With Indicator Or Alarm Means Patents (Class 405/54)
-
Patent number: 11274987Abstract: Methods for testing the integrity of a containment sump in contact with a matrix with a testing apparatus are provided. The testing apparatus may include an underground fixture positioned in contact the matrix, a test chamber, a conduit structure providing fluid communication between the underground fixture and the test chamber, and a pressure source for exerting a pressure that is communicated to the underground fixture via the conduit structure. In some embodiments, a method may include: releasing a test media into the containment sump; generating a negative pressure within the testing apparatus for a time period; and testing for the presence of test media within the testing apparatus. In other embodiments, a method may include: releasing a test media into the testing apparatus; generating a positive pressure within the testing apparatus for a time period; and testing for the presence of test media within the containment sump.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2018Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Inventor: Daniel W. Brevard
-
Patent number: 11041778Abstract: A configurable leak detection system comprising a leak detection device and at least a leak detection covering comprising a leak detection region having a first and second electrode and at least an attachable region is provided. The first and second electrodes are disposed spaced apart and fixed in firm contact with the covering. The system is attached onto liquid cooling systems, bases, and/or fluid conduits. When liquid is leaked onto the covering, the liquid is absorbed therein, until the dampened region extends over some point on each of the first and second electrodes. An electrical current is conducted, providing a low resistance path therebetween. An impedance change is detected, an alert means is generated, and the leak detection device is reset. More than one configurable leak detection system is attached onto systems, bases and/or fluid conduits via the at least an attachable region, and then electrically coupled together.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2020Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: COOLER MASTER CO., LTD.Inventors: Chu yi Kuo, Wen hong Chen, Chun hsien Chen
-
Patent number: 10995906Abstract: A method of storing hydrogen involves forming an excavation in the earth and constructing a storage tank therein comprised of integrated primary and secondary containment structures. The primary containment structure composed of a plurality of joinable cylindrical segments, or pre-fabricated sections joined to form a cylinder within the excavation. The secondary containment structure formed by pumping a curable, flowable composition into the cylinder, allowing it to flow out the bottom and up the second annulus to the earth's surface, and then hardening; thereby encasing the primary containment structure. The bottom of the cylinder is sealed with the bottom assembly. The top assembly is attached to the cylinder and tubing and packer are run into the cylinder creating a first annulus between the cylinder and tubing. Top assembly is sealed, fluids circulated out, and the tank dried. Thereafter, the tank is capable of safely storing hydrogen gas.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2020Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Energia de Septiembre LLCInventors: Steven Meheen, Thomas Howard Shaw
-
Patent number: 10829298Abstract: A hydrocarbon tank system environment corrosion inhibitor includes use of inert gas, preferably Nitrogen, to blanket ullage and interstice through the tank system. Blanket gas is provided via controller into coupling to access ullage. Blanket gas is provided upon fueling events to stabilize the pressure in the system and prevent entry of atmospheric air and water (vapor). Blanket gas may be continuously run into the ullage and/or other spaces in tank system. A controlled system allows for monitoring of pressures in the tank, and thereby identifies pressure events and even leaks in system due to unusual events, or general loss of pressure.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2017Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: TERRA PRIMORIS HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Gregory E. Young, Zane A. Miller
-
Patent number: 10712324Abstract: A device (1) includes a pumping device (7) and a control unit (70) and is configured to test the operational capability of a gas guide element (3) in a gas-measuring system (11) that includes a gas sensor (5). The control unit (70) carries out steps with two operating states including delivering a test gas (91) by the pumping device (7) through the gas guide element (3) to a remote measuring location (80) and is subsequently delivered from the measuring location (80) to the gas sensor (5). Measured values of a gas concentration are detected by the gas sensor (5) during the delivery from the remotely located measuring location (80) to the gas sensor (5) and analyzed to determine whether changes occurring in the detected gas concentration during the delivery from the measuring location (80) to the gas sensor (5) indicate whether the gas guide element (3) is capable of operating.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2017Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: DRÄGERWERK AG & CO. KGAAInventors: Hans-Ullrich Hansmann, Henning Gerder
-
