Floating Water Storage Lid with Insulative Foam and Elastomer Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coverings for open-top water containers lack insulative properties to prevent freezing or evaporation and are difficult to install on well sites with minimal personnel.
Innovation Solution
A floating water storage lid made of encapsulated foam material with an elastomeric coating, which can be easily installed and provides an insulative barrier to prevent freezing and evaporation, using segments that can be secured with straps and designed to allow moisture to pass through seams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing coverings are used to protect water in open-top containers, then some protection is provided, but they lack insulative properties to prevent freezing or evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The lid combines foam core material with an elastomeric coating to create a composite structure that provides both structural integrity and thermal insulation. The foam material provides buoyancy and basic insulation, while the elastomeric coating enhances the insulative properties and provides a waterproof barrier, together effectively preventing freezing and evaporation of the water.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid utilizes the thermal insulation parameters of the foam material and elastomeric coating to create a thermal barrier. By selecting materials with appropriate thermal conductivity properties and configuring them in a composite structure, the lid achieves sufficient insulative performance to prevent heat loss from the water, thereby preventing freezing in cold conditions and reducing evaporation in warm conditions.
2Reliability
If existing coverings are used to protect water in open-top containers, then some protection is provided, but they are difficult to install on well sites with minimal personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into multiple segments that can be individually handled and assembled. This segmentation allows the lid to be transported and installed more easily on well sites, as the segments can be maneuvered by minimal personnel and assembled on-site without requiring heavy equipment or complex installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid incorporates floating capability through the foam material, allowing it to dynamically adjust to the water surface and container shape. This dynamic property simplifies installation, as the lid automatically positions itself on the water surface and can be easily secured without requiring precise alignment or complex mounting mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a floating lid is used to cover water surface, then insulative protection is provided, but the lid must remain buoyant and afloat
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure of foam core with elastomeric coating maintains buoyancy while providing insulation. The foam material inherently provides buoyancy due to its low density and air-filled cellular structure, while the elastomeric coating adds minimal weight and provides the insulative barrier. This composite configuration simultaneously achieves both buoyancy stability and thermal insulation effectiveness.
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
Effectively prevents freezing and evaporation of water in open-top containers, ensuring water integrity during inclement weather conditions and facilitating quick installation with minimal personnel.
Implementation Method 1
A floating water storage lid made of encapsulated foam material with an elastomeric coating, which can be easily installed and provides an insulative barrier to prevent freezing and evaporation
Implementation Method 2
A floating water storage lid made of encapsulated foam material
Data Source
AI summary
Tank lids include a first coated substrate including a first part having a first thickness, 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, 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 top of the tank lid.