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It Takes Two

The new Gemini secondary containment system from Franklin Fueling Systems represents a revolution in fittings design.

Franklin Fueling Systems, a worldwide provider of systems and components for the movement of water and fuels, has introduced the new Gemini secondary containment system, a revolution in fittings design for these pipe systems that allows for fast testing and simple, safe installation. Secondary containment provides the highest level of pipework protection, and Gemini fittings are a simple solution for electrofusion pipework systems. A combination of innovative design, engineering expertise and skilled manufacturing, the unique two-piece design allows the installer to completely weld and test the primary pipework system before welding the secondary system.

How it Works

The aim of the engineering team at Franklin Fueling Systems was to simplify the secondary containment system by reducing the number of components and the overall size, which would cut down on the cost of materials and installation. They also wanted to achieve greater reliability in both the product and the overall installation. Most importantly, the system would also have to stand up to the stringent tests set by international standards bodies, such as UL and EN.

The Gemini system splits the secondary fitting into two pieces, which enables  the installer to slide the secondary fitting away so that the primary joint can be fully welded, pressure-tested and inspected before welding secondary fittings – the first system of its kind to do so. Though the primary pipe is totally enclosed, Gemini secondary fittings are completely independent of these fittings as there are 360 degrees of annular interstitial space between the two systems.

Source: PetrolWorld

As the density of the fuel changes this distance will increase or decrease in proportion to the change. The tank gauge receives this information from the probe and uses it to calculate and display the current density of the fuel.

Research

Density Float

Franklin Fueling Systems investigated the typical vertical temperature profiles within fuel underground storage tanks at a number of service stations using our level probes which have 5 temperature sensors along the length of the probe, allowing readings of fuel temperatures within 5 different layers at any time. We successfully monitored temperature readings before and after deliveries in various climates throughout the year in all these layers.

Results

As a result of our research, we found out the vertical temperature spread across the fuel is very narrow, which means that the possible change in density, as a result of a temperature differential, between the top and bottom layers of fuel would be insignificant to immeasurable.

However, measuring density at the top layer, where the fuel is clean, is better than measuring density at the bottom layer because any inaccuracies due to contamination can be negated.

Franklin Fueling Systems products provide highly accurate multi-layer temperature measurements and are the most preferred solution for fuel density measurement in the market.

Gemini’s three secondary fittings, which are specifically designed to enclose standard one-piece primary fittings and then reduce down over the primary pipe, will drastically decrease the number of necessary parts, welds, time and overall cost when installing fuel piping systems at your petrol station.

“From the installation standpoint, the failure of your primary once your secondary has been completed is catastrophic. Basically, you have to take the system apart and look for where your failure in the primary is.” Gary Saltz, Product Manager – North America Piping & Containment

With Gemini, you finally have a secondary fitting specifically designed for the most efficient usage of pipe. No longer is the secondary pipe diameter determined by the size of the primary fittings. In a typical remote fill application, when using Gemini, you can expect to reduce the installation time by about a half. View our Gemini video comparing both installations at FranklinFueling YouTube channel

Shell asked Franklin Fueling Systems to pilot Gemini secondary containment fittings and Franklin collaborated with AJ Bayliss to choose this site, with the backing of Shell Global Engineering and Artelia Europe and UK.

The specification for the pipework involved 110mm fill pipe with 125mm pipe over the top, all in 5.8 meter sticks and all EN14125 UPP pipe with EVOH liner. A range of UPP products were used including the latest Gemini 110/125mm 90 degree elbow fittings.

Starting from the fill point, the primary system was welded with the Gemini system left loose over the top of the primary system for inspection. One of the great benefits of  Gemini fittings is the ability to pressure test the entire primary system before being welding the secondary system closed.

The installation was concluded at the tank end and finally all of the Gemini fittings were welded together taking approx. 8 minutes per assembly. At the tank end a UPP flanged transition fitting was bolted to the overfill prevention device.

