Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing leaks in a fuel system. In one example, a method may include monitoring a fuel level in a vehicle fuel tank of the fuel system during refueling and indicating degradation of the vehicle fuel tank and/or a bellows coupled to the vehicle fuel tank based on the monitored fuel level. In some examples, indicating the degradation may further be based on a rate of fuel supplied to the vehicle fuel tank during the refueling and/or a vehicle fuel economy. In this way, degradation to the vehicle fuel tank and the bellows may be passively determined with minimal specialized components in the fuel system.

Abstract: A fuel tank structure includes: a fuel tank that is installed in an automobile and that accommodates fuel; a bag-shaped member that is fixed to a ceiling portion of an interior of the fuel tank, and that can inflate and deflate; and a supporting plate that is provided at the bag-shaped member at a position facing a bottom portion of the fuel tank, the supporting plate having a specific gravity that is lower than a specific gravity of the fuel and causing the bag-shaped member to inflate toward the bottom portion of the fuel tank due to a weight of the supporting plate.

Abstract: A sealed floating roof for a storage tank, comprising a frame and roof panels, in which the frame provides a guide for directing an automatic welder along said structure to allow for automated welding of the roof panels to the frame, and a method of forming such a roof.

Abstract: A closure device provides an emergency degassing function, pressure equalization and condensate removal for a housing sealed off from the environment. The closure device has a frame, fastenable to a housing opening and having a frame opening, as well as a closure element, for closing the housing opening. The closure element is configured or arranged relative to the frame such that a path is formed in or through the closure element in a first closure position by the gravitational force acting on the closure element. The path enables an exchange of air between the housing interior and the environment as well as a discharge of condensation water. A second closure position, in which the path is sealed closed is producable by water impinging on the closure element from the environment. If a specified overpressure is exceeded, the closure element is detachable from the frame opening.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing closure for flasks and other containers that require gas exchange. An illustrative embodiment of the closure is comprised of a splashguard, an adaptor for attaching the closure to the container, a bellows element and a gas-permeable barrier element. The splashguard is intended to keep liquid contents under vigorous agitation in the container without wetting the gas-permeable barrier. The adaptor couples the closure to the container in a secure fashion. The bellows element allows for repeated changes in the internal volume of the container-closure system. The gas-permeable barrier allows desired gases to enter and leave the container while excluding small particles and/or microorganisms. The technology may be used with existing glass flask technology, or coupled to a plastic flask that may be configured for either single-use, or multiple-use.

Abstract: A combination liquid petroleum storage tank and emergency drainage system for draining rain water accumulated on the floating roof of the storage tank, including a drain duct having an inlet adapted to receive rain water accumulated on the roof and extending downward about a central axis, and a petroleum vapor barrier valve in the drain duct at an axial location downstream of the inlet, the valve formed as a multi-blade rotor that is rotatably mounted in the drain duct for rotation about a central rotor axis extending generally perpendicular to the drain duct central axis at the axial location, the rotor having a plurality of generally semi-circular blades.

Abstract: A fuel tank valve device equipped with a casing, and a valve mechanism. The valve mechanism has a first valve unit having a first valve connecting hole, and a second valve unit that opens and closes the first valve connecting hole. The first valve unit completely closes the valve flow path by moving by the force in the valve closing direction when the pressure of the second communication path exceeds a preset first pressure value. In a state when the first valve unit is closing the valve flow path, when the pressure of the second communication path exceeds a preset second pressure value that is greater than the first pressure value, the second valve unit receives the pressure from the first valve connecting hole and moves to open the first valve connecting hole, communicating with the valve flow path.

Abstract: A drain cover assembly for sealing a drain pipe that extends vertically from the top surface of the deck of a floating roof on a liquid storage tank includes a circular cover and at least two buoyant members, or pontoons, secured to the underside of the cover for imparting a buoyant force to raise the cover upon the accumulation of excess water on the deck. The pontoons are spaced apart from each other to allow water to pass between them and into the drainpipe.

