AU2021102517A4

AU2021102517A4 - Spill containment apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2021102517A4
Application number: AU2021102517A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Max Goode
Original assignee: Snosko Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Snosko Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-06-17
Filing date: 2021-05-12
Publication date: 2021-07-01
Anticipated expiration: 2028-06-17
Also published as: AU2020204047A1; AU2021102517B4

Abstract

A spill containment apparatus for an intermediate bulk container (IBC) has a floor, a front wall, a rear wall, and opposed first and second side walls. It further includes a closure member moveable between an open position, in which the spill 5 containment apparatus provides an opening above at least part of the front wall to enable an intermediate bulk container to be placed into the spill containment apparatus, and a lockable closed position, in which the closure member closes the opening. The spill containment apparatus has a day tank or reservoir to provide a continuous dosing during IBC changeout, and a liquid level sensor 10 arrangement with an alert indicator positioned external to the apparatus. Figure 1 for publication 100 1 114y 134f

Description

100 1

114y

134f

SPILL CONTAINMENT APPARATUS FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a spill containment apparatus.

The present disclosure relates particularly but not exclusively to, a spill containment apparatus for use with an intermediate bulk container. It may also be used with chemical drums, bulk packages, etc.

DEFINITION

In the present disclosure and claims, the term "comprising" shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term "including" and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term "comprising" such as "comprise" and "comprises".

BACKGROUND

Intermediate bulk containers (or IBCs) are used to transport bulk materials, including liquids which are corrosive or otherwise potentially hazardous.

An IBC may be transported by a truck to a site where the bulk material is required, unloaded from the truck using a forklift, and positioned conveniently for supply of the bulk material, for example to an industrial plant. For liquid bulk materials, a hose may then be attached to tap outlet provided as part of the IBC to allow supply of the liquid, from the IBC, as required. A standard type of IBC is substantially cube shaped, and a has a capacity of around 1000 litres, and thus a loaded weight of around, or in excess of, around 1000 kg.

At least for corrosive liquids, a spill containment apparatus is required so that inadvertent drips, leaks and/or spills, for example from or close to the tap outlet, can be contained. The spill containment apparatus is intended to contain spilled liquid and thereby reduce the risk contamination of the immediate environment and reduce the risk of injury from contact with the spilled liquid.

One type of spill containment apparatus comprises a boxlike sump, upon which a grate, which acts as a deck, is supported. The IBC is set upon the grate, and inadvertently spilled liquid (including dripped and leaked liquid) is intended to pass through the grate and be collected in the boxlike sump. Some types of spill containment apparatus include side and rear walls which extend upwardly above the level of the grate. The side and rear walls may extend up to, or slightly above, the height of the top of an IBC supported on the grate. Provision of side and rear walls which extend upwardly above the level of the grate can reduce the risk of inadvertent collision, by forklifts or the like, with the IBC, and may reduce the risk of splashes escaping the containment. These types of spill containment apparatus are sometimes referred to as bunds or IBC bunds. The front wall is, at least normally, not extended substantially above the level of the grate, as this would impede (or render impossible) setting of the IBC upon the grate by a forklift.

One issue encountered in use of at least some prior art spill containment apparatus is that supply of liquid is interrupted when an IBC is empty and during removal of the IBC for replacement with a full IBC. Another issue is that parts of the IBC may corrode when exposed to corrosive materials. Another issue relates to ensuring that the walls of the boxlike sump are sufficiently strong and durable to substantially support the grate and the weight of a full IBC for the life of the spill containment apparatus. Another issue is that unauthorised personnel, who have not had adequate training in the handling of corrosive materials, may have access to the IBC and the grate and/or some or all of the bund interior. Another issue is that the grate restricts access to the sump region of the spill containment apparatus making it difficult to clean unless the grate is removed.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a spill containment apparatus which addresses and/or avoids or mitigates one or more of the above issues, or at least provides a useful alternative to prior art spill containment apparatus.

The reference to prior art in the background above is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the referenced prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a spill containment apparatus comprising: a floor; a plurality of upstanding walls; and a container stand arrangement for supporting an intermediate bulk container; wherein the floor and at least lower parts of the upstanding walls enclose a sump region for, in use, containing liquid which inadvertently spills from the intermediate bulk container; and wherein the container stand arrangement comprises a container support surface for engaging an intermediate bulk container to thereby support the intermediate bulk container spaced vertically from the floor, and wherein the support surface is supported and spaced vertically apart from the floor by at least one vertically extending spacing member which is formed separately from the upstanding walls.

In an embodiment, the spill containment apparatus comprises an IBC bund.

In an embodiment, the at least one spacing member is attached to at least one of the plurality of upstanding walls.

