Nested Chemical Tank Containment with Pump Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chemical tank containment systems fail to effectively prevent environmental contamination from chemical leaks and rainwater mixing, especially in unmanned sites near urban areas, as they do not adequately address leaks from fittings, pumps, and rainwater contamination, leading to environmental hazards and stricter regulatory requirements.
Innovation Solution
A nested containment system where a primary tank, constructed of plastic, seals and nests within a secondary tank, providing 110% fluid containment and housing the pump, with weather-tight seals and access for maintenance, preventing rainwater entry and contamination, while economizing on space, material, and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a pan is used to collect rainwater and chemical leaks, then chemical spills can be contained, but rainwater becomes contaminated with chemicals and creates environmental hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the containment function into separate components: the pan collects chemical spills while the pump housing contains the pump and its associated leaks, and the secondary containment provides an outer barrier. This segmentation prevents rainwater from mixing with chemical leaks by separating the collection zones for different types of contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary containment structure (the pump housing and secondary containment) between the chemical storage system and the environment. This intermediary layer captures and contains chemical leaks from the pump separately, preventing them from mixing with rainwater in the pan.
2Ease of operation
If fittings and seals are used around the tank and pump, then chemical supply and sensor lines can be connected, but leaks occur at these fittings over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pump and its associated fittings from the primary tank system and places them in a separate pump housing. This extraction isolates the pump fittings and seals from the tank fittings, allowing independent containment and monitoring of leaks from each system. The pump housing acts as a separate barrier that captures leaks from pump seals and fittings.
3Ease of repair
If the tank is left exposed for maintenance access, then maintenance can be performed conveniently, but rainwater can wash chemicals into the pan
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a nested structure where the primary tank is contained within a secondary containment, and the pump is housed within the pump housing which is part of the secondary containment. This nesting provides multiple layers of protection: the primary tank maintains its exposure for maintenance, while the secondary containment and pump housing provide weather barriers that prevent rainwater from washing chemicals into the pan.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a porous lid is placed over the pan to prevent animal access, then animals cannot drink contaminated water, but the system does not address pump seal leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary pump housing structure that specifically addresses pump seal leaks. This housing acts as a mediator between the pump and the environment, capturing chemical leaks from pump seals before they can mix with rainwater or reach the exterior environment. This separate containment structure complements the porous lid's function of preventing animal access.
Data Source
AI summary
An environmentally secure weather containment system for at least one chemical container comprising a primary container significantly nested within and sealingly mated with a secondary container, the primary tank having an exposed portion, the secondary container providing a housing for at least one pump and at least one port for at least one a power line or signal line above a 110% containment level.