Modular Containment Mat System with Lap Joint Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current matting and lining systems for environmentally sensitive areas, such as oil and gas drilling sites, are time-consuming and costly to install, and prone to tears and punctures, which reduces their effectiveness in preventing environmental impact and containment of spills.
Innovation Solution
A modular containment mat system comprising interconnected boards with a middle layer perpendicular to the top and bottom layers, sealed with a geotextile and water/chemical impervious coating, and secured with adhesives or fasteners, providing a reliable and reusable working surface with enhanced traction and spill protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liner material is placed directly on the ground surface, then containment of spills is provided, but tears and punctures occur reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple materials with different properties: a geotextile layer for strength and puncture resistance, a waterproof membrane layer for containment, and an adhesive layer for bonding. This composite structure provides both tear resistance from the geotextile and containment effectiveness from the waterproof membrane, resolving the contradiction between reliability and strength.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional lining and matting systems are installed, then environmental protection is provided, but installation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system is divided into separate functional layers (geotextile layer, waterproof membrane layer, adhesive layer) that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site. This segmentation allows for faster installation compared to traditional monolithic systems, as each layer can be independently handled and the modular design simplifies the installation process while maintaining environmental protection effectiveness.
3Reliability
If modular mat system with multiple layers is used, then spill containment and durability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional requirements into a single integrated modular mat system. The geotextile layer, waterproof membrane layer, and adhesive layer are combined into one assembled structure that provides both spill containment and durability simultaneously. This merging approach maintains reliability while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.
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 modular mat system allows for rapid, cost-effective installation and improved containment of spills, reducing environmental impact while providing a durable and slip-resistant surface for drilling and construction operations.
Implementation Method 1
The edges of each mat may be milled to provide a consistent and reliable lap joint that connects adjacent mats. A geotextile, such as a strip of a 100 mil well pad liner, may be placed over the lap joint seams between adjacent mats, and a water or chemical impervious coating placed over the geotextile and a portion of the top surface of adjacent mats.
Implementation Method 2
A geotextile, such as a strip of a 100 mil well pad liner, may be placed over the lap joint seams between adjacent mats, and a water or chemical impervious coating placed over the geotextile and a portion of the top surface of adjacent mats.
Data Source
AI summary
Improved containment mats and systems of containment mats may include multiple adjoining mats with a top surface and a bottom surface. The multiple mats may provide a modular structural mat system that may be installed at a drill site, with multiple mats placed adjacent to each other with a lap joint connecting adjacent mats. A geotextile may be used to cover the lap joints and a coating applied to the geotextile. Such a system may provide containment of potential spills, a reliable working surface for drilling operations, and relatively fast and less expensive installation.