In an embodiment, the at least one spacing member is detachably attached to at least one of the plurality of upstanding walls.

In an embodiment, the at least one spacing member is, in use, attached to at least one of the plurality of upstanding walls by a threaded fastener.

In an embodiment, the threaded fastener extends through an aperture provided in at least one of the plurality of upstanding walls.

In an embodiment, the at least one spacing member comprises a plurality of spaced apart legs.

In an embodiment at least two of the spaced apart legs are, in use, each attached to at least one of the plurality of upstanding walls.

In an embodiment, at least two of the spaced apart legs are, in use, each attached to at least one of the plurality of upstanding walls by a threaded fastener.

The at least one spacing member may be formed of a corrosion resistant material.

In an embodiment, said at least one spacing member may be formed of a fibre reinforced plastic, for example, glass fibre or vinyl-ester-fibre reinforced plastic.

In an embodiment, the support surface comprises a first-side support surface portion, a second-side support surface portion and an opening therebetween, the opening being at least 25% of a width of the support surface. The support surface includes the first side support surface portion, the second side support surface portion and the opening between them.

In an embodiment, the opening facilitates access to the sump region, from above the support surface, without requiring removal of the support surface.

In an embodiment, the opening is a least 25% of the width of the spill containment apparatus.

In an embodiment, the opening is a least 50% of the width of the spill containment apparatus.

In an embodiment, the plurality of upstanding walls comprises: a front wall, a rear wall, and opposed first and second side walls.

In an embodiment, the first-side support surface portion extends along and adjacent to the first side wall, and the second-side support surface portion extends along and adjacent to the second side wall.

In an embodiment, at least part of the front wall is substantially shorter in height than the side walls.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a spill containment apparatus comprising: a floor; a plurality of upstanding walls; a container stand arrangement for supporting an intermediate bulk container within the spill containment apparatus; and a reservoir tank positionable within the spill containment apparatus for receiving liquid from an intermediate bulk container, so that the liquid may be dispensed from the spill containment apparatus when the intermediate bulk container is empty or removed from the spill containment apparatus.

In an embodiment, the reservoir tank is provided substantially below a container support surface of the container stand arrangement.

In an embodiment, the floor and at least lower parts of the upstanding walls enclose a sump region for, in use, containing liquid which inadvertently spills from the intermediate bulk container, and the reservoir tank is provided substantially within the sump region.

In an embodiment, the reservoir tank is removably mountable within the sump region of the spill containment apparatus.

In an embodiment, the reservoir tank is mounted to the floor of the spill containment apparatus.

In an embodiment, the reservoir tank is removably mountable to the floor of the spill containment apparatus.

Suitably, the reservoir tank may comprise a liquid outlet. In embodiments, the liquid outlet is located at or towards a lower or bottom portion of the reservoir tank.

In embodiments, the reservoir tank comprises or connected to a conduit or pipe for conveying liquid to a liquid outlet of the spill containment apparatus.

In an embodiment, the reservoir tank may have an inclined base to facilitate full drainage of the tank when it is emptied.

In an embodiment, the spill containment apparatus further provides a liquid level monitoring arrangement which provides an alert when a level of liquid in the spill containment apparatus falls below a predetermined threshold level.

In an embodiment, the liquid level monitoring arrangement is adapted to provide an alert substantially when the intermediate bulk container is empty.

In an embodiment, the liquid level monitoring arrangement comprises a sensor which detects the presence or absence of liquid at a point lower than the bottom of the fluid storage part of an intermediate bulk container located on the container stand arrangement.

In an embodiment, the liquid level monitoring arrangement comprises a sensor which detects the presence or absence of liquid at a point substantially equal in height to the top of the fluid storage part the reservoir tank.

In an embodiment, the liquid level monitoring arrangement comprises a sensor which detects the presence or absence of liquid in a pipe in fluid connection with the reservoir tank.

According to a third aspect of the present, disclosure there is provided a spill containment apparatus comprising: a container stand arrangement for supporting an intermediate bulk container within the spill containment apparatus; and a sump region for, in use, containing liquid which inadvertently spills from the intermediate bulk container, and a liquid level monitoring arrangement which provides an alert when a level of liquid in the spill containment apparatus falls below a predetermined threshold level.

In an embodiment, the liquid level monitoring arrangement is adapted to provide said alert substantially when the intermediate bulk container is empty.

In an embodiment, the sensor is, in use, in fluid connection with a fluid outlet of the intermediate bulk container.

In an embodiment, the sensor is an electronic sensor.

In an embodiment, the sensor is an ultrasonic sensor.

In an embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor provides an ultrasound generator and an ultrasound detector, and the sensor detects the presence or absence of liquid between the ultrasound generator and an ultrasound detector.

