Abstract: A valve interlock system for a railcar including a valve stem locking subsystem that includes a coupling device rotatably coupled to the valve stem. The coupling device is substantially stationary in the longitudinal direction and rotatably translatable about a longitudinal axis and defines an engagement slot thereon. The subsystem also includes a stationary support member extending toward the coupling device in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and includes a locking member that is transversely translatable and complimentary with the engagement slot. The subsystem also includes a biasing device coupled to the locking member that increases an engagement bias as the locking member is transversely translated away from the engagement slot. The subsystem further includes a valve operator assembly that includes a longitudinally and rotatably translatable body configured to regulate the slot engagement bias as a function of a longitudinal position of the body.

Abstract: A fresh water supply system for a railway vehicle has a fresh water tank, a feed line extending from the fresh water tank for fresh water consumers to be supplied, and a valve that is located within the feed line for metered dispensing of fresh water. The valve is disposed at a lower level than a fresh water outlet of the fresh water tank. A pressure sensor is disposed upstream of the valve and it has a signaling connection to an evaluation unit. Typical characteristic pressure values for the fresh water supply system are stored in the evaluation unit and the evaluation unit detects discrepancies between the characteristic pressure values and the pressure values supplied by the pressure sensor. From this, a fill level of the fresh water tank and/or a flow velocity of the fresh water are estimated.

Abstract: A modular hydraulic hammer reduction system for railroad tank cars includes tubular hydraulic hammer reduction devices which include means to connect the tubular devices to flanges other than by welding or being cast together. For example, the tubular devices can be press fit into the flanges, or the tubular devices can be connected to the flanges with snap rings (preferably spiral-lock snap rings), or even more preferably the tubular devices can be press fit into the flanges and the tubular devices can be connected to the flanges with snap rings (preferably spiral-lock snap rings). The advantage of this modular construction is that one can manufacture multiple tubular devices and multiple flanges of each type, and connect the flanges to the tubular devices on an as-needed basis.

Abstract: Bituminous heavy crude oil is kept at elevated temperatures in order to flow and may be transported in one direction, and light hydrocarbons typically comprising of mixtures of components of which the majority will have molecular chain lengths of 2 to 12 carbon atoms, such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Natural Gas Liquids (NGL), light naphtha, natural gasoline and natural gas condensates may be transported in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A modular hydraulic hammer reduction system for railroad tank cars includes tubular hydraulic hammer reduction devices which include means to connect the tubular devices to flanges other than by welding or being cast together. For example, the tubular devices can be press fit into the flanges, or the tubular devices can be connected to the flanges with snap rings (preferably spiral-lock snap rings), or even more preferably the tubular devices can be press fit into the flanges and the tubular devices can be connected to the flanges with snap rings (preferably spiral-lock snap rings). The advantage of this modular construction is that one can manufacture multiple tubular devices and multiple flanges of each type, and connect the flanges to the tubular devices on an as-needed basis.

Abstract: A self adjusting flap is disclosed. The self adjusting flap comprises a solid body including a hinge. The flap includes a flexible skin stretched across an array of equi-spaced ridges on a convex surface of the hinged solid body, such that lift and drag forces due to fluid flow across it causes the flap to rotate about the hinge and automatically orient itself to minimize flow losses through turbulence while shielding objects downstream from flow induced drag.

Abstract: A fluid flow controlling system for controlling the flow of fluid from a tank having an exterior surface is provided. The system includes an angle valve and a check valve. The angle valve is coupled to the tank and located substantially on an outer side of the exterior surface. The angle valve includes a spindle, a valve seat and a valve seal. The spindle, valve seat and valve seal are located on an inner side of the exterior surface. The check valve is coupled to the tank and located substantially on the inner side of the exterior surface. The check valve is movable between a closed state and an open state by the spindle.

