Abstract: A transfer terminal includes a storage structure bounding a chamber, the chamber being adapted to receive bulk material. A surge bin is at least partially disposed within the chamber of the storage structure. The surge bin receives the bulk material for dispensing. In one embodiment, for a portion of the bulk material that cannot freely flow into the surge bin, mechanical structures are provided for transferring the bulk material into the surge bin. A passageway extends through or below at least a portion of the storage structure. The first surge bin is in communication with the passageway for delivering the bulk material thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing storage capacity of granular material storage structures. The apparatus includes a curtain assembly supportable from the roof structure of the granular material storage structure and above the sidewalls thereby defining a second volume within which the granular material may be filled which is above the first volume defined by the interior volume of the sidewalls and the volume defined by the angle of repose of the granular material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extinguishing a smouldering fire in a silo by introducing inert gas into the silo. The inert gas is introduced through a venturi-type nozzle above the stored content in the silo with a slow streaming velocity in such a way that mass ratio of the entrained surrounding gas to the incoming liquid inert gas is between 0.5 and 20. Thus a closed inert gas layer is formed above the smouldering fire.

Abstract: A nationwide bulk materials rapid distribution network and apparatus (i.e. an improved grain elevator) for rapid distribution of any bulk materials including dry bulk, liquids, liquefied gases, and vapor gases is disclosed, comprising the transloading of all kinds of incoming land based pipelines, barges, ships, freight cars, trucks, and grain trailers (hereinafter transport vehicles collectively) unloaded into the receiving means of the apparatus for loading to other transport vehicles through a load out spout emanating from the spout floor on the other side of the grain elevators for dry bulk or by outgoing pipeline to the transport vehicles. The incoming transport vehicles can then be returned to service as quickly as possible for re-deployment, thus minimizing demurrage, and the loaded transport vehicles can be dispatched to the user sites where the materials are needed with minimum delay.

Abstract: A grain bin floor support system having a plurality of interconnected support members. The support members are constructed from a monolithic sheet of structural metal stamped and formed having upper and lower horizontal rails spanning across and integrally connected by a plurality of transverse support columns. The rails include a longitudinally extending center segment and a stabilizing portion adjacent each end thereof. The stabilizing portions are configured to be folded out in opposite directions forming a non-planar self-supporting structure.

Abstract: A blending of geometrical shapes combine the best features of a pipe tank (standpipe) and a common multi-legged elevated tank. The bowl of an elevated tank has been designed as the top section of a standpipe or tube tank. This type design provides the near constant pressure and volume that a true elevated tank provides and a large volume of water for emergency purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extinguishing burning deposited goods situated in a silo, inert gas being introduced into the silo above the burning deposited goods and off gas being extracted above the burning deposited goods from the silo.

Abstract: A system for storing water in or under a concrete slab of the type in which one or more void forming elements are used to form one or more voids in the concrete slab. The system comprises one or more water storage means, such as pipes (12, 14, 26, 18 and 20) positioned in the one or more void forming elements (10) and at least one port (26) for supplying water to the one or more water storage means. The void forming elements may be boxes.

Abstract: A method for erecting a generally cylindrical structure such as a tank and an apparatus erected in accordance with the method. The method includes a step of positioning a plurality of pre-assembled arcuate segments of a cylindrical wall at a location near a foundation on which the structure is to be erected. A first arcuate segment is disposed at a corresponding location on the foundation. Subsequent arcuate segments are also disposed at intended locations on the foundation such that segments intended to be adjacent to one another have axially-extending edges abutting one another. When positioning is completed such that an arcuate wall extends through a full 360°, seams between the various segments are sealed such as by welding.

Abstract: A roof system for a grain storage structure. The roof system includes a plurality of enclosures defined between adjacent roof panel surfaces. Each enclosure includes opposed exterior and interior wall segments oriented at an angle relative to the panel surfaces. The exterior and interior wall segments have cooperating indents that are fastened to one another to secure adjacent roof panels against relative movement.