In an embodiment, the liquid level monitoring arrangement comprises a level indicator which provides an indication of liquid level, wherein the indication is detectable from the outside of the spill containment apparatus.

In an embodiment, the level indicator provides a visible indication of liquid level, the indication being visible from the outside of the spill containment apparatus.

In an embodiment, the level indicator comprises one or more light sources, and the visible indication comprises emission of light from one or more of said light sources.

In an embodiment, the level indicator emits light from a predetermined one or more of said light sources to indicate that the liquid level is below said predetermined threshold level, thus providing said alert.

In an embodiment, the level indicator may emit light from a predetermined one or more of said light sources to indicate that the liquid level is above said predetermined threshold level.

In an embodiment, the level indicator receives from the sensor a signal related to the absence or presence of liquid, and provides an indication of liquid level in accordance with the received signal.

In an embodiment, the level indicator is connected to the sensor by a cable.

In an embodiment, the level indicator is provided outside the spill containment apparatus.

In an embodiment, the level indicator is mounted to an exterior of a wall of the spill containment apparatus.

In an embodiment, the spill containment apparatus further comprises a reservoir tank positioned, in use, substantially below the level of the intermediate bulk container, and the liquid level monitoring arrangement comprises a sensor which detects the presence or absence of liquid at a point substantially equal in height to the top of the fluid storage part the reservoir tank.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a spill containment apparatus for an intermediate bulk container, comprising: a floor, a plurality of upstanding walls comprising: a front wall, a rear wall, and opposed first and second side walls; and a closure member moveable between: an open position, in which the spill containment apparatus provides an opening above at least part of the front wall to enable an intermediate bulk container to be placed into the spill containment apparatus; and a closed position, in which the closure member closes the opening.

In an embodiment, the closure member seals the opening sufficiently to substantially protect the interior of the spill containment apparatus from ingress of rain and the like.

In an embodiment, the closure member is lockable in the closed position.

In an embodiment, the closure member comprises a handle. The handle of the closure member may facilitate locking of the closure member.

In an embodiment. the spill containment apparatus has a roof.

In an embodiment, the roof is at least partially provided by the closure member.

In an embodiment, the closure member is slidable between the open position and the closed position.

In an embodiment, the closure member is flexible.

In an embodiment, the closure member comprises a plurality of substantially inflexible elongate slats hinged together along their long sides. The closure member may be similar in configuration to the closure member of a roller shutter.

In an embodiment, the slats extend longitudinally in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement, between the open and closed positions, of the closure member.

In an embodiment, the spill containment apparatus comprises first and second guide tracks for guiding respective first and second sides of the closure member.

In an embodiment, in the open position, at least part of the closure member extends a substantial distance adjacent and/or rearward of the rear upstanding wall.

In an embodiment, in the closed position, at least part of the roof is formed by part of the closure member which in the open position extends a substantial distance adjacent and/or rearward of the rear upstanding wall.

In an embodiment, the closure member is detachable from the rest of the spill containment apparatus for maintenance and/or repair.

In an embodiment, the closure member is lockable in the closed position.

In an embodiment, the closure member is lockable in the closed position by securing a leading edge of the closure member to part of the front wall of the spill containment apparatus.

In an embodiment, a padlock may be used to secure the leading edge of the closure member to said part of the front wall of the spill containment apparatus.

In an embodiment, the locked closed position of the closure member can therefore substantially prevent access to the interior of the spill containment apparatus by unauthorised personnel.

In an embodiment, the closure member is detachable from the rest of the spill containment apparatus by sliding the closure member out of the guide tracks after removal of one or more stop members which otherwise limit movement of the closure member within the guide tracks.

In an embodiment, the spill containment apparatus further provides a liquid level monitoring arrangement which comprises a liquid level sensor, within the spill containment apparatus, and a level indicator which provides an indication of liquid level, wherein the indication is detectable from the outside of the spill containment apparatus.

In an embodiment the level indicator is mounted to an exterior of a wall of the spill containment apparatus.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a spill containment apparatus comprising: a floor; a plurality of upstanding walls; a container stand arrangement for supporting an intermediate bulk container within the spill containment apparatus; a reservoir tank removably mountable within the spill containment apparatus, for receiving liquid from an intermediate bulk container so that the liquid may be dispensed from the spill containment apparatus when the intermediate bulk container is empty or removed from the spill containment apparatus; and a closure member moveable between: an open position, in which the spill containment apparatus provides an opening above at least part of the front wall to enable an intermediate bulk container to be placed into the spill containment apparatus; and a closed position, in which the closure member seals the opening sufficiently to substantially protect the interior of the spill containment apparatus from ingress of rain and the like, wherein: the removably mountable reservoir tank comprises a liquid outlet located at or towards a lower or bottom portion of the tank; and the closure member is lockable in the closed position.

