Abstract: Methods and apparatus for liquid preservation according to various aspects of the present invention may comprise a vessel and a displacer. The displacer may be disposed in an interior volume defined by an interior surface of the vessel. The displacer may change the volume of the interior volume. An aperture at an apex of the displacer or vessel may allow air to escape from the interior volume as the displacer decreases the volume of the interior volume. An at least partially transparent displacement indicator may be positioned atop the aperture.

Abstract: Floating roof tank for a volatile liquid have an outer roof and an internal floating roof with a primary seal with a support such that when the tank is empty, the floating roof will rest on the support whether the tank is in a vertical or horizontal position. The support enables the tank to be transported in a horizontal position without damage to the seal. The floating roof tank with support can be configured as a conical tank, flat bottom tank or slant bottom tank. The floating roof tank can also include a cleaning system and a flush mounted manway cover.

Abstract: A column assembly for supporting a floating roof used with a storage tank for containing a volatile fluid, including an inner pipe, an outer pipe securable to the floating roof to extend below and generally perpendicular to the roof, the outer pipe surrounding and being movable axially on the inner pipe with a generally annular space defined between them, a pin extendable transversely through the overlapping walls of the inner and outer pipes to releasably fix the axial position of one pipe relative to the other, and a cylindrical sleeve seal having an upper part to slidably engage the inner pipe outer surface, a lower part bore surface to engage the top end outer surface of the outer pipe, and a radially inward extending rib situated axially between the upper and lower parts and extending transversely across and closing the top end of the annular space between the pipes.

Abstract: An oil tank floating roof device, includes a plurality of connecting bars and a plurality of floating units, which are respectively secured to the plurality of connecting bars by means a plurality of longitudinal and crosswise holding spaces collectively encircling the floating units. A plurality of locking members are fitted on the peripheries of the floating units, and two sides of the connecting bars respectively form at least one joining groove. The joining grooves respectively enable each of the floating units to longitudinally or crosswisely insert therein. The top portions of the connecting bars form at least one pressure resistant reinforcing plate, and the pressure resistant reinforcing plate is fitted with a plurality of locking portions. Bolts are used to respectively correspondingly pass through the locking portions and bolt into the locking members on the longitudinal or crosswise sides of the base of the floating units.

Abstract: A support column assembly for supporting a floating roof used with a storage tank for containing a volatile fluid, including: a. an inner pipe formed by a cylindrical wall having top and bottom ends, b. an outer pipe securable to the floating roof to extend below and generally perpendicular to the plane of the roof, the outer pipe formed by a cylindrical wall having top and bottom ends, the outer pipe surrounding and being movable axially on the inner pipe with a generally annular space defined between the inner and outer pipes, the generally annular space having opposite top and bottom ends, c. a first set of coaxial holes extending transversely through opposite sides of the wall of the outer pipe d. a second set of coaxial holes extending transversely through opposite sides of the wall of the inner pipe, e.

Abstract: The disclosed floating-roof storage tank has an articulated floor with an annular outer portion, an intermediate transition portion, and a raised inner portion. Pipe elements or equipment that may hang from an outer, annular section on the roof or extend from the tank wall fit around the outside of the transition portion. Liquid-tight seams connect the transition portion of the floor to the outer portion and to the raised inner portion of the floor, sealing off an inventory-reduction compartment beneath the raised portion of the floor. The inventory-reduction compartment is supported by a solid or liquid fill or by a metal support structure. The raised inner portion of the floor may support the floating roof in a low position, and may support columns or the like that are used to support a fixed roof above the floating roof.

Abstract: A process and a device for biological treatment of a suspension in a bioreactor, wherein the suspension is circulated, at least some of the suspension is routed through a vertically aligned guide zone in the bioreactor so that a vertical flow of the suspension is produced. The top scum in the area of the suspension fill level is controlled by feeding a fluid, especially in the form of a free liquid jet, into the bioreactor via at least one nozzle at the fill level, such that the surface of the suspension and/or the top scum floating on the surface of the suspension is forced into rotary flow.