Abstract: In a fuel cutoff valve 10, a casing 30 including a valve chest 33 is fastened to a cover member 20 thermally welded to an upper tank wall FTa of a fuel tank FT. A float 50 is located in the valve chest 33 of the casing 30. The casing 30 has bottomed recesses 42 formed as concaves in an outer circumferential wall of the valve chest 33, and vent holes 40 provided at respective bottom areas of the bottomed recesses 42. Each of the vent holes 40 is a through hole of a small diameter, which is determined to be sufficient for ventilation of the fuel vapor in the valve chest 33. The vent hole 40 has a short dimension by the depth of the bottomed recess 42.

Abstract: A covering system that includes a first membrane, a first flotation member coupled to the first membrane. The first flotation member includes a first float and a first float compartment membrane, and the first float compartment membrane is coupled to the first membrane. The covering system also includes a first plurality of gas-relief passageways positioned either within the first float compartment membrane, or within the first membrane and adjacent to the first flotation member. And at least one of the gas-relief passageways within the first plurality is structured so that gas flows unobstructed through it when the system is used. Gas-relief openings formed between overlapping membranes may also be utilized as avenues through which gas may escape to atmosphere from beneath the covers and covering systems. Venting methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for emptying a liquid storage tank that has a floating roof which becomes stationery a finite distance above the tank bottom, wherein, after the roof becomes stationery, liquid is continued to be withdrawn from inside the tank while vapor is removed from within the tank in a contained manner and an inert gas is introduced into the tank for pressure maintenance purposes.

Abstract: A hatch cover for deployment over a hatchway formed in a floating roof liquid storage tank permits rapid loading and unloading of inspection or maintenance equipment and minimizes vapor emissions from the tank. The portable hatch cover has two base plates movably connected at a hinge and each defining complementary recesses. A circular flange extends from the bottom surfaces of the base plates to seat the hatch cover in the hatchway. Two door panels are movably connected at hinges to the top surfaces of the base plates. When one or both of the door panels are opened, equipment may be loaded into the tank through the complementary recesses. When closed, the door panels cover the recesses in the base plates. Complementary notches in the door panels provide an opening through which equipment tubing or wiring may extend when the door panels are closed. A collar gasket optionally may be wrapped around the tubing or wiring as a further means to limit vapor emissions from the tank.

Abstract: A laboratory apparatus, such as a tissue processor, includes a container for containing material which may emit noxious fumes, the container having a closure moveable between an open position and a closed position in which it closes off or opens a mouth of the container. A fume collecting arrangement is provided including vents provided adjacent the mouth or opening of the container and apparatus operable to draw in air, with fumes escaping from the container, whilst the closure is in the open position, and to pass the air carrying the fumes for treatment or to a disposal outlet. The apparatus operable to draw in air may be electrically operated and may be controlled by a switch operated automatically by opening and closing said closure.

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: A food dispensing package having a container and a dispensing cover. The dispensing cover having a lid with a through hole to allow passage of a food product from within the container as the dispensing cover is pushed into the container. A closure element is removably attached with respect to the lid so that in a closed position the closure element covers the through hole and in an open position the closure element exposes the through hole. A flexible gasket portion that is mateable with a sidewall of the container is formed around the perimeter of the lid. A rim that is engageable with an upper portion of the sidewall is positioned about a periphery of the lid and removably attached with respect to the lid.

Abstract: A connector for protecting an IC comprising a connector body, a closed plate, and an annular air-tight sealing material. An air-tight chamber is formed centrally of the annular air-tight sealing material by compressing the annular air-tight sealing material between the connector main body and the closed plate. The IC is received in the air-tight chamber so as to be electrically contacted with the connector body.

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 air valve apparatus for vacuum sealed containers comprises a cover having a groove at center portion and an aperture at center portion concentrically with respect to the groove. The aperture has projecting a pair of circular walls both from the upper side to receive an air releasing device and from the lower side to receive an anti-dust cover thereon, respectively. The air releasing device has a hollow body and includes a pressing knob at top portion, an integral pin extending downwardly in a distance near a ball which is seating on top of an O-ring which is fitted on top of the aperture to form a hermits seal between the vacuum sealed container and the outside. By pressing the knob downward, the pin will urge the ball to one side that allows air to flow into the container and releases the vacuum status.