In an embodiment, the reservoir tank is removably mounted within a sump region for, in use, containing liquid which inadvertently spills from the intermediate bulk container.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of using a spill containment apparatus comprising use of a spill containment apparatus in accordance with any one or more of the first to fifth aspects with an intermediate bulk container provided on a, or the, container stand arrangement of the spill containment apparatus.

In an embodiment, the method comprises supporting the intermediate bulk container on first and second side regions of the container stand arrangement.

In an embodiment, the method comprises connecting a fluid outlet of the intermediate bulk container into fluid communication with a fluid outlet of the spill containment apparatus.

In an embodiment, the connecting of the fluid outlet of the intermediate bulk container into fluid communication with a fluid outlet of the spill containment apparatus comprises connecting of the fluid outlet of the intermediate bulk container to the inlet of a reservoir tank, the reservoir tank having an outlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the spill containment apparatus.

It should be appreciated that features and characteristics of described above in relation to any aspect or embodiment may be incorporated mutatis mutandis into any other aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A spill containment apparatus in accordance with the invention may manifest itself in a variety of forms. It will be convenient to hereinafter describe in detail an embodiment of the invention with reference to accompanying drawings. The purpose of providing this detailed description is to instruct persons having an interest in the subject matter of the invention how to carry the invention into practical effect. However, it is to be clearly understood that the specific nature of this detailed description does not supersede the generality of the preceding summary section. The Detailed Description will make reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a spill containment apparatus in the form of an IBC bund in accordance with the present disclosure, with a closure arrangement in an open position;

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view similar to that of Figure 1, showing an IBC located within the IBC bund;

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view similar to those of Figures 1 and 2, showing the closure arrangement in a closed position;

Figure 4 is a schematic exploded view of the IBC bund of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a schematic front view of the IBC bund, as shown in Figure 2, showing the closure arrangement in an open position;

Figure 6 is a schematic front view of the IBC bund, as shown in Figure 2, showing the closure arrangement in a closed position;

Figure 7 is a schematic top plan view of the of IBC bund of Figures 1 and 2, showing the closure arrangement in an open position;

Figure 8 is a schematic top plan view of the of IBC bund of Figures 1 and 2, showing the closure arrangement in a closed position;

Figure 9 is a schematic rear view of the of IBC bund of Figures 1 and 2, showing the closure arrangement in an open position;

Figure 10 is a schematic rear view of the of IBC bund of Figures 1 and 2, showing the closure arrangement in a closed position;

Figure 11 is a schematic rear and side perspective view of the IBC bund of Figures 1 and 2, omitting the closure arrangement;

Figure 12 is a schematic cross sectional view on A-A of Figure 7;

Figure 12a is a variation on the embodiment of the bund in Figure 7;

Figure 13 is a schematic side view of the IBC bund of Figures 1 and 2, with an IBC located within the IBC bund, and with a side wall omitted to show the bund interior;

Figure 14 a schematic side and front view of the IBC bund of Figures 1 and 2, with an IBC located within the IBC bund, and with a side wall omitted to show the bund interior;

Figure 15 is a schematic side and front view corresponding to that of Figure 14, but without an IBC located within the IBC bund;

Figure 16 is a schematic view from the front, side and above, with a side wall omitted to show the bund interior, illustrating schematically connection of a fluid level sensor within the bund to a fluid level indicator located on an outside surface of a wall of the IBC bund;

Figures 17(a), 17(b) and 17(c) provide schematic illustrations of examples of fluid level sensors that may be used in the IBC bund;

Figure 18 is a schematic illustration of an example of a fluid level indicator that may be used on an outside surface of a wall of the IBC bund;

Figures 19 and 20 are illustrative views of an example of an IBC, with which the IBC bund may be used, in isolation;

Figure 21 is a schematic side-view illustration of use of a forklift to carry the IBC bund;and

Figure 21 is a schematic side-view illustration of use of a forklift to carry the IBC of Figures 19 and 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the accompanying drawings embodiments of a spill containment apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure will now be described.

The spill containment apparatus is in the form of an IBC bund, generally designated by the reference numeral 100, for receiving an IBC 200.

With particular reference to Figures 1 to 4, the IBC bund 100 comprises a floor 102, a front wall 104, a rear wall 106 (see Figure 4), a first side wall 108, and a second side wall 110. The floor 102 is substantially rectangular and the walls 104, 106, 108, 110 project upwardly from the floor 102, and mutually abut at the corners (not shown) of the floor 102 to provide a somewhat boxlike structure having a rectangular footprint.

