Method for producing a dike device, dike device and dike set for forming the dike device

Abstract

The method serves to create a temporary dike structure for protection against a liquid, in particular for building protection during flooding, whereby a temporary barrier is created that extends along a predetermined protection line, which separates a protected area, in particular a building, from a liquid area. For this purpose, a foamable material is provided in a storage container, and the barrier is formed from the foamed and hardened material.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for constructing a temporary dike device, a dike device, and a dike kit for constructing the dike device. The dike device serves, in particular but not exclusively, to protect buildings from flooding during periods of high water.

[0002] Currently available flood protection measures, such as sandbags or flood walls, require extensive preparation and are often not available quickly enough to be effective in the event of unexpected flooding. Buildings of all types can only be protected against penetrating water with great difficulty and time. There is a need for rapidly deployable and effective solutions to prevent damage.

[0003] Traditional flood protection systems mostly consist of sandbags, solid barriers, or inflatable systems. These methods often have limitations in terms of flexibility, storage, and rapid deployment.

[0004] Based on this, the invention aims to provide a quickly deployable protective barrier for protection against liquids.

[0005] The problem is solved according to the invention by a method for forming a temporary dike device that acts as a protective barrier against a liquid. In this process, a temporary barrier is created that extends along a predetermined protective line and delineates an area to be protected (protected area) from the liquid and thus from a liquid zone. According to the invention, the barrier is formed from a foamed material.

[0006] The protected area refers in particular to a building or part of a building that is to be protected from flooding (liquid zone). However, the application of the procedure is not limited to this.

[0007] The problem is further solved by a dike device, in particular designed by the method, for protection against a liquid, with a barrier extending along a predetermined protective line that separates a protected area from a liquid area, wherein, according to the invention, a foamable material is provided in a storage container and the barrier is formed from the foamed and hardened material.

[0008] The problem is further solved by a dike set according to claim 20 and in particular by providing such a dike set which is provided and designed for the construction of the dike device and in particular also for carrying out the method.

[0009] The use of a foamable and curable material, in particular a polymer material, offers the special advantage that a barrier can be quickly and easily formed on site with a simple measure, which protects an area or object to be protected, such as a building, from the liquid, especially from flooding.

[0010] After the incident, the temporary barrier can and will be removed and the material used will be disposed of appropriately.

[0011] Foamable materials are generally known and used in many areas, for example in construction. The invention's use of a foamable material for constructing a dike system is based on the understanding that a foamed barrier is particularly well-suited for creating a protective dike. Firstly, the dike system can be erected quickly and easily on site. Depending on the construction method for the dike system, the fact that the initially viscous and extremely sticky foam interlocks very well with the substrate and adheres accordingly is also utilized, resulting in an overall good protective effect.

[0012] The advantages and preferred embodiments listed below with regard to the method are also transferable, mutatis mutandis, to the dike device and the dike set. Likewise, the advantages and preferred embodiments described in connection with the dike device and / or the dike set are also transferable to the other categories (method, dike device, dike set).

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the barrier is generally created on-site, either directly at the protection line or in the immediate vicinity, for example, in the area of ​​the object to be protected (such as a building), by foaming and hardening the foamable material. This means that the foamable material is first transported to the deployment location and only then foamed and hardened on-site, allowing the barrier to be formed.

[0014] The term "local area" refers to the creation of the barrier or its components directly within a disaster or flood zone through foaming and hardening. This foaming and hardening process is carried out only when necessary, specifically when a critical situation is anticipated or has already occurred, such as during or immediately before the damaging event, like a flood.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the barrier is formed by applying and thus spraying the foamable material along the protection line. The foamable material is therefore applied directly, for example, to a floor area, and thus immediately forms the barrier at the desired location.

[0016] In particular, the foamable material is simply applied to the desired location along the desired protection line using a suitable spraying device, such as a spray lance or spray tube, and then hardens immediately on site along the protection line.

[0017] The foamable material is generally provided in a storage container, which is preferably designed as a spray container, from which the foaming material preferably emerges under pressure and foams up immediately upon exiting. The storage container has a suitable discharge nozzle to which the aforementioned spray tube and / or spray lance is preferably attached. The spray lance is, for example, equipped with a handle.