Abstract: A sealing device for sealing the surface of contents of a container comprises a disc-like member having a central portion and a flexible perimeter and having a centrally located upstanding hollow handle having a purge valve at the upper end thereof. The purge valve has a closed position for preventing egress of air upwardly through said hollow handle and an open position to permit free passage of air therethrough. The disc-like member is contoured to correspond with the shape of the interior plan of the container.

Abstract: A sealing device for sealing the surface of contents of a container comprises a disc-like member having a central portion and a flexible perimeter and having a centrally located upstanding hollow handle having a purge valve at the upper end thereof. The purge valve has a closed position for preventing egress of air upwardly through said hollow handle and an open position to permit free passage of air therethrough. The disc-like member is contoured to correspond with the shape of the interior plan of the container.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cover structure for use with fermentation and the like containers. The cover structure includes a lower cover having a plurality of layers of strips of material covering the container, with the strip layers angularly oriented to each other. Spaces can be formed between strips, and in one embodiment the second strips are connected along their sides at spaced intervals to form the spaces. This can provide gaps in the sheet covering the container, allowing gases to pass through. Additionally, spacers may be positioned on the lower cover with a further membrane extending thereover. The spacers create passages for collection of gases escaping through the lower cover. Floating gas collectors may also be provided for collection of gases for further treatment. The cover can provide insulation, to a variable degree.

Abstract: A volatile liquid storage and emissions control apparatus and method comprising an above-ground volatile liquid storage tank having a bottom, a vertical circular wall and an external fixed roof, the tank having an internal floating roof, and air vents in the tank wall; an emissions collection apparatus comprising a conduit having an emissions laden air inlet end communicating with the tank vapor space and an emissions laden air outlet end communicating with the inlet end of an emissions abatement apparatus, with the conduit including a pump for withdrawing emissions laden air from the tank vapor space and feeding it into the emissions abatement apparatus, and the emission abatement apparatus being capable of eliminating most of the emissions from the emissions laden air with formation of a gaseous effluent which is discharged to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An internal floating cover for covering and sealing the surface of a liquid stored in a tank having an external roof, has a flexible thin-walled membrane which floats on the surface of the liquid. The membrane is provided with at least one float and a seal around its perimeter edge or rim extending near and along the wall of the storage tank. The dimensions of the membrane are oversized relative to the corresponding liquid surface dimension of the tank and/or the membrane is made with a certain elasticity so that the membrane may bulge in a hood- or dome-shaped out of the plane of its contact with the inner tank surface. The movable connection between the membrane rim or edge includes clamping strips or contact elements on the floats or on a perimeter seal. The bulging of the membrane may occur upwardly under the effect of gas pressure or may occur downwardly under the effect of reduced pressure during draining of the liquid. At least one pressure relief valve is arranged in the membrane.

Abstract: Flotation covers for large bodies of liquid, e.g. reservoirs usually consist of large sheets or panels adapted to float on the surface of the liquid. Such covers are adapted to follow changes in liquid level. However, in general, the problem of covering the surface of the liquid around the periphery of the cover is not addressed. A solution to this problem involves a panel covering all but the peripheral edges of the liquid surface, cables connected to the edges of the panel and to counterweights for maintaining the panel centered on the surface, and floats for supporting the edges of the panel and the bottom edge of a skirt, which extends upwardly to the wall of the reservoir, the skirt being connected to the cables by slip rings, so that the skirt folds and unfolds as the liquid level rises and falls.

Abstract: A floating as well for a covered gas storage tank is provided which rests on the tank cover until enough gas is introduced into the tank to inflate a gas collection membrane. The stress loads created by an increasing volume of stored gas on the gas collection membrane are diverted from the tank cover and through a series of cables attached to the floating gas well. The stress load is ultimately transmitted to the tank wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to floating roof tanks for liquids, of the type comprising a cylindrical wall (2), a floating roof (3), and a flexible membrane (4) connecting the periphery of the floating roof to the wall. In accordance with the invention, the tank further includes an overflow duct for providing protection against over-filling when the roof (3) is in its top position. The overflow duct (26) is mounted on the outside of the tank and has an upsidedown U-shaped portion disposed at a height corresponding to a maximum predetermined level for liquid inside the tank when the roof is in its top position. The invention is applicable to the nuclear power industry for storage tanks for topping up the primary circuit of a nuclear reactor with de-gassed water.