Abstract: A modular hydraulic hammer reduction system for railroad tank cars includes tubular hydraulic hammer reduction devices which include means to connect the tubular devices to flanges other than by welding or being cast together. For example, the tubular devices can be press fit into the flanges, or the tubular devices can be connected to the flanges with snap rings (preferably spiral-lock snap rings), or even more preferably the tubular devices can be press fit into the flanges and the tubular devices can be connected to the flanges with snap rings (preferably spiral-lock snap rings). The advantage of this modular construction is that one can manufacture multiple tubular devices and multiple flanges of each type, and connect the flanges to the tubular devices on an as-needed basis.

Abstract: A rail vehicle contains a sanitary system which has a waste water tank and a fresh water tank which are each equipped with associated filling level sensors. A control device is provided for establishing a link in terms of control between the filling levels in the fresh water tank and waste water tank. The control device monitors the filling level in the waste water tank by associated sensors and controls the filling level in the fresh water tank as a function of a measured filling level in the waste water tank.

Abstract: A pneumatic manifold for a braking system of a railway vehicle includes a first manifold section and a second manifold section, each having an interior surface thereon and a plurality of ports and passageways extending therethrough, and a manifold joint seal for creating a sealing engagement between the first manifold section and the second manifold section. The manifold joint seal is removably mounted inside a slot provided on the surface of one or both manifold sections. The manifold joint seal includes a retainer body having an opening extending therethrough, and two sealing elements are disposed within respective channels provided on opposing surfaces of the retainer body in the axial direction of the annular opening.

Abstract: A rail vehicle has a sanitary assembly at which waste water is produced. A waste water pipeline extends between the sanitary assembly and a connector for a target container for receiving waste water. The waste water connector of the sanitary assembly is located lower than at least a portion of the waste water pipeline to the target container so that the waste water has to be conveyed through the waste water line counter to the force of gravity. The waste water pipeline is formed with at least one return flow barrier.

Abstract: A pressure control system for controlling pressure in a tank is provided. The pressure control system includes a pressure relief valve and a rupture disc subassembly. The pressure relief valve is connected to the tank. The rupture disc subassembly is located between the pressure relief valve and the tank and is connected to the tank. The pressure relief valve is connected such that removal of the pressure relief valve does not affect the connection of the rupture disc subassembly to the tank.

Abstract: A fluid flow controlling system for controlling the flow of fluid from a tank having an exterior surface is provided. The system includes an angle valve and a check valve. The angle valve is coupled to the tank and located substantially on an outer side of the exterior surface. The angle valve includes a spindle, a valve seat and a valve seal. The spindle, valve seat and valve seal are located on an inner side of the exterior surface. The check valve is coupled to the tank and located substantially on the inner side of the exterior surface. The check valve is movable between a closed state and an open state by the spindle.

Abstract: A railway tank car is provided having a manway formed in a body of the tank car. The tank car includes a manway cover plate coupled to the body of the tank car and disposed over at least a portion of the manway. A protective housing assembly is coupled to the body of the tank car and disposed around the manway cover plate. A plurality of structural supports are arranged around an outer perimeter of the protective housing assembly and are coupled to the protective housing assembly and to the body of the tank car.

Abstract: A manifold includes first and second plates secured together at an inner face of each plate. A plurality of chambers and passages are in the inner faces of the plates and at least one port on an outer face of each plate connected to one of the chambers and passages. A crossover element in the crossing chamber or passage of the first plate separates a chamber or passage in the first plate from a chamber or passage in the second plate in the area where the chambers or passages cross.

Abstract: This invention provides a heavy duty pinch valve for use in industrial applications, such as railroad tank cars that is constructed with a sealed housing that is sufficiently sturdy to operate in tough environments and large material flows. The valve includes a welded one-piece framework for sturdy support of pinch elements and the spool. The framework includes a tank car-connecting flange with two pairs of upright supports welded thereto. One pair of supports includes apertures for rotatably supporting two intermeshed geared ends of the pinch elements that counter-rotate toward each other during closure. Between the geared ends extends a pinch element bearing shaft that is surrounded by a rotatable cylindrical sleeve adapted to bear against the spool. The geared ends are covered by side cover plates. A bottom cover plate having an outlet is provided. It is adapted to shear off the framework in the event of an accident.

