Bulletin 22: Sump Separator for Storage Tanks

The Sump Separator separates water from fuel that is drained from storage tank sumps. The fuel and water mixture from the bottom of a storage tank or from the sump of a filter is discharged to the Sump Separator through a nozzle that causes a swirling action to concentrate most of the dirt in the center of the cone-shaped bottom. Water and fuel are allowed to separate by gravity.

The Gammon Sump Separator:

• Prevents fuel contamination of ground water.
• Allows for pollution control of soil and streams.
• Saves valuable fuel.
• Requires minimal maintenance.
• Eliminates the need for conventional waste or “slop” tanks.
• Features an internal epoxy white coating (stainless steel available on request).
• Has a capacity of 50 gallons standard & up to 300 gallons on special order.

CLEAN CUT
Only the Gammon Sump Separator makes possible a clean cut. The operator can easily see when the fuel/water interface has reached the bottom of the cone. When closing the water drain valve, the operator makes a clean cut, preventing any fuel from leaving with the water. Only fuel remains at the bottom of the cone.

VISUAL CERTAINTY
Direct visual observation of the fuel/water interface is achieved by swinging the cover on its davit so that the operator sees through the fuel to the interface. This provides visual certainty to make a clean cut.

Other sump separator designs on the market rely on a sight glass that the operator observes when draining off the water. Invariably, some of the fuel leaves with the water because the level in the sight glass always lags behind the level in the vessel. The operator can overcome this problem by closing the water drain valve ahead of time. The result is that some of the water is then pumped back to the storage tank.

Gammon originated the sump separator in 1965 and has always used a stainless steel foot valve at the bottom of the cone as shown on page 2. All other manufacturers use common pipeline valves that cause some of the settled water to be pumped back to the storage tank.

No other manufacturer in the world can claim more than 50 years of experience in the sump separator business. In fact – we originated the name “sump separator”!

Not recommended for gasolines or other, low-flash point fuels.

Backed by 40 years of successful performance all over the world, the Jet Test QD® is a proven concept in Quick Disconnect Couplers for performing tests for dirt, water, and pressure regulation during the refueling of jet aircraft.

The Jet Test QD® is so small that it can be installed permanently on the underwing fuel nozzle. Prior to the introduction of this product, a pressure or contamination test at the nozzle could not be performed without considerable fuel spillage while a connection was fabricated at the plugged port.

The exposed portion of the Jet Test QD® coupler is no larger than a standard hex head pipe plug, yet it contains an inner or primary seal as well as an outer secondary seal which is created by the dust plug.

See the table below to determine the appropriate coupler for your application.

The three couplers shown here are pictured with the standard knurled dust plugs.

This is a dust plug that is also a secondary pressure seal. It is removed only when a test is to be run. GTP-235-9K is the standard plug for the GTP-235-3/8 coupler. GTP-235-9SK is the standard plug for the “AH” and “S” couplers. The standard plug is included unless otherwise specified. If the tee handle plug is desired, the customer must specify (GTP-235-9T for standard length, or GTP-235-9ST for “AH” and “S” couplers).

The actuator should be attached permanently to the test apparatus or pressure gauge. The standard actuator is GTP-235-2. A short version, GTP-235-2AH, is available to fit the “S” and “AH” couplers. Both actuators have 1/4” NPT threads.

Insert the actuator nipple, and rotate a quarter turn to lock on the bayonet pin. The internal valve automatically opens and a test can be performed.

MiniMonitor equipment uses standard plastic monitors listed by ASTM for Method D2276/IP-216.

This version of the test kit is made for operators who have to take samples from sampling points that are equipped with various different types of quick disconnects. See the following page for available fitting types.

CONSIDER THESE FEATURES:

• Clearly marked selector valve
• Bypass hose with quick disconnect for flushing
• Static charge bonding and grounding hose assembly
• Uses standard plastic monitors
• Improved sealing system – squeeze controlled – Viton A
• Stainless steel and anodized aluminum wetted parts throughout

THE KEY FEATURE OF THE MULTI MINIMONITOR® TEST KIT
IS THE UNIQUE DOUBLE-ENDED ADAPTER
MODEL GTP-988

Our unique double-ended adapters can be inserted into the Multi MiniMonitor® Assembly by either end, allowing them to connect to several different types of samplers.

Our fuel sampling kits have become the standard in the industry for obtaining test samples of jet fuel. With more than a million in service, they have proved to pay for themselves by saving countless hours of downtime because accurate contamination test results are obtained the first time.

In the past, thousands of work hours have been wasted and fueling facilities have been shut down simply because the sampling tap was contributing dirt during the sampling period. Rusty pipe threads, steel gate valves and collections of reducing bushings that are never subjected to fuel flow, except when a contamination test is to be run, have been found to be a prime cause of poor color results when tests are performed to ASTM D2276. Flushing does not clean normally stagnant steel fittings.

Our probe penetrates through the pipe coupling that is welded to the pipe. There is no possibility of rust and dirt, that usually collects in stagnant pockets (such as welded couplings), reaching the test membrane.

Non-ferrous materials are used in our kits, All passages are small (¼” pipe size) to insure that there will be enough velocity during the flushing cycle to carry away any sediment that may have collected.

Kit No. 7T allows pressure sensing and sampling independently through one pipe connection. Probe penetrates all the way through the tee. Sample never contacts the tee. Branch on tee is for pressure gauge connection; it senses pressure on the inside of probe tube.

1. INSTALLATION
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   1. Screw the GTP-144 probe in a ¼” NPT female thread using 1½ wraps of PTFE pipe thread sealant as a sealant and thread lube. Use reducing bushings if necessary. Wrap the tape tightly, so that it forms itself into the male thread. Do not let the tape extend beyond the open end of the fitting or fragments of the tape will get into the flow stream. NEVER screw stainless steel threads together without PTFE tape – they will gall.
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   2. Adjust the position of the probe by tightening until the arrow on the flat of the hex is pointing downstream – in the direction of flow in the pipe.
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   3. Install other components of the kit using PTFE pipe thread dope for each connection. Be certain that sample flow is in the correct direction.
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   4. The sampling coupler is supplied with a dust plug that has a lanyard for attachment. Place the lanyard before assembling.
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2. FLUSHING – A new sampling connection requires extensive flushing. For best results, use the GTP-1110 Bonding and Grounding Hose (see Bull. #8) to obtain high velocity in the passages of the sampling kit components.
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3. CONTAMINATION TESTING – Use Gammon MiniMonitor® Kit model GTP-172. Follow detailed instructions for best results. The sampling coupler can be connected without the risk of spraying fuel, if this procedure is followed:
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   1. Slide the collar of the coupler as far as it will go toward its threaded end. Remember, the collar does not open the internal valve.
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   2. Insert the connecting nipple in the open port of the coupler as far as it will go without depressing the internal valve, but continue to hold the collar.
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   3. Then quickly press the nipple straight in with a force of about 25 lbs. and pull the collar back to its original position. This 25 lb. force causes the internal valve to open.
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   4. A dry disconnection can be made simply by depressing the collar.
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See also: GamGram 6.