Inflatable Seal for Corrugated Sump Water Infiltration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secondary access systems for underground storage tanks fail to effectively prevent water and debris infiltration due to the ground cover's limitations and corrosion issues within the sealed system, despite prior attempts at creating redundant seals and corrosion reduction methods.
Innovation Solution
A secondary lid system with an inflatable seal pneumatically controlled by a microprocessor, which can release nitrogen into the sealed space to maintain pressure and reduce corrosion, using a network of valves and sensors for remote monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ground cover is used to enclose the access opening, then physical access is restricted, but water and debris can still infiltrate through paths of least resistance around the cover
Solution Approach 1:
An inflatable pneumatic seal acts as an intermediary element between the lid and the corrugated sump wall. When inflated, this seal fills the annular space and creates a reliable barrier that prevents water and debris infiltration, solving the problem of water finding paths around rigid ground covers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the seal from deflated (storage state) to inflated (sealing state) by introducing compressed gas. This parameter change allows the seal to expand and conform to the corrugated wall, creating an effective barrier against water infiltration while maintaining ease of installation and removal.
2Reliability
If a secondary access point with lid is constructed below ground level, then access control is improved, but freeze/thaw cycles and erosion may shift the ground cover creating leak paths
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic seal transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic inflatable element that can adapt to environmental changes. The seal can be inflated or deflated as needed, and its flexible nature allows it to accommodate ground movement from freeze/thaw cycles and erosion without creating leak paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic seal is constructed as a flexible membrane that can conform to the corrugated sump wall and accommodate ground movement. This flexibility allows the seal to maintain its sealing function even when the ground cover shifts due to environmental factors like freeze/thaw cycles and erosion.
3Reliability
If a sealed system is created to prevent infiltration, then water restriction is improved, but corrosion within the sealed system still affects components
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an inert atmosphere (nitrogen or other non-corrosive gas) into the sealed space below the lid. This inert environment displaces oxygen and moisture, eliminating the corrosive conditions that would otherwise affect components within the sealed system while maintaining the water restriction benefit.
4Reliability
If an inflatable seal is used to seal against corrugated sidewall, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to pneumatic control system
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic seal system is designed to be self-contained and self-regulating. The compressed gas tank automatically pressurizes the seal when needed, and pressure-sensing feedback ensures the seal maintains optimal pressure without requiring constant manual intervention or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pressure-sensing feedback mechanisms that monitor the inflation state of the pneumatic seal. This feedback allows the microprocessor to automatically adjust the seal pressure to maintain optimal sealing conditions, reducing the need for manual monitoring and adjustment while maintaining high sealing reliability.
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 system effectively restricts fluid inflow and reduces corrosion by maintaining a controlled pressure within the sealed space, ensuring a reliable and corrosion-resistant secondary access point for underground storage tanks.
Implementation Method 1
the seal when expanded restricts flow of liquid into an interior of a containment sump
Implementation Method 2
A first tank containing compressed gas is coupled in fluid communication with the pneumatic seal
Implementation Method 3
release nitrogen into the sealed system to reduce corrosion within the sealed system
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method is described for providing a water impenetrable barrier between an underground duct and an access opening. The apparatus is particularly well suited to cover a secondary opening in a corrugated containment sump of an underground storage tank or the manway of a sanitary sewer, catch basin or other manhole system. The apparatus includes a cover, inflatable seal and a tank of compressed nitrogen to inflate the seal. When sealed to the access opening, the cover restricts the inflow of water or other debris into the interior of the underground duct and nitrogen may be released into the sealed access to reduce corrosion of components contained within the access.