Technical Committee Storage, Transportation and Distribution

Investigation into the zone classification in light liquid separators

The aim of this work was to determine criteria for zone classification in light liquid separators on the basis of experimental investigations. For this purpose, it was investigated under which conditions petrol and its vapours can penetrate into a light liquid separator at a petrol station; and if so, whether an explosive atmosphere can build up and how long this atmosphere will remain in the light liquid separator. Simulation tests were performed for this purpose during which it was tested whether petrol spilled at the petrol dispenser can penetrate into the drain and accumulate in the light liquid separator. Furthermore, an explosive atmosphere was generated in the light liquid separator by intentionally feeding petrol into the light liquid separator, and the retention time of the petrol vapours was determined. In long-term measurements, practical operation at a petrol station was investigated. It showed that the intrusion of petrol into the light liquid separator can unfortunately not be ruled out in normal operation of the petrol station.