Non-metallic -tank anti-leak, self-sealing coating

Abstract

A differential-thickness, self-sealing, anti-leak, all-over coating for the outside surface of a fuel container formed of HDPE plastic material and characterized with differentiated high and low puncture-threat regions. The coating includes, for the high-threat regions, a plural-layer portion possessing (a) an inner, high-elastomeric layer bonded substantially directly to the overlying portion of the container wall's outer surface, (b) an intermediate, high-elastomeric layer including a population of embedded, liquid-fuel imbiber beads formed over the inner layer, and (c) an outer, high-elastomeric layer formed over the intermediate layer, and for the low-threat regions, a single-layer portion bonded substantially directly to the overlying portion of the container wall's outer surface, and having a single, high-elastomeric layer which joins in a bridging manner, and in a differential-thickness transition region, to each of the plural-layer portion's layers to form collaboratively therewith a fully enveloping, elastomeric, shrink-wrap jacket around the container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 751,477, filed Dec. 16, 2005, for “Non-Metallic-Tank Anti-Leak, Self-Sealing Coating”. The entire disclosure content of this prior-filed provisional application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0002]We have participated recently in the development of a specialized-form, protective, liquid-reaction, elastomeric, self-sealing, anti-leak coating structure and methodology which involves the spray-application of material to the outside of a liquid petroleum fuel container, such as a fuel tank, for implementing several different anti-leak sealing mechanisms—liquid-imbibing, three-dimensional material swelling, congealing, and elastomeric spring-back memory—that are effective to seal quickly against fuel leakage from a puncture wound, such as a bullet wound, in the wall of such a container / tank.[0003]For background...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0002]We have participated recently in the development of a specialized-form, protective, liquid-reaction, elastomeric, self-sealing, anti-leak coating structure and methodology which involves the spray-application of material to the outside of a liquid petroleum fuel container, such as a fuel tank, for implementing several different anti-leak sealing mechanisms—liquid-imbibing, three-dimensional material swelling, congealing, and elastomeric spring-back memory—that are effective to seal quickly against fuel leakage from a puncture wound, such as a bullet wound, in the wall of such a container / tank.

Problems solved by technology

Chemical bounding to such a material is very difficult, and traditional mechanical bonding is challenging and problematic, but we have devised a new approach which grows out of our earlier self-sealing work, to accomplish coating and protection of such a tank (container), utilizing, principally, several styles of non-traditional mechanical bounding, including shrink-wrap bonding.

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