Abstract: A practical method of manufacturing, assembling, and constructing a single silo or building or a cluster of polygonal storage silos using a column comprising horizontally-arrayed structural column panels. Column panels within a top horizontal array vertically aligning with column panels of a next lower horizontal array such that no discernible gap exists between top and bottom edges of column panels within the column. Seams, where top and bottom edges of column panels meet, preferably occur in different horizontal planes from each other throughout the column, thereby creating a stagger of column components in relationship to each other. Multiple layers of column components with the same, similar, or different configurations can be added to preferably cover seams of underlying column components to enhance structural integrity. A structure built with these columns can be constructed using a cost-effective and relatively safe method of jack-lifting.

Abstract: A shade panel assembly that covers the top and sides of a storage tank. Such assemblies might also include a water dispensation system to dispense water mist substantially in the area of the shade assembly in the region between the assembly and the tank or substantially onto the shade panels. The panel assembly, when in an operative position over a storage tank, serves as a pollution control technology and, as such, may qualify for such environmental incentives.

Abstract: A storage facility includes a storage structure having a floor and a boundary wall upwardly extending therefrom, the floor and boundary wall bounding a chamber adapted to receive bulk material. A tubular chase bounds a passageway and is at least partially disposed and upwardly extends within the chamber of the storage structure. A transfer pipe includes a raised section disposed and upwardly extending within the chamber. The transfer pipe terminates at an outlet port disposed in an upper portion of the chamber. A pump is coupled with the transfer pipe for conveying bulk material through the transfer pipe and into the chamber.

Abstract: A live recovery storage structure for holding bulk material includes a housing having a side boundary wall with an inverted substantially U-shaped or V-shaped transverse cross section that extends between a first end wall and an opposing second end wall. The housing bounds a chamber adapted to receive bulk such that the bulk material rests against the side boundary wall. An elongated tunnel wall extends within or below the housing, the tunnel wall bounding a tunnel. At least one opening is formed on the housing so as to provide fluid communication with the chamber. A dispenser assembly is mounted on the tunnel wall so as to proved controlled fluid communication between the chamber and the tunnel.

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: A storage facility includes a storage structure having a floor and a boundary wall upwardly extending therefrom, the floor and boundary wall bounding a chamber adapted to receive bulk material. A tubular chase bounds a passageway and is at least partially disposed and upwardly extends within the chamber of the storage structure. A transfer pipe includes a raised section disposed and upwardly extending within the chamber. The transfer pipe terminates at an outlet port disposed in an upper portion of the chamber. A pump is coupled with the transfer pipe for conveying bulk material through the transfer pipe and into the chamber.

Abstract: To produce a silo or tank, plates provided with joining flanges are made, both plates and flanges being produced from aluminium alloy. The plates are joined to one another in order to form rings, and said rings are joined to one another in order to form a silo or tank. In order to make the said joins between the shaped plates and between the rings watertight, according to the present invention sealing mastic is applied in a channel formed by two adjoining recesses, each made in the outward-facing free end of one of two flanges engaging on one another.

Abstract: A flashing apron for use in grain bins roofs which has apron segments comprised of a single sheet of metal with a plurality of spaced crease lines therein wherein the crease lines create a plurality of truncated areas in an upper surface of the apron segment. Each apron segment has a side edge comprising a downwardly bent lip which fits underneath a side edge of an adjacent apron segment which is planar in shape and which lies on or above the bent lip. Suitable fasteners are provided to secure the apron segments together to create a composite flashing apron for mounting around the circular ring at the apex of the grain bin roof.

Abstract: The present invention aims to reduce the manufacturing work load of a structure of a liner of a concrete wall. A plurality of liner anchors 10 is constructed longitudinally to one surface of a liner 11, and a plurality of flat bars 14 is constructed transversely to the other surface of the liner 11. Concrete for a reinforced concrete wall is installed using the liner 11 reinforced longitudinally and transversely by the liner anchors 10 and the flat bars 14 as a formwork, and the liner is constructed to the concrete wall by burying the liner anchors 10 to the concrete wall. Thereafter, the flat bars 11 are removed from the liner 14, according to need.

