil from the mobile tank equipped with a pump, for example, manual. The pump of the mobile tank sucks the oil into the container of the mobile container, to expel it through a conduit, such as for example a bent or flexible duct, directed downwards, above the drain pan.

According to another embodiment, the drain pan is filled directly by frying apparatus dumped above the drain pan. In a nonlimiting manner, the discharge tank is associated with one or more oil filters holding impurities, by filtering grids. The pump (1) sucks, for example, the oil to be recycled, to expel it through a conduit (41) for feeding a tank of a container (42) for storing the oil. In a nonlimiting manner, the oil transport pipes, arranged between a frying apparatus (21) and the pump, are heated by heating means. In a nonlimiting manner, the conduit (41) for feeding the tank of the container (42) is also heated by heating means. The container (42) comprises, for example, a metal tank associated with a duct (421) for connection to the supply duct (41) and associated with a duct (424) for connection to a duct (44) for emptying. Without limitation, the tank comprises on the top a hood

(426) closing and protection. This cover (426), open during access to the tank, includes, for example, an access opening inside the tank, closed in a non-limiting manner by a cover (423) sealing. Without limitation, the sealing cover (423) is integral or independent of the cover (426) protection. The cover (426) of protection also includes, without limitation, connection devices, for example, with sensors (C1, C2) arranged in the tank. In a nonlimiting manner, as represented in FIG. 6, the cover (426) is integral with connection elements of the sensors (C1, C2) inside the vessel and / or with at least one conduit (421) of connection for filling the tank and / or with a connecting pipe (424) for emptying the tank and / or with supporting and connecting elements of a heating device (600) inside the tank tank. In this way, the entire hood (426) is removed to access the elements arranged in the tank, releasing at the same time, the access opening to the interior of the tank, such as a manhole . In a nonlimiting manner, the hood (426) closing and protection is accessed directly at ground level or by removing a hatch (541) access to a passage (521) vertical access to the hood (426).

Without limitation, the cover (426) of protection includes, for example, control devices or measurement, connected with sensors, providing output signals representative of measurements or control variables. A control or measurement device provides, for example, signals representative of the oil level or the temperature or warning signals of exceeding a given level of stored oil.

Without limitation, the protective cover includes, for example, control devices. A regulation device, supplied with energy by supply means, delivers, for example, heating energy as a function of means for measuring a predetermined temperature. Without limitation, the supply of heating energy, is carried out in all or nothing or proportionally, by the control device.

The hood (426) of protection is accessible by an operator, directly at ground level or by the passage (521) vertical opening out of the ground or from a space (53) underground working. The vertical passage (521) is, for example, closed by a trap (541) for inspection, the inspection hatch (541) being placed in a recess for flush with the surface of the ground. Without limitation, the conduits (41, 44) for supply and discharge between the pump and the buried tank, are entirely or partially underground. The example of Figure 1 shows, without limitation, supply and discharge conduits in which the oil flows. The supply or discharge ducts circulate, for example, in a conduit (52) underground to open, for example, in a building or in a space including a connection (441) for emptying. In a nonlimiting manner, the underground pipes in which the oil circulates comprise a double partition, for example, to ensure sealing. Insulation means are arranged, without limitation, around these underground heated ducts to prevent heat loss. The insulation means comprise for example an air gap in a double wall or comprise an insulating material surrounding the heated ducts. The heating and insulation of the oil circulation ducts, in particular to prevent the oil from congealing in the ducts.

According to another embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the connection (441) with the drain duct, is disposed above the storage tank. The drain duct (44) is then disposed vertically, which prevents the oil from congealing in the duct, by gravitation, without heating or isolation of the drain duct (44).

In a nonlimiting manner, the pump (1) for feeding the tank of the storage container is triggered automatically or by a user. The pump is, for example, powered by an electric power circuit (101) controlled by a control device (1000). The electrical power circuit (101) controls, for example, a motor of the pump (1). The electrical control circuit (101) and the pump (1) are remote from the buried tank and are, for example, arranged in a building so as to be accessible by a user. The heating is controlled, in a nonlimiting manner, by the control device (1000) which comprises processing means, management means and storage means, such as, for example, a controller associated with a control panel or an intelligent electronic circuit for testing or controlling a power circuit (7) for supplying the heating means, as shown in FIG. 6. The power supply circuit (7) supplies , for example, the means (600) of electric heating, by a cable (71) underground electrical passing, without limitation, parallel to the conduit (41) supply.