The front wall 104 is substantially smaller in height than the rear wall 106 and side walls 108, 110. Frontward regions 109, 111 of the side walls 108, 110 provide respective inclined edges (not shown) which extend from respective horizontal top edges of the side walls 108, 110 to a top edge of the front wall 104. Thus each side wall 108, 110 (and the shape of the bunt 100 in side view) has a shape like a rectangle with a top corner cut off by a cut line which extends from a point on the top edge about 70% along the length of the top edge, to a point on the side edge about a third of the way up from the bottom thereof.

In the illustrated embodiment the bund 100 is sized to accommodate an IBC with a volume of about 1000 litres, and has a length of about 2110 mm, a width of about 1296 mm and a height of about 2140 mm. Of course, many other sizes fall within the scope of the present disclosure and these are merely example sizes.

The front wall 104, rear wall 106, and side walls 108, 110 may comprise robust planar panels made from a suitable corrosion resistant plastic such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) of suitable strength and durability, for example rated as grade PE100. The panels may have a thickness of approximately 6 to 20 mm, e.g. 8 to 14 mm.

The floor 102, front wall 104, rear wall 106, and side walls 108, 110 are securely joined together, for example by solvent welding and, optionally, additional reinforcing fasteners, such as screws. Any metal fasteners used in the bund 100 are made of corrosion resistant metal, such as grade 316 stainless steel.

The front and rear walls 104, 106, extend in the width direction slightly beyond the side walls 108, 110, so that the side walls 108, 110, may be regarded as slightly inset. Additional narrow elongate panels 112, 114, 116, 118 are provided along the inclined and top edges of the side walls 108, 110, are securely attached thereto (for example by extrusion welding and extend both inwardly and outwardly from the side wall edges. Vertical reinforcing members, for example 120, 122, are attached to the side walls 108, 110 and to the narrow panels 116, 118 which are provided along the top edges of the side walls 108, 110. This structure provides reinforcement of the side walls 108, 110, and enhances structural strength. The narrow elongate panels 112, 114, 116, 118 and vertical reinforcing members 120, 122 may be made from the same type of plastic panel material as the front wall 104, rear wall 106, and side walls 108, 110.

The front and rear walls 104, 106 include cut-outs 124, 126 in their bottom edges to accommodate tines of a forklift. The floor 102 is provided about 100 mm above the bottom edges of the front wall 104, rear wall 106, and side walls 108, 110, so that tines of a forklift inserted through the cut-outs 124, 126 underlie and can engage a bottom surface of the floor 102. The bottom edges of the front wall 104, rear wall 106, and side walls 108, 110 thus engage a surface upon which the bund 100 is set, but the floor 102 does not. Reinforcing members, for example 128, similar to the reinforcing members 120, 122 may underlie the floor 102, and may be oriented in the front to rear direction of the bund 100 and positions appropriately so that they do not interfere with tines inserted through the cut-outs 124, 126.

The bund 100 is provided with a liquid outlet 130, provided low in the rear wall (see, for example Figures 9 and 10). The liquid outlet may be provided with a hose or pipe connection (not shown) to allow connection of a hose or pipe (not shown) for conveying liquid from an IBC to a desired location, for example in an industrial plant.

It will be appreciated that the floor 102 together with at least lower parts of the front wall 104, rear wall 106, and side walls 108, 110 provide a sump region 132 of the bund 100 for, in use, containing liquid which inadvertently spills from an IBC 200 contained in the bund 100. The bund 100 is also provided with a sump drain outlet 134, which may include a removable threaded closure cap (not shown) to prevent drainage of the sump region 132 when not desired.

The low front wall 102 provides an opening 135 at the front of the bund 100, through which an IBC 200 may be inserted into the bund 100. It should be appreciated that the terms "front" and "rear" are used in relation to the bund for convenience only, with the "front" chosen to be the end or side of the bund which provides an opening 135 for insertion of an IBC 200.

The opening 135 may be closed (see Figure 3) by forward sliding movement of a closure member 136, which is moveable from an open position, shown in, for example Figures 1 and 2, to a closed position, shown in Figure 3. The closure member 136 also provides a roof of the bund 100, whether in its closed or open position.

In the illustrated embodiment the closure member 136 comprises a plurality of substantially inflexible elongate slats 137 which extend longitudinally in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the closure member and which are hinged together along their long sides. The closure member 136 may thus be regarded as being similar in form to the closure member of a roller shutter. It should be appreciated that the closure member is flexible in its direction of movement so that the transition from horizontal to inclined can be easily accommodated.

The movement of the closure member is guided by first and second guide tracks 138, 140 which constrain and guide the ends of the slats 137 at respective first and second sides of the closure member.

The guide tracks 138, 140 extend along the inclined edges of the side walls 108, 110, (attached to the undersides of the narrow panels 112, 114) along the top edges of the side walls 108, 110 (attached to the undersides of the narrow panels (attached to the undersides of the narrow panels 112, 114) and down the outside surface of the rear wall 106.

