Fuel storage and supply arrangement having fuel conditioning assembly

Abstract

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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         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.