According to another embodiment, the heating means comprise a device (1001) for heating and driving a fluid, the heated fluid passing close to the oil stored in the tank, for heating the oil stored before its evacuation, as shown in Figure 1. Non-limiting manner the device (1001) for heating and driving fluid, operates independently or is controlled by the device (1000) control.

The storage facility with its buried tank, also includes, but not limited to, sensors (C1, C2) for the control of, for example, the temperature of the oil or the level of the oil. A plurality of oil presence sensors are, for example, disposed in the tank of the container, at different heights, to provide signals representative of the oil height in the tank. These presence sensors are, for example, either in a state representative of immersion in liquid or frozen oil, or in a state representative of a non-submerged position. In a nonlimiting manner, bimetallic sensors are used, the presence of oil between the two blades making an electrical connection between the two blades, indicating the presence of oil. The sensor is, for example, equivalent to an open switch if the sensor is not immersed. A pair (LC1, LC2) of electrical wires connects, for example, each sensor (C1, C2) with the control device (1000) which performs, without limitation, a resistivity test at the terminals of the bimetallic sensors. The electrical wires (LC1, LC2) connecting the sensors arranged in the tank or around the tank, follow, for example, the conduit (41) for supplying oil to the interior (30) of the building and then are connected to the control device (1000). Of non-limiting way, one or more temperature sensors are also arranged in the tank or around the tank.

In a nonlimiting manner, the oil presence sensors are arranged at determined heights to control corresponding determined levels of the oil in the tank, to produce, for example, signals representative of the oil levels reached or not.

A presence sensor disposed at a given height is for example controlled to determine if the oil has reached the height of the sensor. If the oil level is below the height of this sensor, the sensor controlled by the control device (1000) returns a signal representative of a non-immersed state. The control device (1000) then determines, by its processing means, that at least the storage space in the tank, above the sensor, is available to store additional oil.

If the sensor controlled by the control device (1000) returns a signal representative of a submerged state, the control device (1000) then determines, by its processing means, that the determined level of the sensor is reached or exceeded by the oil level in the tank. The control device (1000) can then trigger a determined alarm representative of the oil level in the tank. Without limitation, this alarm triggers the planning of a drain, for example, if the storage margin is low but allows, for example, normal operation for a few days.

Another sensor makes it possible, for example, to determine that the oil has reached the maximum level of storage in the tank, that is to say that the storage tank is full and that the emptying must be carried out urgently, before continuing to fill the tank. Another sensor is for example representative of a low or intermediate oil level.

The oil presence sensors are, for example, arranged at different heights, to detect the levels, reached by the oil, used by the control circuit processing means. The presence sensors are, for example, arranged at regular intervals to produce signals representative of the quantified level of oil in the tank where the sensors are mostly at low intervals at sensitive heights, such as oil levels near the maximum level in the tank.

Advantageously, a bimetallic sensor which is either in an on state or in an open state, may be tested by the control device (1000) or a portable continuity tester. Thus in case of power failure the oil level in the tank can be tested in a simple way, even if the tank is not accessible by the user. A bypass circuit (11, 12, 13) of the automatic pump (1) is advantageously provided in the event of a power failure or in the event of failure of the automatic pump, as shown in FIG. bypass system comprises, for example, a pump (11) manual, parallel to the pump (1) automatic, for injecting the oil through the conduit (41) supply in the buried tank. The buried tank is, in fact, disposed at a level below the level of the pump and the pumping force is therefore small. Switching valves (12) arranged upstream and downstream of the electric pump make it possible, for example, to deflect the flow of oil through branch lines (13). The deflected oil flow is, for example, sucked to the pump (11) manually, so that the oil is expelled by the pump (11) manual in the conduit (41) for feeding the tank. These two switching valves (12) are, for example, manual valves used in case of power failure or in case of failure of the pump. In a nonlimiting manner, the opening or closing of the conduit (41) for feeding the tank, is controlled by a discharge valve (14) to prevent the overflow of the tank. Valve

(14) is, for example, controlled in position, by a circuit

(15) electric power, driven by the control device (1000). A link (151) between the discharge valve (14) and its power circuit (15) transmits, for example, a strong control current of the valve (14). The control device (1000) sends, for example, a signal opening or closing the discharge valve (14) to the valve positioning power circuit (15). A closing signal of the discharge valve is, for example, produced when a level sensor in a state representative of a level close to the overflow is detected. Without limitation, the discharge valve (14) is disposed on the container or in a specific housing, such as for example the hood (426) above the container, or inside the building. The filling is thus secured to prevent overflow. Closing the discharge valve (14) causes, for example, a blockage of the pump (1) which then stops automatically.