Patent number: 10648963Abstract: A testing device (1) is configured for testing a gas guide element (3). A control unit (70) carries out a sequence of steps with two operating states. A test gas (91) is delivered by a pumping device (7) through the gas guide element (3) to a remotely located measuring location (80) and is subsequently delivered from the remotely located measuring location (80) to the gas sensor system (5). Measured values (77) are detected and analyzed during the delivery from the remotely located measuring location (80) to the gas sensor system (5) by a sensor (6, 90), which indicates a state of flow in the gas guide element (3) or an operating state of the pumping device (7). Changes occurring in the measured values (77) during the delivery from the remotely located measuring location (80) to the gas sensor system (5) indicate the operational capability of the gas guide element (3).Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2017Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: DRÄGERWERK AG & CO. KGAAInventors: Hans-Ullrich Hansmann, Henning Gerder
-
Patent number: 8998532Abstract: A carbon dioxide tank (3) is connected to a pump device (5). The pump device (5) is joined and connected with an infusion well (9), which is a tubular body. The infusion well (9) extends downward beneath the ground (7) and is provided so as to reach a saltwater aquifer (11). Part of the infusion well (9) forms a horizontal well (10) in a substantially horizontal direction. In other words, the horizontal well (10) is a location in which part of the infusion well (9) is formed in a substantially horizontal direction within a saltwater aquifer (11). The horizontal well (10) is provided with filters (13), which are porous members. For the filters (13), for example, a fired member in which ceramic particles are mixed with a binder that binds those particles can be used. Moreover, if the hole diameter for the filters (13) is small, microbubbles with a smaller diameter can be generated.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ziqiu Xue, Susumu Nishio, Hiromichi Kameyama, Koji Yoshizaki
-
Patent number: 8944720Abstract: A system for containing and managing fluids produced at a work site, such as an oil or gas drilling site, includes one or more fluid containments formed as a basin for collecting and retaining fluids, a berm forming a perimeter of the containments, a layer of sand placed over each basin, a fluid-impermeable membrane placed over the layer of sand, and drainage stone placed over the membrane, filling the basin. A geotextile fabric can be placed over the membrane to help protect the membrane from adverse affects of the drainage stone. A leak detection system can be coupled with the membrane to identify potential leaks in a containment system. One or more catch basins can extend through the basin and the drainage stone filling the basin, to receive fluids. A drainage system is placed in fluid communication with the catch basins to drain fluids from a containment.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: D.A. Nolt, Inc.Inventor: David A. Nolt
-
Patent number: 8770889Abstract: A method is provided for preventing water from entering a containment sump of an underground storage tank. After accessing an interior of the sump and interrupting the flow paths of piping, a form is positioned in the sump. An annular open space formed between the sump's sidewall and the form is substantially filled with a settable material. An inside wall of the form next has applied to it a polymeric material to seal off an source of water seepage. The piping flow paths are reestablished to create a waterproof containment sump.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Inventor: Scott R. Sharp
-
Patent number: 8690476Abstract: A novel method and system for storing high purity hydrogen into a salt cavern is provided. Particularly, the storage process involves storing high purity hydrogen into a salt cavern without seepage or leakage of the stored hydrogen through the salt cavern walls, by creating a permeation barrier along the salt cavern walls. The cavern pressure is monitored and controlled to ensure formation and maintenance of the permeation barrier. Optional temperature treatments may also be incorporated as desired.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventor: Rommel M. Oates
-
Publication number: 20130315669Abstract: A novel method and system for storing high purity hydrogen into a salt cavern is provided. Particularly, the storage process involves storing high purity hydrogen into a salt cavern without seepage or leakage of the stored hydrogen through the salt cavern walls, by creating a permeation barrier along the salt cavern walls. The cavern pressure is monitored and controlled to ensure formation and maintenance of the permeation barrier. Optional temperature treatments may also be incorporated as desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2012Publication date: November 28, 2013Inventor: Rommel M. Oates
-
Patent number: 8454268Abstract: Methods and systems for gas sequestration are provided. The systems include a porous storage reservoir containing a dense fluid; a first tubing string, configured to provide and inject a gaseous emissions (GE) stream at or near the top of the porous storage reservoir above the base portion of the porous storage reservoir; and a second tubing string configured to withdraw the dense fluid from the base portion of the porous storage reservoir. In some embodiments, the first and second tubing strings may be encased in a single well bore and may include measurement and control equipment for pressure management of the injection locations. The withdrawn dense fluids may be re-injected into an overlying porous reservoir or may be sent to the surface for treatment. Methods are provided for injection of GE and withdrawal of dense fluids for safe, long term gaseous sequestration of significant portions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and associated gases (gaseous emissions, GE).Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventor: John R. Wilkinson