Abstract: A flashing apron for use in grain bins roofs which has apron segments comprised of a single sheet of metal with a plurality of spaced crease lines therein wherein the crease lines create a plurality of truncated areas in an upper surface of the apron segment. Each apron segment has a side edge comprising a downwardly bent lip which fits underneath a side edge of an adjacent apron segment which is planar in shape and which lies on or above the bent lip. Suitable fasteners are provided to secure the apron segments together to create a composite flashing apron for mounting around the circular ring at the apex of the grain bin roof.

Abstract: A pump station for transferring radioactive particle containing waste water, includes: (a.) an enclosed sump having a vertically elongated right frusto conical wall surface and a bottom surface and (b.) a submersible volute centrifugal pump having a horizontally rotating impeller and a volute exterior surface. The sump interior surface, the bottom surface and the volute exterior surface are made of stainless steel having a 30 Ra or finer surface finish. A 15 Ra finish has been found to be most cost effective. The pump station is used for transferring waste water, without accumulation of radioactive fines.

Abstract: A floor grommet for use in building and office structures supplied with air conditioning via under floor plenum. Directed flow of conditioned air is optimized by limiting the escape of air from the plenum into the space above the floor by leakage through floor openings provided for power cables, data cables and the like. Specialized floor grommets installed in the cable openings are comprised of a surrounding frame mounting sealing elements comprised of thin, flexible elements which are anchored at one end in the grommet frame and extend toward the center of the opening, from each side, to effectively close the opening against significant flow of conditioned air from the plenum below. Cables passing through the grommet opening cause minimal deflection of the flexible elements to limit the escape of conditioned air. Preferably, the resilient, flexible elements are filamentary in nature.

Abstract: The present invention a bunker sealing system for use with a horizontal style bunker, the bunker sealing system includes a bunker silo for storing silage therein, a cover for selectively covering and sealing silage; wherein the cover being comprised of liquid fillable bladders. The bunker sealing system further including cover handling equipment including a spool for spooling and unspooling the cover onto and off of a cover spool such that the penetration of water and air into silage is minimized and further includes a cover carriage for supporting, the spool including wheels cooperatively rolling along top rails mounted on top of bunker walls, such that the carriage spans between two bunker walls and is rollably moveable longitudinally along the walls.

Abstract: An assembly of a milk tank and a measuring probe, the milk tank being provided with a space for containing milk and with a wall having a manhole portion defining a manhole, which manhole comprises a rim that extends in a direction away from the space, the measuring probe being located at least partially in the space of the milk tank, the assembly comprising a fastening device for fastening the measuring probe to at least a part of the manhole portion, and the fastening device being provided with at least one radial protrusion that comprises a recess for receiving, in the assembled position of fastening device and milk tank, at least a part of the rim of the manhole portion.

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: An advantageous surge bin designed and constructed for the receiving, containing and discharging of bulk materials in which are arranged cooperating circular upper, octagonal intermediate and transitional lower interior wall structures with a discharge opening adapted for closure and discharge and having vertical support and horizontal connecting members so arranged and constructed to beneficially enable an overall structural weight saving of 10% to 15% over conventional designs and to facilitate the relocation of the surge bin by wheeled or other carrier means.

Abstract: A waste water collection arrangement for combining the waste water discharge of several different plumbing fixtures includes a water receiving trap having a chamber in which water is received to provide a gas-tight seal. At least two inlet assemblies deliver waste water to the chamber and at least one outlet assembly discharges water from the chamber. The chamber has a lid part through which the inlet assemblies pass at least substantially perpendicular to the lid part. The inlet assemblies are mounted on the lid part so as to be movable as required to desired positions for connection to waste water conduits. The chamber is essentially isolated from the ambient air.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently removing grain from a grain storage device, which uses a plurality of augers. An unloading auger is used to begin removal of grain from a grain storage device. As the amount of grain decreases, a proximity sensor sends an activation signal to a cross auger that rests horizontally on the bottom of the grain storage device. The cross auger will pull the remaining grain to the entry point of an unloading auger. The unloading auger then removes the grain from the grain storage device.

