Surface Mounted Secondary Containment System Using Modular Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing secondary containment systems in the oil and gas industry are labor-intensive, costly, and environmentally unfriendly, requiring ground penetration or damage, which is undesirable for surface-mounted installations and temporary operations like fracking, and lack efficient liner securing methods.

Innovation Solution

A modular, interconnectable secondary containment system comprising galvanized steel or plastic members that form a barrier without ground penetration, using overlapping sections and a bottom strap for structural integrity, along with a retention bar for securing a flexible liner without cutting or damaging it.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional secondary containment systems are used, then containment effectiveness is achieved, but ground penetration and damage occur which is environmentally harmful

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainment effectivenessVSAvoidground penetration and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The containment system is divided into modular panels that can be assembled together to form a complete barrier. Each panel is a separate unit that connects to adjacent panels through overlapping edges, allowing the system to be configured to fit different containment needs without requiring ground penetration for structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from traditional ground-based containment structures that require penetration into the ground to a surface-mounted dimensional approach. The panels are designed to stand vertically and be supported by a framework that rests on the surface, eliminating the need for ground penetration while maintaining containment effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If traditional containment systems are installed, then containment structure is formed, but labor intensity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainment structureVSAvoidlabor intensity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The containment structure is segmented into standardized panels of uniform size and shape that can be manufactured efficiently and assembled quickly. This modular approach reduces labor intensity compared to custom-built structures, as the panels can be pre-fabricated and then simply connected together using standardized connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panels are designed as universal components that can be used in various configurations and locations. The same panel design can serve multiple containment needs, reducing the overall number of components required and simplifying installation procedures, thereby reducing both labor intensity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If permanent installation methods are used, then structural integrity is achieved, but environmental friendliness decreases due to ground disturbance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidground disturbance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to be dynamically adjustable and reconfigurable rather than permanently fixed. The panels can be easily assembled, disassembled, and repositioned without causing ground disturbance. This dynamic nature allows the structure to maintain structural integrity through proper connection mechanisms while being environmentally friendly due to the lack of permanent ground penetration or disturbance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If liner securing methods involve cutting or damaging the liner, then attachment reliability is improved, but environmental friendliness and liner integrity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidliner damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An intermediary component is introduced between the containment panels and the liner to facilitate secure attachment without direct contact or damage to the liner. This intermediary element allows the liner to be held in place through a non-damaging connection mechanism, maintaining both attachment reliability and liner integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The liner is designed as a flexible component that can be securely attached using mechanisms that accommodate its flexibility without requiring cutting or damage. The attachment system works with the liner's flexible nature rather than against it, using features like overlapping edges and connection points that allow the liner to remain intact while still providing reliable securing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS11565876B1Surface mounted secondary containment system

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 MURRAY SERVICES INC

AI summary

The present invention comprises a surface mount secondary containment system comprising prefabricated pieces that may be assembled to form a wall and adjoining corner with overlapping sections to capture leaks, spillage or the like from a primary liquid container member that may be constructed so that no ground damage and or penetration is done during construction and use.