-
Patent number: 8256992Abstract: Underground sequestration system and method in which a liquid or gas is stored in a sequestration zone of enhanced porosity in an underground geological formation, with a containment barrier around the sequestration zone. Conditions within the formation are monitored to verify the integrity of the sequestered substance, and any necessary repair or maintenance is done through wells that extend into the formation. In some disclosed embodiments, the porosity of the formation in the sequestration zone is enhanced by boreholes and laterals that are drilled with high velocity hydraulic cutting jets, and the sequestered liquid or gas is injected into the sequestration zone through the boreholes and laterals. Additional boreholes and laterals are employed in the containment barrier, and the barrier is formed of a thixotropic material that is injected into the formation through the additional boreholes and laterals.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: SEQEnergy, LLCInventors: Ben Wade Oakes Dickinson, III, Robert Wayne Dickinson, Lawrence Joseph Musetti, Oliver Douglas Ousterhout
-
Patent number: 8206985Abstract: A method of determining the effect of a spill on a marine environment, in which physical and chemical sensors are arranged with living organisms (4, 6) fitted with instruments, at an appropriate distance and position from the object (1) which is to be monitored, wherein the response of the living organism (4, 6), measured online in real time, is compared with known patterns of response, and where upstream and downstream measurements are compared to determine whether a change in response may be caused by a spill from the object, the significance of the real time measurements being validated through sampling of the organisms on a regular basis or as required, in order to analyze the effects on the health of the organisms, biomarkers, for the purpose of assessing the significance of the environmental effect.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Biota Guard ASInventors: Odd Kjetil Andersen, Steinar Sanni
-
Patent number: 6834534Abstract: A storage tank leak detection and prevention system that detects a breach or leak in the interstitial space of a double-walled fuel storage tank in a service station environment. The interstitial space is placed under a vacuum using a submersible turbine pump that is also used to pump fuel to the fuel dispensers in the service station and therefore a separate vacuum generating source is not required. A sensing unit and/or tank monitor monitors the vacuum level in the interstitial space over time. If a significant vacuum level change occurs in the interstitial space after the interstitial space is placed under a vacuum level, a catastrophic leak detection alarm is generated. If a minor vacuum level change occurs in the interstitial space after the interstitial space is placed under a vacuum, a precision leak detection alarm is generated. Functional tests also ensure that the leak detection system is functioning properly.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2003Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: Veeder-Root CompanyInventors: Don Halla, Richard Dolson, Robert P. Hart, Richard Lucas, Ray Hutchinson, Kent Reid
-
Publication number: 20040234338Abstract: A leak detection and prevention system adapted to continuously monitor the spaces of a double wall hydrocarbon fuel handling system comprising storage tanks, product lines, vapor recovery lines, tank vent lines, etc. The system establishes and monitors a resident gas-pressure within the interstitial space to monitor the integrity of the primary and secondary containment. Change in resident gas-pressure in excess of a calibrated vacuum flow rate or the presence of liquid in any monitored space initiates an alarm. Once an alarm is signaled, the product delivery system is shut down and an audio-visual alarm is activated in close proximity to operating personnel. An onsite service call by qualified personnel is required to return the product handling system back into service. A qualified service technician connects to a communication port on the system control module to evaluate the cause of the failure. The system utilizes vacuum pressure to monitor for containment breaches.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventors: Thomas K. Monroe, Zane A. Miller
-
Patent number: 6766620Abstract: A building levelling system is provided for a building having a basement or foundation supported on expansive soil. A water management system is included for maintaining water in the expansive soil at a level adjacent the foundation to saturate the soil with water and thereby prevent the cyclic shrinking and expanding of the soil when the soil is normally repeatedly dried and wetted, causing damage to the building supported thereon. An injection system may also be included for injecting water into the soil spaced well below the foundation to lift a foundation which has already settled significantly due to shrinkage of expansive soil upon which it is supported. The injection system includes a level sensing mechanism for determining when a level of water in a prescribed area of the expansive soil falls below a reference level of the system and injectors for feeding water into that area.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Inventor: Robert Ralph Robbins
-