Abstract: A floating cover or roof having a plurality of floating panels or panels is provided. The floating cover disposed in a storage tank includes a frame having a plurality of openings, the floating panels mounted into the respective openings, an inspection port formed on an upper member of the floating panel and communicated with an inside of the floating panel. The inspection port provides for inspection for the presence of moisture, vapor, and condensate trapped in the inside of each of the floating panels without disassembly of adjacent floating panels, and also provides for the replacement of a damaged or degraded one among the floating panels without taking the internal floating roof out of the storage tank.

Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a removable cover for retaining off-gases inside a clarifier. The cover comprises trusses extending across the clarifier and a flexible sheet laid across the trusses. Structural angles enclose the clarifier and constitute a kick plate on the walkways around the clarifier for improving the safety of workers. One side of the flexible sheet is permanently affixed to a first wall of the clarifier. A series of pullers are mounted inside the structural angles for pulling and releasably sealing the three other sides of the flexible sheet against the outmost trusses and against a second wall of the clarifier opposite the first wall. Each puller has a cable-deflector bar extending substantially at a same level as a mounting surface of the puller for increasing an angle of downward pull on the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is rolled-up along the trusses to expose machinery inside the clarifier.

Abstract: A cover assembly for an organic waste lagoon basin and a method of making and deploying such a cover assembly. A cover includes connected cover panels or sections. In one form of the invention the panels are comprised of a single layer of geotextile fabric. In another form of the invention the panels are comprised of interconnected strata including a sacrificial layer which faces the sun and protects the cover from ultraviolet light degradation; a foam layer that floats the cover; and a geotextile fabric layer. The geotextile fabric is porous and suppresses the release of malodorous gases from the lagoon basin. The cover can be constructed and deployed by laying out cover panels in fanfold fashion along a side of the basin; connecting adjacent edges of the panels; attaching flotation to the free edge of the top panel; and using deployment lines and a mandrel to move the cover across the filled basin.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant manhole unit having a rotationally molded plastic manifold forming a hollow chamber for providing access to sewer pipes to be connected to the manifold. A manifold inlet connector molded into the manifold for connecting the manifold to an upstream conduit and allowing an inflow of fluid to the hollow chamber. A manifold outlet connector molded into the manifold for connecting the manifold to a downstream conduit so that fluid flows out of the hollow chamber. A manifold riser molded atop the manifold having an open top forming an aperture for accessing the hollow chamber. The manifold riser extending upward from the manifold towards ground level for allowing equipment and personnel to access the hollow chamber through the aperture. A watertight removable riser cap is included for sealing the top of the riser to close and prevent fluid and debris from entering or leaving the manifold.

Abstract: A cover assembly for an organic waste lagoon basin and a method of making and deploying such a cover assembly. A cover includes connected cover panels or sections. In one form of the invention the panels are comprised of a single layer of geotextile fabric. In another form of the invention the panels are comprised of interconnected strata including a sacrificial layer which faces the sun and protects the cover from ultraviolet light degradation; a foam layer that floats the cover; and a geotextile fabric layer. The geotextile fabric is porous and suppresses the release of malodorous gases from the lagoon basin. The cover can be constructed and deployed by laying out cover panels in fanfold fashion along a side of the basin; connecting adjacent edges of the panels; attaching flotation to the free edge of the top panel; and using deployment lines and a mandrel to move the cover across the filled basin.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining cylindrical sections, including a semi-cylindrical profile section or member adapted to be coupled to a cylindrical section on an outer circumferential portion of the profile section or member and including an outer circumferential groove and an inner circumferential ridge; a ring-shaped compression ring or member coupled to the profile section or member and including a circumferential groove on an outer portion thereof and attachment fixtures or members on opposite sides thereof; and a pair of semi-cylindrical tension bands or members forming a ring shape and each including a pair of inner circumferential ridges and attachment fixtures or members on end portions thereof. The circumferential ridge of the profile section or member couples to the circumferential groove of the compression ring or member. One of the circumferential ridges of one of the tension bands or members couples to respective of the circumferential groove of the profile section or member.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for remotely selectively securing a floating tank roof in a desired position.