Thus, in the open position a rearward part of the closure member 136 extends a substantial distance down the outside of the rear wall 106, as illustrated in Figure 9, and a frontward part of the closure member 136 provides the roof of the bund 100. In the closed position, rearward part of the closure member 136 provides the roof of the bund 100, and the frontward part of the closure member 136 extends across the opening 135.

The guide tracks 138, 140 may provide stops (not shown), for example at the bottoms of the parts thereof which extend down the rear wall 106, to prevent movement of the closure member rearwardly beyond the open position shown in Figures 1 and 2. If desired, the closure member 136 may detached from the rest of the bund 100, for example for maintenance, repair or replacement by removing the stop members and sliding the closure member rearwardly and downwardly out of the guide tracks 138, 140. (In this context, removing the stop members includes arranging them so that they do not function to prevent the rearward and downward movement of the closure member 136 out of the guide tracks.)

The closure member 136 provides a handle 144 substantially at the leading edge thereof to facilitate manual movement. The closure member 136 may be locked in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 144 provides a first locking aperture 146 which substantially aligns with a second locking aperture 148 provided at or close to a top edge of the front wall 104 when the closure member is in the closed position. The shank of a padlock 150 may be inserted through the aligned first and second locking apertures 146, 148, to thereby lock the leading edge of the closure member to the front wall 104, as illustrated schematically in Figure 6. Of course, other locking arrangements could be used if desired.

In this manner, the locked closed position of the closure member 136 can substantially prevent access to the interior of the bund 100 by unauthorised personnel, for example unauthorised personnel who have not had adequate training in the handling of corrosive materials. The closure member 136 also provides protection for the IBC 200 and other contents of the bund 100 from the elements, for example by preventing ingress of rain and the like, and potentially from other hazards.

Figures 6 to 11 provide additional views of the bund 100 and may assist understanding. In some of these Figures the closure member 136, and/or other parts, are omitted for simplicity.

While Figures 1 to 11 are predominantly external views, Figures 12 to 15 illustrate the interior of the bund 100.

Provided in the interior of the bund 100 is a container stand arrangement in the form of an elevated IBC stand 1200, which supports the IBC 200 elevated above the floor 102, and above the sump region 132 of the bund 100.

The elevated IBC stand 1200 comprises a first-side support part 1202, a second side support part 1204 and a rear support part 1206. These support parts may be provided as a single support member 1207. The support parts may be regarded as together providing a support surface upon which an IBC 200 may be placed.

The first-side support part 1202 (and its associated first support surface portion) extends along and adjacent to the first side wall 108. The second-side support part 1204 (and its associated second support surface portion) extends along and adjacent to the second side wall 110. A space or opening 1207 is thus provided between the first and second side support parts 1202, 1204. In the illustrated embodiment the width of the opening 1207 is approximately two thirds of the width of the bund 100.

The elevated IBC stand 1200 further comprises spacing members, in the form of first to fourth robust struts or legs 1208, 1210, 1212, 1214 which space the support member 1207 apart from, and above, the floor 102 of the bund 100. In this embodiment the support member 1207 and the legs 1208, 1210, 1212, 1214 are made of a corrosion resistant material of appropriate strength, such as glass fibre reinforced plastic or vinyl-ester-fibre reinforced plastic. The legs 1208, 1210, 1212, 1214 are formed separately from the side walls 108, 110. This arrangement avoids the need for the side walls to bear the weight of a full IBC.

Each of the legs 1208, 1210, 1212, 1214 is attached to an adjacent side wall by a releasable attachment arrangement, such as a bolt arrangement 1216 which extends through the sidewall, for example 1206, and into the leg, for example, 1208.

The wide opening 1207, and associated 'open' structure of the IBC stand 1200 allows access to the sump region 132, facilitating cleaning, without requiring removal or rearrangement of any part of the IBC stand, and also facilitates access to a reservoir tank, associated pipework and a liquid level sensor, which will be described in due course.

As foreshadowed above, the interior of the bund 100 further provides a reservoir tank, which may be referred to a day tank 1230.

The day tank 1230 is provided within the bund 100 to receive liquid from the IBC 200 and provide a reservoir of such liquid, outside of the IBC 200, so that liquid may be dispensed from the bund when the IBC 200 is empty or removed from the bund, for example for replacement with a full IBC. The day tank may have a capacity about 10% of that of the IBC, that is, of about 100 litres in an embodiment for use with an IBC with a capacity of about 1000 litres, although of course day tanks with smaller or larger capacities, in both absolute and percentage terms, may be used if desired.