Abstract: An assembly for swinging an external handle of a tank dome valve on a tank dome about a generally horizontal axis has a gearbox and an air motor. In a preferred embodiment, a housing is cooperatively formed by the gearbox casing and the motor cover. The gearbox contains a worm that meshes with a gear that turns within the casing. The air motor turns the worm, thereby turning the gear. An adapter that is external to the casing has a spline that passes through an aperture in the casing to mesh with an internal spline of the gear. The adapter is shaped for engagement with the handle of the tank dome valve. The housing and adapter are arranged such that, when the adapter is in engagement with the valve handle and the motor is operated to turn the gear via the worm, the far end of the motor cover is forced to bear against the tank dome and consequently force the adapter to swing the handle.

Abstract: A valve closure assembly (50) for remotely and automatically closing railway tank car valves (V1, V2, V3, V4) characterized by a series of novel adapters (180, 240, 242, 244, 252, 254) for enabling one valve closure assembly to turn the handles of various different valves, including soft-seat valves and hard-seat valves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for restricting access to ports that may be disposed in a bonnet to house valves on a railcar. More specifically, the present invention relates to a template that may be lowered over the bonnet of the railcar wherein the template has a plurality of differently sized holes to allow access to specially-sized nozzles. In addition, the valves may be eduction valves and/or vapor valves, and the apertures may allow a specific-sized nozzle to have access to the eduction valves, the vapor valves or both. The template may lower onto the bonnet via a frame that may be rotatably attached to a structure. Further, joints and bearings may be provided to allow the template to be movable so as to precisely fit over the bonnet of the railcar.

Abstract: A secondary containment cap apparatus for a turret of a hazardous fluid primary container having a primary container wall with a primary container turret opening having a turret opening perimeter wall, the secondary containment cap apparatus including a valve mounting plate extending over and covering the turret opening in sealing relation with the perimeter wall, the valve mounting plate having at least one valve port fitted with a fluid passing container valve; a containment cap including a cap wall with a concave cap interior and a cap abutment port, the cap abutment port having a cap abutment port rim, the containment cap being secured onto the valve mounting plate so that the container cap covers and encloses the fluid passing container valve, the cap abutment port rim being sealingly retained to the valve mounting plate; and a cap attachment structure securing the valve mounting plate to the perimeter wall.

Abstract: A canister containing spent fuel assemblies is contained in a body of a transportation cask. A top opening of a vessel body of the canister is closed by a lid welded to the vessel body. A ring-shaped elastic tube is provided between the inner surface of the upper end portion of the body and the outer surface of the upper end portion of the vessel body. The tube seals the gap between these surfaces to prevent a fluid from getting into the gap between the surfaces through the top opening of the body. An inspection space for the insertion of a tester for detecting the welding state of the lid is defined between the inner surface of the upper end portion of the body and the outer surface of the upper end portion of the vessel body.

Abstract: An inwardly opening mechanical vent system is provided for use in a fluid tank having a bottom loading valve and a vent formed in an upper tank surface. The vent system includes a spring interposed between a vent valve and a body extending downwardly into the tank to bias the vent valve upwardly into a closed position. A shaft extends downwardly from the vent valve and is connected to a lever mechanism. The lever mechanism includes a scissor-hinge assembly connected to a trunnion of the body. A linkage rod extends upwardly from the bottom loading valve and is capable of actuating the lever mechanism to lower the shaft and vent valve into the tank to open the vent when the bottom loading valve is opened.

Abstract: A manway cover system used to cover an opening in a tank, the manway cover system having a manway with a top and a bottom surface, at least one valve mounting area on the top surface for mounting a valve thereon, and a hood contact area surrounding each valve mounting area. The hood contact area is that portion of the top surface of the manway to be contacted by an emergency hood if an emergency hood was installed. The system further includes a flange, the flange being attachable to the manway, the flange covering a portion of the hood contact area when so attached. The flange further has an opening therethrough adapted to allow attachment of the flange on the manway without removal of a valve when mounted on the valve mounting area.

