Containment Tank Drain Seal Assembly With Pressure Leak Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containment tank drainage systems face challenges in providing a simple, easy-to-assemble, and effective seal for flexible liners, with existing gasket-type seals being cumbersome and difficult to replace or test for leaks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for pressure testing the seal around a flexible liner before filling the tank, using a drain inlet assembly with pressure test chambers and clamping mechanisms to ensure a fluid-tight seal, and a removable subassembly for easy replacement and inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gasket-type seals are used to seal the drain around a hole in the liner, then the seal can be formed around the drain inlet, but the seal becomes difficult to replace and test for leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The drain inlet assembly is divided into separate components: the drain body, the flange, and the gasket. The gasket is a separate replaceable component that can be removed and replaced without replacing the entire drain assembly, making maintenance easier while maintaining seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure test chamber is incorporated into the flange assembly, allowing the seal to be pressure tested before the tank is filled and before the gasket is installed. This preliminary testing ensures seal integrity is achieved before final assembly, and the test chamber can be reused for future testing.
2Reliability
If complex gasket and clamping mechanisms are used to seal the drain inlet, then the seal can be made fluid-tight, but the assembly becomes cumbersome and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into the gasket, flange, and drain body components. The gasket is a simple annular component that can be manufactured separately and installed independently, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining fluid-tight sealing through the combination of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange serves multiple functions: it provides the mounting surface for the gasket, forms part of the pressure test chamber, and structurally connects the drain to the tank wall. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying assembly.
3Reliability
If pressure testing is performed after tank filling, then seal leakage can be detected, but the testing process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure test chamber allows seal testing to be performed before the tank is filled with water or before the gasket is fully installed. This preliminary testing identifies seal issues early in the installation process, avoiding the need for complex post-installation testing and reducing overall project time.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure test chamber is a separate, isolated volume within the flange assembly that can be pressurized independently of the tank contents. This segmentation allows focused testing of the seal interface without requiring the entire tank to be filled or drained for testing purposes.
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
Ensures a reliable fluid-tight seal by pressure testing and allows for easy replacement and maintenance of seals, enhancing the integrity and efficiency of containment tank drainage systems.
Implementation Method 1
The seal includes at least one pressure test chamber to enable the seal to be pressurised before the pond is filled, thereby simulating hydraulic pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A drain assembly 31 shown clamping a marginal section 32 of liner 14 hole 33. A lower annular ring 34 is welded to a corresponding opening in box 10. This ring has concentric O-ring slots 35 and 36 carrying O-rings 37 and 38. Porting pathways, in the form of internal conduits formed within the spokes of the rings, are provided for testing. The chamber 61 below the liner 15 is connected to a test valve 66 via an internal conduit formed in spoke 46. That conduit includes a vertical leg 63 and a horizontal leg 64, collectively forming a porting pathway leading to the test valve. The upper chamber 62 is connected via a second internal conduit 67 in another spoke to a second test valve 68. The chambers may be pressurised to test the seals for leakage at set-up and for ongoing integrity checks.