[0018] Due to this special manufacturing process, the formed barrier and especially the formed dike device is also referred to simply as a spray dike.

[0019] It should also be emphasized that, in a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the barrier, where the liquid (e.g., floodwater) comes into direct contact in the event of damage, is formed directly by a skin of the foamed material, and thus by a surface of the foamed material. Therefore, the foamed material is in direct contact with the liquid during operation.

[0020] To achieve a sufficient barrier height, several layers are preferably applied successively. The foamable material is specially formulated to ensure good interlocking between the successive layers. A single layer, for example, has a height of 5-20 cm.

[0021] To achieve sufficient stability, the barrier is constructed in such a way that it rests against and is supported by the object to be protected, such as a building. Specifically, the barrier is routed around the area to be protected. When protecting buildings, the barrier is laid out so that its end section rests against the object to be protected, particularly against building components. Such a spray barrier is particularly suitable for protecting basement shafts, entrance doors, etc., from water ingress. For this purpose, the spray barrier is installed in an arc around the building opening and its end sections rest directly against, for example, a building wall.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, additional support struts are formed, which are, for example, also created on-site by foaming the material. The support struts support the barrier running along the protection line on one side and are supported on the other side by a resistance, in particular the object to be protected. This is especially advantageous when the barrier has to span a greater length. In this case, for example, the support struts connect the barrier to a building wall. These support struts are therefore oriented, for example, radially and / or perpendicularly / at an angle to the barrier running along the protection line. To form each support strut, it is created by spraying the curable foam from the barrier along a support line to the support area / resistance.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, a support structure is installed that extends along the protection line and against which the barrier is supported, or to which or into which the curable material is attached or introduced. This support structure consists, for example, of posts distributed along the protection line, which are preferably driven into the ground and made of a different, particularly stronger, material (wood, plastic, metal) compared to the barrier. The barrier (running along the ground) can be supported against these (vertical) posts. The posts are installed at regular intervals, e.g., a few meters. Alternatively or additionally, the support structure simultaneously forms a shaping structure, such as formwork or a grid, with the foam being applied to or between / into this shaping structure.Specifically, the foamable material is sprayed onto the grid or sprayed into a formwork, for example.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the curable material is applied to the floor using a combined spray lance, which has a nozzle for the curable material and a compressed air nozzle upstream. During application, the compressed air cleans the floor area where the barrier is to be applied and displaces any existing water or dirt, such as dust, leaves, etc. This ensures the best possible adhesion between the foam material and the floor.

[0025] For the generation of compressed air, a compressed air source is provided. This includes, for example, a separate compressed air cylinder and, in particular, a compressed air compressor.

[0026] In a practical design, the compressed air source is integrated into the reservoir. This reservoir preferably has two nozzles, one for the foamable material and one for the air. The combined spray lance can be connected to these two nozzles. The compressed air source integrated into the reservoir can be, for example, a compressed air cartridge / cylinder or a compressor integrated into the reservoir.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the dike structure is formed with a multitude of prefabricated blocks, the prefabricated blocks again being made from the same hardenable, foamable material. Thus, a protective wall is successively constructed on-site along the protection line using these prefabricated blocks. Preferably, several layers of prefabricated blocks are arranged one above the other. The protective wall forms the barrier completely or at least in sections.

[0028] The prefabricated building blocks are preferably produced in the immediate vicinity, i.e., in the operational or disaster area. For this purpose, appropriate molds are provided into which the foam is injected and where it hardens. The resulting foamed building blocks are then removed and used to construct the barrier. These building blocks are specifically cuboid in shape.

[0029] The formation of the protective barrier from the foamed molded components can be combined with the direct creation of barrier sections by spraying on the material, particularly to achieve a reliable seal in the connection area, for example. The molded components can also be applied, for example, to a first layer of foamed material, especially before this has hardened, so that the molded components are essentially bonded to the ground via this foamed layer.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the mold components interlock in a form-fitting manner. For this purpose, they feature, in particular, protrusions and indentations, specifically on their corresponding end faces. These are designed to facilitate a simple molding and demolding process. Viewed from above, the individual mold components are, for example, shaped like puzzle pieces and interlock with one another. Alternatively, they can also interlock in a form-fitting manner in the vertical direction, i.e., in a multi-layered arrangement of components. For example, they are shaped like building blocks and feature, in the vertical direction, studs or protrusions, as is generally known from building blocks used in toys.