Patent number: 6551024Abstract: A double walled storage tank includes an outer wall, an inner wall, a plurality of ribs disposed between the inner and outer walls, and a plurality of annular spaces between the ribs. The annular space between each pair of ribs is connected to other annular spaces only at the top of the tank. When a leak occurs in either the outer or inner wall, the annular space corresponding to the leak will at least partially drain while the other annular spaces will remain full. Thus, the leak location can be determined by simply examining the annular spaces between pairs of ribs.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2000Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Xerxes CorporationInventors: Robin L. Berg, Sr., John Burwell, Richard J. Kelber
-
Patent number: 6139222Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing and protecting oblong and odd-sized objects with plastic sheeting that may form a cylindrical enclosure by pressure sealing extruded plastic profile fasteners located at opposing edges of the plastic sheet.The open ends of the cylindrical enclosure may closed by folding the sheeting at the ends and sealing it with duct tape, or the ends may be left open, thus allowing several sections of sheeting to be placed adjacent to each other to enclose an object that exceeds the width of the sheeting. The fasteners may be tinted with different colors to provide color coded pressure closable seals that provide information about the article or material enclosed. By using different color combinations, the color of pressure seal may indicate whether the plastic sheeting is protecting non-hazardous material or containing hazardous material, or indicate the type of contained hazardous material.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1997Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Inventor: Joseph Edward Hains
-
Patent number: 6056477Abstract: A waste disposal site according to the present invention is provided with water-impermeable properties by water-impermeable materials covering a bottom surface and a sloped side surface of the waste disposal site. The waste disposal site is provided with a water-impermeable material damage-detecting system comprising electrodes for feeding electricity disposed above and below the water-impermeable materials for forming an electric field, and electrodes for measurement disposed along the water-impermeable materials. The system allows for detection of damages to the water-impermeable materials based on a potential variation at a damaged portion thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Taiyo Kogyo CorporationInventors: Shigeo Ueda, Osamu Imabayashi
-
Patent number: 6035701Abstract: The present invention integrates an inverse modeling technique and a field measurement system. The system uses inexpensive and non-hazardous gaseous tracers injected inside the contained volume of a barrier to quantify the location and size of any leaks in the barrier. The vapor sampling point installation, which allows the collection of soil gas samples from multiple points around the barrier installation, can be accomplished with conventional drilling or direct push techniques. The system uses a field-proven soil gas analyzer, incorporated in a sampling system capable of monitoring many sample points with relatively high time resolution. A rigorous inverse modeling technology is integrated with the data system for real time analysis.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1998Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Inventors: William E. Lowry, Sandra Dalvit Dunn, Robert Walsh, Daniel Merewether, Desario V. Rao
-
Patent number: 5988945Abstract: A method prevents corrosion of a vessel made of a corrodible material. The vessel has a bottom which has an outer surface. The method includes detecting the appearance of water at the outer surface of the bottom of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1995Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Societe Melallurgique Liotard FreresInventor: Daniel Bouvier
-
Patent number: 5934830Abstract: A method prevents corrosion of a vessel made of a corrodible material. The vessel has a bottom which has an outer surface. The method includes detecting the appearance of water at the outer surface of the bottom of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1997Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Societe Metallurgique Liotard FreresInventor: Daniel Bouvier
-
Patent number: 5909983Abstract: An emergency water reservoir apparatus for providing a ready water reserve for extinguishing fires at a location such as a residence includes a water storage tank having an interior reservoir in fluid communication with a water hydrant valve. A water intake conduit in fluid communication with an established water supply and the interior reservoir permits delivery of water into the water tank from the established water supply system. Included at the reservoir end of the water intake conduit is a water intake cut-off device and an anti-siphon valve device. A water pump pumps water from the interior reservoir to the water hydrant valve. An infusion pump device with an infusion reservoir member and an adjustable infusion dispensing device provides infusion chemicals into the water passing from the interior reservoir to the water hydrant valve. An electrical power generator is included to provide backup power to the water pump and the infusion pump device when the location's power supply is cut off.