Abstract: A method for attenuating deflagration pressure produced by combustion of combustible gas in a defined region of a process vessel. The method generally comprises selecting and placing attenuating material in the defined region of the process vessel, wherein the selected attenuating material maintains its physical shape under the operating conditions. The attenuating material should occupy at least 20% of the volume of the defined region of the process vessel. Use of the inventive method may be beneficially applied for the safe operation of oxidation reactors with flammable, high hydrocarbon concentration feeds in order to attain increased productivity.

Abstract: A gasoline storage system includes a storage area and a porous, non gasoline reactive, and non-particulate generating material disposed within the storage area.

Abstract: A liquid container (1) comprises a container body (2) with an outlet sleeve (3) having a free end (3a) defining an outlet opening, a drainage device (10) having a flange (11), and electrically conductive means (20) for discharging electrostatic charges from the container (1). The drainage device (10) comprises a tubular member (12) at least partly inserted into the outlet sleeve (3), and the electrically conductive means (20) comprise a first portion (21) interposed between the tubular member (12) of the drainage device (10) and the outlet sleeve (3) of the container body (2) and a second portion (22) connected to the first portion (21), disposed between the flange (11) and the free end (3a) of the outlet sleeve (3). The second portion (22) projects out of the drainage device (10). Particularly, the electrically conductive means are made of an electrically conductive plastic material.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a vehicle body and at least one reservoir containing a fire suppressant agent. A distribution system receives the fire suppression agent from the reservoir and conducts the agent to at least one location about the vehicle's body in response to the determination by a sensor system and controller that the vehicle has been subjected to a significant impact. The reservoir is protected by a thermal protection barrier applied to the reservoir's outer surface, excluding the base of a pyrotechnic propellant.

Abstract: A fuel tank for storing an alternate fuel and providing the fuel to an internal combustion engine includes: an inner shell with an internal cavity designed to store fuel; an outer shell configured and positioned relative to the inner shell such that an interstitial volume is created between the inner and outer shells; and a heating unit positioned in the interstitial volume. In some embodiments, the interstitial volume is filled with air; in other embodiments, the interstitial volume is filled with a thermally insulative material.

Abstract: A reconditioned used propane gas tank or cylinder having (1) aluminum mesh inserts formed from a sheet of aluminum mesh and positioned into the propane cylinder/tank to provide a large wetted surface area inside the tank for increasing the efficiency of vaporization, (2) a replaced relief valve with a higher CFM rating, (3) a coating of a corrosive resistant adhesive material on the outer surface of the cylinder, and (4) a sheath of fire resistant composite fiber affixed to the outer surface of the cylinder.

Abstract: The method for reconditioning a used propane gas tank or cylinder comprises the steps of: removing an existing relief valve from the tank; rolling up sheets of aluminum mesh material into mesh inserts and clipping the rolled up sheet with two clips; inserting the aluminum mesh inserts into the propane tank to provide a large wetted surface area inside the tank for increasing the efficiency of vaporization; and replacing the relief valve with a relief valve having a higher CFM rate than is now standard in the lift truck propane gas tank industry.

Abstract: An expandable metal product for use in extinguishing fires and in the prevention of or protection against explosions. The product is a continuous sheet of magnesium alloy foil having discontinuous slits in spaced apart lines parallel to each other but transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the sheet. The invention is also directed to the expanded form of the product, either in sheets which may be used for preventing fires or explosion or in the form of shaped ellipsoids for use in a passive inerting system for fuel tanks.

Abstract: A fire retardant container for semiconductor wafers having an enclosure portion formed from polycarbonate plastic. The enclosure has a top, a bottom, a pair of opposing sides, a back, and an open front. The container includes a door to close the open front having an outer surface portion formed from a plastic material having a flame propagation index of not greater than 9.0 (m/s 1/2)(kW/m)−2/3.

Abstract: A receptacle for spent smoking materials is provided. The receptacle includes a base portion defining a chamber for containing the smoking materials. The base portion has an open upper end having a rim. The receptacle also includes an upper portion having a neck which extends upward from a dome which engages the rim and encloses an upper end of the base portion. A seal being provided between the rim of the base and the dome. A head is arranged at the upper end of the neck. The head has an orifice therein for receiving spent smoking materials. The orifice being arranged underneath and adjacent a bonnet which protects the orifice from the infiltration of rainwater.

Abstract: A foam insert is adapted for use in combination with a pressure vessel. The cylinder is made of an open cell foam and is sized to fit within the pressure vessel. The cylinder has a top portion and a bottom portion that correspond to a top and bottom of the pressure vessel. The top portion of the foam cylinder has a concave recess.