Abstract: A floating cover or roof having a plurality of floating panels or panels is provided. The floating cover disposed in a storage tank includes a frame having a plurality of openings, the floating panels mounted into the respective openings, an inspection port formed on an upper member of the floating panel and communicated with an inside of the floating panel. The inspection port provides the inspection of presence of moisture, vapor, and condensate trapped in the inside of each of the floating panels without disassembly of adjacent floating panels and also provides the replacement of damaged or degraded one among the floating panels without taking out the internal floating roof from the storage tank.

Abstract: A remotely operated manhole cover for a tanker or trailer is provided. The manhole cover includes a hollow neck which is welded in place in the shell of the tanker or trailer. The neck defines an opening which allows access to the interior of the tanker or trailer for filling or cleaning of the tanker. A lid is pivotable about an axis between a closed position in which the manhole cover is closed, and an open position in which the lid is clear of the neck opening to allow access to the interior of the tanker. The lid is provided with an inflatable seal and locking flanges which extend from a rim of the lid. Pivotal locking members are provided on the neck and are movable between a locked position in which locking member engages the lid locking flange and an unlocked position in which the locking members are disengaged from the lid locking flange. Separate actuators are provide for the cover and the locking members.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting the floating roof of a tank is provided that includes a guide fastened to the floating roof, a support leg slidably received in the guide and a locking pin. The guide supports the floating roof when the assembly is in an operating mode. In this mode, the support leg may be withdrawn from the guide. When the support leg is withdrawn, the locking pin is installed coaxial with the vertical axis of the guide, to close the orifice remaining upon removal of the support leg. When the roof is placed in a maintenance mode, the support leg is reinserted in the orifice and the locking pin is passed through aligned orifices of plates rigidly fastened to the top end of the guide. The transverse orientation of the locking pin in the locked mode enables an operator to determine the operating status of the floating roof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device which is used in the floating roofs of tanks for storing liquids and is intended to prevent the formation of a vacuum between the stored liquid and the floating roof (5). More particularly, the device of the invention is intended for a liquid storage tank which has operating heights which are much lower than the maintenance height. There are two possible ways in which the device of the invention can operate. When the floating roof (5) is in operating mode and reaches its minimum operating height (FIG. 2), a lower shaft stop (10) of a sliding shaft of the valve comes against a lower stop (8) of the body (2) of the device, causing the device (30) to open. When the floating roof (5) is placed in the maintenance mode, use is made of a locking pin (4) for rigidly fastening the sliding shaft (3) to the body (2) of the device (30), which enables the assembly to open when the floating roof reaches the maintenance height (FIG. 4).

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel soluble polyimide resin which is superior in solubility in solvents and transparency, which is useful particularly in electronics and optronics fields, and which has good processability; a process for production of the resin; and a solution composition of the resin. A soluble polyimide resin containing, as part or the whole of the diamine units, a 2,5(or 6)-bis(aminomethyl)bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane and having a light transmittance of 60% or more in a range of wavelength larger than 400 nm in an ultraviolet-visible light spectrum measured for a film of 10-.mu.m thickness; a process for production of the resin; and a solution composition of the resin.

Abstract: A molded plastic extension member for use in increasing the height of manholes, or catch basins when surfacing or resurfacing a roadway. The extension member may be formed having a sloping upper planar support surface to thereby adjust the angle of the catch basin support frame or the manhole cover support frame. An outer surface of the extension member includes indicia that allows the user to align the slope of the upper planar support surface parallel with the roadway surface. When several sloped extension members are stacked, the indicia may be used to create a complex angle of slope relative to the underlying base members vertical axis. The extension member includes a pocket adaptable for receiving and retaining mortar between two stacked extensions. Planar surfaces may extend from both the upper and lower edge of the extension member, thereby providing support and added stacking surface for the stacked extension members.

Abstract: Improvements are made to a system in which force is applied to aeration units from only one side of a basin. Part of such force is vector transferred from one end of a beam of the aeration unit to the other end of the beam to move both ends of the beam. The beam supports pipes of the aeration unit. A force transfer module includes one force transfer strand held in a force transfer path between fixed opposite ends of the strand. The force transfer path extends in part along the beam, which is placed in compression. Motion of the one end of the beam resulting from the force is transferred by the single force transfer strand to the opposite end of the beam so that both ends of the beam move relative to the basin under the action of the force.