According to an alternative embodiment, the discharge valve (14) is controlled by a hydraulic or mechanical control device, actuated by the operator, to prevent or allow the filling of the tank. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the vessel has a cylindrical shape and is disposed with its horizontal axis, flat on a material (8) insulating solid. The solid insulating material (8) is, for example, expanded polystyrene, also called EPS, with a mechanically resistant internal structure. The insulating solid material (8) surrounds, for example, the tank and has, for example, a determined minimum thickness. The support means comprise, for example, a filling material (9) for supporting the insulating material (8), the filling material (9) being, for example, ground or crushed and calibrated hard rock. The filling material (9) is, for example, similar to ballast.

A technical constraint of a buried tank for storing food oil relates to its heating. Indeed the containers for cooking oil have low storage capacity. By way of non-limiting example, a tank of a container for cooking oil may have a capacity of between 500 and 3000 liters. The capacity of a food oil container, implies that when the tank is buried, the wall external of the tank has a large area relative to the volume to be heated.

Generally speaking, for a tank keeping the same proportions, the larger the volume of the tank, the greater the ratio between the volume and the surface of the wall of the tank. That is, the larger the volume, the more negligible the heat loss through the outer wall of the vessel. For small volumes such as food oil storage tanks, the loss capacity through the outer wall of the tank is important, compared to the volume to be heated. This is why means (8) of thermal insulation are arranged around the tank.

Another constraint concerning the buried tanks, relates to the prevention of leakage of liquid product escaping from the tank, into the ground. In a nonlimiting manner, to prevent these leaks, in the case where the tank is damaged, a double wall (425, 4251) surrounds the outer wall of the tank.

In order not to deteriorate, anti-corrosion treatments are carried out, in a nonlimiting manner, on the walls that may be in contact with water from, for example, runoff. In order to keep the tank away from water, drain lines (91) are, for example, made below the housing volume of the tank. Drainage lines (91), for example, carry runoff water to a runoff collection well.

In a nonlimiting manner, a duct (521) is for example made, above the tank, to access the tank. An access above the tank is advantageously made to access, for example, an opening in the top of the tank communicating with the interior of the tank. The opening is, for example, sealed by a cover (423) or by the cover (426) secured to the elements arranged in the vessel. Access to the interior of the tank, for example, allows the cleaning of the tank, the positioning of temperature sensors or the presence of oil or, without limitation, the positioning in the tank. bottom of the tank and parallel to the bottom, one or more resistors (600) or heating fingers immersed in the stored oil. In a nonlimiting manner, the immersed heating fingers are, for example, heating resistive electrical elements or tubular elements in which circulates a heated fluid. The heating elements, arranged in the bottom of the tank, in particular allow to heat all the stored oil, without creating a cold zone.

The access duct (521) for example has metal partitions which are fixed to the tank to surround at least its supply connection (421), its drain connection (424) and the access opening to the tank. inside the tank. Without limitation, the elements disposed on the top of the tank, accessible through the access duct, are protected by the cover (426) protection. The protective cover includes, but is not limited to, slots for passage of oil or heated fluid flow conduits or for communication link passage. As previously described, a sensor (C1) for detecting the oil level is, for example, disposed in the tank and communicates via a line (LC1) communicating with the control device (1000). A power circuit (7) supplies, for example, the heating resistor (s) (600) arranged in the bottom of the tank in order to heat the oil before it is discharged, as described in patent EP 1 180 492. In such a way, non-limiting, the access duct, at the vertical of the tank, includes the discharge valve (14) fixed on the top of the tank.