“I found the system easy to install and much quicker than the usual 110mm / 160 mm system. The main reason for this was time saved prepping the secondary fittings, as these did not need scraping as previous fittings did. Installation was straight forward and the Gemini fittings went together fairly easily. In my opinion the Gemini system is an improvement on previous dual contained systems.” – Scott Southwick, A.J.Bayliss

Click here to view our case study and photographs from the installation site

View our Gemini videos published on Franklin's YouTube channel

Gemini revolutionizes secondary containment systems by splitting the secondary fitting into two pieces, enabling the installer to slide the secondary fitting away so that the primary joint can be fully welded, pressure-tested and inspected before welding secondary fittings for the utmost in system security.

Ask your suppliers and you will find out that there are currently no other products on the market offering this unique solution.

Designed for efficiency, you will install fewer Gemini fittings using a single weld lead and save on fittings needed to complete the installation as well as cut pipe costs.

With its simple design three Gemini fitting models (Tee, 90° bend, and In-line/45° bend) make installing secondary containment easier and safer than ever.

Click here to read our brochure and technical sheet about Gemini.

Whether you use an iPad or a PC, each App is fully optimized to run on all of your mobile devices as well as through a standard web browser. Franklin Fueling Systems is committed to providing its customers with innovative new ways to view products, making it easier than ever to learn about the extensive product offering in a fun and interactive way.

Visit our website to access the Apps today.

Gemini revolutionises secondary containment systems by splitting the secondary fitting into two pieces, which enables the installer to slide the secondary fitting away so that the primary joint can be fully welded, pressure-tested and inspected before welding secondary fittings.

This process makes the speed and ease of installing secondary containment even more efficient, as well as allows up to 50% reduction in primary and secondary fittings, and further reduces the number of necessary parts, welds, time and overall cost.

The full range of Gemini pipe fittings (including tee, 90 degree bends and in-line or 45 degree bends) will be available in the coming weeks. Further details can be obtained from your local FFS sales representative.

An exciting, dedicated website has been launched to support Gemini, featuring in-depth product information, multi-lingual literature downloads and content-rich videos to introduce this innovative new product.

To learn more, visit the exciting new website containing features, videos and literature downloads at www.franklinfueling.com/gemini.

Last month Franklin Fueling Systems (FFS) and its Colombian distributor – GL Ingenieria y Equipos – organised an in-depth product seminar for the largest marketer in the country. More than 20 participants, covering engineering managers and regional project managers attended this seminar in Bogota.

Participants were introduced to all Franklin’s product lines and heard about new product development incorporating the latest product launched by FFS – the fuel management system TS-550 evo console. Every attendee had a chance to review Franklin’s products and many interesting product-related questions were answered by Franklin’s staff.

In addition to providing best in class products, Franklin provides unmatched global reach and fuel system expertise. “When choosing a supplier partner, we turned to the only company with global reach able to supply the full range of products required by Shell,” declared Chris Hallsworth, Global Category Manager,  Retail Engineering. By choosing quality supplier Franklin Fueling Systems, Shell also benefits from simplified ordering, improved logistics costs and reduced future maintenance/environmental costs. With the most comprehensive product offering in the industry, Franklin Fueling Systems provides unparalleled simplicity in placing one order, having one point of contact, relying on one service team and receiving one consolidated shipment.

Also of significant importance to Shell in their decision was the reduction of contractor high-risk exposure hours. In this capacity Franklin is superbly equipped with designs for pre-assembly that reduce onsite labor hours and help contribute to the Shell ‘Goal Zero’ safety aim and commitment to environmental sustainability.

“Franklin Fueling Systems is exceptionally suited to deliver the most innovative and high quality products to meet the global needs of Shell,” expressed Jay Walsh, Franklin’s VP of Business Development. “We are the industry leader in total global fuel system solutions, and are pleased to be associated with a world class organization like Shell International Petroleum. Franklin Fueling Systems is committed to helping Shell achieve its vision to build the best fuel stations with the finest equipment, at the lowest total cost of ownership, in the safest manner.”

Download the Press Release.

• Completely new easy-to-install, robust explosion-proof enclosure.
• Longer and adjustable length sensor cable with water-proof splice kit.
• UL approved to the latest specifications.
• Single part number containing the controller and non-latching float switch sensor.

Download the datasheet.

Learn more at franklinfueling.com