Abstract: A floating roof for use in a storage tank for oil or other liquid petrochemical products has a frame comprised of girders. Adjustable legs for supporting the floating roof on the bottom of the storage tank are mounted on the girders, and are coupled to the junction of a main girder and a cross girder by a support housing assembly.

Abstract: A floating roof for use in a storage tank for oil or other liquid petrochemical products has a frame comprised of girders having grooved slots in top and opposite side surfaces thereof along substantially the entire lengths of the girders. The slots are capable of receiving threaded fasteners and flanges at any location along the length thereof, permitting cross girders to be bolted to main girders at virtually any location along the length of the main girder and deck sheeting to be bolted to the tops of the girders at virtually any location along the length of each girder, without the need to drill holes. Adjustable legs for supporting the floating roof on the bottom of the storage tank are mounted on the girders, and are coupled to the junction of a main girder and a cross girder by a support housing assembly. A manway assembly and bleeder vent assemblies are also coupled to girder junctions.

Abstract: An improved storage tank of the type having a bottom, side walls and a floating roof in which the improvement comprises support legs and support sleeves for selectively supporting the floating roof at first and second elevations. The support legs engage the tank bottom and extend upwardly therefrom. The support sleeves are attached to the floating roof and extend downwardly therefrom. The support sleeves surround the support legs and are vertically moveable relative thereto from first positions in which the support sleeves engage the tank bottom to support the floating roof at the first elevation and second positions in which the floating roof may be supported by the support legs at the second elevation.

Abstract: A clarifier is disclosed with a cover or roof configured and disposed to minimize headspace between a top level of liquid in a clarifier vessel and a bottom of the roof. In one aspect the roof or cover includes one or more removable panels which permit access to a clarifier vessel's interior; the panels removably secured to a purlin system which is connected to a truss support secured to the vessel. In one aspect one or more circumferential purge air inlets are provided through which flow purge air. Purge air and gaseous material emitted from a mixture in the clarifier flow to a vent or vents through which they exit the clarifier. In one aspect the air inlet or inlets are disposed to provide uniform flow from the inlets to the vents. In one aspect one or more roof panels is connected with a known force and has a known rupture strength so that before explosive damage to other parts of the clarifier the panel is explosively disconnected and ruptured to relieve pressure in the clarifier.

Abstract: A seal for use in large liquid storage tanks having a floating roof and fixed, slotted gauge pole vertically extending through a well with a sliding cover is disclosed, the seal comprising two half sleeve members joined to form a tubular sleeve surrounding the gauge pole within the well of the floating roof, means to join the two half sleeve members together, and a sealing collar and gasket which seals the aperture in the sliding cover and connects the sleeve to the sliding cover of the well. The seal sleeve member extends from above the roof through the well and down into the liquid, thereby closing all the exposed slots on the gauge pole.

Abstract: The invention discloses a cap with a safety opening which comprises an inner element (10) with a thread suited to be screwed on the neck of a bottle (40), presenting on its outer cylindrical surface cogs (13) matching the corresponding cogs (31) which are present on an outer element (30), an outer element (30), also essentially cylindrical, presenting a double row of cogs (31, 33), co-operating with the inner element (10) and with a push-button (20); a push-button (20) having an essentially cylindrical shape and being placed between the inner and the outer elements and presenting at its bottom an annular rim (24) with a double row of cogs (21, 25), one row being arranged on its cylindrical wall and the other on the vertical wall (26) of the annular rim (24).

Abstract: This invention relates to a floating roof support for a liquid storage tank that reduces the loss of vapor from the tank and that supports the roof in a low and a high position.

Abstract: An improved fluid storage tank of the type having a bottom, side walls and a floating roof. A plurality of first support legs extend upwardly from the bottom. A plurality of second support legs extend from the floating roof. A power device attached to the floating roof is provided to rotate the roof between a first position in which the first and second support legs are not aligned, allowing the roof to be supported at a first elevation, and a second position in which the first and second support legs are aligned, allowing the roof to be supported at a second elevation.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a vapor tight floating roof support leg for a liquid storage tank characterized by a leg and a seal at the top of the leg so as to prevent the escape of fugitive volatile organic or other gaseous compounds from evaporation from the surface of the liquid. In one embodiment, the leg is of one fixed length and the seal is comprised of a blind welded, bolted or otherwise firmly affixed to the top of the leg. In another embodiment wherein the support leg is comprised of two pieces, an inner pipe leg slides into a hollow sleeve. The seal at the top of the support leg is comprised of a flange firmly attached to the sleeve, and a blind is welded, bolted or otherwise firmly affixed to an inner leg which may be any predetermined length. The blind is firmly attached to the flange.