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1997Date of Patent: June 8, 1999Inventor: Wallace M. McGee, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5850144Abstract: A leak-testable, fluid-impervious membrane is formed as a laminate of a conductive mesh scrim between upper and lower insulative polymeric resin layers. The scrim is preferably a screen formed of a metallic wire, such as aluminum. The polymeric resin is preferably a thermoplastic, such as HDPE, PVC, or polypropylene. The membrane, when installed as a liner for a liquid receptacle or a roof, has an exposed surface on the upper insulative layer. When so installed, the membrane is testable for pinhole openings by an electrical leak survey method, in which an electrical potential is applied between the scrim and a conductive probe. The probe is passed over the exposed surface, so that the electrical potential creates an electric spark between the probe and the scrim at the location of a pinhole opening. An RF signal is generated in response to the spark, and an alarm is actuated in response to the RF signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1997Date of Patent: December 15, 1998Assignee: Serrot CorporationInventors: Harvey Howells, Guillermo M. Torres
-
Patent number: 5663490Abstract: A system for detecting the position of a break in a water-barrier sheet placed in a waste disposal facility for isolating wastes from the ground of the waste disposal facility includes at least one optical fiber laid in a predetermined pattern between the ground of the waste disposal facility and the water-barrier sheet and constituting a temperature sensor capable of detecting a change in temperature caused when it is flooded with leakage water flowing out from a break in the water-barrier sheet at a temperature elevated under the effect of heat generated during biodegradation of the organic substances contained in the wastes, and a temperature measuring instrument connected to said optical fiber for detecting the position of the break in the water-barrier sheet via detection of the temperature change by said temperature sensor composed of said optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1996Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Assignee: Daito Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toru Kozen
-
Patent number: 5595456Abstract: An underground storage tank provided with a manway is equipped with a riser extending from the storage tank, about the manway, to a point just below the access way provided in the ground level of the installation. The riser is provided with a water-tight cover which is released through operation of a cam. The water-tight riser excludes water from the interior of the riser and the manway, ensuring access to the manway, operation of the fittings provided in the manway, an additional containment of fluid passing through the manway and the area of the tank adjacent thereto. Because it is water-tight, an alarm sensitive to liquid may be placed in the interior of the riser to alert the operator to the possible loss of containment, or loss of water-tight sealing between the cover and the riser.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1995Date of Patent: January 21, 1997Assignee: Xerxes CorporationInventors: Robin Berg, Mark Baumgartner
-
Patent number: 5588779Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for use with an underground tank of fire suppression fluid in which the fluid level within the tank can be visually determined quickly during pumping operations. Also, the fluid in the underground tank is protected from freezing by draining the fluid standing above the top of the tank. Protection against collapse or rapture of the underground tank is provided by a method of ventilating air into and out of the tank.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Assignee: Schlumberger Industries, Inc.Inventor: Stanley L. Merrett
-
Patent number: 5583283Abstract: An impoundment leak detection, location, and containment system comprises an impermeable grid having a plurality of leak detection modules positioned below the impoundment. A tunnel is located adjacent the impermeable grid, and a plurality of conduits provide fluid communication between each of the leak detection modules and the tunnel. Fluid leaking from the impoundment accumulates in the leak detection module directly below the leak and flows through the associated conduit where it is detected by a fluid sensor. The location of the leak is determined based on the known location of the leak detection module accumulating fluid.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Assignee: Burt Troyce HamptonInventors: Burt T. Hampton, Timothy O. Hampton
-
Patent number: 5460032Abstract: An impoundment leak detection, location, and containment system comprises an impermeable grid having a plurality of leak detection modules positioned below the impoundment. A tunnel is located adjacent the impermeable grid, and a plurality of conduits provide fluid communication between each of the leak detection modules and the tunnel. Fluid leaking from the impoundment accumulates in the leak detection module directly below the leak and flows through the associated conduit where it is detected by a fluid sensor. The location of the leak is determined based on the known location of the leak detection module accumulating fluid.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1992Date of Patent: October 24, 1995Assignee: Burt Troyce HamptonInventors: Burt T. Hampton, Timothy O. Hampton
-