According to the nonlimiting example shown in FIG. 6, the storage installation comprises one or more heating resistors (600) arranged in the bottom of the tank and fed by a circuit (7) for power supply of the resistors. . This circuit (7) power supply of the resistors is, for example, controlled by the device (1000) control. The control device (1000) is, for example, connected by an electrical connection (LC2) to a presence sensor (C2) disposed in the tank at a determined height corresponding to the minimum oil level for which the or the resistors (600) arranged in the bottom, are covered with oil. The detection, by the control device (1000), of the covering of this presence sensor (C2) then makes it possible to trigger the heating of the stored oil, for its evacuation, as described in patent EP 1 180492. According to a Another embodiment, the tank comprises means for heating the outer wall of the tank. The cylindrical container comprises, for example, a double wall (425, 4251) forming a volume (V1) peripheral to the tank, in which circulates a heated fluid. A second partition (4251) is disposed around the partition (425) of the vessel. Supporting elements and sealing elements connect, for example, the heated partition (425) of the tank and the second partition (4251). The peripheral volume (V1) being surrounded by an insulating material (8), the heating energy of the heated fluid is mainly transmitted to the tank and to the oil contained in the tank. The heated fluid circulates, for example, under the action of a device (1001) for driving and heating, such as a boiler, communicating with the peripheral heating volume by two heating ducts connected to the tank. In a nonlimiting manner, the device for driving and heating the circulating fluid close to the stored oil, for example, is arranged in a building or in an underground space, for example in the vertical passage (521) of access to the top of the tank. In a nonlimiting manner, the heated fluid is liquid or gaseous.

Advantageously, the heating of the outside of the wall of a partition (425) of the tank makes it possible to heat the oil by a surface of determined width, the heating energy thus diffusing in the partition of the tank. The heated partitions of the tank are in particular made of a thermally conductive material, such as metal. This distribution of the heating energy makes it possible in particular to avoid having a point overheating, as on the resistors arranged in the tank. A point overheating on a resistor disposed in the tank can indeed be dangerous and possibly start an ignition of the oil. The control of the resistances arranged in the tank is notably realized to prevent the occurrence of a dangerous overheating point. A minimum level of oil is, in particular required, in the case of resistors arranged in the tank, to cover the resistances and avoid, for example, a beginning of ignition or carbonization of the resistors. On the other hand, the external heating of an outer wall of the tank of the container makes it possible to heat by a determined large area, avoiding any risk of fire or charring. In particular the heating from the outside of the tank of the container, does not require a minimum level of oil contained in the tank. Heating from the outside of the tank can therefore be activated, whatever the level of oil in the tank. On the one hand, the risk of starting a fire and the risk of deterioration of the heating elements are avoided. On the other hand a drain of the tank can be performed regardless of the oil level, which avoids, for example, to keep a bottom of oil in the tank, without being able to evacuate, in the case where the container is no longer used for a fixed period. Oil stored too long has a tendency to deteriorate, becoming unsuitable for recycling or degrading in quality.

Advantageously, the second partition (4251) disposed around the partition (425) delimiting the interior volume of the tank allows for a peripheral volume (V1) for heating around the tank and also allows for a safety partition preventing an oil leak in the soil. In a nonlimiting manner, an oil leakage from the inside of the tank into the peripheral heating volume, for example, is detected by means for detecting a change in the chemical composition of the heating fluid. In a nonlimiting manner, a leakage of the peripheral heating volume towards the earths surrounding the tank is detected by means of detecting a loss of heating fluid.

In a nonlimiting manner, the peripheral volume (V1) in which a fluid heating the outer wall of the tank, is replaced by a coil disposed against the outer wall of the tank and wherein circulates the heating fluid. The coil is, for example, placed in a cylinder device to the tank, including the coil, for the protection of the coil and to realize the double bulkhead of the tank.

In a nonlimiting manner, the filling material (9) for the support is flush with the surface of the ground above the tank. The tank communicates via one or more conduits (521) opening above the tank and / or an underground passage is arranged to provide a passage (51) for communication with the tank, opening into a building. The passage (521) opening to the vertical of the tank, is for example blocked by the hatch (541) of protection. The hatch (541) of protection is, for example, removed to allow operators to access the upper opening of the tank during maintenance or cleaning operations. In a nonlimiting manner, the access to the tank is thus performed by an operator lying on the ground, in the vertical of the tank.