Abstract: A tank for storing liquids, particularly of the vaporized type. A floating roof on the tank includes a peripheral seal which slideably engages the tank inner wall to maintain a degree of sealing as the roof adjusts in response to variations in the liquid level. A plurality of sleeves to depend downwardly from the roof underside to support the latter when the tank has been emptied and is no longer supported on contained liquid. A column is slidably received in each sleeve and is adjustable to limit downward movement of the roof when in the non-supported mode to facilitate the cleaning of the tank interior.

Abstract: A closure (38) for an annular clearance (36) between a floating tank roof (20) and a generally cylindrical tank (10) including the method of installation is provided. The closure (38) includes a plurality of arcuate shoes (40) mounted about the inner circumference of the tank (10) with variable length hanger rods (74, 75) connecting the shoes (40) for movement with the floating roof (20). A connecting expansion joint (84) connects spaced sides (42) of adjacent arcuate shoes (40) and includes a removable unit (95) of flexible material (100) which may be easily inserted and removed manually from the upper ends of retainer brackets (86) secured to the arcuate shoes (40) in a minimum of time while the tank (10) is in service. The expansion joints (84) may be easily disassembled for repair or maintenance of shoes (40) and associated components by removal of a cover (106) and removable connecting units (95).

Abstract: A multiple-use painter's tool comprises a semicircular plastic attachment which fits securely over the top rim of an open paint can. The tool has a flat shelf segment with a serrated edge useful for supporting or cleaning excess paint from a brush. A slit in the shelf is useful for cleaning a stirring stick. Attached to the outside of the tool is a painting tool holder and a scraping edge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to floating roof storage tanks, having a tank shell which is supported on a fixed base, and a floating roof supported by the liquid stored in the tank. Included in the base or roof is a displacement means to substantially displace the stored liquid when the floating roof is in its lowest position. In this way the volume of the heel of liquid unable to be removed from the tank is reduced. The displacement means can take the form of a container which protrudes downwardly from the roof, or a layer of ballast on the base of the tank. The ballast layer can be a liquid heavier than the stored liquid which can be retained in a dam if desired.

Abstract: A floating roof liquid storage tank, having a tank shell which is supported on a fixed base, and a floating roof supported by the liquid stored in the tank. Included in the base or roof is a displacement device to substantially displace the stored liquid when the floating roof is in its lowest position. In this way the volume of the heel of liquid unable to be removed from the tank is reduced. The displacement device can take the form of a container which protrudes downwardly from the roof, or a layer of ballast on the base of the tank. The ballast layer can be a liquid heavier than the stored liquid which can be retained in a dam if desired.

Abstract: A lid for a drinking cup having a removable tab which includes a horizontal wall and a vertical wall extending downwardly from the horizontal wall at the inner end of the horizontal portion. A recess is disposed immediately inward of the removable tab to permit engagement of the vertical portion by the finger of a user. The recess preferably includes a bottom wall which slopes downwardly and outwardly from the center of the lid to the vertical portion of the tab and is separated by a slit from the bottom of the vertical wall of the tab.

Abstract: A container is provided with a lid which is releasably secured to it by means of interlocking beads and respectively on the container and a depending skirt of the lid. An annular flange which abuts and is flush with the skirt of the lid serves as a protecting member to make it difficult for the lid to be removed without making use of a tamper-evident facility provided on the upper surface of the lid. This facility consists of a pull ring integrally moulded with the lid and firmly attached to it adjacent the periphery of the lid. In its inactive position, prior to the first removal of the lid from the container, it is held by a number of frangible connection points in a recess provided in the lid. In order to remove the lid from the container, it is necessary to grip the pull ring and pull it upwards thereby breaking the connection points and providing a subsequent indication that the lid has been removed.

