Flexible containment system for the automated application of PU foam for flood and hazardous material management

Abstract

Modular containment system for the application of PU foam, including: • at least one storage unit for the foam materials, • a distribution system with pipes, hoses or spray arm elements, • a control unit for automatic or manual activation, • Safety mechanisms for monitoring and emergency shutdown.

Description

1. Technical field:

[0001] The present invention relates to a flexible system for the automated application of polyurethane foam (PU foam) for flood control, sealing of building components, and containment of hazardous material spills in industrial and urban environments. The system includes both mobile and permanently installed versions and is suitable for rapid deployment in a wide variety of environments. 2. State of the art:

[0002] Existing systems for containing floods and hazardous materials often rely on manual or mobile applications such as sandbags, portable sprayers, or temporary barriers. These solutions are often time-consuming, resource-intensive, and limited in their flexibility.

[0003] The present invention goes further by providing an automated system that can be used both mobile and stationary and can be adapted to different applications due to its modularity. 3. Object of the invention:

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a system that: 1. Suitable for both mobile and stationary applications. 2. Can be triggered automatically or manually. 3. Offers flexible deployment options for flood and hazardous material protection. 4. It is efficient and requires little maintenance. 4. Solution to the task:

[0005] The invention solves the problem through a modular containment system comprising the following main components: 1. Supply unit: ◯ One or more containers for storing foam materials (e.g., polyol and isocyanate). ◯ Devices for mixing the components immediately before application. 2. Distribution system: ◯ Pipes or flexible hoses that transport the foam mixture to the outlet points. ◯ Flexible spray arms, stationary spray nozzles or mobile applicators. 3. Control unit: ◯ Electronic control for monitoring and triggering the system. ◯ Sensors for detecting water level, hazardous substances or other relevant parameters. 4. Security mechanisms: ◯ Automatic emergency shutdown in case of malfunctions. ◯ Optional: Alarms or notifications to a central control system. 5. Modularity: ◯ The system can be adapted for various applications, e.g., for urban, industrial, or infrastructural environments. 5. Concrete application examples: Example 1: Mobile Application A portable system is used by emergency responders to contain hazardous materials leaking during a chemical accident. The system is manually activated and creates a barrier of PU foam that controls the substance. Example 2: Permanently installed system. A stationary system is installed in a chemical plant. In the event of a leak, the system detects the hazardous substance and automatically activates foam application to contain the spread. Example 3: Flood protection. A modular system is installed along a riverbank. As the water level rises, the system automatically activates a PU foam barrier that blocks the floodwater. 6. Advantages of the invention: 1. Versatility: The system can be used both mobile and stationary. 2. Automation: It can be triggered fully automatically by sensors or manually by operating personnel. 3. Flexibility: It is modularly designed and adaptable to different scenarios. 4. Economic efficiency: Low maintenance costs and fast response time. 5. Sustainability: ◯ The PU foam can be formulated to be environmentally neutral, enabling its use in sensitive areas. Summary:

[0006] This utility model describes a flexible containment system for the automated application of polyurethane foam. The system has a modular design and offers versatile applications in flood and hazardous material management. It includes mobile and stationary versions and can be operated both automatically and manually. This versatility makes the system unique and future-oriented.

Claims

Modular containment system for the application of PU foam, comprising: • at least one storage unit for the foam materials, • a distribution system with pipes, hoses or spray arm elements, • a control unit for automatic or manual activation, • safety mechanisms for monitoring and emergency shutdown. The system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit comprises sensors for detecting water, chemicals or temperature changes. The system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by mobile and stationary embodiments. The system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage unit comprises interchangeable containers. The system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by its application for containing floods or hazardous substances.