FIG. 3 represents a nonlimiting example of an installation according to the invention used, for example, for the restoration. The pump (1) is, for example, disposed inside (30) of a building, as well as the apparatus (21) frying. A passage (311) is for example made in a wall (31) of the building, to communicate through this passage (311), the inside and outside of the building. The passage (331) in the wall (31) is, for example, made with a diameter of section between 100mm and 300mm or with a diameter allowing the passage of one or more conduits or one or more cables. The passage (311) in the wall (31) is arranged, for example, near the pump (1) and opens, without limitation, in a control space comprising a higher access access, also called room (51). ) of draw. The draft chamber (51) disposed outside the building includes, for example, an upper flap (511) which can be removed to access the interior of the draft chamber (51), for example, for operations or maintenance checks. An underground passage (52) opens for example, on one side in an underground volume receiving the container (42) or in a passage (521) for access to the vertical of the tank and the other in the chamber (51). ) of draw. The underground passage communicating with the storage container (42) is, for example, made by an inner diameter sheath, for example between 100 mm and 300 mm or a diameter allowing the passage of one or more ducts or one or more cables. The sheath is for example a plastic tube, for example reinforced, with a wall of specified thickness and strength. The conduit (41) for supplying the tank of the container (42), connected, in a nonlimiting manner, to the discharge outlet of the pump (1) passes, for example through the passage (311) made in the wall ( 31) to then move into the draft chamber (51). The duct (41) supplying the tank, passing through the chamber (51) of draft can thus be controlled by an operator during a maintenance operation. The duct (41) feeding the tank extends from the chamber (51) of withdrawal out through the passage (52) underground communication with the container (42) communicating directly with the container or opening into the passage (521 ) access to the vertical of the container. The conduit (41) for feeding the tank is thus extended to the connection (421) for feeding the tank.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the underground conduit (52) communicating directly with the container or opening into the conduit (521) for vertical access to the container, opens on the other hand, directly inside (30). of the building in which the pump (1) is installed, as shown in Figure 6.

Advantageously, the buried container allows, for example, to have an aesthetic storage facility, to clear a space in the catering business or outside the company. According to the prior art, this type of container was indeed placed in a building or next to a building. Advantageously, in the present invention, as represented in FIGS. 2 and 3, the space cleared outside the building makes it possible, for example, to make circulation zones, on foot or by car, above the floor. tank or above an underground passage connecting the interior (30) of the building and the container (42). As shown in FIG. 2, the container or conduits of Underground communications are, for example, arranged under a traffic lane (33) for automobiles or under a sidewalk (32), alongside a restaurant to allow an express food service in which the motorists are served directly in their car. According to one embodiment, an underground volume receiving the container (42) is delimited by means of support, made by metal or concrete partitions, to withstand the pressure exerted by the earth or vehicles. An underground vault is thus made to house a container. An example of a storage container is, for example, described, without limitation, in patent EP 1 180 492. In a nonlimiting manner, the underground vault surrounds the underground volume by at least side walls and a floor waterproof. In this way, the vault prevents a flow of cooking oil escaping from the tank and polluting the surrounding soil. Oil leak detection means comprise, for example, oil sensors arranged against an outer wall of the tank or on the floor of the vault.

Metal partitions of the vault are, for example, treated anticorrosion or associated with a corrosion protection material. In a nonlimiting manner, the metal partitions are ribbed to withstand the mechanical pressures exerted on the structure in which the container is stored.

The retaining means are arranged around insulation means made, for example, by an air knife with a minimum thickness determined. The insulation means make it possible in particular to achieve thermal insulation of the tank and also, without limitation, to protect the tank against runoff. The tank is, in fact, kept elevated to protect the tank against corrosion caused by runoff water. The runoff water is, on the other hand, discharged by means for discharging the runoff water, such as, for example, means for pumping runoff water activated by means for detecting the water of the water. runoff. In a nonlimiting manner, the underground volume receiving the container (42) is in communication through one or more underground passages opening into the interior or exterior of a building or into an accessible space from inside or outside of the building. According to the non-limiting example, shown in Figure 2, the support means are, for example, a floor (532) and concrete walls (531) forming walls surrounding the underground volume. The concrete or steel walls are, for example, made with a thickness determined to withstand the lateral pressure exerted by the earth or to withstand the pressure exerted vertically by vehicles passing over a track above the volume in which the container is housed. Without limitation, the thickness of the concrete walls is, for example, between 10cm and 30cm. The set of walls and floor, steel or concrete, thus form a rigid structure resistant to the thrust of the ground or a vertical pressure exerted by a path (33) of circulation.

