Abstract: Arcuate, lightweight composite panels, which are transportable on flatbed trucks, are interconnected onsite for forming a temporary fluid tank. A shaped groove along one end of the panel and a shaped tongue along an opposing end of the panel permit a panel to be lifted vertically above and offset another of the panels and then slid axially together, with the tongue of one panel engaged in the groove of the adjacent panel. If the ground on which the tank is to be assembled is uneven, the panels can be misaligned vertically along the interconnected tongue and groove to accommodate the unevenness of the ground. Where the tank does not engage the ground about the entire bottom edge, a liner can be placed inside the tank and connected to the tank using a hook and loop fastening system.

Abstract: A spacing tool and a method for facilitating the de-stacking of vertically stacked items are disclosed. The spacing tool comprises an attachment arm and a spacing arm pivotably coupled to a pivot. The attachment arm comprises one or more suitable fasteners for attaching the first arm to a load. The spacing arm is rotatable about the pivot between an open position and a support position. The pivot comprises a biasing mechanism for biasing the spacing arm to the support position. To create and maintain a clearance between an upper load and a lower load therebelow, one may rotate the spacing arm to the open position, and vertically attach the attachment arm to a side of either the upper load or the lower load such that the second arm rests against the other load. Then the upper load is lifted to create a space sufficient for the spacing arm to rotate, at which time the biasing mechanism automatically rotates the spacing arm to the support position for maintaining a clearance between the upper and lower loads.

Abstract: A system for covering liquids stored within an open-topped liquid storage tank having a peripheral wall has a cover for extending across at least a portion of stored liquids, and two or more guide assemblies spaced about the peripheral wall for securing the cover to the peripheral wall and for permitting the cover to freely travel substantially vertically up and down within the interior space. Each assembly has a vertical guide, a clamping member, and an upper and a lower delimiting stop. The cover can be operatively secured to the assembly by a restraining tether.

Abstract: Arcuate, lightweight composite panels, which are transportable on flatbed trucks, are interconnected onsite for forming a temporary fluid tank. A shaped groove along one end of the panel and a shaped tongue along an opposing end of the panel permit a panel to be lifted vertically above and offset another of the panels and then slid axially together, with the tongue of one panel engaged in the groove of the adjacent panel. If the ground on which the tank is to be assembled is uneven, the panels can be misaligned vertically along the interconnected tongue and groove to accommodate the unevenness of the ground. Where the tank does not engage the ground about the entire bottom edge, a liner can be placed inside the tank and connected to the tank using a hook and loop fastening system.

Abstract: A modular berm system and method for installing the berm system about a containment area are provided. The berm system is formed by interconnecting a plurality of panels in an end-to-end arrangement. Corner pieces which enhance the modularity, stability and rigidity of the berm system are also provided. A continuous liquid barrier liner overlies the containment area and the supporting perimeter of panels. The liner blocks any discontinuities between panels. Discontinuities can be overlapped with flaps for protection of the liner.

Abstract: A rig mat implements opposing winching ends having a surface extension that is co-planar with the working surface of the rig mat. Such a co-planar surface can be a rectangular hollow tubing, the top surface of which forms the co-planar surface and a sidewall which forms a depending abutting member. The co-planar surface and the depending member enable the winching ends to form a substantially continuous planar interface between abutting winching ends of adjacent rig mats to minimize discontinuity therebetween. Fabrication is simplified and savings in weight are realized.

Abstract: A rig mat implements opposing winching ends having a surface extension that is co-planar with the working surface of the rig mat. Such a co-planar surface can be a rectangular hollow tubing, the top surface of which forms the co-planar surface and a sidewall which forms a depending abutting member. The co-planar surface and the depending member enable the winching ends to form a substantially continuous planar interface between abutting winching ends of adjacent rig mats to minimize discontinuity therebetween. Fabrication is simplified and savings in weight are realised.

Abstract: A storage tank system stores liquid containing debris. The sidewalls of the tank have a curved lower portion for receiving debris settling out of the liquid and for directing at least some of the debris to a base of the tank. The tank is also provided with a plurality of nozzles spaced longitudinally along the curved lower portion the sidewalls for directing flush liquid downwardly against the curved lower portion for flushing any residual debris remaining thereon towards the bottom of the tank. The tank has a skid equipped with rollers for improved manoeuvrability in a berm environment and manifolds for improved interconnectability with other tanks.

Abstract: A modular berm system and method for installing the berm system about a containment area are provided. The berm system is formed by interconnecting a plurality of panels in an end-to-end arrangement. Corner pieces which enhance the modularity, stability and rigidity of the berm system are also provided. A continuous liquid barrier liner overlies the containment area and the supporting perimeter of panels. The liner blocks any discontinuities between panels. Discontinuities can be overlapped with flaps for protection of the liner.

Abstract: A connector apparatus includes first and second spaced apart generally coplanar walls and a support between the first and second walls. The first wall includes a first guiding surface and a first stopping surface extending at a first angle to the first guiding surface. The second wall includes a second guiding surface opposite at least a portion of the first guiding surface and generally facing towards the first guiding surface, a second stopping surface extending from the second guiding surface and away from the first guiding surface, and a third stopping surface extending at a second angle to the second stopping surface. The support has a fourth stopping surface, and the fourth stopping surface is disposed at third and fourth angles to the first and third stopping surfaces respectively.

Abstract: A multi-layer rig mat system and a method for implementing the rig mat system is provided. The rig mat system has a rig mat formed by interconnecting a plurality of panels in an edge-to-edge arrangement and one or more barrier layers placed between the rig mat and the terrain. The barrier layer prevents contamination of the terrain below the rig mat by water and other undesirable fluids seeping through gaps or discontinuities in the rig mat. The barrier layer also prevents heat transmission from the rig mat to the terrain below the rig mat.

Abstract: A connector apparatus includes first and second spaced apart generally coplanar walls and a support between the first and second walls. The first wall includes a first guiding surface and a first stopping surface extending at a first angle to the first guiding surface. The second wall includes a second guiding surface opposite at least a portion of the first guiding surface and generally facing towards the first guiding surface, a second stopping surface extending from the second guiding surface and away from the first guiding surface, and a third stopping surface extending at a second angle to the second stopping surface. The support has a fourth stopping surface, and the fourth stopping surface is disposed at third and fourth angles to the first and third stopping surfaces respectively.