The day tank 1230 may conveniently be provided below the level of the support member 1207 of the elevated IBC stand 1200, and in the sump region of the bund 100.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 12a, the day tank 1230 is substantially cylindrical and has an inclined base 1250. The base in turn is mounted to the floor 1202 of the bund 100 by being mounted between first and second tank mounting plates 1232, 1234 at respective first and second ends of the day tank 1230. That is, the day tank is bolted to lugs on the bund floor with screws, e.g. M20 screws. The lugs in turn are welded onto the floor of the bund.

Thus, the day tank 1230 is removably mounted in the sump region of the bund, allowing removal for replacement or repair if necessary.

The day tank 1230 is provided with a liquid inlet 1236 for receiving liquid from the IBC 200. The fluid inlet 1236 may be provided with a suitable coupling arrangement, such as, for example, a DN50/2" camlock connection. In use, the fluid inlet is connected to the fluid outlet of the IBC 200 by a hose or pipe 1238 (see, for example, Figure 12). The hose or pipe 1238 may be transparent or translucent to allow a user to see whether there is liquid therein. This can help avoid a user disconnecting the hose or pipe 1238 when it is filled with corrosive or otherwise hazardous liquid and resultant injury.

The day tank 1230 is provided with a liquid outlet 1240, and an associated outlet pipe 1242 for conveying liquid to the liquid outlet 130 of the bund 100. As shown in Figure 12, liquid outlet 1240 is located at a lower or bottom edge of day tank 1230. The skilled person will readily appreciate that the location of the liquid outlet can facilitate emptying of the tank from the liquid outlet, such as emptying of the tank by gravity flow or pump suction.

As shown in the Figure 12A embodiment the day tank 1230 is constructed with an inclined or sloping base 1250. The inclined base 1250 may have a slope of approximately 0.5 to 5 degrees and allows for full drainage of the day tank 1230 when the tank is emptied. The skilled person will readily appreciate that the inclined base can facilitate emptying of the tank from the liquid outlet, such as emptying of the tank by gravity flow or pump suction.

The day tank is further provided with a vent opening 1244, and an associated vent pipe 1246. A proximal part 1248 of the vent pipe 1246 extends horizontally away from the day tank 1230. In the illustrated embodiment the proximal part 1248 of the vent pipe 1246 is lower than the bottom of the IBC 200.

A distal part 1249 of the vent pipe extends upwardly to close to the top of the bund 100 and above the highest in use level of liquid in the IBC 200 to avoid expulsion of liquid from the vent pipe 1246 due to the level of liquid in the IBC 200. The vent pipe vents within the bund 100, so that any liquid expelled from the vent pipe is caught in the sump region of the bund 100. It will be appreciated that in use the vent pipe 1246 is in fluid connection with the outlet of the IBC 200, via the day tank 1230. Further, it will be appreciated that at least the proximal part 1248 of the vent pipe 1246 will be filled with liquid until the level of liquid in the day tank falls below the height of the proximal part 1248 of the vent pipe 1246. For reasons which will become apparent, it should be appreciated that provided the vent pipe is in fluid connection with the open outlet of the IBC 200, the proximal part 1248 of the vent pipe 1246 will be filled with liquid at least until the IBC 200 is empty.

The bund 100 further includes a liquid level monitoring arrangement which can provide an alert when, or shortly after, the IBC 200 is empty.

The monitoring arrangement is illustrated schematically in Figure 16.

In the illustrated embodiment, the monitoring arrangement comprises a sensor 1602 which detects the presence or absence of liquid in the proximal part 1248 of the vent pipe 1246. As stated above, the proximal part 1248 of the vent pipe 1246 will be filled with liquid at least until the IBC is empty. However, the proximal part 1248 of the vent pipe 1246 will not be filled with liquid when the level of liquid in the day tank falls below the height of the proximal part 1248 of the vent pipe 1246. If liquid is being dispensed from the day tank 1230, this will occur soon after the IBC 200 is empty, due to the cylindrical shape of the day tank 1230. This makes the proximal part 1248 of the vent pipe 1246 a suitable location for the sensor 1602, although of course the sensor may be located at some other appropriate position if desired.

In this embodiment, the height of the proximal part 1248 of the vent pipe 1246 may be regarded as a predetermined threshold level at which the sensor arrangement provides an alert.