Abstract: Filler elements for a tank of combustible fluid described herein are formed from a sheet of foil mesh material by a multiple fold technique. The folding process places the free edges of the sheet in the center of the filler element where they are protected and where any piece that breaks off will be trapped. The sides are first folded inwardly and then the ends are folded inwardly. Finally, this intermediate member is rolled, formed, molded or folded further into the final desired shape for the filler element. Folding is facilitated by use of a crushed crease along desired fold lines. To reduce nesting of the mesh, various sections of the mesh corresponding to the fold lines present openings of differing sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for use with a container (100) for storing a substance. Typically, the substance is a volatile liquid, such as hydrocarbon fuels, alcohol or distilled liquids. The apparatus (1) acts to prevent filling and evaporative losses of the liquid, minimise internal corrosion of the container (100) and prevent humidification of the liquid. The apparatus (1) employs a bladder (3a, 3b) inside the container (100). The bladder (3a, 3b) is filled with air. A pressure control unit (7) is provided to control the supply of air to the bladder (3a, 3b) such that the pressure in the bladder (3a, 3b) is maintained at or above a selected level, being the vapour pressure inside the container (100). The bladder (3a, 3b) is maintained in an inflated condition such that it fills the space above the substance in the container (100).

Abstract: It has been found that high porosity, high surface area protective materials such as expanded metal foil can be used in places such as the semi-confined, congested operating areas of chemical process plants to reduce or eliminate the hazard caused by the sudden accidental release and ignition of large quantities of potentially flammable vapors into the area.

Abstract: The method for reconditioning a used propane gas tank or cylinder comprises the steps of: removing an existing relief valve from the tank; rolling up sheets of aluminum mesh material into mesh inserts and clipping the rolled up sheet with two clips; inserting the aluminum mesh inserts into the propane tank to provide a large wetted surface area inside the tank for increasing the efficiency of vaporization; and replacing the relief valve with a relief valve having a higher CFM rate that is now standard in the lift truck propane gas tank industry.

Abstract: A container for volatile liquids, such a gasoline, is made of a conductive plastic material. An electrical connection is made to the container, such as by using a metal hose clamp around the neck of the container (or a threaded stud which is molded into the container), so that a conductive cable can be electrically attached to the container. At the distal end of the conductive cable a spring loaded electric clip is attached, whereby the electric clip can be connected to a conductive portion on the equipment which is to be fueled. By using the present invention, the benefits of a plastic fuel container, including arbitrary shape, absence of denting or corrosion, light weight, and inclusion of a molded handle, can all be derived without the detrimental effect of build-up of static charge which can lead to an explosion if a spark ignites volatile fuel-air vapors.

Abstract: A detonation safety device having a flame-arresting device positioned in a housing. A pipe extends into the housing and proximate to the flame arresting device. In order to render a detonation front traveling in a pipe harmless, the detonation front is conveyed near the flame-arresting device. The flame-arresting device includes a diameter larger than the pipe and the detonation front such that the detonation front impinges only on a partial surface of the flame-arresting device. The detonation front is expanded in front of the arresting device so as to create a deflagration, which then impinges on the outer cross-section of the flame arresting device.

Abstract: The inventive device includes a box-shaped steel shell and rigid polyurethane foam which partially occupies the shell's interior so as to leave a compartment to be used for situation of a suspected explosive object. The compartment is accessed by a doored entrance which is provided in the shell. Some inventive embodiments include a polyethylene liner for foam wear protection, and/or a high-strength layer for attenuating explosive fragmentation. Foam bodies are carefully packed inside the compartment for separating the suspected explosive device from the doored entrance and for stabilizing the suspected explosive object during transit. Upon detonation, the foam pulverizes and the shell inelastically deforms into an ovaloid or cylindroid shape. The shell's edges and corners are convexly contoured for thwarting localized strain concentrations in the shell.

Abstract: Large amounts of hazardous goods, especially liquid ones such as fuel, may be carried in safety containers, whether tank semitrailers, oil tankers, containers for hazardous goods or aircraft, and be transported with practically no risk for the environment, by completely filling the inside (10) of the container with glass wool, so that the hazardous materials or other fillings dispersed therein may not escape or be somehow spilled in the environment. The liquid components, for example hydrocarbons, are absorbed and held by a dense, water-proofed latticework (15), so that no oxygen can reach them. They are thus protected against explosions and spillage in the environment. At the same time, a safety container of this type acts as a kind of safety buoy, preventing water from entering the inside (10) of the container, so that the kerosene, gasoline or oil contained therein further increase buoyancy. As a whole, a simplification of the safety container design and a considerable increase in safety may be noted.

Abstract: A fuel cap (210) of the present invention includes a closure member (16), a handle (14) for turning closure member (16) to engage and close a filler neck (12), and a conductor (204) configured to conduct an electrical charge from handle (14) to filler neck (12) during rotation of handle relative to closure member(16) and before movement of closure member (16) to break a seal established between closure member (16) and filler neck (12). Fuel cap (210) also includes a torque-transmission race (18) to provide a lost-motion driving connection between handle (14) and closure member (16).