Quick Latch Stays for Containment Berm Structural Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containment berms for hydraulic fracturing rigs are prone to damage and leakage due to collapsible stay systems, require multiple people for installation, and often have removable parts that complicate setup and compliance with environmental regulations.
Innovation Solution
A containment berm system with quick latch stays made of TEFLON® inserts heat-welded into a flexible geomembrane material, allowing for easy installation by one person without removable parts, and featuring optional hose bridges to support heavy hoses, ensuring structural integrity and compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional metallic brace systems (aluminum, lead, or steel) are used to provide rigidity to the berm, then structural strength is improved, but the braces puncture the geomembrane material when walls are driven over before properly lowering, creating permanent holes requiring repair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines Teflon® material with the geomembrane to create a composite stay system. The Teflon® inserts provide the necessary rigidity and structural support, while being chemically compatible and non-puncturing with the geomembrane material. This composite approach allows the stays to maintain wall rigidity without compromising the integrity of the containment barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The Teflon® material acts as an intermediary between the structural support function and the geomembrane material. It provides the mechanical strength needed for rigidity while having the chemical properties to slide and flex without puncturing the geomembrane, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of strength and integrity.
2Strength
If conventional stay systems are used in containment berms, then structural support is provided, but the stays are easily damaged and readily collapsible, allowing hazardous material to leak out
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of Teflon® inserts within the stay structure creates a composite system that combines the flexibility and chemical resistance of Teflon® with the structural support requirements. This composite construction makes the stays resistant to damage from being driven over and prevents collapse, while maintaining the ability to provide necessary structural support.
3Ease of operation
If conventional containment berms with removable parts are used, then installation flexibility is provided, but more than one person is required for installation and transport becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stay system with the geomembrane material through heat welding, creating an integrated structure. This eliminates removable parts and allows the entire berm to be installed as a single unit by one person, while still maintaining the flexibility needed for installation and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips, or other removable connectors) with thermal bonding (heat welding). This substitution creates a permanent, integrated structure that eliminates the complexity of assembly and disassembly while maintaining installation flexibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the berm wall is driven over before properly lowering with conventional metallic braces, then vehicle access is enabled, but the metallic brace is permanently bent and the wall becomes flimsy and flawed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the stays from metallic to Teflon®, which fundamentally alters the mechanical behavior. Teflon® has the property of being able to bend and flex without permanent deformation, allowing the wall to be driven over and then return to its original shape, maintaining structural integrity while enabling vehicle access.
Solution Approach 2:
The Teflon® material inherently provides a cushioning effect that absorbs the impact of being driven over. The material's flexibility and elasticity allow it to deform temporarily under load and then revert to its original configuration, protecting the wall structure from permanent damage.
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 berm is durable, easy to install, and resistant to damage from vehicle traffic, maintaining structural integrity and compliance with environmental regulations, while accommodating multiple hoses without leakage.
Implementation Method 1
four different TEFLON® inserts heat-welded inside of a flexible and durable geomembrane material
Implementation Method 2
The TEFLON® stay bends but does not break, even under extreme temperatures. After approximately fifteen minutes, the TEFLON® stay will revert back to its original shape
Data Source
AI summary
A containment berm comprising a containment material that is durable, flexible and chemically resistant and configured to provide at least a floor and four walls of the berm and a plurality of quick latch stays situated around the perimeter of the berm, each quick latch stay comprising a first stay member, second stay member, third stay member, latch block, and flexible connecting member. To engage the quick latch stay, a distal end of the second stay member is inserted underneath a bottom end of the latch block.