Abstract: A lid for use in combination with a container having smooth inner walls includes a central portion and a flexible annular lip which contacts the inner walls of the container and provides a seal between the lid and the walls. The lip includes a notch therein which allows for the expulsion of air from between the lid and the contents of the container. In the closed position the lid floats in the surface of the container contents. A method for preserving the contents of a container employing this lid.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for carrying out mixed liquid, gas and solid phase reactions and is intended for use in sewage digestion tanks where the removal of sludge and foam from the tanks is required. A reactor vessel is provided which includes a floating cover vertically movably maintained within the vessel. A device for limiting gas pressure is connected to the vessel below the cover. A buoyancy chamber is provided which is supported by the cover and located therebelow and is intended to be at least partially immersed within the liquid in the vessel. A foam/sludge withdrawal opening is located below the uppermost portion of the buoyancy chamber and connects the interior of the vessel to the exterior. In a preferred embodiment, a ballast member is supported from the cover and extends from the roof to below the buoyancy member.

Abstract: The invention relates to floating roof tanks for liquids, of the type comprising a cylindrical wall (2), a floating roof (3), and a flexible membrane (4) connecting the periphery of the floating roof to the wall. In accordance with the invention, means are provided for emptying the counter-pressure liquid which is located in the space (6) delimited by the membrane (4) and the wall (2) and which is open to the atmosphere. These emptying means are disposed near the top of the tank so that the membrane, under the effect of pressure exerted by the liquid contained in the tank, serves to expel the counter-pressure liquid when the roof is in abutment against a top stop. Such tanks are of particular use in the nuclear power industry for storing de-gased water to top up the primary circuit of a nuclear reactor.

Abstract: A collecting and treating tank which holds liquid and in which a vertically movable cover floats on the liquid or on a gas layer above the liquid, comprising a tank having a vertical cylindrical circular wall, a bottom at and joined to the wall, and a circular cover which fits loosely inside the circular wall so that it is vertically displaceable with change in liquid and/or gas volume beneath the cover; and a plurality of cover guides, spaced radially around the cover edge, which are adapted to maintain the cover periphery spaced from the tank wall; said cover guides being faced with a solid polymeric layer which is slippery and has a low coefficient of friction so that the cover is readily displaceable vertically solely with change in volume of liquid, gas or both beneath the cover.

Abstract: A gauge well float includes a sealed cylinder having rounded ends. A tube is disposed along the vertical axis of the cylinder and held in place by the rounded ends. A weighted cable suspended within the gauge well passes through the tube and keeps the float centered within the gauge well. It also provides a means for removing the float from the gauge well for level measurement or sampling purposes.

Abstract: In a liquid storage tank having a floating roof with a circular rim, a substantially ring-like vertical cylindrical shoe adapted to slide along the inside wall surface of the tank outwardly from the roof rim, a primary flexible seal extending from the roof rim to the shoe, and with the shoe containing a plurality of vertically positioned spaced apart flexures in the form of an open ended trough which terminates below the shoe top edge and with a longitudinal opening substantially flat against the tank wall, the improvement comprising a flexure closure of resilient polymeric material with a lower body portion inside the open top end of a substantial number of the flexure troughs, with the lower body portion being in contact with the trough; and with the flexure closure having a thin flat upper portion placed by the shoe inside surface.

Abstract: A gas venting floating cover for a liquid container, the cover including a continuous sheet of flexible material adapted to lie upon the liquid in the container in coextensive relationship therewith for attachment to the container sides in fluid tight relationship. Flotation blocks are attached to the cover to define gas collection spaces for receiving gas evolving from the liquid. The flotation blocks include first and second strings of blocks transversely spaced apart to define a longitudinal passage, certain of the blocks of each string being longitudinally spaced-apart to define transverse passages in communication with the longitudinal passage. A gas collection conduit is attached to the first and second strings in coextensive overlying relation to the longitudinal passage and includes gas admission openings, and a plurality of transverse straps extend between the first and second strings of blocks to constrain them against separation under the weight of the gas collection conduit.