[0031] This results in a modular foam block system, in which the individual shaped blocks are manufactured on site and with which a stable flood protection wall can be built.

[0032] The modular components interlock in a detachable manner, so that the protective wall formed can be dismantled after use.

[0033] Furthermore, such a barrier and dike device made of a foamed material is also installed directly on a water surface in a suitable configuration to prevent the spread of pollutants and / or toxic substances floating on the water's surface, such as oil. This measure can therefore also effectively contain the spread of hazardous substances on lakes, rivers, etc.

[0034] To create such a floating barrier, the foamable material is preferably sprayed directly onto the water surface and then hardens to form the barrier.

[0035] The protective system described here, which uses intumescent material, is characterized by its high flexibility and, in particular, its mobility. To enable the barrier and dike device to be quickly deployed at the desired location, the dike set according to the invention is specifically designed. This set includes at least one reservoir containing the intumescent material. The reservoir is mounted on a transport frame, such as a pallet or its own chassis. The dike set is therefore designed as a transport unit, also referred to as a pallet unit. Such a transport unit can thus be transported to the deployment site using a suitable vehicle.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the dike set also includes the previously described compressed air source and / or one or more molds (molded parts) for forming the previously described mold components. These elements of the dike set are also preferably mounted on the transport frame, specifically the pallet, and are therefore part of the transport unit, allowing for easy transport to the deployment site.

[0037] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the dike set includes one or more spray lances, which are designed differently to meet different requirements. For example, at least one of the spray lances has a discharge nozzle for the curing material and an upstream compressed air nozzle. This at least one spray lance is also preferably part of the transport unit.

[0038] The transport container, at least one of which is designed differently depending on the intended use. For smaller projects and especially for private use, it is, for example, designed as a spray can, which, without foaming, has a volume of, for example, between 0.5 l and 3 l.

[0039] For medium-sized applications, the storage container is preferably designed as a portable backpack, which can be carried on the back, in particular by means of a carrying frame. A spray lance is also typically attached to this backpack. The backpack has a volume of, for example, between 5 and 50 liters.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the storage container is designed as a so-called large container, which, for example, has a volume of more than 50 liters, in particular more than 100 liters or even more than 500 liters. The storage container is, for example, designed as a mobile tank. These large containers are placed on a transport frame, specifically a pallet, and are transported to the deployment site by a service vehicle.

[0041] The curable, foamable material has at least one and preferably several or all of the features listed in claim 12.

[0042] In particular, the curable, foamable material is characterized by one or more of the following properties: a) Bio-based and biodegradable

[0043] Polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are well-known bio-based and biodegradable materials. They offer a good basis for environmentally friendly applications. b) Water resistance (no water penetrates the foamed material)

[0044] Water resistance is achieved in particular through chemical modification of the preferably bio-based polymers and / or by the addition of hydrophobic additives. PLA and PHA can be combined with other water-resistant biopolymers or chemically modified to increase their water resistance. Blends with polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) are used, for example. c) Suitable for use in humid / wet environments

[0045] The polymer retains its structural and mechanical properties in humid environments. This is achieved through the use of reinforcing materials and / or hydrophobic surface coatings that ensure stability under humid conditions. d) Strong expansion

[0046] A desired large expansion is achieved through the use of propellants that are activated upon spraying and increase the volume of the foam. Chemically bound propellants are particularly effective in this regard. e) Rapid curing

[0047] Rapid curing is achieved, for example, through the use of UV-activated initiators or fast-reacting isocyanates. These substances enable rapid polymerization and curing at room temperature.