Patent number: 5357202Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and locating the presence of fluids beyond a containment vessel. A multiplicity of plates having conductive affinity are strategically oriented adjacent the area of liquid storage and periodic surveillance relying on conductivity of the substrate within which the electrodes have been placed are made such that disturbances in the conductivity correlates with migration of fluid being contained. The method and apparatus may be utilized to detect migration of salinated fluids into a region where previously less salination existed.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1991Date of Patent: October 18, 1994Inventor: Michael E. Henderson
-
Patent number: 5335535Abstract: A monitorable device for sealing off a body, in particular a garbage dump or a landfill, includes two seals sealing off a body and being mutually spaced-apart defining a control chamber between the seals. The control chamber has connections for an inlet opening and an outlet opening and is otherwise closed. A permeable channel or hose is connected between the inlet opening and the outlet opening in the control chamber for carrying a transport medium. A lance which is used for supplying a tracer gas may be disposed outside the control chamber and may face toward one of the seals. A sensor is connected to the outlet opening for detecting the tracer gas. A method for monitoring a device for sealing off a body includes sealing off a body with two seals being mutually spaced-apart defining a control chamber between the seals being closed except for connections for an inlet opening and an outlet opening.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1992Date of Patent: August 9, 1994Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Klaus Ruthrof, Peter Jax, Karl-Heinz Bode, Klaus Gunther
-
Patent number: 5288168Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for waterproofing soil utilizing a flexible plastic sheet for providing a water barrier provides a system for readily detecting the presence of holes in the plastic material. The sheet includes a plastic layer which may be rendered electrically conductive by embedding conductive particles within it. The integrity of the sheet may then be monitored by establishing an electric field across the sheet and monitoring for sparks between the conductive plastic layer and a probe. Reliable and economical testing is possible, even in situation where electrical leak testing was not previously feasible.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 1992Date of Patent: February 22, 1994Assignee: Gundle Lining Construction CorporationInventor: John L. Spencer
-
Patent number: 5272910Abstract: A vadose zone monitoring system for detecting leaks from a contaminant storage facility or the like is disclosed in which leaks are detected in a confined radial area around at least one generally horizontal, neutron access tube disposed under the landfill. A wicking layer of material increases the leakage detection coverage area by laterally transmitting leakage to the access tube via capillary action. A clay liner may be disposed between the landfill and wicking layer for controlling the rate of leakage to prevent build-up of a pressure head large enough to force liquid through the wicking layer before it is conducted laterally to the access tube. Leak detection may be carried out by neutron moderation techniques or other moisture detection schemes for developing logs indicative of the leakage from the landfill. The wicking layer permits an entire network of access tubes or other leak detection means to be installed under substantially the entire landfill for monitoring leaks therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1992Date of Patent: December 28, 1993Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Lorne G. Everett, John H. Kramer, Stephen J. Cullen
-
Patent number: 5100024Abstract: An apparatus and a method for collecting in seal containers the gasoline that leaks or spills from service station dispensers or submersible pumps help to reduce the pollution associated with such equipment. The apparatus and the method also provide for returning the collected gasoline to the storage tanks via existing vapor recovery systems.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1990Date of Patent: March 31, 1992Inventor: Sergio M. Bravo
-
Patent number: 5060509Abstract: A pipeline system is provided for a pumping system for fluid products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel and chemicals, and including a pump for pumping such products from a storage tank through the primary pipeline of the pipeline system to a product dispenser. The pipeline system includes a secondary containment system for the primary pipeline between the tank and dispenser which includes telescoping pipe sections of different diameters. The telescoping piping is installed around the primary pipeline and the pipe sections are, prior to final installation, movable between intermediate and final positions, for enabling completion, testing and inspection of the primary pipeline prior to final completion of the secondary containment system. One section of the telescoping piping is a flexible corrugated pipe which is able to bend around elbows. Compression seals and ring clamps are used to connect the components together.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1990Date of Patent: October 29, 1991Inventor: Michael C. Webb
-