Abstract: A mobile tank car or like vehicle includes a mechanical hydraulic dampening device having kinetic energy dissipating baffles in its interior with no moving parts. The moving tank car carrying a liquid load, such as for example a railroad tank car, including a rupture disc assembly or a safety relief valve at the top of the tank to prevent fracturing of the tank due to excessive pressure. The dampening device is located in line between the rupture disk assembly or safety valve and the liquid load. When the tank is suddenly moved, the shifting liquid load passes through the pipe-like device, impacting against impact surfaces of a baffle, causing its energy and the hydraulic hammer action to be dissipated.

Abstract: A drain pipe support advantageously acts as a guide for insertion of a drain pipe and secures the drain pipe in a desired position for draining of a fluid filled tank. Additionally the drain pipe support also advantageously guides fluid into the drain pipe so that efficient draining may be accomplished. The drain pipe support is comprised of an interior hollow portion which includes a tapered central portion 34 at a lower end thereof in order to guide the drain pipe and form a seal between the drain pipe and the drain pipe support. The drain pipe support advantageously has a hollow body which includes a support member that extends from the upper sides of an outer wall of the body. The support member is desirably formed in a substantially uniform circumference around the body of the drain pipe support.

Abstract: A baffle plate assembly for reducing the amount of corrosive liquid contained within a railroad car from contacting a pressure relief valve connected to the railroad car. The baffle plate assembly includes a baffle body having one end connected to an upper plate and the other end connected to a lower plate. The baffle body includes a plurality of slotted openings and radially extending downwardly sloped drainage openings. The lower plate includes a radially extending downwardly sloped drainage surface that further includes a plurality of channels for draining liquid out of the baffle body. The baffle plate assembly is connected to the railroad car adjacent to the pressure relief valve such that air and/or other gases pass through the baffle plate assembly and then the pressure relief valve. Air and/or other gases pass from within the railroad car through the plurality of slotted openings defined in the baffle body into an interior chamber of the baffle body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power source for supplying water-based liquid to a system, the power source comprising a container (5) for the water-based liquid and a pump unit (6) which comprises a pump (7) and a power source (8) for the pump, the pump unit being arranged to supply the water-based liquid from the container to the system via a pipe system (4) which is filled with a liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is apparatus for installation on railroad cars and automatically connecting pneumatic and/or electric lines of two adjacent railroad cars. The principle of the product design is to apply pneumatic system's own pressure for automatically sealing the juncture area of the coupling and for sealing the hose end and maintaining air pressure at the compressor source when a train brake-in-two occurs. The preferred embodiment includes a substantially rectangular front-mating assembly attached to the front end of a rearwardly extending coupler shank and an installation portion for attaching said rectangular front-mating assembly to the undercarriage of a rail-car via said coupler shank. Said front-mating assembly includes a male and a female mating heads mounted on its front panel and a pair of alignment members installed at its two sides for guiding said mating heads to the appropriate coupling positions during the coupling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a railroad car brake manifold adapted to be attached to the pipe brackets on existing railroad cars to provide sufficient pneumatic chambers and channels to perform the required pneumatic logic flow for pneumatic devices attached to the manifold, accomplish pneumatic timing function and provide system stabilization for electronically controlled pneumatic braking systems.

Abstract: A bottom outlet valve for a tank car having a bottom is provided. The valve includes a nozzle projecting from the bottom of the tank car and defining an opening and having a locking member, an outlet cap shaped and dimensioned to cover the opening and moveable between open and closed positions, wherein in the closed position the cap forms a substantially liquid-tight seal with the opening. The valve also includes at least one moveable handle coupled to the cap and having a locking portion engageable with the locking member and a hand gripping portion formed by structure defining a closed loop. Movement of the hand gripping portion causes engagement of the locking portion with the locking member, wherein when the locking member and locking portion are engaged, the outlet cap is retained in a closed position.