Abstract: A silo (1), in particular a vertical one, designed to store products in powder form, and having a vibrating bottom (3), suitable for favoring flow, and for equipping a fixing damper body (2) of a silo (1) by means of a joining element (9) and a fixing damper (10), provided to ensure a tight connection between the body of the silo and the vibrating bottom, while, at the same time, preventing a transmission of vibrations from one to the other. According to the invention, the joining element (9) takes the form of an elastically deformable, peripheral, self-supporting joint, interposed directly and freely between the body (2) of the silo (1) and the vibrating bottom (3), cooperating with the fixing damper (10) to perform both a sealing function and a damping function, without discontinuity over its entire bearing periphery.

Abstract: A grain storage safety net system and method is designed to reduce or prevent accidents involving grain carts and grain storage bins. The safety net system includes a strong and durable wide mesh netting which is secured to the inside periphery of either a grain cart or grain bin via a plurality of anchors. The netting thus blankets an upper ingress opening of the cart or bin, with the wide mesh netting allowing the ingress of grain while preventing human entry therein.

Abstract: A sewage digester cap for use with a generally cylindrical tank, the cap held in place by a series of concrete anchors to ballast the cap on the digester. The anchors are suspended from the cap by a series of steel cables. The cap includes a liquid sealing skirt of a length to maintain the liquid seal in the presence of a high liquid level within the tank. The cap has removable anchors allowing the digester to be adjusted to accommodate different gas pressures inside the tank by using different ballast weights. The anchors remain submerged even when the maximum liquid level is reached allowing for increased gas storage with minimal pressure change. Additionally, the anchors provide a lower center of gravity for the cap which also reduces the tendency of the cap to tip in the wind or other atmospheric conditions. The cap is removable to allow for cleaning, maintenance and disassembly for relocation of the cap.

Abstract: This invention relates to a liquid storage system for storing liquid products, particularly petroleum and its derivatives. An auxiliary dam (1) within a bund defined by a main dam (3) bounds an area (5) around a tank (2) in such a way that the contaminating wastes from the fluids stored in the tank are contained within that area (5).

Abstract: A silo for gravity flow storage of bulk particulate solids comprises downwardly converging and downwardly diverging walls. The downwardly converging walls form angles to the vertical that satisfy the conditions for mass flow. The walls impose particle velocity gradients in the horizontal cross sections of the silo, reducing interparticle cohesion, preventing the formation of arches and promoting uniformity of residence time within the silo. The modules may be vertically stacked, and may be clustered to increase capacity and to reduce pressure stress levels where required.

Abstract: A method of forming a grain pile by pushing grain into a buried insertion point. A screw conveyor grain at ground level from a receiving point to the buried insertion point. The screw conveyor creates a pile core at the insertion point and forcibly enlarges the pile core into a large pile against forces of natural resistance. Piles as large as 2,000,000 bushels can be formed by a conveyor having a drive motor of less than 50 horsepower. Grains of different properties may be formed into a pile and become blended as a consequence thereof.

Abstract: A hopper that greatly reduces the tendency of the particulate material to form bridges within the hopper is shaped so that its walls slope downward more steeply at the bottom of the hopper and slope less steeply with increasing height above the outlet. In one embodiment the slope decreases continuously with increasing height above the outlet. In another embodiment the hopper is formed of successive sections, each joined around its circumference to the next-lower section, the wall of each section being less steeply inclined than the wall of the adjoining next-lower section. Exact relationships are given, relating the slopes of successive sections, and if the hopper is built in conformity with these relationships, arching of the particulate material is eliminated.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a silo or tank with a lining by using preformed wall sheets comprising, along the edges thereof, edge zones provided with bolt holes for connecting the wall sheets to each other with slight overlap, wherein wall sheets are used prefabricated with a coating layer applied to the inside of the wall sheets under controlled conditions by spraying, spreading or the like, which coating layer covers the entire inner surface of the wall sheet, but leaves free the edge zones of two connecting edges; that the prefabricated wall sheets are then brought to the building site and connected to each other in such a manner that in each case a coated edge zone of a wall sheet lies on the inside on a free edge zone of another wall sheet; that at least on the inside the seams between the wall sheets are provided with a cemented joint and the heads of the bolts or the like are likewise provided with a layer of coating material.