The housing volume of the container (42) is included, for example, without limitation, in an underground vault, for example rectangular parallelepiped, in which is disposed the container (42). The vault in which the container is disposed, has dimensions at least greater than those of the container (42). The container rests, for example, on the floor (532) by feet (422) of elevation of the tank. The tank is for example, also parallelepipedic, an insulation air space surrounding the tank. A minimum distance between the outer walls of the tank and the inner walls of the underground vault, for example, is made to have a minimum thickness of the insulating air layer around the tank. The feet (422) of the container (42) have, for example, a minimum height greater than or equal to the minimum thickness of the insulating air layer. The parallelepipedal volume in which the container is disposed, is also made with determined dimensions, so as to leave a minimum layer of air around the tank. By way of nonlimiting example, a container with a tank of capacity equal to about 1500 liters, placed on feet, can occupy a space with a height (H42) of 1.70 m, a width (LA42) of 0.9m and a length (LN42) of 1, 5m. The parallelepipedal volume, in which the container (42) is disposed, is, for example, made in a nonlimiting manner, with a height (H53) of at least 2.45m, a width (LA53) of at least 0.9m and a minimum length (LN53) of 2.6m in the case of a plunging internal resistance heating or a minimum length (LN53) of 2.2m in the case of an external hotplate heating.

Moreover, the parallelepipedal volume in which the tank is arranged allows one hand to leave an insulating air space around the tank and secondly, a working space (53) is arranged laterally next to the tank. , to allow an operator to carry out maintenance operations. The parallelepipedal volume is extended, in a nonlimiting manner, in length or width to achieve the additional space (53) of work. In a nonlimiting manner, the working space (53) is arranged in front of one or more openings made in the lower part of the tank, for the insertion of heating resistive elements, as described in EP 1 180 492, these openings being, for example, made in a plate disposed in the width of the tank. Thus the prolongation in length of the underground volume, in front of the plate arranged in width comprising the openings for the passage of the heating resistances, allows the manipulation of the new resistances inserted in the tank, during a maintenance operation. The space (53) of work is indeed achieved by an extension of at least the length of the resistors to allow their manipulation. According to another exemplary embodiment, an extension in width of the volume of the vault accommodating the tank, is likewise done in front of a plate of the tank arranged in length, in which openings for the passage of heating resistors, are realized .

According to another embodiment, the heating of the oil is carried out by a heating device outside the wall delimiting the tank of the container, such as heating plates arranged against two opposite lateral sides of the tank. These hotplates are, for example, pressed against the side walls of the tank comprising the oil, by rigid plates (61) pivoting. These plates (61) pivoting in the loose position, allow, for example, to change the plates (64) heating. The working space (53) is made in the extension of one side of the tank allowing lateral access to these two opposite sides of the tank during maintenance operations. The heated plates (64) in particular make it possible to reduce the working space relative to the heating by the heating resistances, also called heating fingers. According to another embodiment, among the four lateral sides of a parallelepipedic tank, the tank is equipped on one, two or three sides of heating plates (64) pressed against a partition of the oil storage tank. The underground working space (53) is then made, as an extension of the width or the length of the underground vault, so that the lateral side of the tank, opposite the working space, is not equipped with a hot plate pressed against a partition (425) delimiting the storage volume of the tank. This arrangement of the working space (53) makes it possible to minimize the underground volume, so as to minimize the construction costs. In addition, the working space (53) for changing the heating plates is smaller than the working space for the resistors. Flexible heating plates are easier to handle and less cumbersome.

According to another embodiment, the working space is made by an extension in length and width to give access from the front or side to each side of the tank.

An access passageway (54) allowing the passage of a man is arranged, for example, above the working space (53) to allow an operator to descend into the working space (53). next to the container, for maintenance operations. This passage (54) for access to the working space (53) is, for example, a vertical cylindrical passage opening on the outside, above the working space. The passage (54) for access to the work space is, for example, closed by the access hatch (541), as for example a round plate disposed in a recess, bearing on the edges of the passage (54) access. Without limitation, a metal ladder is disposed in the passage (54) for access to the working space (53) and goes down to the floor of the vault receiving the tank. The height (HA53) of the parallelepiped receiving container is also made to keep a minimum maneuvering height, above the container. In a nonlimiting manner, the height of the vault receiving the container (42) is greater than the height of the container by at least a certain margin to achieve the insulation air space above and below the tank and to leave above the tank, a minimum working height. The minimum working height, above the tank, allows, for example to access the inside of the tank through its upper opening or to fix the discharge valve on the top of the tank. The container (42) comprises, for example, its opening on the top, also called a manhole, in particular for maintenance or cleaning of elements mounted inside the tank or the cleaning of the tank. The opening, as described in patent EP 1 180 492, is closed, for example, by a cover to prevent oil pollution.