Abstract: A bottom valve assembly is provided for a tank car having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a manway disposed in the top portion. The assembly includes a valve seat disposed in the bottom portion of the tank car and defining an outlet opening and a plug moveable between closed and open positions relative to the outlet opening. In the closed position, the plug is disposed against a seat to form a substantially liquid-tight seal. The assembly also includes a link pivotally mounted to the manway, operating linkage coupled to the plug and pivotally coupled to the link, and a lever fixedly secured to the link. Movement of the lever causes the plug to be moved between the open and closed positions. The assembly may also include a latch for preventing movement of the plug from the closed position and a secondary linkage for moving the latch and to provide an indication at the manway of the plug position.

Abstract: A manifold protective valve enclosure can have a bottom portion and a valve mounting subbase portion disposed on the bottom portion. A portion of the perimeter of the bottom portion can be surrounded by side walls which surround a valve which can be mounted on the subbase portion. A cover can be provided over the side walls to completely enclose and protect both the subbase and the valve. A portion of at least one side wall can form a side of the subbase, or integral conduit members can provide fluid communication between the side of the subbase and the side wall. The subbase can have the requisite ports configured to mate with the ports in the valve and can also have an override port configured to connect to an external device. The subbase can further include a receptacle for an electrical connector on the valve. The subbase can also include accessory devices such as mufflers, shut-off valves and flow controls.

Abstract: A liquid container includes a hollow body containing an outlet hole formed in the bottom portion thereof, a V-shaped control valve mounted on the bottom portion of the body and having a first tube received in the body and a second tube extending outward from the body via the outlet hole, a plurality of drain holes contained in the mediate portion of the control valve and connecting between the body and the second tube, a control gasket movably mounted in the control valve and movable between a first position where the control gasket seals each of the drain holes, thereby closing the connection between the body and the second tube, and a second position where the control gasket is released from the drain holes, thereby opening the connection between the body and the second tube, and a drive device for moving the control gasket between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A tank filling and pressure relief assembly. A cover member has a seat for sealingly closing the tank opening. A stem is attached at one end to a piston in a cylinder (which is attached to the cover member and extends downwardly therefrom into the tank) and at the other end to a strongback. The strongback is pivotly mounted to swing the assembly away from the opening for filling thereof and to swing the assembly back into position to seat the cover member and is lockable in a position to lockingly urge the cover member to the closed position. The stem is flexibly coupled to the strongback to evenly distribute the seating force so that binding does not occur and is threadedly attached thereto so that the set pressure for pressure relief may be adjusted by access to the stem for turning thereof through an opening or cut-out in the strongback.

Abstract: A railroad tank car can be filled with a slurry of a solid and a solvent therefor. The tank car is fitted with a feed distribution header that is provided with a plurality of predetermined spaced openings. The header is mounted in the car so that after the solids have settled, the solids are located below the distribution header and the supernatant liquid is above the distribution header. The supernatant liquid can then be withdrawn from the tank car through the distribution header and flows back to a storage tank from where it came. All of this can be accomplished with a single pump. Removing or unloading of solids from the car is effected by rendering the solids flowable with a liquor and pumping the solids from the car or dissolving them.

Abstract: A collapsible container for hauling certain bulk materials in freight vehicles. The container includes a generally flexible barrier that defines a collapsible cavity in which bulk materials may be controlled during transportation. The flexible barrier includes at least one port for passing material into and out of the cavity, as well as a cover for closing the port. To assist in the loading and unloading, the container includes a lifting member for engagement with a crane, a strap attached to the lifting member and the barrier, and a ring attached to the lower portion of the barrier. The strap provides support to the barrier as it is lifted and suspended during loading and unloading from a freight vehicle. The ring is provided to hold the container in place as it is inverted to discharge the materials from the cavity.