Abstract: A lid is described for floating on the surface of a liquid in a storage tank. The lid spans the tank interior and includes an inflatable peripheral seal arrangement selectively operable to seal the liquid within the tank upon inflation and, on deflation, will allow the lid to float freely on the surface of the liquid. The lid is formed of two plates spaced apart by a circumferential rim defining a flotation cavity. Buoyance of the lid is such that the inflatable seal is carried above the liquid surface. The bottom plate is arched toward the top plate of the lid by a tension member extending between the two. The tension member is hollow and open to the area below the lid. The pressure relief valve is mounted in the hollow passageway to selectively allow escape of pressurized gas from below the lid. The seal arrangement is made so that the liquid level always remains below the sealed area between the lid and tank walls.

Abstract: A digestor includes a tank and an inverted dish-shaped cover, the lower end of which extends into sludge contained within the tank. The cover is ballasted by a number of ballast members which resemble tubs and which are integrally formed of concrete. Each ballast member is mounted with its cavity facing upwardly so that the ballast cavities automatically fill with sludge upon start-up of the digestor. When partially surfaced above the sludge, the predetermined total weight of sludge in the ballast members causes a substantial increase in the pressure exerted by the cover on the contained gas than would be exerted by the cover and unfilled ballast members.

Abstract: An improved anaerobic digester 10 includes a cylindrical concrete sidewall 16 having a plurality of guide channel assemblies 40 bolted thereto at uniformly spaced locations along its circumference. The digester further includes a cover 18 adapted to be buoyed upwardly above the surface of the liquid by the digester gas. The digester cover is guided by roller assemblies 70 that cooperate with the guide channel assemblies 40. When gas is not present within the digester, the cover is supported by the cooperation of a plurality of stop tubes 76 and 78 that project radially outwardly of the cover from a thrust ring 24 incorporated at its periphery and a plurality of stop members 60 and 62 that are affixed to the guide channel assemblies at readily accessible locations close to the top of the tank.

Abstract: An open top tank for storing volatile liquids has a circular floating roof buoyantly supported on the surface of the stored liquid within a confining cylindrical shell of the tank. Adjustable sealing means extends between the roof and the top of the shell for sealing the gap between the roof and the surrounding shell. The adjustable sealing means includes a plurality of cylindrical annular sections of different diameters nested one inside another in telescoping relationship, the sections being coaxial with the shell and positioned above the floating roof. Limit means interconnects adjacent ones of the sections for limiting the vertical movement of each section relative to the next adjacent outer section and the outermost section relative to the surrounding shell. The limit means transfers the weight of any section in its lowest position through the limit means to the tank shell.

Abstract: Open top tanks or ponds are provided with a thermally insulating floating cover which comprises a plurality of individual generally flat polygonal plates floating in edge-to-edge relationship. Each of the plates has at least one peripherally disposed downwardly projecting flange and means to vent gases from beneath the plate-like element.

Abstract: An automatic sealing device for containers for volatile or perishable liquids. The sealing device includes a substantially cylindrical chamber having a flexible side wall to make a sealing engagement with the container wall. The flexible side wall is secured to upper and lower circular closing members through a series of links which perform the two functions of causing the device to follow variations in the level of the liquid and hold the flexible side wall against the container wall.

Abstract: A gas venting system for a liquid storage reservoir having a floating cover comprising a sheet of flexible material lying upon the liquid and attached to the reservoir sides. Elongated blocks of flotation material are attached to the underside of the cover and buoy the cover in such a way that the edge margins of the blocks and the adjacent portions of the cover define downwardly open collection spaces. A gas collection manifold in communication with these collection spaces receives and carries away gases collecting in the collection spaces. In one embodiment the flotation blocks include transverse conduits affording communication between the collection spaces on opposite sides of the blocks, with the transverse conduits being in communication with the gas collection manifold.