Abstract: A cover adapted to float on the surface of liquid in a storage tank employs a deck and first and second generally horizontal elongated pontoons disposed essentially along a common axis of symmetry. The pontoons are adapted to float support the deck on the surface. A vertical hollow member open at top and bottom is disposed between adjacent ends of the adjacent pontoons.First and second devices each resiliently and flexibly secure the end of the corresponding one of the pontoons adjacent the member to the member. The first and second devices are disposed on opposite sides of the member.A vertical leg extends downwardly through the hollow member and is secured thereto.

Abstract: A sealing assembly comprising a flexible shield having one end rigidly connected to an upper rim portion of a floating roof movably disposed within a storage tank and having the opposite end thereof extending upwardly and outwardly toward the inner periphery of the tank, a flexible wiper blade connected to the outwardly extending end of the shield for engaging the inner surface of the tank wall, the combined shield and wiper blade being of a length greater than the average width of the rim space for assuring an efficient sealing engagement of the wiper blade with the inner periphery of the tank wall even during lateral movement of the floating roof within the tank, and a yieldable film or sheet interposed between the shield and the rim of the roof for assuring an efficient seal therebetween.

Abstract: To protect the floor of a liquid containing tank from marring by the lower end of hollow supporting legs used with a floating cover for said liquid, there are provided resilient pad means for fixing to the lower end of such legs whereby to provide scratch-free contact of said legs with such floor when said cover is in a lowered position. Said pads have drainage means therein to permit liquid to drain out of said legs when the tank is emptied for cleaning.

Abstract: A sealing system for a liquid storage tank having a roof freely floating on the contents stored within the storage tank. The sealing system is in wiping contact with the tank shell and may utilize a primary and a secondary seal. As a primary seal, the system forms a seal above the liquid level and eliminates capillary action of the liquid between the seal and the tank shell. The sealing system also exerts a continuous pressure against the inner walls of the storage tank preventing the storage tank roof from shifting due to wind loading and effectively preventing vaporization of the liquid due to wind effected negative pressures. As a secondary seal, the system acts as a vapor barrier preventing vapors from escaping and preventing contaminants from entering into contact and deteriorating the primary seal which could result in contamination of the liquid contained within the storage tank.

Abstract: A floating cover for a tank is characterized by a pivotal interconnection between confronting ends of longitudinally adjacent flotation pontoons such that one pontoon is pivotally movable with respect to the longitudinal axis of the other pontoon when the deck of the cover flexes in response to turbulence in the liquid on which the cover is disposed or in response to any other non-uniform loading on the deck.

Abstract: A floating roof for a liquid storage tank has a lid structure comprising a plurality of fluid tight interconnected plates of fluid tight material and a plurality of buoys for imparting buoyancy to the lid structure arranged on the surface of the lid which is opposite the surface of the lid which faces the liquid body upon which the lid floats. Each buoy of at least a majority of the buoys has a base formed of one of said plates, and further includes structure attached to the base and having at least two sides inclined relative to a perpendicular plane through the lid structure and relative to each other.A similar floating roof for a liquid storage tank has again a lid structure and a plurality of buoys on the upper surface thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a floating deck for use in a liquid storage tank, which comprises a generally circular planar platform formed of a plurality of interconnected modular units made of cellular foam plastic; the modular units are of different shape and include at least: a first series of panels, each being in the form of a truncated triangle and a second series of panels, each having a shape that includes at least a parallelogram portion and a small triangular shaped portion outwardly projecting from one side of the parallelogram portion at the upper end thereof; the triangular-shaped portion has a dimension which corresponds to the truncated portion of the triangle of the first series of panels so as to form a continuous platform when both series of panels are interconnected to one another. Other shapes of panels are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a floating cover for inside a tank a plurality of spaced parallel support bars extend across the tops of laterally spaced horizontal pontoons that support them. Metal sheets covering the spaces between the bars have edge portions resting on the bars and clamped against them by clamping bars to form a deck. The deck may be provided with vertical sleeves, in which posts of different lengths can be mounted for spacing the deck different distances from the bottom of a tank.