[0048] The hardening process takes place particularly in the range of seconds, at least in the range of less than 1 minute, or even less than 5 minutes or less than 10 minutes. f) Liability on different substrates

[0049] Adhesion is improved by adhesion promoters and surface modifiers, which increase the polymer's affinity for different substrates such as concrete, ceramics, wood, metal and glass. g) Peelable or removable using a biological solvent

[0050] The material is soluble in contact with certain solvents, particularly biological ones such as ethyl lactate. This means that after use, the barrier can be removed without leaving any residue, for example from the ground or a house wall. h) Resistance to water pressure

[0051] The foam's structure is preferably designed to withstand constant water pressure. This is achieved in particular through a dense, closed-cell foam structure that prevents or at least minimizes water penetration. i) Layered or layer-by-layer application

[0052] For the construction of multiple layers, the material exhibits good cohesion between the individual layers of the foam. j) No toxic fumes

[0053] Compliance with the REACH regulation and other safety standards ensures that no toxic fumes are released. This is achieved through the use of non-toxic raw materials and additives. k) Non-flammable / explosive

[0054] The material preferably meets the classifications of UL 94 V-0 and DIN 4102 B1. Flame retardants are added to reduce the flammability of the polymer. l) Biodegradable and can be disposed of with household waste

[0055] Certification according to DIN EN 13432 can be achieved through the use of fully biodegradable materials. m) Can be processed into molded parts

[0056] The material is selected to be suitable for casting, injection molding and / or extrusion processes and has suitable properties for these processes. n) Long-term durability

[0057] Long-term stability (several months, e.g. at least 6 months) is achieved through stabilizers and protective coatings. o) Mechanical strength

[0058] Mechanical strength is improved, for example, by the use of reinforcing fibers and the optimization of the polymer matrix. p) Chemical resistance

[0059] For chemical resistance, suitable resistant polymers or blends that are resistant to various chemicals are preferably used. q) Rapid barrier formation

[0060] Immediate reaction time for barrier formation is achieved through fast-curing formulations / polymers. r) Two-component system

[0061] A two-component system, consisting in particular of isocyanate and polyol, is preferably used for the foamable material.

[0062] The method and dike device described here are characterized by different application possibilities and properties. The following special properties and areas of application should be highlighted again: 1. Construction of a spray dike, in which the foamable material is sprayed directly along the protective line and hardens. 2. Construction of the barrier as a protective wall made of prefabricated building blocks. 3. Provision of a mobile dike set as a transport unit for rapid and mobile deployment.

[0063] The foamable material has the following properties in particular: - Quick-setting, - a strong expansion, - Waterproof and can be applied in humid environments, - adheres to various surfaces, - is environmentally friendly and safe to use.

[0064] The following different variants and elements are provided for the storage containers and processing aids: a) Spray can • Container: The preferred sizes for the container are 500 ml to 1 liter. • Compressed air chamber: Preferably integrated into the can is a separate compressed air chamber that provides compressed air to dewater the surface before applying the foam. The compressed air is preferably supplied by a pressurized gas cartridge. • Spray mechanism: The spray head preferably allows for precise control of the foam to ensure even distribution. It is arranged so that when the trigger is activated, compressed air is preferably directed onto the floor in front of the foam to be applied, in order to dry the floor. b) Schoolbag • Tank: The backpack has a large tank, e.g. larger than 50l, for foam and, in particular, also for compressed air. • Compressed air system: Preferably, an integrated, portable compressor or compressed air cartridge is included to allow drying / cleaning of the surface before foam application. The backpack preferably has a pressure regulator to ensure a consistent supply of compressed air. • Carrying frame: An ergonomic carrying frame with adjustable straps is preferably provided to ensure good carrying comfort during use. • Spray device: An adjustable spray lance is attached, allowing for precise application of the foam. The spray lance is preferably adjustable for different ranges and angles (this generally applies regardless of the backpack). c) Large containers, in particular provided as transport units (pallet units), which form the dike set and which in particular comprises the following elements / units: • Large container / tank: The large tank has a volume of, for example, greater than 50 liters, particularly greater than 100 liters, for foam and preferably also for compressed air, and is therefore ideal for industrial applications or large areas. The large tank is mounted on a pallet and thus forms the pallet unit, which constitutes the dike set or at least a part thereof. Preferably, only one large tank is mounted on a pallet. • Compressed air system: Preferably, a suitable compressor is attached / integrated to provide the necessary compressed air. The unit is preferably equipped with a pressure regulator and / or an air filter to keep the compressed air clean and constant. • Spray device: The pallet unit also features a suitable (large-format) spray device, which, for example, enables wide-area application. The spray mechanism can consist of several nozzles or multiple spray lances, which can preferably be configured for different application scenarios. • Stability: The unit is mounted on a stable pallet and can be easily transported on various emergency vehicles.