Abstract: A method of and wall sheet for building up a silo with lining and a method of manufacturing wall sheets for such a silo. The wall sheets are pre-formed wall sheets, comprising a base sheet and a sheet of lining material, bonded thereto in a slightly staggered manner. The lining material covers a number of bolt holes of the base sheet and already fitted in the covered bolt holes are fastening means, secured against rotation and also covered by the lining material. After the wall sheet has been mounted, free edge strips of the layer of lining material fall over uncovered edge zones of adjacent wall sheets. Connecting sheets of lining material are welded together along the edges, and, if necessary, the overlapping strips are bonded to the subjacent wall sheets.

Abstract: An agricultural grain storage or feed tank including a body with a roof having an upper inlet opening is provided with a roof cap assembly which includes an elongated and vertically extending control rod which is vertically and pivotably movable with respect to the body of the tank whereby a cap connected to the control rod may be selectively moved remotely from the opening by raising the control rod and thereafter swinging the cap relative to the opening. The opening is reinforced by a reinforcing centering ring which is selectively mounted to the exterior of the roof of the tank and which includes a plurality of support rods on which the cap is normally seated so as to create an air passageway into the inlet opening. In the preferred embodiment, the body of the tank is corrugated and is supported by legs having corrugated sections which interfit with the body of the tank.

Abstract: A grain bin lid opener designed to selectively open and close the lid from ground level. A single cable originates from the ground level on one side of the grain bin, proceeds over the grain bin and through the top part of a galvanized pipe and then extends down the other side. The cable is secured at the top part of the galvanized pipe which is welded to the grain bin lid. To close the lid, the cable is looped over a closing lever arm, located near ground level, which is then lowered therefore closing the lid. To secure the lid the lever arm is locked in a bracket. To open the lid the lever arm is released from the bracket and the cable is pulled from the other side of the grain bin. The grain bin lid opener allows the lid to be actuated from the ground level, thus preventing possible injury to a worker who would otherwise have to climb a tall grain bin to open the lid.

Abstract: A fixed roof flammable liquid storage tank with a fire extinguishing device is disclosed. The tank has a hydraulically leakproof base, a conical slope ranging from 30.degree. to 60.degree. relative to the base, and a conical circular wall made of a plurality of metal plates joined together to form an upwardly tapered conical wall. The conical wall reaches up to a height where the top diameter reduces in the range of one-third to two-thirds of the base diameter of the tank to form a frustum. The tank is provided with a fire extinguishing device comprising one or more annular pipe rings connected by cross-member pipes with vertical discharge pipes attached at the junctions therebetween. The pipes extend above the highest level of the liquid in the tank and are configured to distribute either foam or dry chemical powder to extinguish a fire.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a tubular fitting for connection to an overflow pipe on a sanitary silo in order to introduce sanitary air into any siphonal discharge therefrom and thereby reduce vacuum in the silo to prevent its collapse by implosion. The fitting (5) is generally tubularly Y-shaped with branch passageways (13) and (14) connecting an upper portion of an overflow pipe (3) with a sanitary air intake pipe (12), said branch passageways extending downwardly into an enlarged confluence region (15) which terminates in a single downwardly tapered passageway (16) for connection to a lower portion of said overflow pipe (3). The other object is to provide a sanitary air intake pipe (12) extending upwardly from an enclosed sanitary structure (4) into the fitting (5) thereby preventing unclean matter from entering the silo (1) during normal operation or when the silo is overfilled.

