Segmented Elastomer-Coated Equipment Base for Moisture Drainage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equipment supports in industrial settings, such as well sites and refineries, are prone to instability due to inclement weather and require time-consuming and costly planning and construction, necessitating a more durable and efficient solution.
Innovation Solution
An encapsulated equipment base composed of foam substrates coated with an elastomeric layer, allowing for moisture drainage and vibration dampening, which can be easily assembled and supports various types and sizes of industrial equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gravel or dirt pads are built for each type of equipment, then equipment support is provided, but the pads become unstable in inclement weather and require time-consuming construction
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment base is divided into multiple segments that can be individually manufactured and then assembled on-site. Each segment contains hollow cavities that can be filled with concrete or other materials to provide stability. This segmentation allows for faster deployment compared to building traditional gravel or dirt pads while maintaining equipment stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The equipment base uses composite construction with a outer shell made of durable material and hollow cavities that can be filled with concrete or other stabilizing materials. This composite structure provides both rapid deployment and weather resistance, resolving the contradiction between quick installation and long-term stability in inclement weather.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional gravel or dirt pads are used, then equipment can be supported, but they wash out in inclement weather causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment base employs a shell structure that encloses hollow cavities. This shell design provides weather resistance by preventing water infiltration that would cause traditional gravel or dirt pads to wash out, while still allowing for relatively simple manufacturing and assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow cavities in the equipment base segments are designed to be filled with concrete or other stabilizing materials before equipment placement. This pre-preparation ensures weather resistance and structural integrity are established beforehand, preventing the instability that occurs with traditional pads in inclement weather.
3Manufacturing precision
If equipment bases are designed for specific equipment types, then proper support is achieved, but shipping and installation becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment base segments are designed as universal, standardized units that can support various types and sizes of equipment. The segments can be configured in different arrangements and the hollow cavities can be adjusted or filled to accommodate different load requirements, eliminating the need to manufacture custom bases for each equipment type while maintaining proper support.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the equipment base into standardized segments, the system achieves both manufacturing precision for specific equipment needs and shipping efficiency. The segments can be manufactured in advance, shipped compactly, and assembled on-site to match specific equipment requirements, resolving the contradiction between customization and logistical efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a stable, cost-effective, and time-efficient load-bearing support that withstands inclement weather and thermal changes, while allowing for vibration dampening and thermal insulation, enhancing equipment stability and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for vibration dampening
Implementation Method 2
coated with an elastomeric layer
Implementation Method 3
provides for a more time-effective and cost-effective means of the shipping, transporting, and installation into customer sites
Data Source
AI summary
Improved equipment bases and methods for making and using same are disclosed herein. The equipment base can include a first coated substrate including a first part having a first thickness sized to provide the load-bearing support for the equipment, a first elastomer coating the first part, a second coated substrate positioned adjacent to the first coated substrate, the second coated substrate including a second part having a second thickness sized to provide the load-bearing support for the equipment, and a second elastomer coating the second part. A first seam can be formed between the first and second coated substrates to allow for moisture to pass between the first and second coated substrates so that moisture is allowed to seep away from the bottom of the equipment.