A connector housing (428) is, for example, arranged against a side edge of the container (42) facing the working space (53). In a nonlimiting manner, this housing (428) connection comprises connection elements with sensors disposed in the vessel and / or connection elements with heating elements disposed in the vessel.

Exhaust water discharge means comprise, for example, a liquid presence detection sensor disposed on the floor (532) of the vault receiving the container (42). This sensor is, for example, associated with means for triggering the pumping, by means of pumping water through a suction pipe opening near the floor (532) or in a lower part of the underground vault. The pumping means evacuate, for example, the water to an evacuation circuit or to a pit for the evacuation of water. A water evacuation pipe and an electrical connection with the sensor, for example, pass through the underground passage (52) in which the supply duct (41) passes, to the pumping release means and to the pumping means. Thus the tank remains in a dry space allowing insulation by the air space surrounding the tank. The heating of the tank, by its heating means, is controlled, for example, when the tank is emptied, by its connection (424) drain. In a nonlimiting manner, as described in patent EP 1 180 492, the connection (421) for feeding the tank opens at the top of the inside of the tank and the connection (424) for emptying is extended to lead into the bottom of the inside of the tank. The drain connection (424) is, for example, connected to a drain line (44) passing, in a non-limiting manner, through an underground passage (52, 56) to an accessible drain connection (441). from the outside. The drain duct (44) passes, for example, through the same underground passage (51) as the supply duct (41), this underground passage (51) connecting the container (42) to the draft chamber (51). . The plug or the connection (441) to which the drain duct (44) is connected is for example arranged, without limitation, in the draft chamber (51). When collecting the oil by a recovery company, a tank connects, for example, on this connection (441) to suck oil from the tank. This connection is, for example, non-standard, to promote the traceability of the recycled oil.

According to another exemplary embodiment, as represented in FIG. 6, an additional passage (56) for the passage of the emptying conduit (44) is produced. This passage for the drain conduit (44) communicates, on the one hand with the container (42) and on the other hand with the drain plug (441) disposed in a space (562) accessible from the outside, to be connected to a tank during the recovery of the oil from the tank. A removable flap (561) closes, for example, the space (562) accommodating the drain plug (441), also known as the drain connection. In a nonlimiting manner, a ventilation passage (55) opens into a vault accommodating the container and connects the interior of the underground vault to a ventilation device (551) disposed outside, above the ground. The ventilation device (551) is, for example, designed to create a ventilation air stream of the underground volume.

The heating from the outside of the tank allows to heat by a determined large area, avoiding a fire start or charring. Heating the outside of the tank, for example is achieved by plates (64) flexible heating pressed against a partition (425) of the tank. These flexible heating plates (64) are, for example, plates made of an electrically insulating but thermally conductive flexible material, in which resistive electric heating elements are embedded. The flexible plates pressed against the wall (425) of the tank, allow to follow the shape of the outer wall of the tank, the contact surface and the heat transfer is thus optimized. Preferably, these heating plates are self-regulating and fed all or nothing. Without limitation, a tank is, for example, equipped with one or more heating plates each with a power of, for example, between 100W and 10kW. The surface heating plates of about 1 square meter, for example comprise a thermally conductive flexible material, based for example on silicone or a polymer. In a nonlimiting manner, a reinforcement bar (66) is placed in the tank of the container (42) on a partition against which a hot plate (64) is pressed. The reinforcing bar (66) is, for example, welded to the partition to allow the partition (425) of the tank to keep its shape. The heating plates are indeed plated by pressure means attached to the container and exerting forces on the tank can deform the partition (425) heated. The reinforcement bar (66) is for example of round, square or rectangular section. The means for pressing the heating plate against an outer wall of the tank, comprise, for example, a rigid support plate (61) pivoting about a hinge (62) attached to the tank. The plate (61) rigid support pivots around its hinge (62), the plate (61) rigid being spaced from the outer wall of the tank, for example, to replace the plate (64) flexible heating. The rigid clamping plate (61) is, for example, pivoted towards the heated partition (425) to press an insulating plate (63) against the flexible heating plate (64), the heating plate (64) being then pressed between the plate (63) and the partition (425) of the tank. The rigid plate (61) is, for example, held in its position, in which the heating plate (64) is pressed against the partition (425) of the tank, by one or more hooks (65) for holding the plate ( 61) rigid. The hooks (65) for holding the rigid plate (61) are, for example, arranged against an edge of the rigid support plate (61) opposite the hinge.