Abstract: An underground storage system for hazardous liquids having an inner fluid storage tank surrounded by a larger outer containment vault with sufficient space between to allow for visual inspection of the tank. The inner tank has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is positioned within an outer rectangular parallelepiped vault in a manner leaving a larger clearance space between two adjacent tank sides and facing vault walls than between the opposite adjacent two sides and walls. Additionally, a vertical clearance exists between the tank and vault. The vault is reinforced concrete precast in sections for ease of transport and assembly on-site. The vault has a bottom pan-shaped unit with one or more square tubular collar units on top and terminates in an upper cover. The cover includes one or more man-way apertures enabling a technician to enter the vault and inspect the tank for leaks. The increased use of excavated space for fluid storage reduces costs associated with transport and installation.

Abstract: A sludge clarifier vessel bottom is disclosed which, in one embodiment, includes a bottom wall of the vessel and a portion of a steel side wall of the vessel, the walls intersecting at a corner, the bottom including the walls and a primer coat thereon, an amount of putty in the corner a resin base coat on the primer coat, fiberglass cloth on the resin base coat and a top resin coat on the fiberglass cloth. In one aspect crack controlling apparatus according to this invention is disposed beneath the plastic coat and the plastic coat is, preferably, not bonded to the crack controlling apparatus. Also disclosed are clarifiers with such bottoms.

Abstract: The prefabricated component for building staircases comprises a supporting element made of foamed plastic material which extends longitudinally and is cut in the shape of steps along one of its upper surfaces. The supporting element is provided with a plurality of longitudinal holes which are meant for the insertion of respective metallic reinforcement frames and are suitable to be filled with a concrete casting when installed, to provide respective beams for stiffening the supporting element.

Abstract: Roof for a storage reservoir, such as a silo, having a frame with a rigid peripheral element, a central core element and a plurality of tension elements which are distributed about the peripheral element. The central core element includes at least two supports that are mutually connected at an axial distance apart. The tension elements are stretched between each support on the central core element and the peripheral element. The tension element is fixed to the central core element and the tension element such that the tension of the frame is varied by varying the distance of the tension element is stretched between the rigid peripheral element and the central core element.

Abstract: A hatch cover is a tent-like fabric structure having a skirt with dimensions which fit around and is attachable to a periphery of a hatch to keep foreign substances from falling into the hatch. Examples of such substances are rain, snow, dust, and any other contaminants. The fabric structure has a sloping roof rising from the skirt to a top where the fabric is sealed to a spout for delivering particulate matter into a space (such as the hold of a ship) under the fabric. A plurality of ropes extends around the periphery of the hatch to the top of the fabric, whereby the spout may be positioned and repositioned by changing the length of the tie-down ropes. The fabric structure may also be supported by creating a positive air pressure under the structure relative to ambient atmosphere pressure. Preferably the fabric structure is a generally conical structure with eaves at the base of the cone.

Abstract: The mini storage silo comprises a tall, enclosed, octagonal structure which has a conical roof, two doors that swing away from one another to create a large opening into the interior thereof, an elevated floor, and a plurality of adjustable shelves therein. Optionally, the lower portion of the silo may serve as a dog house, with a canine entry being set into one of the walls just above the level of the floor.

Abstract: A barrier for blocking a passage between adjacent modules of a heat recovery steam generator comprises at least one plate for extending between the modules. At least one bracket is mounted to the plate for engagement with each structure. The bracket has one end engageable with one module and an opposite end engageable with the other module for securing the plate between the modules such that the passage is blocked.

Abstract: A floor for a water tank on a tank support tower is made of a dome of steel bar-reinforced concrete over a lower steel base in a central portion encircling a center access tower, the dome being surrounded by and continuous with an annular rim also of concrete reinforced with steel bars but over a circular steel beam at the base of the dome. Studs are welded from the concrete area into the steel base and the steel beam.

Abstract: The bulk material silo has a venting bottom containing a fiber layer (4). To compensate the difference in flow-off resistance, which differs with the distance of material from the discharge (6), it is provided that the fiber layer differs in flow resistance (10) along the path of the material toward the outlet (6), specifically having a lower flow resistance in regions further away from the outlet.