Patent number: 4978249Abstract: A system for the safe storage of fluids, such as fuels or other toxic materials. A fluid storage tank is accessibly housed within a water tight, reinforced concrete, underground compartment. Piping and electrical lines run through an accessible, water tight chase in communicating with the storage tank, its housing compartment, fluid pumps, sensors, alarms, and fire extinguishing systems. Free access to the tank within its housing compartment is available so that the tank and its compartment may be inspected and maintained. Because the tank is not buried in gravel or the like, its replacement is a relatively simple and inexpensive task. Fluids which are spilled or leaked, including washdown fluids are recovered for proper disposal. Local seismic conditions are considered in the design of the reinforced concrete housing to assure against cracking and resultant leakage through the walls and floors of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1989Date of Patent: December 18, 1990Inventor: Troy H. Killman
-
Patent number: 4971225Abstract: An apparatus and a method for collecting in seal containers the gasoline that leaks or spills from service station dispensers or submersible pumps help to reduce the pollution associated with such equipment. The apparatus and the method also provide for returning the collected gasoline to the storage tanks via existing vapor recovery systems.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1989Date of Patent: November 20, 1990Inventor: Sergio M. Bravo
-
Patent number: 4936705Abstract: A reservoir for leak detecting fluid for a tank is disclosed. A reservoir is used with a double wall glass fiber reinforced plastic tank where the tank has an inner wall, an outer wall, and annular space between the inner and outer walls for receiving a leak detecting fluid and an enclosed space within the inner wall for the storage of a liquid. An opening is provided in the outer wall of the tank and the opening is in communication with the annular space between the inner and outer walls. A one-piece reinforced plastic reservoir for leak detecting fluid is positioned on the tank. The reservoir has a sidewall and an end wall extending across one end of the sidewall. The sidewall is secured to the outer wall of the tank with the interior of the reservoir being in alignment with the opening in the outer wall of the tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1988Date of Patent: June 26, 1990Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas CorporationInventor: William A. Schneider
-
Patent number: 4934866Abstract: An underground storage tank installation apparatus and method for installing the same. The apparatus includes a fiberglass vault into which one or more underground storage tanks are secured and buried in a suitable excavation. Structural support members are formed within the walls of the fiberglass vault to provide adequate strength for the walls of the fiberglass vault so that the chances of cave-ins are minimized. Internal and external observation wells are provided, with automatic leak detectors, so that any leakage either inside or outside the fiberglass vault is automatically detectable. The preferred method for installing the fiberglass vault is to excavate a pit of predetermined dimensions and pour a concrete base in the bottom thereof. The sides of the pit are lined with sheetrock panels and a liquified fiberglass mixture is sprayed on to the panels and concrete slab, with vertical support members being secured to the sheetrock panels between subsequent layers of the fiberglass coating.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1989Date of Patent: June 19, 1990Assignee: Secondary Containment, Inc.Inventor: Donald G. Gage
-
Patent number: 4918978Abstract: A system for detecting leaks in a tank, or the like, comprising an excavation basin including a periphery and defining a generally saucer-like formation with a basin surface with slopes from the periphery. A tank supported by the excavation basin. The tank as a permeation barrier extending from the periphery of the basin excavation and is supported by and conforms to the basin surface of the saucer-like formation. A corrosion curtain is integrally bound to the permeation barrier and defines an upright wall of the tank. Particulate matter is supported by the permeation barrier, and a liquid-impervious liner continuously extends from the top of and down the corrosion curtain upright side wall and across the top of the particulate matter that is being supported by the permeation barrier. An improved liquid leakage receiver is positioned in the particulate matter.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1989Date of Patent: April 24, 1990Inventor: Marion C. Green
-
Patent number: 4906135Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposal of hazardous waste and other waste materials in salt formations is disclosed herein comprising the steps of: leaching out a cavity in a salt formation; installing a plurality of concentric disposed casings, one inside the other, down into the cavity and securing them in place; receiving the waste material in the form of organic and inorganic solids, semi solids liquids, sludges, hydrocarbons, solvents and waste water, separating the waste constituents and temporarily storing them in their respective storage tanks; transferring the waste material to a solification unit; solidifying the waste material and injecting said solidified materials down into the cavity within the salt formation; filtering the waste water through a series of filters prior to disposing of the waste water.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1989Date of Patent: March 6, 1990Inventors: Carl L. Brassow, S. John Welsh, David C. Stang
-
Patent number: 4875805Abstract: A toxic waste storage facility is formed of a plurality of contiguous storage cells. Each of the storage cells has walls made from compacted earth blocks and has a floor of compacted layers of clay with an impervious plastic liner beneath the layers of clay. A plurality of liquid storage containers, each containing toxic waste, are stacked in each of the storage cells. Clay filler is located within the walls of the storage cells and fills the space around the containers.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1988Date of Patent: October 24, 1989Inventor: Robert Gross