The rigid plate (61) for support and the plate (63) insulating, for example have a surface greater than or equal to the surface of the plate (64) flexible heating. The rigid support plate (61) and the insulation plate (63) follow, for example, the same profile identical to the profile of the heated partition disposed opposite. Thus, the flexible heating plate (64) is optimally plated against the heated partition (425). In addition, the face of the heated flexible plate (64), disposed opposite the tank being pressed by an insulating material (63), the heating energy released by the flexible heating plate is transmitted, for the most part, at the partition (425). The rigid clamping plate (61) is made so as to leave at least one edge of the plate (64) apparent heating flexible, to allow the passage of son (71) electric supply. These electrical supply wires (71) connect, for example, the flexible heating plate (64) to the electrical power circuit (7) supplying the electric heating energy.

Without limitation, the plate or plates (64) flexible heating are each arranged against a lateral outer wall of the tank or against the bottom wall of the tank. In a nonlimiting manner, the flexible heating plates (64) are arranged partly in the bottom of the tank, to heat at least the bottom of the tank. In a nonlimiting manner, this type of buried tank comprises several connecting ducts (421) for the oil supply to be stored, so as to be connected to several filling ducts (41) coming from several installations. In a nonlimiting manner, the installations using the storage tank are arranged in the same building or in different buildings.

It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention allows embodiments in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered by way of illustration, but may be modified within the scope defined by the scope of the appended claims, and the invention should not be limited to the details given above.

Claims

1. Storage installation for cooking oil comprising a closed vessel of a given volume receiving oil through at least one filling pipe (421), the stored oil being discharged from the tank by at least one pipe (424). ), the tank being heated by means of heating the stored oil before its evacuation, the evacuation pipe (424) communicating, via an evacuation pipe (44), with a device (441) of connection for discharging the oil contained in the tank, the filling line (421) communicating, via a filling line (41), with a device (1) for filling with oil, characterized in that the buried tank is disposed in an underground housing volume of the tank, means (8) of thermal insulation being arranged around the tank, means (9, 531, 532) of retaining being arranged around the isolation means thermal, at least one conduit (52) underground n, communicating with the tank, for the passage of the pipe (41) filling, the heating means comprising means for heating at least a portion of an outer wall of an outer wall of the vessel by at least one compartment (V1) waterproofing heater having an outer partition disposed around the vessel and having an inner partition formed by the outer wall of the vessel, the sealed heating compartment (V1) receiving a heated fluid and circulated by means (1001 ) for heating and driving the fluid.

2. Storage installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the tank rests on an insulating material (8) surrounding the tank, the insulating material (8) being placed in abutment against a material (9) supporting the filling underground volume, the support material flush with the ground surface.

3. Storage installation according to claim 2, characterized in that the material (9) retaining is hard rock crushed.

4. Storage installation, according to claim 1, characterized in that the insulating means comprise an air space surrounding the tank resting on feet (422), the underground volume being made by partitions (531) retaining concrete or steel.

5. Storage installation according to claim 4, characterized in that the walls (531) retaining steel or concrete are made with a determined thickness or a specific shape to support at least one determined pressure exerted vertically on the top of the partitions of support and corresponding to the weight of a motor vehicle.

6. Storage installation according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the underground volume comprises a zone (53) of work arranged on a given side of the tank, through which the heating means are accessible, a passage ( 54) access by an operator, opening vertically from the ground, being carried out above the work area.

7. Storage installation according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that a ventilation duct (55) opens into the underground volume and to a ventilation device (551) disposed above the ground.

8. Storage installation according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the vessel is cylindrical.

9. Storage installation according to claim 8, characterized in that the means for heating the outer wall of the tank, comprises a coil glued around the outer wall of the tank, the coil receiving the heated fluid and circulated, the sealing partition being arranged around the coil.

10. Storage installation according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the tank is connected on the top to a cover (426) for closing and protection including, in its closed position, an opening communicating with the interior of the tank and at least one control device or a measuring device or a regulating device.

11. Storage installation according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the filling device (1) comprises an electric pump controlled by control means of the electric pump (1), a first and a second valve respectively ( 12), manually activated, being arranged upstream and downstream respectively of the electric pump to divert the filling oil by a manually activated pump (11) arranged in parallel with the electric pump (1).

12. Storage installation according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the pipe (41) for filling and / or the pipe (44) discharge comprises heating means or thermal insulation means or a double sealing partition.