Abstract: The invention is to a method and apparatus that provide a removable container that functions both as a filtration unit and as a removable and transportable container for transferring fuel from a Filtration Fuel Technology (FFT) process to a fuel receiving facility.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gauging device for use in a tanker railcar having a manway cover for attaching a valve having a valve stem, that the manway cover having an opening and a valve mounting recess, a checkvalve positioned in that the manway opening, that the checkvalve having a valve stem contact area, that the gauging device having a plate sized to fit across that the manway cover opening and engage that the valve mounting recess on that the manway cover and that the plate having an opening therethrough, that the opening positioned to substantially align with that the valve stem contact area of a checkvalve. Slidable in that the opening in that the plate is a calibration member, that the calibration member having one end adapted to engage that the valve stem contact area of a check valve and that the calibration member having at least one indicia placed thereon for indicating that the relative position of a checkvalve contact area with respect to a valve stem.

Abstract: Described are improved valve covers on containers adapted for use in shipping and/or storing transportable chemicals. In one device of the invention, a hinge connects a lid to a rim and is displaced from the container's center line at a first preselected angle, is free-floating to permit horizontal self-alignment with the rim upon contact therewith, and is equipped with stop means for preventing the lid from swinging open more than a second preselected angle from a plane occupied by the sealing surface of the rim. The invention provides valve covers, and containers with valve covers, having significantly improved sealing capability to provide better protection of container valves and container content from external elements, contaminants and/or reactants, while employing a configuration which makes access to the valves and container contents easier and safer.

Abstract: A container and method for transporting finely divided coal in rail cars or other cargo hauling vehicles, the container having a generally flexible and substantially oxygen impermeable barrier defining an encapsulated cavity. A port, including a coupling adapted to substantially prevent exposing the finely divided coal to oxygen, is positioned in the container for passing a flowable material through the barrier. The container also including a cap for sealing the port, a one-way pressure activated valve positioned in the barrier preventing gases in the cavity, and a harness for supporting the barrier and defining the shape of the cavity. The method generally having the initial steps of removing most of the oxygen from the cavity of the container, and adjusting the shape of the cavity to conform to the type of rail car that is being used to haul the finely divided coal.

Abstract: A retainer is provided for retaining a catch mounted to a first portion of a split ramp car in its unlocked position as a second portion of a ramp car exits a locking area in which it is previously locked. An arm portion of the retainer extends into the locking area and controls the operation of the retainer in response to the movement of the ramp and the locking area. A fluid coupler, automatically couples a first and second portions of a main reservoir pipe and a first and second portions of a brake pipe connected to each first and second portion of the ramp car respectively, when the ramp is in its raised and travel position. Valves in each of the main reservoir passages close the main reservoir passage when the first and second housings are separated and opens the main reservoir passages when the first and second housings are joined. An electrical coupler is also automatically coupled as the two portions of the ramp car are joined.

Abstract: An internal valve for pressurized fluid containment vessels having vessel ports. The valve includes a valve seat associated with the vessel port and a valve member movable between a closed position against the valve seat and an open position wherein fluid can flow through the vessel port. A control chamber positioned in the vessel is connected to the valve member. A motive mechanism acting on or in the control chamber, by a control system outside of the vessel, controllably moves the valve member to at least one of the open or closed positions. The control chamber is sealed from fluid in the vessel by a sealing system, which includes a flexing surface against which fluid pressure in the vessel acts to thereby bias the valve member towards one of the open or closed positions.

Abstract: An hopper gate valve having a valve body for connection to a hopper car with a generally elongated discharge opening is provided. A valve member is adapted to engageable and disengage the elongated discharge opening by using a control apparatus which controllably and pivotally effects the displacement of the valve member with respect to the elongated discharge opening.