-
Patent number: 4863638Abstract: A process for containment of hazardous waste is disclosed including initially encasing the waste material into a plurality of containment vessels each of which includes a coding on the exterior thereof to indicate the type of hazardous waste therein retained. The containment vessels are then secured with respect to one another into a grouping of 2 to 8 such vessels. The grouping is then entombed within a plastic casing to further prevent leaking of hazardous waste material outwardly from the vessels. Finally a handling device is attached with respect to the plastic casing to facilitate movement thereof. The individual containment vessels preferably are metal cylindrical drums and can be lead lined to facilitate retaining of low level radioactive waste therein. Preferably the grouping of containment vessels are banded together with steel banding.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1988Date of Patent: September 5, 1989Inventor: Raymond F. Harper, III
-
Patent number: 4859116Abstract: A leak containment storage facility includes a containment vessel with an inner tank surrounded by an outer tank. Upon detection of a leak in the inner tank, the pressure within the outer tank can be increased, usually by flooding the tank, to contain the leak. This facility has special application in a deep basing environment in which a personnel area is powered by hydrogen/chlorine fuel cells. The chlorine is stored as a liquid in the inner tank. Stored water in a reservoir floods the outer tank to apply a pressure on chlorine that leaks from the inner tank and keeps the chlorine from evaporating. Generally the pressure is achieved by the hydrostatic head alone and pumps or compressors are not use.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1986Date of Patent: August 22, 1989Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: William G. Harris
-
Patent number: 4848456Abstract: A brine leakage monitoring system for a production oil well where brine is returned to a brine bearing strata in the ground through casing surrounding the production casing of said oil well, including means for continuously monitoring the pressure in the area surrounding the brine disposal casing to detect any leaks that might occur so that brine does not seep into any strata, other than the brine bearing strata.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1988Date of Patent: July 18, 1989Inventor: James E. Kilbarger
-
Patent number: 4844287Abstract: A double-walled leak containment system for an underground storage tank is provided. The underground storage tank is surrounded, in order, by an inner polymeric containment layer, a liquid transmissive textile, and an outer polymeric containment layer. The outer polymeric containment layer is advantageously formed by spray coating the textile.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1987Date of Patent: July 4, 1989Inventor: Delmar D. Long
-
Patent number: 4836710Abstract: An underground tank having a leak detection mechanism, wherein a conduit is opened into a gap formed between an inner tank in which a fluid is to be contained and an outer tank covering the inner tank, a prescribed pressure of gas is applied to the gap through the conduit and the change in the pressure of gas in the conduit is detected by a detecting device, so that a leak of tank can be investigated. A thin sheet is wound on the outside surface of the inner tank so that the narrow gap is formed between the inner tank and the outer tank.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1987Date of Patent: June 6, 1989Assignee: Nippon Engineer Service Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koji Sawada
-
Patent number: 4753551Abstract: A sealing screen for waste dumps, e.g., for garbage dumps and the like, consisting of protective impermeable layers. The layers include two sealing layers and a control filter layer that is interposed between sealing layers. Two piping systems, an injection line and a second line system, are arranged within the control filter layer. The sealing screen has individual areas which are partitioned off from each other by means of sealing connections between and perpendicular to the sealing layers. A collector shaft or a tunnel are provided for checking the seal integrity in each individual area. A drainage layer with a drainage line system is arranged above the top protective layer, and a sealing layer is provided for protection above the drainage layer against damage from the dumping of waste into the dump.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1986Date of Patent: June 28, 1988Assignees: BASF Aktiengesellschaft, Bilfinger & Berger BauaktiengesellschaftInventors: Heinrich Brueggemann, Manfred Herzhauser, Gottfried Kochendoerfer, Klaus Krubasik
-
Patent number: 4690689Abstract: The invention provides a method for tagging methane by adding thereto one or more of the tracer compounds sulfur hexafluoride and chloropentafluoroethane. The methane being tagged is normally being stored in underground storage fields to provide identity and proof of ownership of the gas. The two tracer compounds are readily detectable at very low concentrations by electron capture gas chromatography apparatus which can be made portable and thus suitable for use in the field.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1985Date of Patent: September 1, 1987Assignee: Columbia Gas System Service Corp.Inventors: Norman D. Malcosky, Gregory Koziar