The sensor is connected to a level indicator 1604 by a cable 1606 (illustrated schematically in Figure 16). The level indicator 1604 provides the alert by illuminating one or more lights. The level indicator is mounted to an exterior of a side wall of the bund 100, so that the alert (or other indication of liquid level) can be easily seen from outside the bund 100. This allows monitoring of the liquid level even when the bund 100 is locked closed and no part of the interior of the bund 100, or the IBC, can be seen from the outside. A battery box 1608, which contains batteries to power the monitoring arrangement is provided adjacent the level indicator 1604 and also readily accessible without accessing the interior of the bund 100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor 1602 is an ultrasonic liquid sensor of a type known per se and commercially available. Figures 17(a), 17(b) and 17(c) illustrate examples of suitable sensors, which will not be described in detail. However, it is noted that such a sensor works by providing an ultrasound generator 1702 and an ultrasound detector 1704, and electronic circuitry that allows the sensor to detect the presence or absence of liquid between the ultrasound generator 1702 and the ultrasound detector 1704 and provide a signal indicative of the presence or absence of liquid.

Further in Figure 16, there is only one transverse upper beam. Applicant has established that a bund with only one transverse upper beam works equally satisfactorily.

Figure 18 illustrates an example of a display 1800 of the level indicator 1604. In response to a signal, received via cable 1606 that liquid is detected by the sensor, the level indicator illuminates a first LED 1802, associated with an indication that

1602there is liquid in the IBC 200. In response to a signal, received via cable 1606 that liquid is not detected by the sensor, the level indicator illuminates a second LED 1804, associated with an indication that the IBC 200 is empty. This acts as a prompt to replace the empty IBC with a full IBC.

Figures 19 and 20 illustrate an IBC 200 in isolation. The illustrated IBC 200 is a caged IBC provided with a pallet base to facilitate movement of the IBC 200 using a forklift.

Figure 21 illustrates schematically movement of the bund 100 using a forklift 2100.

Figure 22 illustrates schematically movement of the IBC 200 using a forklift 2100.

The embodiment disclosed herein provides substantial advantages over at least some previously known IBC bunds.

The retractable lockable closure member provides protection for the IBC, other contents of the bund, and the bund interior from the elements, and can substantially prevent access to the interior of the bund by unauthorised personnel. The contents of an IBC bund that has been contaminated by corrosive liquid, for example by leakage from an IBC, has been likened to a "pit of acid", so it is evident that substantial safety benefits accrue from preventing access by personnel who have not had adequate training in the handling of corrosive materials, or other unauthorised personnel. The arrangement of the closure member is also compact, does not substantially extend the footprint of the bund. The closure member is easily removable for maintenance and/or replacement.

The IBC stand avoids provision of a grate under the IBC which may need to be removed to access and/or clean the sump region, and which may become contaminated with liquid spillage from the IBC. The choice of corrosion resistant materials for the IBC contributes to providing a reliable and durable IBC bund. The structure avoids the need for the IBC walls to be capable of bearing the weight of a full IBC. The IBC stand is securely fixed in place, and yet easily removable for maintenance and/or replacement.

The provision of a day tank provides the ability to continuously dose during IBC changeout and still meet the containment requirements of AS3780 (which relates to the storage and handling of corrosive substances), as the day tank is contained within the bund. The inclined base ensures the day tank can be fully drained when it is emptied to avoid residual liquid remaining in the tank. The day tank is removable for maintenance and/or replacement.

The liquid level monitoring system provides an alert which is conspicuous from outside the bund, facilitating monitoring of the liquid level even when the bund is closed and locked so that the interior cannot be readily accessed or seen.

It will of course be understood that the above has been given only by way of illustrative example of the invention and that all such modifications and variations thereto, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art, are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as is set forth herein.

It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A spill containment apparatus comprising: a floor; a plurality of upstanding walls; a container stand arrangement for supporting an intermediate bulk container within the spill containment apparatus; a reservoir tank removably mountable within the spill containment apparatus, for receiving liquid from an intermediate bulk container so that the liquid may be dispensed from the spill containment apparatus when the intermediate bulk container is empty or removed from the spill containment apparatus; and a closure member moveable between: an open position, in which the spill containment apparatus provides an opening above at least part of the front wall to enable an intermediate bulk container to be placed into the spill containment apparatus; and a closed position, in which the closure member seals the opening sufficiently to substantially protect the interior of the spill containment apparatus from ingress of rain and the like, wherein: the removably mountable reservoir tank comprises a liquid outlet located at or towards a lower or bottom portion of the tank; and the closure member is lockable in the closed position.

2. The spill containment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the closure member comprises a handle facilitating locking of the closure member in the closed position.

3. The spill containment apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the reservoir tank is removably mountable at or near the floor of the spill containment apparatus.

4. The spill containment apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the reservoir tank comprises an inclined base to facilitate emptying of the tank.

5. A method of using the spill containment apparatus of any preceding claim, including a step of placing an intermediate bulk container on the container stand and/or removing an intermediate bulk container from the container stand, and optionally including one or more of: emptying the removably mountable reservoir tank through the liquid outlet located at or towards the lower or bottom portion of the tank; and removing the removably mountable reservoir tank from the spill containment apparatus.