Claims

[1] Method for forming a temporary dike device for protection against a liquid, wherein a temporary barrier is created which extends along a predetermined protection line which separates a protection area, in particular a building, from a liquid area, characterized by , that a foamable material is provided in a storage container and the barrier is formed from the foamed and hardened material. [2] Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the barrier is produced on site in the area of ​​the protection zone by foaming and hardening a foamable material and is applied in particular to a floor for this purpose. [3] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the curable material is applied directly along the protective line and subsequently cures. [4] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an outside of the barrier is formed by a surface of the foamed material. [5] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the material is successively applied in several layers to form a sufficient height of the barrier. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the curable material is applied using a combined spray lance which has an outlet nozzle for the curable material and an upstream compressed air nozzle. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a compressed air source is provided, the compressed air source is preferably integrated in the storage container and the storage container more preferably has two nozzles, one for the foamable material and one for the compressed air. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dike device comprises a plurality of molded building blocks, wherein a curable, foamable material is introduced into a mold and subsequently removed from it to form the molded building blocks. [9] Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the mold components interlock in a form-fitting manner. [10] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier is applied to a water surface to prevent the spread of contaminants floating on the water surface, such as oil, as a floating barrier. [11] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a portable dike set is provided which has at least one storage container with foamable material, which is mounted on a transport frame and forms a transport unit, wherein preferably a compressed air source and / or molded parts are additionally arranged on the transport frame and are part of the transport unit. [12] A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the curable, foamable material has at least one and preferably several or all of the following properties: a) short curing time less than 10 min, especially less than 5 min or less than 1 min.... b) Bio-based and biodegradable.... c) Waterproof, d) removable from the substrate or at least removable with the aid of a solvent, in particular a biodegradable solvent, e) can be cured in a humid / wet environment, f) Dimensionally stable under compressive stress, wherein the foamed and cured material has a compressive strength of at least 0.5 MPa and / or a tensile strength of at least 1 MPa, g) A two-component system is used, which consists in particular of isocyanate and polyol. [13] A dike device for protection against a liquid, comprising a barrier extending along a predetermined protection line that separates a protection area from a liquid area, characterized by that the barrier is made of a foamed material. [14] A dike device according to the preceding claim, wherein the barrier has end areas with which it abuts an object to be protected. [15] Dike device according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein support struts are formed from the foamed material which extend from the barrier and are supported against a resistance, in particular against the object to be protected. [16] A dike device according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein a support structure is attached on which the barrier is supported or into which the curable material is introduced. [17] Dike device according to one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the barrier is formed from modular components made of the foamed material. [18] Dike device according to the preceding claim, wherein the molded components interlock in a form-fitting manner and, for this purpose, have in particular protrusions and indentations specifically on their mutually associated end faces in the manner of puzzle pieces. [19] A dike device according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the barrier is applied as a floating barrier on a water surface to prevent the spread of contaminants such as oil floating on the water surface. [20] Dike set, in particular providing such a dike set for the construction of a dike device according to one of claims 13 to 19 and / or for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 12, which has at least one storage container with foamable material and preferably one or more of the following elements: - several molds for forming mold components from the foamable material, - a compressed air source, preferably integrated into the reservoir, - one or more spray lances, wherein at least one of the spray lances has an outlet nozzle for the curable material and an upstream compressed air nozzle. [21] Dike set according to the preceding claim, wherein the dike set comprises a transport frame on which the storage container and preferably additionally one or more of the elements listed in the preceding claim are arranged, so that a transport unit is formed. [22] Dike set according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the storage container is optionally designed as - a backpack, especially one that can be carried on the back, and especially one with a spray lance , - a large container with a volume greater than 50l, preferably greater than 100l. [23] Use of a foamable material provided in a storage container for the formation of a dike device according to any one of claims 13 to 19.