Abstract: A tube well extends through a fluid containment compartment and is secured at both ends thereof to the compartment shell. Both ends of the well communicate with respective shell openings. Compartment fittings and/or equipment are positioned in the tube and are accessible through at least one of the openings. Both openings can be sealed and the well pressurized, to prevent pressurized fluid in the compartment from leaking through the equipment and into the tube well.

Abstract: A drain valve is provided for connection to a water supply line for draining water in a vacuum flush aircraft sanitation system. The valve comprises a housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The housing also includes a pressure chamber with a diaphragm that is normally biased to a first position by a spring when the chamber is depressurized. This allows water to flow from the fluid inlet to the drain outlet and ultimately to a drain mast of the aircraft. When the chamber is pressurized, however, the diaphragm moves to a second position which operates a linkage mechanism that moves a plug against a seat in the drain outlet to close the drain outlet so that rinse water does not drain from the valve's fluid inlet. A sanitation system also is disclosed, in which grey water from the aircraft lavatory sink is collected and transferred under pressure through a rinse line to flush a toilet bowl when the drain valve is closed.

Abstract: An internal valve and metered positive displacement pump for a pressure fluid tank. The tank defines a fluid compartment, and first and second vessels are positioned within the protective envelope of the tank. A bellows pump assembly disposed in the first vessel includes a bellows and a piston cylinder arrangement positioned within and attached to the bellows. Pressurized fluid is pumped into and out of the first vessel to actuate the piston cylinder arrangement. With this actuating movement fluid is pumped from the compartment through a valve in the second vessel and into the second vessel for removal therefrom. The valve is normally closed against the working pressure of the fluid in the compartment by a spring bellows relief assembly in the second vessel. The force of the fluid pump by the piston cylinder arrangement opens the valve, and a check valve prevents fluid from flowing back from the valve into the first vessel.

Abstract: A fluid transport apparatus including a fluid transport tank having a tank shell defining a fluid compartment within it. A well connected to the shell at an opening through the shell is recessed into the perimeter of the compartment. The well and its contents are thereby protectively positioned within the envelope of the shell. Equipment operatively associated with the compartment can be mounted in the well. When the equipment includes a pressure relief valve, the well cover plate can have a vent which can have a rupture disc mounted therein and adapted to open when the valve lifts. A pressure relief valve mounted in the well can be controlled by a valve positioned within the fluid compartment and operatively connected in series with the relief valve. When the equipment is a fluid valve or a relief valve it can be controlled by control equipment mounted in another recessed well, safely spaced from the recessed well of the valve.

Abstract: An internal pump assembly including a fluid tank defining a fluid compartment, and first and second vessels positioned in the tank. The second vessel has a second vessel port through which fluid can flow relative to the fluid compartment. A bellows pump assembly positioned at least partially in the first vessel pumps fluid from the fluid compartment through the second vessel port into the second vessel from which the fluid can be subsequently removed. The fluid in the compartment acts on the bellows surface to thereby bias the pump assembly towards one of a pumping or a non-pumping position.

Abstract: A fluid apparatus including a fluid tank having a shell and defining a fluid containment compartment. A well is recessed into the fluid tank at an opening in the shell. The well has a well wall secured to the shell and a support ring at the shell opening and secured to and inside of the well wall. A cover plate is removably securable to the support ring to form a pressure-tight connection relative to the interior of the well such that the cover plate can retain in the well a pressure at least as great as the working pressure of the fluid in the compartment. This pressure-tight securement is preferably made by threading bolts through the plate and into drilled, tapped blind holes in the ring. The well can have a well head secured to the well wall and opposite to the shell opening. The well head in turn can be equipped with an internal manway cover openable into the tank and closable in a pressure-tight manner relative to the well wall.

Abstract: A protective valve system including a pipe extending into the tank through a wall with a seat positioned in the pipe inside of the tank and a safety plug movable for releasable and sealingly seating on the seat. A first valve is positioned outside the tank and connected to the pipe and a second valve is positioned in the pipe inside of the tank. A valve operator positioned inside of the tank is connected to the second valve but is exposed to the exterior of the tank for actuation.